The Voice 25 Playoffs wrapped this week with the 10 contestants comprising Teams Reba and Chance, and by the episode's end, we'd lost some truly standout singers, particularly on Chance the Rapper's stacked team. But the four artists who went home should take comfort in the fact that they made it a whole lot further on The Voice than Anthony Ramos ever did.
Anthony, of course, is a true powerhouse in show business — a Grammy-winner and Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards nominee, he originated the starring role in Hamilton and is a star of stage and screens big and small. But when he served as Reba McEntire's guest mentor Monday, he confessed that he never he even got a chance to sing for the Voice coaches and turn at least one chair.
"I auditioned for this show," the surprising onetime Voice reject told Reba, chuckling at this ironic, full-circle moment. "I waited in the cold in New York for like, hours. I sang 'Green Light' by [current Voice coach] John Legend, who's one of my favorite artists of all time. And the producer goes, 'I want you to work on your breathing for a year and then come back.' And my dreams were crushed!"
Anthony may have brushed up on his breathing techniques, but obviously he never came back to The Voice... until now, in a much more prestigious capacity. So, let his comeback story inspire the contestants whose own Voice dreams were crushed this week — maybe one day we'll see them on Broadway, at the Golden Globes, or maybe back on this show as a team advisor.
Here's what happened when Team Chance, who was advised by Meghan Trainor (who seems to be everywhere these days; she mentored American Idol just last week), and the Anthony-mentored Team Reba competed for spots in the Season 25 live shows.
TEAM REBA
Josh Sanders, "Black Water"
This fun, old-school Doobie Brothers jam was a departure from Josh's usual modern country fare, but it was a sentimental choice, since he used to sing it with his late dad. I felt his performance lacked the energy of a full-band version; suffice to say, Rerun from What's Happening!! wouldn't be smuggling a giant tape recorder into the Voice studio to bootleg this number. But John said Josh "killed it," "took us to church," and "delivered," and Chance loved Josh's stage presence and "amazing pitch control." Shay Mooney called Josh an "absolute star" and the biggest threat to Team Dan + Shay, and Reba said this was Josh's best performance yet. I wasn't quite as wowed as the coaches were, but the guy is consistent, I'll give him that. He could go far no matter what he sings.
Justin & Jeremy Garcia, "Castle on the Hill"
This nostalgic Ed Sheeran song was a solid choice for the young brothers, who'd never really impressed me until tonight. The uptempo, soaring tune allowed them to play up their brotherly bond (there's literally a line about "my brother" in it, which was a sweet moment) and boyish innocence. And for once, they sounded like a real unit — John said this was "by far the tightest" they'd ever sounded, and Reba said they were "60 times better" than before. Dan Smyers "couldn't help but smile" when the Garcias were onstage. For a moment, it seemed Justin and Jeremy were this season's dark horses.
Jackie Romeo, "The Story"
Belting this majestic Brandi Carlile ballad for her single mom, who sacrificed so much so that Jackie could pursue music, this young diva delivered her most gorgeous performance yet. Other than some slight difficult with the opening low notes, it was perfect — and she had no issues with those super-high falsetto notes. I didn't know Jackie could even sing that high. Anthony called Jackie "one in a million," telling her, "There is a lot of pain in your voice; I can tell you've been through a lot," but he also heard the "joy and hope." Chance told Jackie she "brought the energy of the room up"; John called her the "complete package"; and Reba told her she "sang like an angel" and "sang her butt off."
L. Rodgers, "All I Know So Far"
Reba's Playoff Pass contestant returned to the show making up for her lost airtime, proving once again that, as Reba put it, she's "the most ready" contestant on this team. Anthony, who bonded with L. over the fact that they both attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, called L. "a force." He was right. Dedicating P!nk's empowerment anthem to her nephew, who's about to enter middle school ("Life's going to get harder for him"), L. delivered a fearless tour de force, with a voice as big as her personality. That Academy taught her well. "Every time you stand on that stage, it's like it's the most important moment of your life. ... I don't think there is a more passionate person on Team Reba," said Shay. John told L., "We completely see you for who you are. ... We gravitate towards you." And Reba broke out in tears and "goosebumps."
Asher HaVon, "Titanium"
This song would be an ambitious undertaking for almost any other contestant, but Asher is unlike any other contestant. So, he made it seem "effortless", according to Anthony, who also described this performance as "unworldly" and "fire." John described Asher's white-caped eleganza as a "finale look," and Asher sounded like he was already in the finale as well. The falsetto, the fluttering runs, the (respectful) liberties he took with the melody, the unwavering camera lens/eye connection... this was just about flawless. Reba was on her feet and once again in tears, John was testifying, and Chance was punching the air and whooping throughout. "This felt like a Grammy moment for you," said Shay. "It feels important when you sing. I feel you have strong potential to win this show," said Dan. Chance said Asher already seemed like a celebrity, and John called Asher "anointed" and even compared him to Whitney Houston. I don't even know if Season 25 even needs to continue for three more weeks. Just give the trophy (and hopefully a record contract) to Asher now.
So, based on Monday's performances, I would have picked Reba's three power-belters: Jackie, L., and of course, Asher. Well, two out of three ain't bad. Reba unsurprisingly went with Asher and L. (even if L. herself looked shocked by this result) but, also unsurprisingly, she kept her one country contestant, Josh. I was disappointed to see Jackie go. A onetime underdog and a recent addition to Reba's team via the Steal, Jackie seemed to be peaking at just the right time, but it was too late.
TEAM CHANCE
Nadége, "Clocks"
As Chance's Playoff Pass pick, this diva had much to prove, and she also needed to make a strong impression, because the downside of receiving the Playoff Pass is being off the air for two weeks while sitting out the Knockout Rounds. She took a risk covering Coldplay, since up until now she'd only covered R&B songs, and Meghan and Chance warned her that her instinct to stray far from Chris Martin's the original melody was, well, too risky. I felt this performance had the potential for greatness, but sadly, Nadége never fulfilled that potential. The song stared promisingly, sophisticated and regal, but never went anywhere; I kept waiting for Nadége to soar and explode, but that big payoff never came. I also agreed with John that her intentional melodic choices were "distracting." The coaches likened Nadége's vocal texture to silk and cashmere, and Chance called this performance a "spiritual experience," but I was underwhelmed.
Kyle Schuesler, "Something in the Orange"
Chance poached Kyle in a sneaky "long-game" way, pretending to harshly critique Kyle's Knockout performance just so Kyle's original coaches, Dan + Shay, wouldn't pick him and he'd become available to steal. Would this long game continue? Chance said the stoic Kyle needed to "bring this [Zach Bryan] song to life" with more emotion, but I think Kyle ultimately delivered. The Dylan-style, one-man-band harmonica solo was a cool touch as well. Reba compared Kyle to the wonderful Jason Isbell, a high compliment, and Shay said this didn't seem like a cover, but more like a Kyle original. Chance praised Kyle's "enunciation," "fervor," and "intentionality," telling him, "You had so many moments where I really felt the emotion." This guy is the real deal.
Serenity Arce, "Lose You to Love Me"
Meghan compared 16-year-old Serenity to Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo. Chance called her "a young Jazmine Sullivan or a young Rihanna." I just think she's the one-and-only Serenity Arce. This girl is a such a budding star, who, as Chance put it, is "ready to take the world by storm." She was feeling this. This was theater, with Serenity acting out every line. John called this performance an "emphatic statement" and saw the hurt in her eyes. Shay gasped, "I don't know who hurt you, but my goodness! ... You have a very unique gift to tell a story and put yourself in that song." Dan said, "You sing and perform with so much conviction, and that takes a lifetime for some people to pick up." Serenity really brought it tonight, and, as Reba noted, she "checked off every box" needed to qualify for the Lives.
Rletto, "Holy"
As Team Chance's most dynamic performer, a man who's been declared a "superstar" by the coaches many times, Rletto always brings the fire and the fashion. Unfortunately, this less intense Bieber/Chance track didn't allow him to bring it like he usually does, and his light seemed dimmed. He couldn't even fully showcase what Chance had called his "knack for melody manipulation" and "crazy improvisation." A slightly underwhelmed John merely described this performance as "comfortable and lovely," and Chance told Rletto, "I wish we'd really gotten to hear your range." But Dan still seemed convinced of Rletto's star power, telling him, "It's always something different from you — but it's always really you." This just wasn't as "you" as I wanted from Rletto at such a crucial stage in the game.
Maddi Jane, "Stay"
The sassy Maddi fancies herself as some sort of rapper, so this melancholy Rihanna ballad was a departure for her. But it was a good departure, allowing her to redeem herself after last week's silly, bachelorette-party-style Dua Lipa cover. Tapping into her background as a "big theater girl," she delivered her most solid vocal yet with, as Meghan noted, "no fear in her body." Her edgy-prom-queen vibe even reminded me of Siobhan Magnus's star-making "Paint It Black" performance from American Idol Season 9. Maddi is apparently more versatile than I had assumed. All of the coaches gave her a standing ovation. John called his performance a "masterclass," and Shay even proclaimed, "If you don't go through to the Lives, I'm quitting The Voice!"
Chance's decision this week was a bit tougher than Reba's. Based on Monday's Playoffs performances, potential to win votes, and the contestants' overall Season 25 body of work, I would have gone with Serenity, Kyle, and Rletto, all very different and unique artists. Chance went with Serenity... and Maddi and Nadége. I wasn't hugely surprised that he let Kyle go (like Team Reba's Jackie, Kyle was a recent Steal, and loyalty/seniority probably does come into play with these decisions). But no Rletto? The Lives are going to a lot less lively without him.
But at least Shay doesn't have to quit the show now, because Maddi is in. And even without Rletto, I'll still be tuning when the live rounds finally begin next week and, for the first time this season, the decision-making power will be in the viewers' hands, not the coaches'. Vote wisely, people! See you then.
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