On Monday (Oct 28) The Voice season 17 Battles end and the Knockouts begin. As always, on Friday, The Voice uploads a preview to their Youtube channel. First up is a Knockout between Max Boyle and Katie Kadan from Team John Legend.
Katie blows her way through Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” exactly as expected. But it’s Max’s rangy and emotional performance of “When The Party’s Over” by Billie Eilish that grabs the rest of the panel’s attention.
Gwen Stefani notes, “Katie, there’s a star quality to you and it’s undeniable, so that set me up to be ‘oh, poor Max!”” However, “poor Max” ended as soon as he opened his mouth to sing. “You were gorgeous, It’s so crazy, You can go all the way up there and still be so strong. It’s rare to be so emotional and bring us in, in that way that you did.” Ultimately, Gwen felt the Knockout was equal “in so many ways.”
Kelly Clarkson calls Katie magical. “That was a perfect song for you,” Kelly says. “Both of you chose rad songs.” Kelly adds that “all four of us wouldn’t want to sing after her!” But Kelly would actually give the Knockout to Max. “I expected Katie to be Wonder Woman. I didn’t expect you to be Superman.”
Blake Shelton agrees. “Max, I’m literally shocked,” he says, “It’s easy to remember Katie every time she comes out here, they have to repair the roof! But it’s a great time for you to have the kind of moment that you just had.” Still, Blake would pick Katie.
So, Team Legend has to choose between two great singers. But fear not, it’s likely the singer John doesn’t pick will be scooped up by another coach.
In the Knockouts, artists will be paired against a teammate once more, but this time they will each select their own song to perform individually, while their direct competitor watches and waits. The coaches choose the winner from their team to move on to the Live Playoff show. Each coach will have one steal in the Knockouts. Additionally, pop superstar Taylor Swift will work behind the scenes as “Mega Mentor” with the coaches, helping to prepare every pairing for their Knockout.
The Voice Battles/Knockouts airs on NBC Monday Oct 28 at 8 pm ET/PT.
