‘The Voice’ Season 21 Episode 17 Recap: Top 13 Artists Channel Emotion For Dedication Week
It’s Dedication Week on The Voice Season 21 Episode 17. The Top 13 artists each chose a song dedicated to important people in their lives, and as one can imagine, the evening had plenty of emotion. Fans caught a look at coaches Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Blake Shelton, and Ariana Grande in rehearsal as they prepared their team members and listened to touching stories about the dedications. Voting for the Top 13 will remain open until 7 a.m. ET on Nov. 16 — here are the performances.
[Spoiler alert: The following story contains spoilers for The Voice Season 21 Episode 17, “Live Top 13 Performances.”]
Team Blake
Paris Winningham kicked off the evening with a rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” dedicated to his grandmother. In rehearsal, coach Blake encouraged him to turn up the power. The result was a soulful and smooth performance on stage. John, Paris’ former coach, kicked himself for letting the singer get away, while Blake called Paris the “coolest guy.”
The Voice Season 21 Episode 17 continued with Wendy Moten, who sang Linda Ronstadt’s “Blue Bayou” for her high music school teacher. Wendy’s smooth performance culminated in an impressive high note, and all four coaches were stunned. Ariana could hardly find words for the rendition, but she did muster up something to describe Wendy: “Beyond.” Blake said the performance had “finesse.”
Lana Scott took to the stage with a song that reminded her of her father, “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw. Blake told Lana she needed to “hit people in the heart” with the tune. Later, the coach said Lana had a “pure innocence” in her voice.
Team Blake: Wendy Moten, Paris Winningham, Lana Scott
Team Kelly
Jeremy Rosado dedicated this week’s song, “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion, to his father. Kelly was left speechless in rehearsal (which, as fans know, is not common). When Jeremy took to the stage, his slow ballad brought Kelly to tears. Ariana told the singer that he “oozed love and heart” and commended him for singing a Celine Dion tune. Meanwhile, Kelly said he let the audience see his vulnerability.
Girl Named Tom sang Kansas’ “Dust in the Wind” for their grandmother, who happened to perform in a duo with her own sister. Kelly said in rehearsal that she could see the trio winning the competition. Once again, Girl Named Tom showed off their incredible harmonizing abilities and brought the coaches to their feet. John called the performance “magical” and “haunting.” Then, Kelly admired the trio’s gifts as individual artists.
Young Hailey Mia dedicated her song to Kelly, which nearly brought on more waterworks. The 13-year-old sang The Pretenders’ “I’ll Stand By You,” explaining that her coach is always there for her in rehearsal. John said he loved the texture and depth in Hailey’s voice. Meanwhile, Kelly called her an “incredible” vocalist with an “ethereal and angelic” voice. She even compared Hailey to Celine Dion.
Finally, Team Kelly’s Gymani sang a gospel song for her mother: Travis Greene’s “Made a Way.” The tune brought Kelly to tears again as she told Gymani she had an “incredible gift.”
Team Kelly: Girl Named Tom, Jeremy Rosado, Gymani, Hailey Mia
Team Ariana
Ryleigh Plank chose “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac in honor of her sister, who has the same name as the tune. In rehearsal, Ariana praised the young singer’s ability to perform anything, from a slow ballad to a rock song. Blake said Ryleigh took the classic tune to another level, while Ariana said it was one of her favorite performances. She complimented Ryleigh’s control and the growth she’s shown thus far.
Jim and Sasha Allen took on a rendition of Elton John’s “Your Song” in honor of Sasha’s late cousin. In rehearsal, Ariana said the duo could do anything with their voices. Blake said Jim and Sasha have made “great strides” since they started on The Voice. Ariana agreed, adding that they “fearlessly” choose songs with so much power.
Holly Forbes dedicated an emotional rendition of Garth Brooks’ “The Dance” to her stepmom. Ariana said the slow country tune showed a “softer” side to Holly, which viewers haven’t seen yet. Blake complimented the way Holly kept the song simple, and Ariana added that the singer is “in her own league.”
Team Ariana: Jim and Sasha Allen, Holly Forbes, Ryleigh Plank
Team Legend
Shadale dedicated a rendition of “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts to honor her father, a truck driver. She knew in rehearsal that she wanted to “rock out” to the tune, and John encouraged her to raise the key for an extra edge. Shadale brought the energy on stage, complete with dance moves that brought a huge smile to her coach’s face. Ariana admitted that she was surprised by Shadale’s choice but complimented how she made it her own. John appreciated the singer’s “commitment” to the tune.
Next on Team Legend, Jershika Maple sang For King and Country’s “God Only Knows” for her 4th- and 5th-grade teachers, who helped her manage her dyslexia. John predicted that her voice would have power on stage, and that held true. Tears streamed down Kelly’s cheeks as she complimented Jershika’s storytelling. Meanwhile, John said her spiritual sound delivered a message to America.
Joshua Vacanti closed out Team Legend with Dear Evan Hansen‘s “You Will Be Found” in honor of his music and drama teachers. He shared how music and theater helped him find his safe place in school. In rehearsal, John complimented Joshua’s range and called him a “gifted” performer. Later, the coach told Joshua that he had a “lane to himself” with the Broadway vocals this season.
Team Legend: Jershika Maple, Joshua Vacanti, Shadale
Vote for your favorite artists via The Voice official app or NBC.com/voicevote. Tune in to The Voice on Monday and Tuesday evenings at 8 p.m. on NBC.
