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'The Voice' 2023 Knockouts: Fans call out Team Shelton as Tasha's singing was 'layered with assistance'

Coach Blake Shelton, who always had a soft spot for NOIVAS' wild side, chose him, while Niall Horan stole Tasha as he was impressed by her performance

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: Welcome to the musical showdown of the year! Season 23 of The Voice is in full swing, and with it, comes a dazzling array of talent that will have you tapping your feet and nodding your head to the rhythm. Our beloved coaches Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Niall Horan, and Chance the Rapper are back, with their teams ready to take the stage and blow your mind away. This season has everything you could ask for -- from soulful performances that will give you goosebumps, to classic country ballads that will have you reaching for your cowboy boots. And let's not forget about the fresh and exciting young stars who are ready to take the music world by storm.

The Knockout Rounds have arrived, and things are heating up as our coaches have enlisted the help of none other than the legendary Mega Mentor Reba McEntire to help them trim down their team rosters. With so much talent on display, the coaches have their work cut out for them as they search for the perfect voice to lead them to the grand finale. It's a battle royale out there, and the coaches are determined to ensure that only the best of the best make it to 'The Voice' finale stage. One of the most notable performances of today was of NOIVAS and Tasha Jessen. Let us take a closer look at what went down during the episode. 

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The anticipation was palpable as the first duo to launch the Knockouts premier on 'The Voice' 2023 was introduced -- NOIVAS and Tasha Jessen. As the stage lit up, Tasha took center stage and belted out the haunting tune 'Take Me to Church' with a depth and emotion that could move mountains. NOIVAS, on the other hand, opted for the classic 'I Put A Spell On You' and immediately drew the attention of the judges with his soulful voice and impeccable transitions. Reba McEntire, the Mega Mentor for this season, was taken aback by NOIVAS' performance and couldn't help but exclaim, "Holy c***." Blake Shelton was equally impressed and lauded NOIVAS for his unique style and vocal range. Curious to learn from the best, NOIVAS asked Reba for her best advice, to which she responded with wise counsel to always show up on time, be prepared, and never waste anybody else’s time.

Tasha, who had captivated the audience with her performance, shared her gift for emoting the story of a song. Reba was quick to acknowledge Tasha's remarkable vocal abilities, saying she had a huge voice with great range. However, Blake expressed his concern with the song's high and low keys, which Tasha had to navigate. Eager to learn from a legend, Tasha asked Reba how she connects with the audience, and Reba suggested using eye contact and storytelling to convey the message. NOIVAS kicked off the performances, starting in a deeper register with his rendition of 'I Put A Spell On You'. He added growls to his runs and notes, surprising the audience, with scatting and falsetto towards the end. Tasha followed suit, beginning in a low register that showcased the grittiness of her voice. However, the song's high notes proved challenging for her, but she managed to pull through with great notes, including a growl similar to NOIVAS.

The judges were in awe of both performances, with Niall praising NOIVAS for hitting notes that even Hozier couldn't manage. He leaned toward Tasha, impressed with her control and finesse. Chance the Rapper was equally impressed with Tasha's performance but was a fan of NOIVAS and thus, leaned toward him. Kelly Clarkson, who was blown away by Tasha's performance, had a tough time deciding and was rooting for either one. Blake, who always had a soft spot for NOIVAS' wild side, chose him, while Niall stole Tasha, impressed by her artistry. 

'Tasha is just singing and not feeling the song'

Tasha's performance on 'The Voice' was a subject of much debate among viewers online, with some questioning the authenticity of her singing. They claimed that her voice was layered with assistance, which took away from the raw emotion and passion that should be at the heart of any good performance. One said, "Tasha knocked it out. I wasn't sure at the beginning, she sounded a little breathy, it was hard to tell until she started getting clearer and she heated it up with the runs. Turns out she was saving her gorgeous belt mixed with crazy gospel runs to blow everyone away."

Another added, "I hate it when the contestant gets so much assistance with layered voices assisting her performance which they did with Tasha this time #TheVoice."

Some fans also called out Blake for letting go of Tasha. One viewer said, "Would steal Tasha. Come on, Blake!" Another wrote, "@NiallOfficial Blake should be scared of you." One said, "So glad you stole Tasha!!@NiallOfficial #TheVoice" and "@NiallOfficial #TheVoice Grest steal in picking Tasha!"

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