‘The Voice’: Caitlin Caporale Is A New Standout

It was hard to focus on much of anything on Tuesday, knowing that Lady Gaga could post another photo of her dog doing Pilates at any moment. What if Asia Kinney were to try a barre workout, or go spinning when we weren’t looking? The FOMAK (Fear of Missing Asia Kinney) is real.

The Voice Knockout Round airs come rain, snow, sleet or turbaned puppies, though, so FOMAK would need to be endured for a primetime hour to prevent FOMS (Fear of Missing Steals). Perhaps to make up for the fact that their combined good looks don’t add up to anything nearly as adorable as dog-lates, Adam Levine, Pharrell Williams, Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera all offered at least one bit of contestant criticism during the three Knockout competitions of the night, and, yes, one of them used a steal.

Which button-pushing mega-star saved a life? Pause the Insta-refresh for another minute and read on:

Team Blake: Cody Wickline vs. Corey Kent White

When it comes to Team Blake, he always seems to be pitting two young country artists against one another, and always claiming he only wants the one best young country singer. What he typically neglects to mention is that most of his team is made up of young country singers, so these pairings have no meaning — but why think too hard about it? Blake puts Cody Wickline and Corey Kent White – two young country singers (obviously) – against one another in the night’s first Knockout.

The cowboy hat-wearing Cody sings Justin Moore’s country chart-topper, “Til My Last Day.” His voice sounds richer in rehearsals, and not terribly controlled during his performance. There are breath issues and a general lack of dynamic stage presence when it counts the most.

Corey Kent White sings Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying.” His personal connection to the song by way of an ailing grandparent helps him add natural emotion into the mix, and his command of the challenging vocal during a key change earns a standing ovation from both Adam and Pharrell.

“Corey you came out with so much heart and so much passion,” says Christina. “Cody you were just pouring your heart into yours too.”

“As far as delivering a vocal in an unbelievably convincingly passionate way, Corey takes this one,” says Adam.

“Cody you have a sound that is just special, something that we don’t have enough of today on the radio. That’s something that’s appealing to me as a coach,” says Blake.

Blake praises the emotion Corey put in his performance, telling him, “It’s important to be able to take a real-life situation and turn it into art.”

Blake advances Corey, and former four-chair turner Cody Wickline’s run on The Voice comes to a close.

Team Adam: Blaze Johnson vs. Deanna Johnson

There’s probably another reason why Adam pairs Blaze Johnson and Deanna Johnson, but all that comes to mind is the subtle product placement of a Johnson & Johnson Knockout. Who won’t by baby powder after this one, right?

Blaze Johnson sings The Fray’s “You Found Me,” his second Fray song choice of the competition. His voice has one significant cracking moment during the performance, at which point a once vocally sound performance goes straight downhill.

Returning contestant Deanna Johnson is back again after her non-televised Battle Round. Her beautiful tone stands out in a stripped down version of Roxette’s “Listen To Your Heart,” but her big performance doesn’t quite live up to her rehearsal highlights. The coaches acknowledge that her nerves must be acting up again, but it does seem like enough to triumph over Blaze’s lack of glory.

“You had a really solid, great performance. Your voice broke that one time, but that’s all,” Blake tells Blaze. “Deanna, I love your voice so much, but there were pitch issues,” he adds.

Pharrell offers some more criticism to Deanna (in a nice way, of course).“When you allow the variable of nerves to come in, it distracts. You need to practice, practice, practice. I do believe in you, and you should too,” he says.

“Blaze, your low register is pretty unbeatable, and I love that about your voice,” says Adam, before emotionally dissecting Deanna. “I think music is your life. I think you sing constantly, except you don’t sing as well when you’re on stage,” he says, adding, “You’re running out of reasons not to believe in yourself.”

Criticism aside, when a coach goes in with a favorite, that favorite generally makes it through. Adam advances Johnson, Deanna, while Johnson, Blaze is sent packing.

Team Pharrell: Hannah Kirby vs. Caitlin Caporale

Closing out the short night are Team Pharrell’s powerhouses Hannah Kirby and Caitlin Caporale. More accurately, it’s a throwdown between that one friend of yours that dances like no one is watching, and that other friend of yours who sings like everyone is watching.

Former team Blake member Hannah Kirby is the former. She performs Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love” with seemingly no irony, and her dance moves – nay, her whole being – remind you of that kooky but loveable drunk aunt at a family wedding. How she manages to keep control of her voice while her body let’s loose is a mystery, but such is the charm of Hannah Kirby.

Caitlin Caporale, a Christina Aguilera disciple, chooses a ballad for her Knockout performance. She sings an impressive rendition of Demi Lovato’s “Warrior,” and nails every note. Still, the memory of Hannah’s limbs flying every which way lingers.

“Hannah gets out here and it’s so fun to watch her perform, because it’s almost like something just takes over her body when she starts singing,” says Blake.

“That was a really powerful performance, Caitlin,” says Christina, who adds, “You’re one of the ones my team has to look out for, for sure.”

“You both are my favorites, and I feel really good about what you’ve done,” says Pharrell. He ultimately chooses the voice over the boogie, and advances Caitlin. Blake uses the opportunity to steal Hannah back to his team. “I never dreamed that I’d get the opportunity to have you back where you belong.”

Despite the exit of four-chair turner Cody Wickline, the night didn’t hold any major Knockout surprises. Perhaps there are more surprises in store next week, or perhaps the shocks will begin when the audience takes over in the Live Playoffs that follow.

(Let the Insta-freshing resume.)

Who are you ready to support – or ready to see voted off – in the coming rounds?