Playoffs begin on 'The Voice' Season 28 with standout performances and painful eliminations
The Monday, December 1 episode of 'The Voice' Season 28 kicked off the stage for the Playoffs. The episode saw singers from Team Reba and Team Bublé bringing their A-game to secure a place in the finals. However, staying true to the competition's tradition, the high-stakes round also delivered its share of crushing eliminations, making for yet another night of classic 'The Voice' heartbreaks.
On the first night of 'The Voice' Season 28 Playoffs, Aaron Nichols, Max Chambers, Peyton Kyle, Rob Cole, Ryan Mitchell, and Trinity were eliminated, though one of them may still return for the finals via 'America's Save'. Meanwhile, Aubrey Nicole and Jazz McKenzie advanced to the finale. In the Playoffs, Team Reba's Nichols delivered a strong, raspy performance of 'Beer Never Broke My Heart', despite his exit, as per Parade. Mitchell performed 'Undressed' and earned high praise from McEntire, as she said, "You just keep giving more every time. I think it's instinctual. I love what you’re bringing to the show, so thank you for a great performance. I am so proud of you."
Nicole performed 'Black Velvet,' prompting McEntire to say, "First of all, I love this song. I wondered, 'How is Aubrey going to do this?' Then you stepped out here on this stage and, girl, you owned it. I was blown away. You sing your butt off, you're gorgeous, and you've got great stage appeal, too. You're the perfect package." Kyle sang 'Hold Back the River,' and McEntire applauded him with, "You give a lot in rehearsals, but, man, you give it all when you get on stage. You've got what it takes. I’m so proud of you. Everybody all over the world can see how good you are. Way to go."
On Team Bublé, Jazz delivered a standout performance of 'Don't Stop Believin', impressing Michael Bublé. Trinity performed 'Barracuda', and Bublé praised her boldness, saying, "I expected it… this was Trinity's song choice. You are so quiet in real life, and yet you have so much confidence in your heart… A lot of entertainers finish and feel the need to say 'thank you,' but I feel like you finished that song and went like, 'you're welcome.' You have all the elements it takes to be a real star."
Cole's performance of 'I Hope You Dance' earned warm feedback from Bublé, who said, "Rob was flawless tonight. He truly knows how to touch hearts." On the other hand, Bublé's favorite Chambers followed with 'A Change is Gonna Come.' Bublé praised Chambers' performance as he said, "You can be real quiet and shy and then step up to the pulpit, and people just listen… I couldn't have asked to be better."
Talking about the finalists, Bublé chose McKenzie, saying, "Jazz's voice has a range and depth… She is the perfect person to represent Team Bublé… she is the greatest voice I’ve ever had on here." McEntire made a bold move by selecting Nicole, explaining, "She has a way of portraying a lot of emotion, and that’s what music is supposed to be about… I definitely think Aubrey has a shot to win the whole competition."
