Blake Shelton hasn’t bid farewell to “The Voice” just yet, but his successor is already making her presence felt.
Team Kelly singer Holly Brand dazzled coaches Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Chance the Rapper and Niall Horan during the live semifinals Monday night with her emotional performance of “Rumor Has It” by Reba McEntire.
McEntire, who served as an adviser to the coaches earlier this season, has been tapped to serve as a full-time coach on Season 24 of the NBC singing competition, alongside Horan and returning coaches Gwen Stefani and John Legend.
“That is a hard song to sing. That’s a Reba song, and that is a huge range,” Clarkson said. “You killed it. I’m sure she would be so proud.”
Horan praised the 23-year-old for showing off a different side to her vocal prowess. “That was impeccable,” he said. “We heard more from you tonight. I heard more parts of your voice than I’ve ever heard.”
Here’s what else happened on Monday’s episode.
Reba McEntire takes Blake Shelton’s seat during surprise appearance
McEntire couldn’t wait until the fall for her red swivel chair. Halfway through the semifinals round, the country music icon appeared in Shelton’s seat onstage, as host Carson Daly announced McEntire’s upcoming coaching gig.
“Where’d Blake go? Who cares?” Daly joked. “We’re so happy to have you. You’re already a member of ‘The Voice’ family, but this makes it official.”
McEntire shared her excitement about joining “The Voice” family for a longer stay next season.
“I’m looking forward to being here with all of y’all. You treated me so nicely,” McEntire said. “I appreciate the hospitality so much that you showed me earlier, and to be able to come in and form my team, I’m so looking forward to it.”
But Shelton was quick to remind McEntire that his time on the show wasn’t over.
“Do you mind? I still have a week left,” Shelton told McEntire, to which she replied, “No, I like this chair.”
Blake Shelton says Team Kelly singer has to go to finale
Team Kelly singer D.Smooth slowed things down with a soulful rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” earning a standing ovation from Clarkson, Chance the Rapper and Shelton.
“I don’t know how you don’t vote that guy into the finale,” Shelton said. “That was just an incredible showcase in vocal ability, being comfortable onstage, and just being a really cool, unique artist all at the same time.”
Clarkson gushed about the 25-year-old’s versatility as a musician, adding that she still couldn’t believe “you picked me as your coach.”
“Your voice is seamless. It’s straight from your soul,” Clarkson said. “You’re that artist you want to see on tour at every stop because you know it’s going to be a different show every night.”
Who went home on ‘The Voice’?
The top 8 contestants were slimmed down to the top 5 when viewers’ votes were tallied and revealed at the end of the show.
Shelton’s prediction about D.Smooth became a reality, as the Team Kelly vocalist was sent through to the finale.
“To just know that I’ve been grinding so hard and somebody of that caliber to believe in me and just allow me to be me, it really means a lot,” D.Smooth said of Clarkson. “(I’m) blessed to have a coach like her.”
Joining D.Smooth in the live finale next week are sister girl group Sorelle of Team Chance, Team Niall singer Gina Miles and Team Blake singers Grace West and NOIVAS. Unfortunately, the “Voice” journeys of Ryley Tate Wilson (Team Niall), Holly Brand (Team Kelly) and Ray Uriel (Team Chance) came to a close, as they were unable to clinch enough votes for the top 5.
Catch up on this season of ‘The Voice’:
Blake Shelton threatens to disownNiall Horan as ‘son’ on ‘The Voice’ over singer Gina Miles
‘He’s just so funny’:Niall Horan talks bond with ‘dad’ Blake Shelton on ‘The Voice’
‘The Voice:’Did Blake Shelton’s playoff pass singer make it to the semifinals?
‘I’m so happy’:Blake Shelton uses final steal on ‘The Voice’ on Team Kelly singer
‘He belongs on my team’:Blake Shelton uses last battles steal on ‘The Voice’ to get back singer
‘She’s down with the winning team’:Chance the Rapper steals Team Kelly singer on ‘The Voice’
