‘The Voice’: India Carney And Clinton Washington Battle With A Stunning Rendition Of Rihanna’s “Stay”

Carson Daly joined coaches Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Pharrell Williams and Blake Shelton in playing the superlative game on Monday night’s The Voice. Not only did the host tease to “the longest decision in Voice history,” but he also declared the evening, “the most competitive night of the Battles so far.”

Yes, even the ever-enthusiastic Carson knew to qualify such records, knowing full well that said record would likely be shattered within the day. Get ready to update the history books your journal, Carson!

Perhaps the most enlightening moment of the night occurred when Team Blake advisor Meghan Trainor revealed her musical spirit animal. In yet another installment of “Meghan Trainor: She’s Just Like Us,” the “Lips Are Movin” singer told a contestant that when she’s nervous, she pretends she’s Beyoncé.

To pass the time waiting for an “All About That Bass” and “Bootylicious” collab, check out who crushed it and who got crushed in Monday night’s Battles.

Team Pharrell: Briar Jonnee vs. Caitlin Caporale:

Nervous Briar Jonnee faces off against wannabe Christina Aguilera protégé Caitlin Caporale in Pharrell’s first battle. The soulful singers take on “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys, a song that presents different challenges for each. Caitlin struggles to hit the high notes, and Briar struggles to perform onstage without having a four-minute panic attack.

The performance is a pretty clear victory by Caitlin, though the pitchy Briar does manage to overcome her stage fright in a miraculous confidence turnaround.

“I would buy a ticket to this show every day of the week,” says Blake.

“I think you could win the show. That type of power and control with the right songs, I just see you making it really, really far in the show,” Adam tells Caitlin.

“You absolutely practiced that note and it did become second nature to you,” Pharrell tells Caitlin. “Briar, something clicked with you. You became so comfortable.”

Briar may have been comfortable, but she won’t have a chance to test it in the Knockouts. Pharrell advances Caitlin.

Team Adam: Barry Minniefield vs. Jack Gregori

Adam puts two of his weakest performers – both one-chair turners – against one another when Barry Minniefield and Jack Gregori sing Joe Cocker’s “Feelin’ Alright.” Either he sees a sleeper potential in Barry, the former Hollywood chef, or Jack, a struggling attorney and country singer – or he did not consult his strategy book in this pairing. The duo dresses like a rag tag version of the Blues Brothers, and gives a solidly average performance that earns moderate reviews.

“It almost felt like I was watching a conversation between two friends,” says Christina. “Barry, man, your soul was just off the charts.”

“I thought it was a very spirited performance,” says Pharrell. “Jack, you have a great tone, and Barry, you have a soulful essence.”

“I don’t think we’re talking better or worse. This is just a gut thing,” says Adam, before advancing Barry.

Team Christina: Katelyn Read vs. Treeva Gibson

Young mom Katelyn Read (of untelevised fame) matches up against teenage powerhouse Treeva Gibson for Team Christina. Christina assigns them the haunting version of “Addicted To Love” by Florence + The Machine. Though Treeva has some standout moments, they both give off karaoke vibes in their attempts at a Florence Welch impersonation.

“Katelyn is just a more developed vocalist. She has a grasp on her sound,” says Blake.

“There are two amazing singers in there, but it seems like style and the influence was overwhelming the raw talent that you both have,” says Adam.

“There are moments where I still feel like there’s other things you can do that you might not know about,” Christina tells Katelyn. “Your this sweet little package, and innocent in your tone, and then a monster comes out,” she tells Treeva.

Christina struggles to choose, but ultimately advances Treeva.

Team Pharrell: Kimberly Nichole vs. Lowell Oakley

Pharrell pulls out some magic when he pairs night cub performer Kimberly Nichole and Michael Buble disciple Lowell Oakley. There is no world in which Kimberly’s rock and roll tone pairs well with the almost too-smooth crooning of Lowell…except Pharrell’s world. The coach works to bring out any grit Lowell might have, and the resulting performance of Big Mama Thornton’s “Hound Dog” is the most entertaining of the evening.

“Your voice is just infectious: your stage presence, your persona, everything about you. I’m obsessed with you,” Blake tells Kimberly. “Lowell, your singing is also amazing.”

“You both had such charisma,” says Christina. “It was my favorite battle of this season for sure.”

“What did I do? I want them both,” says Pharrell, who then deliberates for a comical length of time before advancing Lowell. Christina uses her last steal to take Kimberly.

Team Blake: Brenna Yaeger vs. Kelsie May

Blake pairs his teenage country singers Brenna Yaeger and Kelsie May against each other, because there’s only room for one Danielle Bradbury 2.0 on his team (per season). The two sing Reba McEntire’s “Fancy,” and earn gold stars from all of the coaches.

“Part of Blake’s work is to work on dynamics, maybe, because you guys were on ten the whole time,” says Christina.

“You have this really strong tone that really cuts through,” Pharrell tells Kelsie.

“You did an incredible job of containing your nerves,” Blake tells Brenna. “Kelsie, same for you, I sensed a little bit of nervous energy from you, but I feel like your voice naturally cuts through that.”

Blake calls the Battle “pretty even,” but eventually chooses Kelsie.

Team Christina: Clinton Washington vs. India Carney

The final Battle of the night pits two New Yorkers against each other. Untelevised Clinton Washington goes up against classically trained India Carney, a four-chair turn contestant. India seems to be the obvious frontrunner in their duet of Rihanna and Mikky Ekko’s “Stay,” until Clinton comes out of nowhere to completely match her.

Pharrell and Christina “Wow!” and “Woooo!” before the performance is even over, at which point all four coaches offer standing ovations.

“That was technically the best Battle I’ve seen this season,” says Pharrell. “Congratulations to both of you guys.”

“I saw you get up there with India and I thought ‘Poor Clinton,’ but then you proceeded to be the male counterpart of India,” says Adam.

“Everything was just so strategically placed and was executed so perfectly,” says Christina. “You guys both just showed that you have a reason to be here.”

Christina advances India, and both Adam and Pharrell fight for the steal.

“What really attracts me to what you’re doing is the fact that you’re extremely confident, and I heard that in your voice today,” says Adam.

“I really, honestly think that you have what it takes to win the show,” says Pharrell.

The former one-chair turner joins Team Adam.

Find out if Carson Daly writes more Voice history, how long producers drag out the story of Pharrell’s Last Steal, and who inspires Pharrell to use said last steal on tonight’s finale of the Battle Round!