The Voice SA: It’s The Penultimate Episode of Battles!
I can’t wait for next week! Not because it’s going to be a cracker of an episode, but because it’s the last Battles of the season. The process really did feel much longer than it was, largely because the overwhelming number of battles were rather dull and forgettable.
That said, tonight’s episode generally wasn’t dull and uneventful.
Karen went from having two steals in her arsenal to using both in one night. Although, she could have wasted one.
A firm favourite in Craig Lucas showed just why he is considered someone to watch, and PJ Pretorius and Chico delivered an emotional battle that deserved all the praise it received.
Let’s work through the night’s battles.
Team Bobby
Dawie vs Rick:
Oh my, I forgot Rick was only still a boy, he didn’t know David Gray’s ‘Babylon’. This is going to be a very tough one for Rick. He’s less experienced, and Bobby personally knows Dawie. Tough. I’m not a fan of Dawie’s lower register, or voice at all. It’s not a voice that will sell thousands of records, or a voice people will turn up higher on the radio. Rick, however, surprised me. His voice is much stronger than initially perceived, and the rasp in his voice was great. He’s instantly commercial, and he could be a star. There’s something there. It’s a strong battle overall. Solid start.
Winner: Dawie
Surprise, surprise. Not.
Karen steals Rick and I’m very happy. He deserved it.
Team Lira
Sheldon vs Andrew:
The only clear similarity between the two is their age. Musically, they’re miles apart. It’s a rock and gospel crossover right here. This song did not bring out the best of Sheldon at all. The reggae inflections he tried to produce did not come over strong vocally, but he sold the song, whereas the song suited Andrew’s voice more naturally. Karen hit the nail on the head with regards to Sheldon not singing in his natural voice. The song sat in Andrew’s pocket nicely, so it was easy for him. Sheldon orchestrated his own downfall here.
Winner: Andrew
Team Kahn
Kirby Jo vs Lee:
Now this is a match up that makes sense, and Bruno Mars’ ‘Locked out of Heaven’ is a pretty challenging song choice. This is a fair fight. Kirby Jo has a very strong voice, and she always goes full throttle, but when her voice cracks it’s more like a demonic scream than a note. She pushes too much. Lee has the more complete pop package. She might not have the stronger voice, but it seems to me like her voice has more to offer. She’s versatile, and she’s a strong performer. I’ll take Lee.
Winner: Kirby Jo
Eish.
Team Karen
Chico vs PJ:
An odd pairing with very big shoes to fill. Bruce Springsteen is a beast. But they sound so good during their rehearsal. PJ’s falsetto is a winner, and Chico’s lower register comes through so soulful and touching. It made me look forward their battle. It did not disappoint! PJ’s falsetto and Chico’s emotional lower register came to battle. It was a very, very strong battle. Neither of the two deserves to go home here.
With the right song selections, both can do well in this competition.
Winner: PJ
Right choice, but how did no one steal Chico? There’s a real artist in there.
Team Lira
Amanda vs Spha:
A pairing that makes sense and a song that will push both, Owl City’s ‘Fireflies’. Amanda seems a little inexperienced on stage whereas Spha feels more comfortable on the stage, but it’s a vocal competition. Pity that the song didn’t bring out a strong vocal from either of the two ladies. They deserved a song which suited them. The battle felt like it was going nowhere, a stagnant underwhelming performance. The winner of this battle will have to deliver one hell of a performance during knockouts in order to gain new fans. Snooze. I’ll probably give it to Spha.
Winner: Spha
And in an instant Karen steals Amanda. Hmm. There’s so much work to be done for these two.
Team Kahn
Craig vs Dylan:
Muse’s version of ‘Feeling Good’ sounds like it could lead to a killer battle. I’m such a big fan of Craig. He did so many things right during the song. Little things that showed how versatile Craig can be. He looks and sounds like a star, and during those high notes it was Craig’s voice who soared, and Dylan’s was left behind. Dylan is the stereotypical rocker, but he did a predictably good job with the song. It was solid. But Craig, he’s something special. Kahn said it perfectly – he’s like a cross between John Legend and Freddie Mercury. Jimmy Nevis better watch out.
Winner: Craig
And Lira steals Dylan in a shocker! She sends home a rocker and steals herself a new one, until he inevitably is knocked out next round.
Next week it’s the final battle round, and then it’s KNOCKOUTS.
What did you think of the penultimate episode? Did a favourite emerge? Chime in.
