Welp. It looks like Cody Ray Raymond from Team Kelly Clarkson has dropped out of the competition. NBC posted all four team photos tonight and there are only 7 contestants pictured in the Team Kelly photograph. What’s more, the preview clip promoting next week’s Knockouts show THREE contestants from Team Kelly–Kymberli Joye, Natasia Greycloud and Zaxai–excitedly (BECAUSE MARIA!!!) entering the rehearsal room. Such a shame Kelly tossed away the talented SandyRedd in the Battles for a dude who left the show. Having said that, I hope Cody’s exit was for benign reasons and that he and his loved ones are OK.
There have been dropouts in the past–most notably on Season 8. Anthony Riley triumphed in his battle, but all was not well. The troubled singer left the competition shortly thereafter to enter rehab (and sadly, he eventually took his own life). Consequently, coach Pharrell Williams made a trio comprised of Sawyer Fredericks, Mia Z and Paul Pfau. Paul lost the Knockout, Mia was eliminated at Top 12, and Sawyer won the whole dang enchilada.
Back to season 15! The Battles weren’t as painful as usual. It helped that more duets were edited into episodes. Some were on the short side for my taste, but more music kept the show moving at a brisker pace. I find The Voice UK Battles more entertaining just for this reason–less yakety yak and more music.
When it comes to the celebrity mentors, my favorite was Team Jennifer Hudson’s Halsey followed closely by Team Blake Shelton’s Keith Urban. Halsey has an intuitive feel for what works in a performance. Keith is a consummate musician, and it’s so obvious that he relishes sharing his craft. Erm, Team Kelly Clarkson’s Thomas Rhett didn’t seem to have much to say. And Team Adam Levine’s Cee Lo Green was his typically weird self.
Which is your favorite team? I think Team Blake has brought together a strong group. Dave Fenley, Michael Lee and Funsho are all standouts. Team Kelly has assembled an impressive array of singers, including Kymberli Joye, Sarah Grace and Zaxai. Other notable singers are SandyRedd from Team Jennifer and Jake Wells, Deandro Nico and Reagan Strange from Team Adam.
It’s time to vote in our polls! Which is your favorite team so far? Vote for your favorite celebrity mentor. Grade the season so far.
Vote in the POLLS
Favorite Team After the Battles
Favorite Celebrity Mentor
Grade the Season So Far
TEAM PHOTOS
Pictured: (l-r) Team Kelly: Claire Dejean, Kymberli Joye, Abby Cates, Sarah Grace, Kelly Clarkson, Chevel Shepherd, Natasia Greycloud, Zaxai — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
Pictured: (l-r) Team Adam: Keith Paluso, Jake Wells, Delaney Silvernell, Deandre Nico, Adam Levine, Radha, Reagan Strange, Tyke James, Steve Memmolo — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
Pictured: (l-r) Team Blake: Kameron Marlowe, Dave Fenley, Michael Lee, Colton Smith, Blake Shelton, Katrina Cain, Funsho, Kirk Jay, Chris Kroeze — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
Pictured: (l-r) Team Jennifer: Mike Parker, Anthony Arya, Kennedy Holmes, SandyRedd, Jennifer Hudson, Makenzie Thomas, Franc West, Tyshawn Colquitt, Patrique Fortson — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
