'The Voice' Season 26 Episode 18 Recap

The Voice Season 26 has been filled with brilliant highs, shocking decisions, and pure talent. Now that we’re finally in our live shows, our elite eight singers are eager to share why they should be crowned this season’s victor. Of course, their coaches are eager to earn bragging rights. With the power in the viewing audience’s hands, it’s anybody’s game!

While he was designated as the season’s mega mentor, despite only working with two teams, music legend Sting returns to The Voice Season 26. This time, he’ll be sharing the stage with the eight artists during their duets. Duets? Why yes! Why not do a little mix-and-match duo combination to truly put a wrench in the decision-making? With two performances for us to vote upon, it’s time for the Live Semi-Finals!

We’re going to go a little out of order to discuss the first Live episode of the season. Host Carson Daly notes that America should primarily focus on the solo performance for their votes, despite each singer performing twice as they took on a Sting or The Police classic. Whether the finalists were psyched out by their solo performances, across the board, the four duets are filled with ease. The pressure seems to be minimized, even if Sting just so happens to be on stage with them. It’s quite fascinating to watch the legendary Sting perform when he’s simply playing bass and not lead vocals. Sting’s in the zone! Rather than going in show order or by their respective coach, we will discuss our eight finalists in their duet pairings.

Can Sofronio Vasquez Get the Crown Already?

The first pairing of the night is season-long frontrunner Sofronio Vasquez and powerhouse vocalist Jeremy Beloate. Together, they breathe new life into “Every Breath You Take.” On stage, they look fantastic in their cream ensembles. Beloate exudes drama. Vasquez is simply a star. He is a master of adult contemporary music. Having a pop sensibility, Vasquez naturally and seamlessly fits the track. Beloate is just a tad too theatrical for this particular track. And for his partner. When they reach the harmonies, their ability to blend creates a unique sound. With Vasquez taking the top notes in the harmonies, he shines even if Beloate’s booming instrument resonates more to the ear. Overall, it is a bit melodic, but at least Sting had fun!

Time has passed since the first few rounds. Want to know how we know? Jeremy Beloate now has a mustache. Why? Probably trying to confuse viewers by being another ‘stached singer in the Live round. Jokes aside, for those artists who fight to be seen in the entertainment industry, Jeremy Beloate represents persistence and never giving up. For his song, he selects The Voice UK coach Tom Jones‘ “I (Who Have Nothing).” Imagine a James Bond theme song during the Oscars, and that is what Beloate presents. He has a rich tone that no one else in this group has. In a game called The Voice, he certainly has it. Now, it’s all about hoping his performance resonates with the viewers. If his final glory note is meant to leave a lasting impression, Beloate is dynamite.

For reality television singing competition show fans, that final spot of the night tends to be saved for someone the show wants you to adore. Remember that lasting impression we just discussed? The first Live show of the season leaves viewers with one of the greatest performances the series has ever seen. There is a reason why Sofronio Vasquez continues to get this “pimp spot.” He’s that good. Sofronio Vasquez has the ability to win this entire show and walk away as the greatest contestant ever. He hopes to bring love, peace, and acceptance into his performance. He represents the American dream, and thus, he performs “If I Can Dream” by Elvis Presley. The level of control and vocal discipline defines why he is going to be a superstar. Just go back and listen to that key change on repeat. Simply magic. When a performance can bring emotions out of you as a viewer, you’re doing something right. Sofronio Vasquez is doing a lot of things right. Michael Bublé, you may get a victory as a rookie!

When the Non-Country Artist Outshines the Country Artist Singing Country Music

The next pairing sees Danny Joseph and Christina Eagle take on “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free.” As much as Christina Eagle has stage presence, in this particular performance, she happens to just be a featured artist because this was all about Danny Joseph. He simply excels. This genre is his wheelhouse. Joseph is able to help Eagle as she pushes herself into this unfamiliar genre. Despite this, Danny Joseph is the star.

Much time has passed since the first few rounds of the season, and the coaches spend a minute catching up with their chosen champions. With Christina Eagle, Snoop Dogg learns a bit about how her community was affected by the recent hurricanes. As she says, her presence on the show is important for the state of North Carolina. They’re looking for someone to celebrate, and that’s her. Snoop anoints her his “Shining Star.” We’d give her that title on any other week. Whether it is the nerves being the first out of the gate got to her, her performance of “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” by Shania Twain is not her shining moment. She looks like a star. Her energy on stage is like a star. This performance is a bit pitchy, which may have been due to the slower tempo of this rendition. As the only country act left, her appeal is there, but this is not a shining moment for the future country superstar.

As the reigning champion, Reba McEntire is hoping to keep the trophy. She may be able to thanks to Danny Joseph, her “Swampy Showman.” As a consummate professional who has been trying to make it big for decades, Joseph knows this is his moment to capitalize on the lack of male country artists left. He takes on “I Was Wrong” by Chris Stapleton with his signature grit and effortless ability to bring his flavor to the track. He is a seasoned singer and proves he knows what it means to be an artist. The entire stage visual is something an emerging superstar does. Between his flashy guitar skills and confidence and ease, Danny Joseph may sneak his way to the top.

Jan and Dan Come Together for a “Roxanne” Duet

One of the most beloved and revered songs from The Police songbook is “Roxanne.” Thankfully, The Voice unites Jan Dan and Adam Bohanan for this number. They both have booming, soulful voices that blend well on the track. They were at ease with this arrangement as it is unique for their individual musical personas yet marries their middle ground. With the song being in capable hands, Sting sort of stands there and does his thing. The moment that The Voice fans will fondly remember is during their vocal exchanges during the chorus. Their ability to go toe-to-toe proves they both know how to give and take with another artist on stage with them.

Nothing against Team Gwen, but Gwen Stefani‘s two artists are still not the two who should be in the Live rounds, but it is what it is! Jan Dan’s time away from his coach has allowed him to learn the importance of being a loving and devoted father. Stefani can see him smile more now as a new father. Jan Dan, Stefani’s “Vocal Painter,” is keeping his arms open as he takes on the Journey classic, “Open Arms.” Knowing the stakes are exuberantly high, Jan Dan looks so scared on stage throughout his interesting take on the classic rock ballad. Something about this performance lacks the star quality he has exuded in the past. He does soar vocally in the chorus, but overall, it never quite takes flight. The song gets the best of him as he stumbles and fumbles. It’s noticeable. Sadly, there’s no recovery for Jan Dan.

While one contestant sported a new mustache, another was sporting a new do! Adam Bohanan is rocking a shorter cut with the same amount of charisma that may take him to the end of this game. He’s the one chair wonder who continues to amaze. For his performance of “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye, Bohanan’s slow swagger allows him to tackle this jazzy rendition. It’s nowhere near his strongest performance, but he proves that consistency is almost as important as pure talent. He provides a beautiful and poignant. It is reminiscent of something you’d see during the middle act of an award show. Adam Bohanhan needs to hope this performance was enough to earn the votes to reach the finale.

Michael Bublé, Gwen Stefani, Reba McEntire, and Snoop Dogg are on their feet during the Playoffs on 'The Voice' Season 26.

‘The Voice’ Needs To Hire This Mentor as a Coach

One mentor is giving future coach vibes!

Shye and Sydney Take on Sting’s Hit Classic

The Voice just could not help but task the two teens to sing a song that hit the charts years before they were even born. Shye and Sydney Sterlace do the impossible. This performance of Sting’s “Fields of Gold” defines the phrase, “Save the best for last.” It is shockingly near perfection. With both young artists sitting in stools as they flank Sting, the arrangement and simplicity allow them to sparkle. Unlike the three previous pairs, their harmonies are beautifully magical. If a future duo is shipped in real-time, it is Shye and Sydney. Certainly, there’s a Wicked cover with their name written all over it.

For Sydney Sterlace, she has the most difficult journey to reach the end as she many did not expect to see her in this position. Called the “Instinctual Vocalist,” Sterlace has potential in the future. Sterlace is bubbly, but she is still trying to find her lane. With many young female artists dominating the charts, Sterlace knows the type of music she wants to make, it’s now time to discover her stage persona. Is she a sweet singer-songwriter like Taylor Swift or is she a brooding songstress like Billie Eilish? When Sterlace finds her identity as an artist, a star will be born. For now, her performance of “When the Party’s Over” never quite moves anywhere. She looks stuck, physically and vocally. Accompanied by interpretive dancers, nothing really amplifies her performance. Sterlace is lucky she had another song to redeem herself, as this performance doesn’t quite resonate like the original.

Michael Bublé calls Shye “The Truth.” It’s because when she uses her instrument, it’s authentic. Her vocal prowess at such a young age is beautifully mature. It was perfect for this song, “The Joke” by Brandi Carlile. It is a fully round vocal that hits the lyrics’ message in a powerful manner. This is easily her best performance across her run on the show. Between exceptional song choice and mesmerizing performance, Shye does what she needs to do to move forward.

With only five slots available, based simply on this evening’s performances, those individuals moving forward should be Team Reba’s Adam Bohanan and Danny Joseph, Team Bublé’s Shye and Sofronio Vasquez, and Team Snoop’s Jeremy Beloate. Could Gwen Stefani be out of contention after one night of Live performances? It’s very possible!