"The Voice" Season 11 (USA) 2016 semi-finals episode is over but it was not worth the wait for one big reason – impressive performance from the semi-finalists.
The top eight singers took the stage on Monday night with the hope of advancing to next week's finale. People expected big from them as it was a big moment not only for the contestants, but also for their fans. There is no scope for mediocrity at this stage of the competition. However, what you heard wasn't what you expect in semi-finals.
[READ: "The Voice" Season 11 (USA) 2016: 4 finalists to be sent home]
Nerves seemed to have got the better of some contestants, and it was obvious from their shaky performances. Some of them put up a good show but nothing "outstanding". The thought that half of the semi-finalists would be sent home during the elimination episode on Tuesday could be nerve-wrecking, yet it should have been taken as an opportunity to stand above others.
The fact was that most of the singers seemed to feel the nerves on Monday night, at least that's what their performances said. It was disappointing.
"The Voice" USA 2016 semi-finals recap:
Christian Cuevas (Team Alicia): He took on the song, "To Worship I Live (Away)" by Israel & New Breed. He started off on a shaky note, almost boring, but got stronger as the song progresses and ended on a good note. It was a decent rendition.
Ali Caldwell (Team Miley): She sang "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston. It is one of those songs that are sung almost every year in one of the singing competitions but it remains to be a challenge to take on such a big song. Ali sang with so much control, and it was perhaps the best performance of the night.
Brendan Fletcher (Team Adam): He rendered "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan in the semi-finals. He started off on a shaky note and never recovered it. Adding more salt to the wounds, he sounded off in parts.
Wé McDonald (Team Alicia): She took on Alessia Cara's "Scars to Your Beautiful." The young artiste went into the semis with lots of expectations following some spectacular performances this season but she is not getting better as the competition progresses. She sounded pitchy and off-key in parts on Monday night which may disappoint her fans.
Aaron Gibson (Team Miley): He performed "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" by Bryan Adams on Monday night. His performance was poor, going flat in patches and pitch issue. He has won three straight instant saves this season. Will he be fourth time lucky? Unlikely.
Josh Gallagher (Team Adam): He rendered "Danny's Song" by Loggins & Messina. There were shaky moments but it was a decent performance overall. However, it is to be seen if he has done enough to be in the finale.
Sundance Head (Team Blake): He took on the song, "Love Can Build a Bridge" by The Judds. The lone artiste for Team Blake stood up for the occasion when the stakes are high for his coach and put up a beautiful rendition. He is perhaps the most confident contestant among the remaining finalists. This performance should win him a place in the finale, and perhaps the title too.
Billy Gilman (Team Adam): He sang the song, "I Surrender" by Celine Dion. It may not be the perfect song choice for the singer but he did a decent job. His performance lacked emotion and even a little bit of disconnect with the song but it was a good rendition.
