'The Voice' Season 18: R&B singers Darius Lyles and Mike Jerel go head-to-head but Mike's 'fire' is the winner
John Legend's team is up next, with Darius Lyles and Mike Jerel getting to work with guest coach James Taylor.
James states of his experience as a mentor and says, "You really get invested in these young people," and that is true for coaches and viewers alike. John states that both singers are equally gifted and versatile R&B vocalists, already setting up how difficult it will be to choose between them. Darius sings 'Me and Mrs. Jones' by Billy Paul.
One fan tweets, "#VoiceKnockouts so glad someone is singing Me and Mrs. Jones. One of my favorite songs. Classic, classic."
James says Darius is a fluid singer with a voice that doesn't fade off on the lows. John tells him to think more about the character and sensuality in the song, which is about a deep yearning for someone. James adds, "Let the music take you." John also states that Darius needs to let the higher notes ring and tells him to make the notes big.
Mike is singing 'Versace on the Floor' by Bruno Mars. John says he has great range and a powerful voice and despite Bruno's songs being hard to sing, Mike does a great job. James says the lower end of his range had great power. Many were amused at James reciting the lyrics to the song, tweeting, "Let's just kiss 'til we're naked, baby." James Taylor #TheVoice #VoiceKnockouts."
John states aside from a few points that needed better execution, Mike had the song down.
"#VoiceKnockouts So not right pitting Mike and Darius against each other!" tweets one fan, adding, "I think you will have a hard time with this one."
Another states, "#VoiceKnockouts What a difficult decision between Darius and Mike."
The mentors agree, calling it a tough choice. James even takes his hat off to them and John says they have "an embarrassment of riches" with these two contestants.
Darius goes first and nails his performance, clearly taking all the advice he received to heart.
"Tonight's #voiceknockouts are R&B heavy and I'm here for it!!! Me and Mrs Jones had me with my hands in the air. Ugly face lip syncing and snapping my fingers and everything," tweets one fan. Another jokes, "#VoiceKnockouts omg darius ... amazing... I wanna be mrs Jones."
"#VoiceKnockouts DARIOUS. IS SO SO GOOD !! PLEASE DONT LET HIM LEAVE!#!" pleads one fan.
Mike takes the stage next, and confirms what we already knew. This will be a ridiculously difficult choice.
"#VoiceKnockouts wow you screwed up here JL," states one fan, adding, "Good luck picking the winner of this battle brother man, damn Mike."
"Mike Jerel taking on a beast of a vocal challenge. #TheVoice #VoiceKnockouts. He is so strong up there in that part of his range and handling the Transitions well. I’m not crazy about the falsetto sound but his technique is great," tweets another fan.
One fan states, "Darius played it too safe for me Mike picked a more challenging song & was more interesting Mike wins for me."
The coaches seem to lean towards Darius but John looks visibly upset at having to choose between then. He finally picks Mike and will go on to the Live Playoffs. John says he hears a fire in Mike's voice, which wins over Darius' stunning vocals.