If you’re game to tackle Evanescence, you’d better bring the power.
That’s exactly what Joslynn Rose and Rudi did, when they went toe-to-toe Monday night (Oct. 30) on NBC’s The Voice.
The Team Gwen singers came out swinging in the Battles round with a rendition of “My Immortal.” Now 20 years old, “My Immortal” appeared on Fallen, the breakthrough 2003 album from Amy Lee and Co. which dominated sales charts across Europe, the U.K. (hitting No. 1) and the U.S. (No. 3), and gave us the epic number “Bring Me to Life.”
“What a lovely job,” remarked John Legend following the performance. The soul man praised Joslynn for her opener, in which she appeared “in control,” poised and “felt ready to seize the moment.” He’s a fan of her tone, “you really have a beautiful voice and your tone is so lovely.” Rudi, he continued, had power, clarity, and was “really impressive.” If he had to choose, he’d lean towards Rudi.
Joslynn impressed with her low register, and the control of it, was Reba McEntire’s take. Rudi’s vocals were “wonderful, great stage presence,” she continued, “you both have very powerful voices.” If she had to choose, the country star would go with Rudi.
Rudi, added Niall Horan, “that was phenomenal. Pretty much flawless. It felt like you were climbing a mountain the whole way through the song. And it kept going, and going. And going.” Her rival, the way she started the performance, “brilliant, to have that poise, to take front and center and sing the way you did was really beautiful, especially for your age.”
Gwen Stefani had the tough choice to make. After thanking her singers, reminding the audience of their potential and talents, and pointing out just how hard a target it was to hit, the No Doubt star went into decision-making-mode.
There could be only one winner of this battle. And that was Rudi, who progresses to the knockouts. “She’s ready for what’s to come in the competition,” Stefani enthused in the washup.
But letting go a fine contestant, yeah, “that sucks.”
Watch below.
