The Voice 17 Live Finals kick off on Monday (Nov 18) as the Top 13 sing for your votes in front of coaches Gwen Stefani, John Legend, Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton. Where do the singers stand ahead of Monday’s show? I take a stab at ranking them, below. How would you rate the Top 13?
13. Hello Sunday – Team Kelly Clarkson – The young tween duo’s Instant Save win stunned The Voice fans, after a shaky, off-pitch rendition of “All By Myself. The song was way too big for them, and the performance the weakest of the four wildcard competitors. Perhaps their survival suggests a Teflon-like strength. But I’m ranking them last anyway.
12. Shane Q – Team Kelly Clarkson – Kelly has a soft spot for Shane that I’m not entirely sure her fans share. She lost her ever-loving mind over a tentative performance of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” filled with mistakes and bad notes. When voters take over, Shane will likely be eliminated.
11. Myracle Holloway – Team Gwen Stefani – Myracle is a talented singer, but she’s an old fashioned cover artist. And they usually don’t fare well. Gwen’s choice to save Myracle, after America saved Rose Short, an artist who performs in the same genre, was all the more puzzling.
10. Will Breman – Team John Legend – Will is quirky, talented and creative, which is why John saved him, I suspect. Unfortunately, America will find him a little too weird to embrace, in the end. C’mon! Prove me wrong America! (I have a soft spot for Will.)
9. Joana Martinez – Team Gwen Stefani – Joana is a raw talent. But at 15 years of age, she needs a ton of hand holding. Ex-coach Blake would have been up to the task. I have my doubts about Gwen.
8. Cali Wilson – Team Blake Shelton – Cali could be a dark horse if she and Blake choose the right songs. She started off the competition strong with an effortless cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” but hasn’t hit that high mark since.
7. Rose Short – Team Gwen Stefani – Rose presents a strong combination of creative, rangy vocals and a likable, outgoing personality. Having said that– Kelly could have been the perfect coach! Gwen should keep her hands off–Rose knows what she is doing.
6. Marybeth Byrd – Team John Legend – Sigh. I hope Marybeth returns to singing Americana covers. While the cheesy AC songs she chose the last two outings showcased her vocal abilities, they didn’t display her storytelling talent, which she has in abundance.
5. Jake Hoot – Team Kelly Clarkson – Kelly made a big mistake choosing a Reba McEntire song for Jake’s Playoff performance. The performance was Jake’s worst because his heart was obviously not in it. America voted him through to the finals anyway. Lucky for Jake, he gets a head start being a male country artist. Still, Kelly should concentrate on coaching Jake’s stage presence. He can pick his own songs.
4. Kat Hammock – Team Blake Shelton – I think Kat is overrated. Her cover of Billy Joel’s “Vienna” was pretty good, but she hasn’t impressed me since. However, I think she has a fan base and Blake loves her. She could go far. She could also win me back.
3. Ricky Duran – Team Blake Shelton – Ricky has been a Voice favorite from day one. However, his Blind Audition was his best performance. He’s another artist Blake should allow to do his own thing. And now that Blake no longer controls his fate, hopefully, Ricky will trust his own instincts. He could win the show.
2. Max Boyle – Team Kelly Clarkson – Confession! Max is my favorite on the show. I hope he wins. I think he could! His exquisite, rangy, emotive phrasing is pop perfection. His song choices are on point too. Hopefully Kelly can help him navigate the singing show gauntlet. It’s what she does best.
1. Katie Kadan – Team John Legend – Katie’s outsized voice and personality has already left a big impression on season 17. As an artist, she is unforgettable. And that’s half the battle. With John as her coach, Katie has the potential to stop the show with every performance until she walks off the stage with that trophy.
PHOTO GALLERY
Meet the Top 13
