The Voice 25 Playoffs: Madison Curbelo Soars Through to the Lives with “Landslide”
The Voice Season 25 Playoffs kicked off on Monday night (April 22) with John Legend and Dan + Shay each picking three contestants to move onto the live shows from their respective teams. Playoff Pass holders were able to skip the Knockouts, so the anticipation was high to see them perform again. One artist, 21-year old Massachusetts native Madison Cubelo from Team Dan + Shay, did not disappoint singing a classic song. (Read our Recap)
Dan Smyers told mentor Saweetie prior to Madison entering the rehearsal room that the singer has been one of their favorites throughout the competition due to her “radiating light and positivity.”
She will sing “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, and remarked that Dan + Shay picked the perfect song as it reminded her of her dad who sacrificed a lot as a truck driver to provide for his family. She said, “I just hope I can one day provide for him like the way he provided for me.” Dan + Shay and Saweetie stood up and applauded in rehearsal. Saweetie wanted to see her “Puerto Rican personality” from start to finish. Dan wanted her to be confident knowing that she was a Playoff Pass.
Madison began the performance displaying an angelic tone. Her phrasing was delicate and thought out as the arrangement showed off the strengths in her voice and range. Madison might not be the most unique artist, but she knows how to take classic songs and do them justice. On the line, “if I climbed a mountain and turned around,” she hits some impressive notes utilizing great control. The performance was both stunning and effective.
“That was the first time today I got the chills”
The coaches stood and applauded. Reba McEntire said, “I got chills, you gave me goosebumps.” Chance the Rapper added, “I’m going to ask the producers if I could get a copy of that performance because I want to listen to it again. It was really special.” He continued saying, “If it was up to me, I would be sending her to the lives.” John Legend said that her performance “felt so easy” and that she deserved to move on. Dan said she showed she “deserved” the Playoff Pass, while Shay Mooney added, “that was the first time today I got the chills.”
Dan + Shay chose Madison for their live shows team, along with country singers Karen Waldrup and Tae Lewis. On Team Legend, singers Bryan Olesen, Zoe Levert, and Nathan Chester moved on. Zoe, from Team Legend, gave the other standout performance of the night with her take on “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls. The results were spot on, although John could have chosen Mafe over Bryan as she gave her best performance to date with “Someone Like You.” However, Bryan had previously shown he was a strong contender, so his choice was not surprising. Next week, Chance and Reba choose their top three artists to move onto their live shows teams. A Top 12 will compete in the three week live shows round, ending with the finale and crowning the winner.
