Teen singer stuns Reba McEntire with Linda Ronstadt's 'Long, Long Time' on 'The Voice'
Second chances can be sweet on NBC's "The Voice," and Reba McEntire is tickled pink.
The country music icon brought back Team Reba contestant Ms. Monét with her Super Save during the second round of Playoffs Monday night. The 51-year-old singer delivered a fiery cover of Aretha Franklin's "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)."
While Monét captivated the coaches with her animated performance, including her spirited hand gestures, the flourishes earned a somewhat mixed response from John Legend.
"You've been such a gift to this show," Legend said. "My only concern with this performance (is) it felt like you were doing a lot of things. But I felt like if you dialed it back a little bit, it would have been a little more true to the song."
But McEntire was over the moon with Monét’s performance, lauding it as "absolutely beautiful."
"To watch you walk on the stage, I was just so proud to know you. You have so much to teach all of us," McEntire said. "I'm just so tickled to pieces you’re back and on my team."
The feeling was mutual for Monét, who touchingly revealed she dedicated her performance to McEntire. "That was for you," the California vocalist said, to which a teary-eyed McEntire replied, "I just love ya."
Here's what else went down on Monday’s episode.
Gwen Stefani brings back Team Niall singer Lennon VanderDoes
For her Super Save, coach Gwen Stefani called on Team Niall singer Lennon VanderDoes, who was eliminated during the Knockouts round despite an emotional performance that moved Legend and Stefani to tears.
VanderDoes returned with a soaring rendition of "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. The 27-year-old earned praise from McEntire for his unique tone.
"When I listen to the radio, I like to be able to identify the singer immediately. It’s a little game I play with myself," McEntire said. "And when you start recording your own records, when you have your own music out, I know that I will be able to say, 'I know who that is.'"
VanderDoes also managed to make the head of Team Gwen proud with his performance.
"You didn't let me down. The whole performance was beautiful," Stefani said. "I really liked getting to know you in rehearsals and watching you work your way through this song."
Which Team Reba singers made it to Top 12?
After a series of soulful performances, Team Reba singers Monét, Jordan Rainer, Jacquie Roar, Noah Spencer and Ruby Leigh gathered onstage to find out if they'd advanced to the top 12 live shows. Contestant Tom Nitti did not perform, as the country singer left the competition due to "personal reasons," McEntire shared earlier in the show.
Rainer, who charmed the coaches with her heartfelt cover of Little Big Town's "Boondocks," was the first of the bunch to get a yes. "Jordan deserves to be on the live show," McEntire said. "America is going to fall in love with Jordan as we all have."
Hot on Rainer’s heels was country-rock queen Roar, who blew McEntire away with her powerhouse rendition of "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac. "What excites me about Jacquie in the live shows is she’s a showdog, and she's going to be a contender," McEntire said.
Rounding out Team Reba in the live shows is teen vocalist Leigh, who stunned with her tender cover of the Linda Ronstadt ballad "Long, Long Time." "There’s nobody like Ruby in the competition,' McEntire said. "She's got that real sweet, emotional cry in her voice that rips my heart."
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Which Team Gwen singers made it to Top 12?
Following their passionate performances, Team Gwen singers VanderDoes, Stee, BIAS, Rudi, Tanner Massey and Kara Tenae lined up before their coach to learn their "Voice" fate.
Country-soul singer BIAS, who wowed the coaches with his stirring cover of Larry Fleet’s "Where I Find God," was the first to advance to the live shows. "BIAS is so authentic and knows who he is. He's an amazing singer," Stefani said.
Pop powerhouse Massey also nabbed a spot in the Top 12, thanks to his dynamic performance of the Shontelle ballad "Impossible." "Tanner has so much range, and he has so much power. Being able to help him grow as an artist is something I just thrive off of," Stefani said.
Tenae was the final member of Team Gwen to score victory after flooring Stefani with her powerful rendition of SWV's "Rain." "She really knows how to handle the stage, she knows what songs suit her and she just seems super ready for that moment," Stefani said.
"I think I have one of the strongest live show teams," Stefani said afterward. "I have country, I have pop, I have soul/R&B. Team Gwen is amazing. America, get ready."
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Why did Tom Nitti leave Team Reba?
Country singer and contestant on NBC's "The Voice" Tom Nitti was absent in Monday's episode, and it was revealed that he will not be returning to the competition. "I have wonderfully talented people, but Tom had to leave for personal reasons, so I only have five artists tonight," judge and Team Reba mentor Reba McEntire said.
She did not specify why Nitti left the show. "The Voice" host Carson Daily also said his exit was for "personal reasons," but did not elaborate.
Contributing: Emily DeLetter
Tom Nitti exit: 'The Voice' contestant leaves Season 24 for 'personal reasons,' will not return
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'The Voice': Reba McEntire blown away with Linda Ronstadt cover
