‘The Voice’: Here’s a Refresher on Season 21’s Comeback Artists — Hailey, Vaughn, Samara, and Aaron
The Voice Season 21 introduced a new twist during the Knockout Rounds finale on Nov. 1. In the episode’s final moments, host Carson Daly revealed that coaches Blake Shelton, Ariana Grande, John Legend, and Kelly Clarkson each picked one eliminated artist to have another chance at continuing in the competition. Fans voted for their favorite artist, and one of the four singers will proceed to the Live Playoffs. Before The Voice announces the winner, here’s a look back at the Comeback Artists: Hailey Green, Vaughn Mugol, Samara Brown, and Aaron Hines.
Team Blake’s Hailey Green
The Voice Season 21 marks 15-year-old Hailey’s second time in the singing competition. The ambitious singer first auditioned during season 19 but didn’t receive any char turns. However, the coaches encouraged her to come back, and Hailey slayed her second Blind Audition with a rendition of Michael Broussard’s “Home.” In the last second, Blake turned his chair, bringing Hailey to his team. He said he felt “intrigued” by Hailey’s talent at such a young age.
Hailey went on to win her Battle against Lana Scott with a performance of Maren Morris’ “Girl.” In the Knockout Rounds, the Mississippi native chose Blake’s tune “God’s Country,” going up against Libianca’s rendition of Billie Eilish’s “everything i wanted.” After a “soul-crushing” decision, Blake chose Libianca, sending Hailey home. Now, she’s ready for her third chance at winning The Voice.
Team Ariana’s Vaughn Mugol
Vaughn, a registered nurse, started his journey on The Voice with a three-chair turn from Kelly, John, and Ariana. After a powerful performance of Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” in the Blinds, Vaughn joined Team Ariana. He competed against Katherine Ann Mohler during Team Ariana’s Battles, singing Nelly and Kelly Rowland’s “Dilemma.”
Ariana told Vaughn that she watched him step out of his shell and take on a “new persona” for the performance. However, the coach recognized that Katherine stepped even farther out of her comfort zone for this song, and Ariana named her the winner. If Ariana still had her save during the round, there’s no doubt she would have used it on Vaughn.
Team Legend’s Samara Brown
After watching her sister, Amanda Brown, compete during The Voice Season 3, Samara felt inspired to give the competition her own shot. She came from New York to The Voice stage with a rendition of “Sweet Thing” by Rufus and Chaka Khan, earning char turns from Ariana and John. Ariana wanted Samara so badly that she tried to block John, but the newcomer coach wasn’t fast enough. In the end, Samara went to Team Legend.
Samara moved on to the Battles alongside BrittanyBree, duetting Aretha Franklin’s “Something He Can Feel.” The performance received a standing ovation from all four coaches. John loved both singers, but he had to give the win to BrittanyBree for one of her first ventures into secular music. Thankfully, John used his save to advance Samara to the Knockouts.
In the next round, Samara performed Tina Turner’s “The Best” against Shadale’s performance of Shontelle’s “Impossible.” John named Shadale the winner because of her emotion, sending Samara home.
Team Kelly’s Aaron Hines
Aaron made his mark on The Voice Season 21 as a four-chair turn. He performed Giveon’s “Heartbreak Anniversary” during the Blinds and sent the coaches into a heated argument over whom he should have chosen. He joined Team Kelly, moving on to the Battles.
Kelly made the bold decision to pair Aaron with another four-chair turn: Gymani. The two sang a phenomenal rendition of Khalid and Tate McRae’s “Working.” It might’ve seemed like a fine paring at first, but Kelly regretted her choice when it came time to name a Battle winner. In the end, she picked Gymani. However, she felt confident Aaron’s time in the spotlight would come soon enough.
Which Comeback Artist will return for The Voice Season 21’s Live Playoffs? Tune in on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. on NBC to find out.
