This is posted on Rodney Ho's AJC Radio & TV Talk blog on Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Two singers with strong Atlanta ties made it past the Battle Rounds on "The Voice" Monday night: Darby Walker and Aaron Gibson.
They are guaranteed spots in the Knockout Rounds. Get past that and both will be able to compete on the live shows. Both remain on team Miley Cyrus.
Gibson's battle with Sa'Rayah was considered by viewers on MJ's Big Blog as the best of the night by a long shot.
You have to love Miley Cyrus. She has a knack for picking quirky songs. She chose Beth Hart's cover of "I'll Take Care of You," not a song most people were familiar with, including both Sa'Rayah and Gibson.
The heat emanates from the stage as these two bring the soul out. Gibson, who lives in Atlanta, has a growly feel that evokes a bit of Joe Cocker. The two play well off each other. Sa'Rayah prowls the stage. Gibson holds still but still brings a strong presence. "You blossomed into this confident, swaggerlicious," Miley said Miley chooses Gibson, saying he needs her guidance more. Not surprisingly, Alicia Keys and Blake Shelton try to steal Sa'Rayah. Sa'Rayah chooses Alicia.
In the meantime, Atlanta native Walker faced off against Karlee Metzger on an oddball novelty song from the early 1970s called "Brand New Key." Adam Levine called it the "Mileyist thing ever." He liked Karlee's country twang. Blake Shelton remembers his mom singing the song, calling it "infectious," preferring Karlee. Alicia Keys was impressed, liked Darby's style but felt Karlee was "owning it." Miley said she was "sweatin' in my clown suit." Marley chose Darby for performance. Blake then stole Karlee since he liked her country sound.
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
