The Voice 20 Top 17: Blake Shelton Declares Cam Anthony Could Be The Shows First Superstar
Cam Anthony closed Team Blake Shelton out as well as the entire The Voice season 20 Playoffs show Monday night (May 10). The first live Voice featured The Top 17 artists competing for a spot in the Top 9.
“Take Me to Church” by Hozier was a risk, as it’s been done well on the show before. It has become a staple on The Voice. Prior to this week, a slew of singers performed it, including Matt McAndrew (Season 7 Runner-up), Christiana Danielle (Season 14 Top 10 finalist), and Carter Lloyd Horne (eliminated with it, Season 16 Top 8). I’m not sure if his version topped Matt’s but it was close. Cam delivered the performance of the night with many wondering if he can give Team Kelly Clarkson frontrunner and favorite to win, Kenzie Wheeler, a run for his money.
Cam made a smart move by rearranging the song just enough to stand out, but not changing the melody too much. His vocals were “churchy,” including just enough runs to make it soulful without over singing. Cam really stood out here. I’ve enjoyed him prior to this, but I was a bit bored by his past song choices. But this latest performance made him seem like an artist rather than just a great singer.
Team Blake offered the best performances
Competing coach John Legend said it “breaks his heart” that Nick Jonas used his block on him and that it didn’t help Nick either. John “sees a bright future” in Cam. His own coach Blake Shelton reminded Cam that he promised to “keep the lane open” for him. But Cam “delivered every time,” keeping his end of the bargain too. Blake boldly declared that Cam could be “the first superstar on the show.” This isn’t unusual for Blake. He often exaggerates how “good” his artists are. Yes, Cam is good, but going as far to say that he is the best artist to ever be on the show is exaggerated praise.
Overall, Blake’s team did offer collectively the best performances with no true slip-ups or bad performances. Kelly’s team is also highly competitive and unpredictable.
My guess is that viewer votes advance Cam to the Top 9. For the other spots, I think Blake will save Anna or Jordan. The others will fight for the Save. It will be interesting to see if Blake advances his old bandmate and friend Pete Mroz to the next round. Pete was once considered a contender who could steal a spot from Cam after his standout knockout, but I doubt that happens now. I could still see him steal a spot from the more deserving Anna Grace or Jordan Matthew Young, but we will see tonight.
