"The Voice" rolled into its final week of blind auditions Monday night, turning up the heat among the judges, who were ready to fill up their rosters.
Despite Blake, Adam, Shakira and Usher rallying for high-talent teams, the singers were still a bit picky when it came to choosing their players, leaving them each with one more spot at the show's end. Here's how it went down:
Finding Pearl
After a career filled with high-profile gigs with Kid Rock, Gretchen Wilson and even George Clinton, but a bunch of missed opportunities, Shawna P could do nothing but dish out all she had. She belted the Black Crowes' "She Talks to Angels" from her gut, channeling Melissa Etheridge's raspy voice. Shakira looked reluctant but was the first to turn her chair. Adam was soon to follow, likening the 45-year-old singer to Janis Joplin, an overwhelming compliment for the competitor. Shawna went to Team Shakira in hopes to finally find her time.
Anyone's Game
You wouldn't expect it, but when tattooed deputy sheriff Michael Austin took the stage, he busted his tough-guy image with a flawless take on Keith Urban's "Somebody Like You." He wore a motorcycle vest and had meticulously sculpted sideburns, and of course, his cowboy hat was not out of place. Austin was questioning his career with law enforcement, following his love for music to the competition. Despite playing all his country cards right, Shelton never went for Austin, mumbling that his delivery was pitchy. In the end, Adam picked up another team member, but not without some smack talk from Shelton. "He thinks he can beat me with a country artist?"
Red-Hot Talent
Dressed in all red — from her body-hugging dress to her lips — Sasha Allen certainly had the looks of a star. Her musical background matched. She's a classically trained pianist, club singer and backup singer. Choosing "Not Ready to Make Nice" by the Dixie Chicks for its story line, she got all the judges vying for her. The foursome were jabbing, clawing and bickering over the singer until... commercial break ... she picked... Team Adam!
Meant For Each Other
Coming all the way from Havana, Cuba, Mary Miranda learned English through the music she listened to after moving to Arizona. With her family in the Caribbean and her dad in Barcelona, Spain, the 17-year-old trekked to "The Voice" to impress her family. Shakira grooved to Mary's rendition of Selena's "Como La Flor" and was the first to turn around, scowling at Blake and Usher when they turned shortly after. With Shakira as her Latin music idol, Miranda chose her as coach without hesitation. The guys had no chance.
Starting Anew
Ryan Innes had it all — the love of his life and a path to a medical career. But things didn't work out, so the bearded fedora-donning singer turned to music. His soul-drenched John Mayer cover got all four chairs to spin, eliciting grins, screams and gasps from the audience and his family backstage. "You just feel so good," Adam said, pleading for his pick. But Usher claimed triumphant, promising success... and maybe even a win.
Who was your favorite singer of the night? Drop a comment below!