Jaelen Johnston and Hailey Wright Bring The Classic Country to Battles
The Voice Season 27 Battles continued for a second night on Monday (March 17). The episode featured a couple of saves and a steal, which included Team Kelsea Ballerini saving the loser of the battle between her classic country singers Hailey Wright and Jalen Johnston. (Read our Recap)
Kelsea paired the two singers together for what she called a “country love fest” battle. After Hailey’s Blind Audition, Kelsea had Hailey sing “Blue” by Leann Rimes and suggested she explore the sound she showcased there. She called Jaelen “steady, consistent country.” and she hoped to tap into his songwriter side.
For the battle, she gave them the classic, “Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn. Hailey’s old school sound stunned guest mentor Little Big Town as soon as the artist opened her mouth in rehearsal. Kelsea compared her to Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, and Wynonna Judd. Little Big Town helped the duo iron out the ending including the octaves and harmonies. They also advise them to look at each other more.
Hailey mentioned her inexperience with duets at age 19. She’s thankful for her mom who is battling blood cancer and was unable to come to her audition. Jaelen said he can hit some of the difficult notes, but the key makes it so he sometimes had to strain. His grandma is a big fan of Brooks & Dunn. Little Big Town liked the way Jaelen used vocal dips. Jaelen and Hailey end rehearsal by singing the song with Little Big Town and Kelsea.
Kelsea Ballerini uses her save
Jaelen opened the song with a rich baritone sound, and Hailey followed with her classic twangy country style. They harmonized nicely together, but at times it felt like Hailey’s voice drowned Jaelen out just a tad. But there was something about his style that was more appealing. Hailey is the stronger vocalist from a technique stand point. But it’s a true draw of a battle when taking everything into consideration. The battle felt somewhat subdued.
Michael Bublé described both singers as “distinct” and found the performance “romantic.” He loved both singers. John Legend called out the “richness” and “texture” in Jaelen’s voice. “I love the yodel in your voice” he said about Hailey, adding, “In some ways, Hailey, her voice cuts through more, but then Jaelen, because it’s so special to have that range and be able to sound really good, part of me wants you to pick Jaelen for that reason.” Adam Levine called Jaelen’s voice “powerful and masculine” and felt that Hailey “balanced it out.” Kelsea declared that both did “country music so proud.” She feels that Jaelen sings like he’s had his “heart broken,” while Hailey sounds like she has “experienced so much life.”
Kelsea picks Jaelen to move on. But then she saved Hailey from elimination. Both will compete in The Voice 27 Knockout round.
The other battles consisting of steals and saves included a performance of “Made for Me” from Team Legend’s Bryson Battle who beat Ari Camille who was stolen by Adam, Also, a Battle of “Cry for Me” between Kaiya Hamilton and Barry Jean Fontenot. Adam picked Kaiya, while Michael saved Barry.The other standout Battle was Team Adam’s Lucia Flores-Wiseman who appears to be a frontrunner, beating Hayden Grove on “My Funny Valentine.”
