'The Voice' Season 18: Joei Fulco beats 14-year-old Levi Watkin in knockout round, fans say he had no chance
Team Blake kicks things off with Joei Fulco and Levi Watkins under the invaluable coaching of the legendary James Taylor.
Joei will be singing the song 'When Will I Be Loved' by Linda Ronstadt, which is originally by The Everly Brothers. Her knowing that little fact seems to impress James Taylor a bit.
The kind of physical strength and weight Joei has in her voice is remarkable and she has a wide range and beautiful control over her voice. Even from just the practice and coaching session, it appears she has the edge in this round.
Levi is up next with 'I Ain't Living Like This' by Waylon Jennings. It's a song about being an outlaw and also about love and partying all night. That might seem an odd choice for the 14-year-old, but he still manages to make it his own.
James Taylor rearranges the song a little bit and gives Levi a more New Orleans-style rhythm and tempo to work with. It brings a whole new character to both the song and Levi's voice.
It's time for some knockouts.
Levi is up first and fans couldn't help but remark at the maturity in his voice. "#VoiceKnockouts can't believe Levi is only 14 and that good," tweets one fan, while another says, "14-years-old singing Waylon Jennings...WOW! #TheVoice."
Many were wowed by his performance with one stating. "Levi’s performance is on fire, I love his energy."
Some had more wider feedback for the young singer, stating, "Levi Watkins kicks off #TheVoice #VoiceKnockouts His voice sounds very young but his brow is also furrowed a lot. This band is rocking esp them keys. He sounds Ok but should have had more fun." It's hard not to agree. The song is New Orleans style, about an outlaw, and sung by a young boy. This would have been the perfect opportunity for Levi to have fun with his performance, but he kept it quite mellow.
Others were huge fans of Hoei. One tweets, "Joei Fulco steps up to the plate in her element. Good stage presence, pleasant sound, and assured confidence. It’s like night and day performance-wise. Well done! #TheVoice #VoiceKnockouts Love that rasp at the end," and another states, "#VoiceKnockouts best this round @Levi."
"Joei for sure@blakeshelton #VoiceKnockouts," tweets another fan, while one says, "two notes in and joei ate levi up. poor kid had no chance... sad."
John Legend states both were perfect performances but adds, "There's something about Levi, that extra IT factor." Kelly Clarkson says she thought the song choice made Levi the winner for her.
"#VoiceKnockouts they was both awesome!!" tweeted one fan. Another states, "Levi - song didn't suite him. Odd someone that age singing that song. He can sing but would I buy him singing that record? No / Joei is more authentic sounding from her voice to what she's singing with & she sung it well Joei's the winner."
Blake Shelton ultimately picks Joei as the winner of this round, which knocks Levi out of the competition. Blake later states that Joei has just delivered more often than Levi at this point of the competition, adding he believes she has what it takes to make it to the end.