The Voice Recap: Live Playoffs Kick Off with a Musical Marathon

Only two contestants from each team will move on to the next round.

Written by Tammy Ragusa
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THE VOICE -- "Live Playoffs" Episode 1514A -- Pictured: Chevel Shepherd -- (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)

The first night of live playoffs for season 15 of NBC’s The Voice was a marathon of music…a marathon caught up in a tornado. A whopping 24 performances took place during the two-hour episode, which means all six contestants from each of the four teams sang. Kelsea Ballerini also introduced the finalists from The Comeback Stage — Ayanna Joni and Lynnea Moorer — who will perform during the next round.

But the show started on a serious note as host Carson Daly spoke about the fires that are sweeping through California, destroying homes and taking lives. He also thanked first responders and encouraged those who wished to help to reach out to the Red Cross.

Coach Blake Shelton got things started with his team and with authentic thoughts on what he expected from them. “I want to see how they do in this live situation,” he said. “It’s a completely different game at this point to be live in front of 80-million people.”

Following are the performances for Team Blake:

Michael Lee: “Every Time I Roll the Dice” (Delbert McClinton)

Dave Fenley: “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” (Willie Nelson)

Natasia GreyCloud: “God As a Woman” (Ariana Grande)

Chris Kroeze: “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” (Creedence Clearwater Revival)

Funsho: “How Long” (Charlie Puth)

Kirk Jay: “One More Day” (Diamond Rio)

Kelly Clarkson’s team was up next and the reigning champ is feeling pretty confident about her team this year, too. She said, “I love my team and they represent so genres of music in their styles. So, I’m looking forward to, I guess seeing them in the live element. Like Blake was saying, it’s a different dynamic, so I’m looking forward to seeing who brings their A-game.”

Following are the performances for Team Kelly:

Abby Cates: “Next to Me” (Emeli Sandé)

Keith Paluso: “Someone Like You” (Adele)

Sarah Grace: “When Something is Wrong With My Baby” (Sam & Dave)

Zaxai: “When I Need You” (Leo Sayer)

Chevel Shepherd: “Grandpa” (The Judds)

Kymberli Joye: “Radioactive’ (Imagine Dragons)

As much as Coach Adam Levine is a powerhouse, his feelings about the impending eliminations following the live playoffs was heavy on his heart. He told Carson, “I’m so proud of these guys and every single one of these singers is amazing to me. It’s so hard to get to this point and then, of course, you do the same thing again, you keep whittling away at this, but it gets harder and harder because everyone is just impressing me. And people are improving in front of my very eyes.”

Following are the performances for Team Adam:

Steve Memmelo: “More Today Than Yesterday” (Spiral Staircase)

DeAndre Nico: “Ordinary People” (John Legend)

Radha: “Dusk Till Dawn” (Zayn Malik)

Kameron Marlowe: “I Ain’t Living Long Like This” (Waylon Jennings)

Tyke James: “Use Somebody” (Kings of Leon)

Reagan Strange: “Worth It” (Danielle Bradbery)

Coach Jennifer Hudson ended the performances on a high and fun note. When Carson asked Jennifer what she was expecting from her team during the first live round, she said, “The first thing I told them was to get ready for my shoe. I need some shoe throwing worthy performances.” She then added, “Overall, just come out here and just give their best selves…and to have fun because you’ll never get to have this moment again.”

Following are the performances for Team J-Hud:

Patrique Fortson: “Ain’t Nobody” (Rufus and Chaka Kahn)

MaKenzie Thomas: “I Believe in You and Me” (Whitney Houston)

Franc West: “Apologize” (Timbaland)

SandyRedd: “No More Drama” (Mary J. Blige)

Colton Smith: “Scared to Be Lonely” (Dua Lipa and Martin Garrix)

Kennedy Holmes: “Halo” (Beyoncé)

During the Nov. 13 episode of The Voice, the audience will learn which two contestants from each team are continuing on in the competition, thanks to viewer votes. Then Adam, Blake, Jennifer, and Kelly have the opportunity to pick a third member from their team. And don’t forget, Ayanna and Lynnea from The Comeback Stage will also have another chance to rejoin the competition when they face off during the live playoffs.