The Voice Recap: Shocking Instant Eliminations Bring More Tears

Two of the show's strongest singers were sent home by their coaches. We couldn't believe it, can you? Read on to see who is out...

By Bruna Nessif Apr 17, 2012 3:30 AMTags
The Voice NBC

Let's keep the ball rollin'!

We've entered the quarterfinals of the live shows tonight, with Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton watching their teams fight to gain America's votes so they may move on with the competition. But that's not all, tonight also introduced us to instant elimination!

In between live shows and surprise performances (both teams from tonight sang together and later, Maroon 5 and Wiz Khalifa sang "Payphone"), Aguilera and Shelton each had to eliminate one person from their group tonight.

So, who went home?

Team Christina

Jesse Campbell gave a moving performance to Beyoncé's "Halo," which he dedicated to his personal "saving grace," his daughter. While serenading us, family photos of Jesse and his little girl were on stage, and it was quite the emotional delivery. Adam Levine said it best when he told Campbell he was a "huge favor for this thing."

After getting saved last week, Ashley De La Rosa took the stage and gave a rock rendition of Jewel's "Foolish Games," delivering vulnerability and some crazy vocal notes that did not go unnoticed. "I think you are the biggest surprise, at least for me," Adam told her, and Blake mentioned that Xtina's decision to save Ashley was the smartest decision made on season two.

Lindsey Pavao changed her original song choice from a medley of "S&M" and "We Found Love" by Rihanna to "Part of Me" by Katy Perry. Pavao added her creative twist, as she always does, and the songs were almost unrecognizable. Levine mentioned there were a couple pitchy moments, but other than that it was a great performance.

Chris Mann, the opera singer, switched it up with "Viva La Vida" by Coldplay, and it got mixed reviews. Mann clearly had the vocals to go miles with the song, but Adam found it odd ("but a good odd") so he wasn't sure how he felt, but he did want to hear some opera because it's so "refreshingly different." Meanwhile, Xtina praised that he "stepped out of your comfort zone."

Instant Elimination: Shocker alert! Believe it or not, Christina chose to let go of powerhouse singer, Jesse Campbell. Surprised? Us, too.

Team Blake

First from Shelton's team was RaeLynn singing Jason Aldean's "She's Country." Yep, once again we got a taste of some gyrating hips and growls, as we watched this "heartbreaker" rock the crowd with her energetic country performance. Christina called her a "little badass," while Blake expressed that "this is the most proud moment I've had all season for anyone on my team," as well as RaeLynn proving "to America that country can kick ass."

Jordis Unga ditched her usual rocker persona when she took the stage in a strapless gown while she softly sang Sara Evan's "Little Bit Stronger." Unga took the song to heart so much that she even started to tear up at the end…aw! Xtina shared she prefers Jordis', "intimate softer approach." As for her coach, "You did perfect." There was really not much else to say.

We learned something sad tonight. While coaching Erin Willett for her live-show performance, Blake shared that he recently dealt with his father's death, like Willett, and gave her praise for continuing to go on with the competition. She belted Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain," which the coaches felt was tough, but gave the song justice. And Adam was more worried that everyone was safe with the fire props on stage. "I get very Jewish with the fire when it comes down, I was worried about you."

A tearful Jermaine Paul performed Phil Collins' "Against All Odds." Xtina admitted that Paul is her favorite member from Team Blake and Cee Lo Green was impressed with the amount of soul he gave to the song.

Instant Elimination: Unfortunately, her save from last week didn't keep her in the game much longer. Shelton gave Jordis Unga the boot tonight.