Chris Blue, Jesse Larson, Aliyah Moulden and Lauren Duski belted original songs, covers and a duet with their respective coaches that night to be the winner of 'The Voice' season 12.
- May 23, 2017
AceShowbiz - "The Voice" season 12 kicked off its finale part 1 on Monday, May 22, with four finalists taking the stage to perform three songs each. Chris Blue (Team Alicia Keys), Jesse Larson (Team Adam Levine), Aliyah Moulden and Lauren Duski (Team Blake Shelton) performed original songs, covers and duets with their respective coaches that night. Unfortunately, Gwen Stefani didn't have any artist left for the finale as Hunter Plake was eliminated last week.
Aliyah opened that night's performances, singing her original song "Never Be Lonely". The bouncy, fun and youthful score really suited 15-year-old Aliyah. "I think the funnest thing is watching you evolve before our eyes. I also like that you have kept your fashion sense appropriate to your age. I think you did a great job tonight," Gwen said.
Jesse later followed with his take on "Takin' It to the Streets" by Doobie Brothers. That was a perfect song choice for Jesse as the song blended rock, blues and soul into one. Jesse delivered a soulful and entertaining performance while giving his own touch to the song. "That was dope. That was fresh. Your voice has never sounded better. It was powerful. You are in your element. I respect what you and Adam are doing together. It is authentic," Alicia praised him.
Chris and Alicia joined forces for a duet of "Diamonds and Pearls" by Prince. The performance was a pure perfection, although singing a song from a legend like Prince was obviously a huge deal. Chris flaunted his stable lower register, while Alicia effortlessly hit all the high notes as usual.
Lauren took the stage to sing "The Dance" by Garth Brooks. Lauren had proved multiple times that she and ballads were a perfection, and her performance that night further convinced everyone. She had the ability to tell a story through the songs she sang. Adam said, "You have a voice that obviously we have all loved since the beginning. You have a voice that is very familiar and comforting. I think that is why everybody loves what you do. That is special and unique. Throughout the competition, it has been a joy to listen to you. I am still mad you are not on my team."
Now it was Aliyah and Blake's turn to perform a duet, singing "Dancing in the Streets" by Martha and the Vandellas. The pair brought fun and energy to the studio with their performance. Throughout the song, the two were obviously having fun with the upbeat song.
Chris debuted his original song titled "Money on You" next. The catchy song couldn't be any more like him. The song gave off Bruno Mars vibes which made you dance to the song. Chris brought his strong stage presence to energetic performance. "I feel like I am already at your show. There is an electricity when you come into the room. Everybody here was clapping for you. It was the first time they heard the song, but they felt you," Alicia gushed about him.
Jesse and Adam took the stage to perform a duet of "Let's Go Crazy" by Prince. The rock performance really drove everyone crazy. Both artists put their incredible guitars on full display. Lauren and Blake followed, singing Hank Williams Jr.'s "There's a Tear in My Beer". Their voices blended awesomely for the classic country track.
Jesse returned with his original single, "Woman". Written by Chris Stapleton, the score was a perfect suit for Jesse. Jesse gave out another terrific performance that night. His performance was filled with his obvious confidence. Adam commented, "We have been doing this show along with cowboy Blake for seasons. I want to say to everybody at home, this show is called 'The Voice'. I want to get back to that spectacular intangible. Vote for Jesse if you want that quality for a 'Voice' winner. This is the man."
Aliyah rounded out her performance that night with a rendition of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder. Despite her age, Aliyah once again proved that she was a versatile artist with the song, which highlighted her strengths. "I think it's a sign. The balloons coming down felt like a sign for tomorrow night. When you get on that stage, you make people forget. America, you have to vote for Aliyah," Blake said.
Lauren was up next, performing an original song titled "Deja Vu", which she wrote herself. People seemingly agreed that the song was the best original song among all performed that night. She took her storytelling skill to the whole different level as she could completely relate to the song. "Let me be the first to congratulate you on writing your first No. 1 song," Blake said.
Chris' performance of "Rhythm Nation" by Janet Jackson closed out that night. That was no doubt another great performance by Chris. "You came out tonight and showed people you are everything. You can be quiet in your power, and you can come out and do one of the most iconic songs of all time and handle it," Alicia said, before adding, "America, together we can say we started Chris Blue's career tonight."
"The Voice" will announce the winner of current 12th season on Tuesday, May 23 at 8 P.M. on ABC. Little Big Town, Alessia Cara, Cee-Lo and Usher are set to perform in the episode prior to the big announcement.
