The Voice 24 Recap: Playoffs Part 1 – Team Niall Horan Builds his Live Shows Team! Live Blog Results with Videos
The Voice season 24 Playoffs kick off tonight with Part 1, featuring Team Niall Horan. Also sitting on the coaches panel are Reba McEntire, John Legend, and Gwen Stefani. After the respective coaches six team members perform, they choose 3 artists to move on to the live shows Carson Daly returns as host.
The coaches left the Knockouts with 5 members apiece. However, in a new twist, the coaches will each choose an eliminated Knockout contestant from any team, resulting in a Top 24.
The Voice 24 Spoilers: Top 24 and Top 12 Contestant Lists and RESULTS
The Voice Season 24 Full Schedule CONFIRMED
The Voice 24 Spoilers: Battle Round Contestant Matchups and Results
The show opens with Carson Daly introducing the Super-Save. Each coach gets to choose any eliminated Knockout artist from any team! But the mystery saves are NOT revealed yet.
Nini Iris – River by Bishop Briggs
Niall chose the song for her. Nini grew up in the country of Georgia. Niall suggests that she concentrate on the smaller moments, and sing the first verse “straighter.”
It’s a good song choice for the dramatic and dark pop songstress. She dances around the stage in black thigh high boots. Her big raspy voice is fierce. She waits to unleash the ad libs on the last verse. She built the song to an emotional and effective crescendo.
Gwen loves that she’s tasteful yet powerful. John calls her a “real star” that has confidence and skill. Reba calls her a strong vocalist. But she thinks she took the choreography too far. Hm. That’s a weird critique. Niall is constantly blown away by her.
Claudia B – Talking to the Moon by Bruno Mars
Niall saved Claudia during the Knockouts. She used to be Team Legend, but Niall stole her in the Battles after John let her go. Then, he tried to steal her back, but the singer decided to stick with Niall. Claudia misses her fiance. It’s the longest she’s ever been away from him. Niall suggests that she open her eyes and “look into the camera.”
Claudia’s tone is beautiful, with added jazz touches. Her phrasing is exquisite. She turns the song into a tender, sweet ballad and uses her head voice to great effect. Like Nini, she builds the song carefully and effectively.
John thinks her voice sounds even richer. He liked her Norah Jones cover from the Blind Auditions better. Is John mad she decided to stick with Niall? Reba says “You made it your own song…smooth as butter.” Niall calls the song pretty, saying it gave him “goosebumps.”
Huntley – Daylight by David Kushner
Niall wants to raise the key a half step. The song is one of Huntley’s daughter’s favorites. It’s a Tik Tok hit, apparently. Huntley tears up talking about his family. Niall is so impressed at rehearsal, he has no notes!
The lower parts of the song highlight his craggly tone. Not only can he wail, but Huntley sits beautifully in his lower register. He’s like a 90’s/00’s rocker. He could thrive fronting a rock band like Daughtry.
Gwen calls him “amazing” and his style and stage presence “masterful.” John says, “You’re already a star. The execution is flawless.” He belongs on the Grammys, he says. Niall purposely chose a song that Huntley wouldn’t pick, and feels he stepped up and met the challenge.
Julia Roome – True Colors by Cyndi Lauper – Super-Save Artist
Niall reveals his Super-Save, teen singer, Julia Roome. When Niall called, she didn’t believe it at first. Niall gives the 13 year old, who is still a work-in-progress, tips on phrasing.
It’s a good choice for the young singer. She can connect to the lyrics, which can be about a beloved family or a friend rather than romance. Her tone is round and lovely, but she has issues with breath control. She takes BIG GULPS in between phrases. She’s a few years away from being really great. The best parts of the song are when she sings in full voice.
Gwen loves her emotional choices. John is impressed with her ability to be tender and powerful. Character, control and uniqueness is how Niall describes her voice.
Mara Justine – You’ve Got the Love by Florence + The Machine
Niall stole Mara from Team Legend. NBC previewed this performance earlier today. Mara shares more about her mother’s cancer battle. Mara succeeding on The Voice makes her mom happy. Niall changes the melody and suggests Mara hold back on the first verse. He compares her to Olivia Rodrigo.
Mara works the stage like a rock star. Three shots at singing shows have really made her a pro. Mara’s raspy voice delivers a powerful Grammy-like performance, .
John thinks she showed a different side of her voice. Her best yet. Reba calls her performance an “emotional roller coaster.” Gwen calls her “an amazing star already.” She advises Niall to advance her to the Lives. Niall appreciates that she took his notes.
Alexa Wildish – Fields of Gold by Sting
Alexa sang the song for her grandmother’s funeral. Her superpower is how she uniquely interprets the great folk and pop songs from earlier eras. She imbues iconic songs with authentic emotion.
Beautiful, impactful and emotional. She makes every song her own. She never does too much. She is reminiscent of folk singers like Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez. It’s a simple, yet powerful rendition. Each vocal choice she made was perfect.
Reba compliments her enunciation. John calls her distinct. “You bleed emotion and authenticity,” says Niall. “You stand out. This girl is ridiculously talented.”
RESULTS
Niall will choose three artists to advance to the Top 12 and the live shows. The first artist moving on is Huntley. The second artist moving on is…Nini Iris. And the last artist moving on is…Mara Justine! What a tough decision. Both Alexa and Claudia will be missed. Julia can go back to middle school and work on her craft. She’s not ready yet.
Top 12
Huntley
Nini Iris
Mara Justine
Eliminated
Claudia B.
Julia Roome
Alexa Wildish
