The Voice Recap: Battle Rounds #1, #VoiceBattles

Last night at The Voice, season9 marked the start of  The round 1 of the Battle Round. The Battle Rounds is where one team member is pitted against another team member. Only one of them advances to the Knockout Rounds. Each coach is allowed to “steal” two singers from the lost Battle Rounds.

This week at The Voice, season 9, Battle Round 1, each coach has an adviser to help the singers prepare for their performance. Adam has John Fogerty, Blake has Brad Paisley, Pharrell has Missy Elliott and Gwen has Selena Gomez.

Related:

Related: Standing Ovation At The Voice Season 9: Who?

Programming note: Next week, The Voice will start at 9 pm EST, 8 pm CST, 7 pm MST, and 6 pm PST, being an hour long instead of two hours. That will be its time slot for the rest of the season.

The Voice- Season 9- Battle Rounds #1 RECAP

Jordan Smith and Regina Love– Team Adam- Like I Can by Sam Smith

During the rehearsals: We learn that Regina had a record deal in the past with Evander Holyfield and now works in Atlanta as a radio host. I am not sure what Adam was thinking to pair these two up since they are like night and day pretty much. John Fogerty is impressed with both of them. They practiced with the band during final rehearsal, energizing both of them.

During the performance: So, Jordan, in my opinion, is a good singer but his voice is just overtaken by Regina’s powerhouse voice. Blake is impressed with Regina’s passion and control while he says Jordan’s voice is “from another planet.” Not sure if that is a compliment or not. Pharrell said the performance was “masterful.” Gwen said Jordan was “unexpected,” again not sure if that is a good thing or not. Jordan wins this battle, although I would have definitely picked Regina over Jordan but I guess that’s why Adam is the judge and I am not. But, Regina doesn’t lose out since Gwen immediately steals her.

Tyler Dickerson and Zach Seabaugh– Team Blake- I’m Going to Be Somebody by Travis Tritt

During the rehearsals: We learn that Tyler once had a record deal but ended up working for his dad when he lost the record deal. Zach gave up football for his love of music and is a junior in high school. Brad Paisley said that Tyler has a bad-boy-like-Travis-Tritt-attitude while Zach’s voice was more country since it is very deep. Blake advises Zach to connect to the song with his voice and for Tyler not to go through the motions since the song is familiar to him. In final rehearsal, Blake said Zach had improved somewhat while Tyler is still a bit pitchy.

During the performance: I think Blake did a great job pairing these two together. Vocal wise, they are pretty much on the same page. Tyler has the most versatile voice of the two. He is able to hit and resonate the high notes of the song. However, Zach has that deep country voice going for him. Pharrell noticed that at one point, they heard Zach’s voice crack. Adam believes that Zach threw away some of the notes. Blake said he was proud of Zach. Lo and behold, Zach wins the battle! I don’t know if I agree with Blake’s decision here. They both performed well, but I liked Tyler slightly better.

Ellie Lawrence and Tim Atlas– Team Gwen- Sweater Weather by The Neighborhood

During the rehearsals: Ellie is from Crandall, Georgia, a small town that loves their country music. However, Ellie is an indie girl instead of a country girl and she is a huge fan of Gwen’s. Tim is out of his element a little since this is the first time he sings without a band. Gwen paired these two together mainly because they both have an indie singer voice. During rehearsals, we see that Tim is a bit overtaken by Ellie’s powerful voice. Selena Gomez likes Ellie’s control, which she is happy about. Tim misses playing his guitar, but Gwen wants him to perform without it so that he doesn’t sound like a backup singer in the state.

During the performance: Wow, this is another close on. Ellie definitely has the stronger voice, but Tim is very intriguing, sort of intense, someone that truly holds your attention. Adam thinks they were both committed but if he had the choice, he would choose Tim. Blake would choose Tim as well. In the end, Gwen chooses Ellie and Pharrell steals Tim.

Celeste Betton and Mark Hood– Team Pharrell- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell

During the rehearsals: During rehearsals at The Voice Season 1, we learn that Celeste’s favorite music genre is gospel and that she is a military wife. Mark’s mother was hoping her son would become a farmer. I, for one, am glad that he didn’t become a farmer because music is definitely his forte. Missy Elliott is so moved by the performance, she starts crying. Well, you know it’s good if Missy Elliott cries.

During the performance: I love these two together. They are both great singers and obviously like one another. As a duo, they bring out that R&B vibe from the 1970’s. Mark is loaded with all kinds of energy and pretty charming too. I would honestly hate to be Pharrell who has to choose between these two. I am sure that whoever doesn’t win, will likely be swooped up by one of the other judges. Gwen says this is her favorite battle. Adam also complimented them, saying they were the best ever. Mark wins this battle. However, I am shocked that no one is stealing Celeste. WOW!

Dustin Monk and James Dupre– Team Adam- Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival

During the rehearsals: James is happy that John Fogerty is the adviser for his team since he has been listening to his music for years. John says that Dustin is a true rocker while James has more of a country American kind of sound. Adam tells the pair that they need to work on making the song their own. During final rehearsal, John and Adam join in on the singing.

During the performance: Wow, we have another close on with these two. Although, I have to say that while they are both good, I like the rocker style that Dustin has. Blake said that Dustin took risks while James was consistent. Gwen said that James was flawless while Dustin was electric. Pharrell said that he would choose James since he thought James was more precise in his performance. And that is exactly what Adam does, he chooses James as the battle winner.

Barrett Baber and Dustin Christensen– Team Blake- Walking in Memphis by Marc Cohn

During the rehearsals: We learn that Barrett is the survivor of a tragic plane crash. He also teaches drama classes in high school. Dustin graduated from college with an MBA but music is his true passion. Both Barrett and Dustin were 4-chair turns during Blind Auditions. Brad Paisley says that Dustin has a unique voice out of the two but also says that Barrett has a ton of energy.

During the performance: I love these two guys! They both have strong, incredible voices. As with Celeste and Mark, I am convinced that whoever doesn’t win the battle will be swooped by one of the other judges (Of course, I was wrong about Celeste and Mark). Pharrell liked them both but favored Barrett over Dustin. Blake has a tough decision in front of him but when all is said and done, Blake chooses Barrett as the winner of the battle. So is someone going to steal Dustin? YES! In fact, both Gwen and Adam want Dustin. The ball is now in Dustin’s court and he choose Team Adam.

Moving On to the Knockouts at The Voice, Season 9, Battle Round 1

• Jordin Smith – Team Adam
• Regina Love – Team Gwen STEALS from Team Adam
• Zach Seabaugh – Team Blake
• Ellie Lawrence – Team Gwen
• Tim Atlas – Team Pharrell STEALS from Team Gwen
• Mark Hood – Team Pharrell
• James Dupre – Team Adam
• Barrett Baber – Team Blake
• Dustin Christianson – Team Adam STEALS from Team Blake

Eliminated during The Voice, Season 9, Battle round 1

• Tyler Dickerson – Team Blake
• Celeste Betton – Team Pharrell
• Dustin Monk – Team Adam