‘The Voice’: Team Pharrell Covers Sam Smith’s “Money On My Mind,” Team Gwen Stefani Takes On Vance Joy’s “Riptide”

Caila Ball-Dionne | November 13, 2014 5:59 am

The signs of audience takeover on The Voice have emerged. To start with, Pharrell Williams has traded in his hats for sweatbands, presumably to sop up pools sweat from those tense live elimination moments (or just because he’s Pharrell and he can make vintage NBA looks happen whenever he wants). Gwen Stefani’s eyeliner is on-point, which is a risky move now that tears are a true option threatened often.

Blake Shelton has passed up his usual vodka in a Starbucks cup for what looked like iced tea (or at least a base of iced tea). Carson Daly has kicked his relevant part of the season, which basically consists of desperately trying to end the show on time by cutting off overly talkative coaches (looking right at you, Adam Levine).

Yes, aside from one final save in this first live round, the coaches have passed the voting power on to the audience. Are the people ready for such power? Well, there’s an app now, so it will work itself out somehow.

But on to the performances! Each team took the stage for one performance before their chopping block moment.

Team Blake performs Dream Academy’s “Life In A Northern Town.” It’s a bit of a snooze sesh, but the hour’s not going to fill itself. Team members Craig Wayne Boyd, James David Carter, Jessie Pitts, Reagan James and Taylor Brashsears hold their own.

Next up, Team Pharrell performs Sam Smith’s “Money On My Mind.” DaNica Shirey, Elyjuh René, Jean Kelly, Luke Wade and Sugar Joans are far more upbeat than their country opening act, although there are some rough moments when Jean and Sugar try to hit some early high notes, and Sugar is often in her own world of gyrations with dancing. There’s no “synchronized” in “team,” apparently.

Team Gwen sings Vance Joy’s “Riptide,” and it’s a real highlight of the evening. The ever-present audience struggle with clapping doesn’t even throw off Anita Antoinette, Bryana Salaz, Ricky Manning, Ryan Sill or Taylor John Williams. Professionally, they’re pretty much ready for anything.

Finally, Team Adam sings Nico & Vinz’s “Am I Wrong?” Chris Jamison, Damien, Matt Mcandrew, Mia Pfirrman and Taylor Phelan don black and white ensembles and work the crowd against an intensely geometric backdrop. There’s a whole lot of audience high-fiving, but whatever will keep said audience from off-beat clapping can only help at this point.

These performances are the swan songs for the eight contestants not advancing to next week’s final 12. Speaking of which: the results are in…along with some nuggets of wisdom from the coaches!

Team Blake

“I think the strategy days are over at this point,” Coach Blake says leading up to the elimination. “I’ve got the five now that I believe in.” Well, it’s about to be three, but lovely sentiment anyway.

America Advances: Reagan James and Craig Wayne Boyd

Blake Saves: Jessie Pitts

Going Home: Taylor Brashears and James David Carter

Team Pharrell

“Everyone’s going home, and it’s up to you to maximize this time, this incredible NBC airtime we have here,” Pharrell tells his team before sending 40% of it on their ways.

America Advances: Luke Wade and DaNica Shirey

Pharrell Saves: Sugar Joans

Going Home: Jean Kelley and Elyjuh René

Team Gwen

“I’m nursing still, so I’m a little bit emotional,” declares Gwen, which is really more a fun fact. She adds, “This is a platform just to learn.”

America Advances: Taylor John Williams and Anita Antoinette

Gwen Saves: Ryan Sill

Going Home: Bryana Salaz, Ricky Manning

Team Adam

“We may or may not win The Voice, but we have the best team,” says Adam, giving a lesson on hedging bets.

America Advances: Damien, Matt McAndrew

Adam Saves: Chris Jamison

Going Home: Mia Pfirrman, Taylor Phelan

And there you have it: the final 12! Any surprises? Shining stars? Enraging choices? The Live Rounds continue on Monday!