L-R: Paxton Ingram and Shalyah Fearing on “The Voice”; Tyler Golden/NBC(LOS ANGELES) — The Voice welcomed Pink into the fold on Monday night, with the “Just Like Fire” singer serving as a superstar advisor for the top eight.
Each artist was asked to perform twice: a song new to him or her in the competition, and a duet with another contestant.
Coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera and Pharrell Williams were all on hand to offer their two cents on the performances.
Team Adam’s Shalyah Fearing, who at 16 is the youngest artist remaining in the competition, performed the Jennifer Hudson version of the Dreamgirls song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” Pink was effusive in her praise of Shalyah during rehearsals, joking, “I want to punch you, I love you so much.” Pink later told the teen, “You have the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard in my life.”
After Shalyah performed on The Voice stage, Christina noted Shalyah pulled off a very difficult song. Pharrell said she showed incredible endurance with one particular note in the middle. Adam said his artist deserves to be in the finals, begging viewers to vote for her.
For the first duet of the night, Team Blake’s Adam Wakefield and Team Christina’s Alisan Porter joined forces on “Angel from Montgomery” by John Prine. The coaches did not critique the night’s duets.
Paxton Ingram of Team Blake, who was saved on last week’s results show, took on the Meat Loaf hit “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” — a song so challenging that Pink said she wouldn’t attempt it.
Christina said she would have never expected a Meat Loaf song from Paxton, but he made it work. Blake commented that he wasn’t sure if he’s ever been more proud of one of his artists than he was of Paxton.
Team Adam’s Laith Al-Saadi brought his rock stylings to Adele’s “One and Only.” Pink suggested he clinch his butt in order to reach a certain note — a tip she said she learned when she had to perform at the Oscars.
After Laith did his thing in front of the coaches, Blake said he loved the guitar solo. Adam complimented Laith for staying true to himself, and said it would be great to have such a different artist in the finale.
Team Christina’s Bryan Bautista and Team Blake’s Mary Sarah collaborated on a rendition of the Ariana Grande single “Break Free.”
Pink was excited to meet Alisan, whom she called “Curly Sue,” referring to the 1991 movie in which Alisan starred. Alisan sang “Desperado” by The Eagles.
Christina said Alisan has a special gift. She added The Eagles are held in high regard and Alisan delivered an “epic” performance.
Laith teamed up with Team Pharrell’s Hannah Huston for their duet, “Knock on Wood” by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas.
Blake suggested to Adam Wakefield that he perform his tune “I’m Sorry,” because it was written by Chris Stapleton.
Pharrell said Adam brings a different kind of soul to country music. Blake felt it was Adam’s biggest moment on the show to date.
Bryan sang his coach Christina’s song “Hurt” because he hasn’t heard from his dad as he’s advanced in the competition.
Adam said it took a lot of courage for Bryan to open up as he did with that song. Christina said it was so beautiful that she wanted to hear it again.
Paxton and Shalyah came together for their duet, Jessie J’s “Masterpiece.”
Mary Sarah returned to sing “I Told You So” by Randy Travis. Pink suggested to Mary Sarah in rehearsals that she do something different with a note at the end.
After watching Mary Sarah perform, Christina remarked that the artist has grown as a woman. Blake said it was phenomenal, and her best performance to date.
To close the night, Hannah tackled the Percy Sledge song “When a Man Loves a Woman.” Pink encouraged Hannah to connect with the lyrics in some way. She explained to the cameras, “I think the best art comes from when you’re lying on the floor and your soul is dying. So I like it when people dig.”
Blake was impressed, saying Hannah hadn’t delivered anything like that on the show to that point. Her coach said it feels like Hannah knows she belongs in the competition.
The final four will be revealed on Tuesday night’s results show, airing on NBC at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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