The Voice 27: Team John Legend Knockout between Kolby Cordell and BD.ii is a tough one
The Voice season 27 Knockouts begin on Monday, March 31. Check out a preview from Team John Legend. Soul singers Kolby Cordell and BD.ii fight for a spot in the Playoffs. Each singer will choose a song to sing solo. After each performs, the coach will choose a winner. THERE ARE NO SAVES! Each coach gets to steal one losing contestant.
BD.ii took the stage first, performing Back at One by Brian McKnight. The soulful singer delivered a smooth version of the song as Kolby looked on. “Yes BD!” John shouted. The singer added runs, but not too many. He nailed a key change while boasting a sweet falsetto. Simple and pretty.
Next, BD took a seat on stage as Kolby performed Lately by Stevie Wonder. It was another throwback! Kolby’s style featured a raspy baritone that was full of feeling, despite it seeming like Kolby suffered from laryngitis/vocal strain. His sound hearkened back to great Motown singers like The Temptations David Ruffin.
“You gave it a little bit of a kick in the a**”
The two singers stood before the coaches for comments. BD.ii’s performance “transfixed” Adam Levine. “Obviously a great song,” he said, “But you gave it a little bit of a kick in the a**.” On the other hand, Adam loved Kolby’s rasp, but he heard a little strain. He wondered if Kolby’s voice was tired. However, Adam could feel how Kolby was “managing it.”
Kelsea Ballerini loved BD.ii’s song choice. She said “It let you lean back into it a bit more…show some more of the swag and the tone and the cool elements to your voice.” To Kolby she remarked, “Your tone reminds me of John Legend’s,” She added, “It’s that warmth and that smokiness…open vowels…there’s a little Legend in there.” She concluded, “I think you’re both so different,” Kelsea said. But if she had to pick, she’d choose BD.ii, because he seemed “the most ready.”
“If that’s you tired, then I’m getting three hours of sleep tomorrow”
Michael Bublé also loved BD.ii’s song choice. He felt it was “far more emotional” than the singer had been before. “I love how you played with it and made the song yours.” Michael remarked on Kolby’s vocal strain, “If that’s you tired, then I’m getting three hours of sleep tomorrow.” It didn’t actually sound “tired” to Michael. He believes Kolby is gifted with an “incredible voice” that “has that rasp.” Michael felt Kolby told the story “beautifully.” Michael would choose Kolby as the winner.
“You got that raspy voice,” John said to Kolby. “Soulful, it’s been lived in, it has a story to tell.” John admitted that BD.ii’s song choice concerned him. “The first time I heard you sing it, it just sounded a little flat.” The coach wanted more energy and more urgency. John felt the singer did all he needed to do, but also didn’t force it. “You just sounded like you belong on the stage.”
Who will John choose as the winner of the Knockout? Tune into NBC at 8 pm ET/PT on Monday March 31 to find out. The Voice also streams on Hulu+.
