'The Voice' Season 18: Joanna Serenko and Roderick Chambers cover 'When The Party's Over', earn standing ovation
Coach Nick Jonas says he has brought in "two of the most unintelligent people I could find just so I could look better" - his brothers and 'Jonas Brothers' bandmates Joe and Kevin - as his guest coaches for Monday night's battle round.
R&B vocalists Joanna Serenko and Roderick Chambers were asked to take on 'When The Party's Over' by Billie Eilish. If that song choice confuses you, you weren't the only one. Roderick shared that he was just as unsure about it. But as the coaching went, he realized that they have an opportunity to turn the song into a really epic performance.
Joanna was a four-chair turn and there is definitely a lot of pressure on her. But Roderick was a one-chair turn, which means he has a lot to prove.
When the two began singing for their coaching session, it's clear there needs to be more work done in taking the performance to a higher level. Joanna has some beautiful runs and control, while Roderick has very smooth falsettos and higher notes.
Nick changed up some of the arrangement by adding harmonies to the first chorus and created a slow build through the second chorus into the grand finish where the instrumentals really kick in. Joe advised them to breathe more at the start and to work more on storytelling, with Nick adding that for a staging perspective they should start back-to-back at the start and face each other as things pick up.
Kevin noted that the song choice really subverts expectations, adding that it feels a lot like a tug-of-war and leans into the feeling of a battle.
As R&B singers, both Joanna and Roderick have an amazing ability to emote vocally, so this was definitely going to be a difficult choice.
Joanna started low and seemed instantly like the better choice. But Roderick came in and matched her, proving they are already totally in sync. Joanna's vocals are effortless and natural, while Roderick excelled as he moved up his range.
It was a tough battle. Not only were their harmonies beautiful, but they also hit high notes in harmony and really give the song an epic feel. They received a standing ovation and were complimented on their range, grace, restraint and overall performance. After they received their feedback, Nick chose Roderick, stating he displayed growth and the ability to take direction and he saw an opportunity to turn him into a real star.
Joanna is soon saved, however, as John Legend used his only 'steal', saying she is a formidable competitor. Joanna's R&B sound would be perfect on Team John and his coaching should definitely take her vocals to new heights.
'The Voice' airs Monday nights at 8 pm ET on NBC.