‘The Voice’: Watch The Finalists Perform Original Songs, Including Matt McAndrew’s “Wasted Love”
Last night, three contestants from Team Adam Levine and one from Team Blake Shelton competed to be the Season 7 champ on The Voice, while eliminated coaches Gwen Stefani and Pharrell watched in bitter awe of the veterans. Speaking of bitter awe, Danielle Bradbury stopped by to show her new tattoo that reads, “God is greater than the highs and lows,” which sparked a little concern for how the former champ’s life has been going post-Voice. At least she has a new gig opening for Miranda Lambert’s tour. Stay strong, Danielle.
Contestants Craig Wayne Boyd, Damien, Chris Jamison and Matt McAndrew wrapped up their last performance show on The Voice with a new original song, a coach duet and a bonus song that pretty much just filled time. All four contestants were charting on the iTunes Top Songs chart, with Matt McAndrew’s new number falling only one behind Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” as of the end of the east coast broadcast. Hold on to that high, kids, because three of you are going to have a disappointing night on Tuesday.
Team Blake: Craig Wayne Boyd
Original Song: Coach Blake hands over a song he deems “so freaking hard to sing,” to Craig Wayne Boyd, confident the contestant can do more with it than he ever could. Craig does perform country tune, “My Baby’s Got A Smile On Her Face” impressively, winning the audience over with his distinct, powerful style.
“Welcome to your future,” says Pharrell. “We all know everyone’s going to go buy it.”
“I haven’t been that nervous about a performance on this show, maybe ever,” says Blake. “That song was meant for you.”
Coach Duet: When Blake promised to turn The Voice into a honky tonk during the Blind Auditions, he meant it. He slips into his cowboy boots for Randy Houser’s country hit “Boots On,” and both guys look to have a blast performing it.
Time Filler: A little bit country and a little bit rock, Alabama’s “In Pictures” is the perfect time filler ender for Craig Wayne Boyd. “I love you, son,” he shouts out as he ends the song, perhaps sentimentally (or perhaps just to win votes: fame can change a person, after all).
“I’m so happy for you, and if you win or you don’t win, you’ve already won,” says Gwen, who is still totally unclear on the rules.
“It’s such a great, perfect statement for where you’re at in your life, and where it’s going,” says Blake. “That’s what country music is all about, it’s being honest.”
Team Adam: Damien
Original Song: Damien’s original song is “Soldier,” an emotional R&B number complete with a video where Damien solemnly sings in a rainstorm, presumably to hide his tears (A little on the nose, guys). Cheesy video aside, his performance is powerful and has the coaches gushing.
“This makes me the happiest coach – win or lose – that I could possibly be in the entire world,” says Adam.
Coach Duet: Damien and Adam sing Elton John’s “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” and the rainstorm from Damien’s “Soldier” video has given way to a stage filled with fog. Damien weathers through all that emotional moisture with a clear, strong voice.
Time Filler: Adam reaches deep into his arsenal when he assigns Damien a hit from the early ’70s: Donny Hathaway’s “A Song For You.” Damien suits up to sing it with a full string orchestra, and powers through the soaring ballad.
“The way you sing that song, it takes me to church,” says Pharrell. “I don’t feel like the world gets enough of that essence.”
“It was the first time he was this comfortable,” says Adam, adding, “He did lift up everybody.”
Team Adam: Chris Jamison
Original Song: Chris Jamison’s funky original single, “Velvet,” has touches of both Michael Jackson and Maroon 5. Though Chris demonstrates the strongest stage presence of the remaining contestants during his ambitious performance, it’s not his strongest vocal performance.
“A star was born on this television show with you,” says Pharrell. “Congratulations.”
“I wish there could be three winners this year, because I love all three of you so equally, so much,” says Adam.
Coach Duet: It’s double the sex appeal and double the falsetto when Chris Jamison joins his coach Adam Levine to duet on Robin Thicke’s “Lost Without U.” Chris Jamison’s falsetto is so high that Adam actually takes the low part of the harmony in a mind-blowing role reversal.
Time Filler: Chris Jamison sings Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River.” It’s his most electrifying performance of the evening, and the perfect fit for his voice.
“My young Jedi, welcome and congratulations,” Adam says sitting atop his chair.
Team Adam: Matt McAndrew
Original Song: Matt McAndrew shines with his performance of “Wasted Love.” It’s the standout among the three finalists’ originals, and puts him on the cusp of checking that tattoo box on his arm he’s left open for when he signs a record deal. Despite the completely out of place flames on the stage, Matt McAndrew does not disappoint. He has Adam singing along in the audience, and the potential for an actual hit on his hands.
“I completely got lost in that performance,” says Gwen. “You took me to a place where I was getting creative. The song is really great.”
“We’ve been working 24/7 on this song,” says Adam. “It is one of the best songs I’ve ever heard in my life. I know all the words already, because I’m a fan of the song.”
Coach Duet: Matt and Adam team up to sing Adam’s own song, “Lost Stars,” from the film Begin Again. Matt hits notes higher than he’s hit all season, and gives the often-overlooked jam new life.
Time filler: Matt closes out the evening with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Its last song placement indicates that it was expected to be the shining star of the evening, but it falls a little short. It’s not Matt’s best vocal performance, and doesn’t come close to the glory of his original song.
“The world cannot get enough of these kinds of performances and artists like yourself,” says Pharrell.
“I felt honestly like the whole universe just paused for a second just to enjoy something that was so pure and so simply bittersweet and perfect,” says his coach.
Perhaps NBC heard the resounding plea of, “Please, Carson Daly, you sadistic media monster, please don’t make me watch Kathie Lee & Hoda,” after everyone was forced to cross over between the primetime Voice and morning Today Show last week, because all of the results will be in tonight.
It’s Team Adam’s to lose in the finale, which airs at 9:00 PM, and includes performances by Jessie J, the Season 7 contestants and more.
