In episode 7 of season 27 of The Voice, Bryson Battle captivated audiences during the Battle Round as he contended with Ari Camille. Under the expert guidance of his coach, John Legend, Battle refined his performance to bring a more natural and controlled delivery to the stage. During rehearsals, Legend emphasized the importance of subtlety in his vocal approach, advising:
“Your voice is gorgeous [but] lay it back in moments.”
This insightful direction greatly influenced Battle’s presentation, making a significant impact on both the judges’ reactions and the overall outcome of the contest.
Bryson Battle’s Battle Round Performance and Judging Dynamics
Performance Highlights and Judges’ Feedback
During his spirited duet with Ari Camille, the pair delivered a rendition of Muni Long’s “Made For Me.”John Legend’s coaching focused on enhancing the natural essence of the song, steering Battle away from theatricality. By following this advice during the live performance, Battle displayed a commendable display of artistry.
Post-performance, Adam Levine acknowledged the consistency in Battle’s vocal prowess from the Blind Auditions to the Battle Round, remarking:
“You were just spectacular then as you are now…You can’t sing better than that.”
Kelsea Ballerini echoed this sentiment, noting the chemistry between both contestants:
“You guys both have these big, bold voices that demand attention…you held space for each other.”
Her feedback highlighted the collaborative nature of their performance, showcasing their ability to complement one another while retaining their unique vocal identities.
John Legend’s Evaluation and Decision-Making
As the pivotal coach in this round, John Legend took the time to assess the pair’s performance thoroughly. In praising Battle’s extraordinary capabilities, he stated:
“Everybody’s jaw is on the floor seeing what you can do with your voice.”
This comment underscored the profound impact of Battle’s vocal talent. Michael Bublé humorously added his own thoughts, comparing Battle’s voice to his own, saying:
“He and Battle had identical voices…I wish!…Both him and Camille are geniuses.”
In the end, Legend chose Battle as the winner of the battle, citing his remarkable vocal control, technical skill, and stage presence as distinguishing factors. This victory not only secured Battle’s advancement in the competition but also further established his reputation among the contestants.
Bryson Battle’s Journey on The Voice
Earlier in the season, Battle astounded the judges with a four-chair turn during his Blind Audition, earning recognition as a standout performer. With a robust background from Berklee College of Music, he aims to delve into musical theater in New York.
Interestingly, Battle revealed that if not for The Voice, he would have been portraying a role in “Jesus Christ Superstar,”a role previously played by Legend in NBC’s 2017 live concert.
From the outset, John Legend has championed Battle’s artistry. During the Blind Auditions, he expressed his admiration with a thoughtful comment:
“You made [the song] feel fresh and new and exciting…We’re truly blessed to have you on the show. This is why The Voice exists.”
Such affirmations early in the competition reflect Legend’s keen insight into Battle’s potential.
Catch new episodes of The Voice every Monday and Tuesday at 8 PM ET on NBC, with next-day streaming available on Peacock.