The Voice SA: The Final Battles
Finally, we have arrived at the last few battles, and as you might have guessed over the course of the last couple of episodes, I’m super amped about it.
The battles are done, and it’s time for the Knockouts, a stage that for some reason they completely skipped during the inaugural season.
At least the last episode featured a couple of very solid battles, dominated by the girls, the girls and two pop star worthy guys in John James and Bryce.
Without further ado!
Team Karen
Marissa vs Celeste:
Karen, again, pairing two very strong vocalists against one another, but ‘Ain’t No Other Man’ is more geared towards Celeste. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a steal here. The girls kill it! Attitude, sass, spark, fire, everything and the kitchen sink. One of the strongest battles of the season – both girls deserve a spot in the competition. They went blow for blow, but Marissa’s big note near the end did it for me. I’ll take the girl with the bigger voice. Karen and Marissa will make a killer pairing going forward, I can only see her getting better and better.
Winner: Celeste
Oh, Karen, you. Lira saves Marissa, using her final steal. Karen better hope Samantha wins this show, because she’s going to be her only shot. To think we had such high hopes for Team Karen.
Team Bobby
Alex vs Jean:
I’m not sure Magic’s ‘Rude’ is the type of song either of these two would choose to sing, but you gotta work with what you’re given. Both guys do a good job, their tones working nicely with the song, and their performing well, but Jean’s voice seems to gel with the song better, but then again, Alex’s voice is stronger towards the end. This is a tough one. Musically, I gravitate towards Alex.
Winner: Alex
Team Kahn
Freddy vs Symphony:
This is a battle I would like to miss to be honest. I’ll be surprised if Kahn doesn’t pick Freddy. We know what Kahn likes by now. Freddy does his usual during the performance, but I just cannot see him find any traction post-Voice. Symphony surprised me. The work they did showed throughout, and the juxtaposition of the high and low voices worked very well. But they have no shot. The coaches think The Voice has to be weird and different without thinking of career potential, although Kahn thinks he’ll make loads of cash. All in all, it was a solid battle.
Winner: Freddy
I’m stunned, Kahn. *Insert picture of Grumpy Cat here*
Team Lira
Bryce vs Bubbles:
Probably two of the most fun contestants this season, Lira gives them Charlie Puth and Meghan Trainor’s ‘Marvin Gaye’. It’s a song that suits both contestants, so I’m looking forward to this. Bubbles has a very playful, dynamic voice that just works well with a song such as this. She’s a strong performer too. Then Bryce surprised as well. He has so much swag and confidence. He’s got the whole package: the pop star look and the pop star sound as well as a broad appeal. He’s radio ready. I could see both popping up on the airways. There’s not a wrong winner here. Will Bobby use his steal? Or is he keeping it for Karen’s final wrong decision?
Winner: Bubbles
And Bobby does use his final steal on Bryce. Bobby probably has the strongest two steals this season in Armand and Bryce.
Team Bobby
John James vs Chadwick:
Sjoe, Bobby isn’t giving these boys an easy song. Bruno Mars might be a few notches too high for them. But they tone the song down, keeping it simple with just the piano and their voices, and it’s pretty solid. There’s no doubt, though, that John has the better voice. It’s clear, striking, and warm. He’s only 18, but he’s good. I can see him becoming a real threat in the industry. I’m not sure if he could win just yet, but he might be someone to watch. He’s young, fresh, and sincere.
Winner: John James
And the last battle is
Team Karen
Samantha vs Veronique:
Mika’s ‘Grace Kelly’! This could be good, and there is no steal left. Both of their auditions showed vocalists who are more than good enough to reach the lives. It’s probably a smart choice pairing the two since both are trained, technical vocalists, and this song will determine which one can deliver the stronger vocal. Boy, did these two women deliver. It was a battle of versatile vocal powerhouses. Big, fun, cheesy and a great ride. Samantha probably has the more commercial voice whereas Veronique has the bigger, stronger voice, albeit less commercial. I loved both girls. A great final battle.
Winner: Veronique
Two ex-Idol finalists make the Knockout stages, then! Tender’s the other one.
What did you think of the final night of Battles? Did it leave you feeling amped for next week? Please leave your thoughts!
-Photos Courtesy of The Voice South Africa
