‘The Voice’ Season 21 Episode 16 Recap: Ariana Grande Breaks Down During Top 20 Eliminations
The Voice Season 21 Episode 16 marked the first night of Live Eliminations. For those new to the singing competition, here’s how the eliminations work: the two artists with the most audience votes from each team automatically advance to the next round of Live Playoffs. Then, coaches Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande, Blake Shelton, and John Legend each choose one artist to save. Out of the remaining artists, the next four with the most votes compete for the Wildcard Instant Save, where audiences vote to advance one more person.
The Top 20 Eliminations also featured the Comeback Artist winner after Kelly, Blake, Ariana, and John each chose one eliminated artist to return. This person went on to perform with the other Instant Save competitors. In the end, eight total artists went home.
Team Kelly
The first eliminations came from Team Kelly. Fans saved Girl Named Tom and Jeremy Rosado, sending these artists to the Top 13. Kelly used her coach’s save to advance Gymani. With Katie Rae and Hailey Mia remaining, Hailey entered the Instant Save competition.
Hailey sang “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri for the Instant Save, showing off her belting. Kelly reminded the audience that Hailey had just turned 14 years old — the youngest singer this season. She admired Hailey’s story-telling ability.
Team Legend
Next, Team Legend took to the stage. America saved Jershika Maple and Joshua Vacanti. Meanwhile, John used his save to send Shadale to the Top 13. Samuel Harness moved to the Instant Save, and David Vogel went home.
Samuel chose “Before You Go” by Lewis Capaldi for his Instant Save performance. Host Carson Daly and John agreed that it was the best they had ever seen Samuel perform. John complimented the singer’s emotion, tone, pitch, and the urgency in his voice.
Team Ariana
Ariana broke out in tears as soon as her team stepped on stage. The audience voted to keep Jim and Sasha Allen and Holly Forbes. After some deliberation — and more tears — Ariana chose to save Ryleigh Plank. Bella DeNapoli moved to the Instant Save, and Raquel Trinidad went home. Finally, Team Ariana‘s Vaughn Mugol won the Comeback Artist competition, bringing him to the Instant Save.
Bella sang Christina Aguilera’s “Ain’t No Other Man,” bringing Ariana to her feet. The coach reminded Bella that she’s “obsessed” with her and has rooted for her from the competition’s start.
Vaughn let his emotions shine through with “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith. Ariana said he’s never sounded better and choked up as she told him how excited she was to see him back on the stage.
Team Blake
The Voice Season 21 Episode 16 continued with Team Blake. Fans voted to save Wendy Moten and Paris Winningham. Blake encouraged his remaining team members to keep pursuing their talents, and he chose Lana Scott to advance to the Top 13. Peedy moved to the Instant Save, and Libianca was eliminated.
Peedy took to the stage with Ronnie Milsap’s “Stranger In My House.” Blake told Peedy he had “so much confidence” in the performer and applauded his first venture in a country song. “Come on, America! You’ve gotta see what Peedy does next!” he added.
And the Wildcard Save winner is … Hailey Mia! When The Voice returns on Monday, Nov. 15, the Top 13 artists will perform.
Team standings:
- Kelly: Girl Named Tom, Jeremy Rosado, Gymani, Hailey Mia
- Legend: Jershika Maple, Joshua Vacanti, Shadale
- Ariana: Jim and Sasha Allen, Holly Forbes, Ryleigh Plank
- Blake: Wendy Moten, Paris Winningham, Lana Scott
Tune in to The Voice on Monday and Tuesday evenings at 8 p.m. on NBC.
