Eli Zamora – Ya Lo Se Que Te Tu Vas by Juan Gabriel – 25 – Eli is from El Paso, Texas but raised in Mexico. Currently, he's a gondoliere in Las Vegas. After being present for an armed robbery in a store, his father moved the family to the US. His style is dramatic and romantic. Kelly is swooning, it's no surprise that she hits her button. Also, she has said in the past that she'd love to win with a Spanish speaking singer. His style is very old fashioned, which is probably why the others didn't turn. Kelly becomes VERY excited after learning he's from Texas. He mentions auditioning a bunch of times. I wonder if he auditioned or even competed on La Voz. Only Kelly turns.
UPDATE: YEP Eli competed on La Voz in 2019. Check out his audition.
Payge Turner – Call out my Name by The Weeknd – 27 – The producers are hiding this one. No intro at first, just the coaches chairs. Blake and Gwen turn, followed by the video package. Eventually we learn that Payge is from Trinidad, Tobago and moved to Kansas with her father. Moving to the states was a real culture shock. An alt-rock singer, she eventually landed in Seattle to further her musical career. Her vocal is a real standout. She has a deep rich tone, lovely phrasing and a dramatic delivery. She deserved more chairs! The couple battle it out for Payge. Apparently, Gwen's parents considered the name Paige. Blake calls her a "real performer." In the end, Payge picks Team Gwen. Blake and Gwen turn. Payge picks Team Gwen.
Corey Ward – Way Down We Go by Kaleo – 33 – From South Carolina, Corey was young when his parents divorced. He has been playing music for 20 years. A tragic thing–his mother has small cell cancer that's now in her brain. He points out that small cell isn't curable. His performance is edited down, which indicates he won't get a turn. He's a decent singer. Too bad he didn't get a spot on the show. It would have been a nice thing for his family. He looks so defeated at the end. Sad. Gwen was waiting for some range. Kelly wanted him to open up more. John thought he had control issues – No turns.
Marisa Corvo – Perfect by Pink – 33 – Marisa is from Staten Island, New York and comes from a big Italian American family. She moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. It was a culture shock. As a young woman, she struggled with being a lesbian. Her parents didn't accept it. They sent her to religious conversion therapy. Finally, her mother's Italian parents stepped in. OMG Grandma said, "Every family has one!" and sensible grandpap: "She was born that way." Marisa's parents eventually came to embrace who she is. She's got a great voice, but it lacks grit? I'm not sure about this song choice for her. It takes a minute, but she gets 3 turns. "You have range for days," says Kelly, who thinks she could make the finale. Gwen and Marisa bond over being Italian. Blake pitches her with weird tomato analogies. Hm. She picks Kelly, and it sounds like Marisa got the coach she wanted in the first place. – Blake, Gwen and Kelly turn. Marisa picks Team Kelly.
John Holiday – Misty by Johnny Mathis – 35 – The performance begins with the cameras focused on the chairs. And for good reason. The singer is male, but sounds like a female jazz singer. John turns immediately. Kelly and Gwen turn. But John blocks Kelly. It's tonight's one and only block. Surprised it took so long. John has the lower, male sounding vocal register going too. He could probably do one of those hokey girl/boy self duet acts like on AGT. The video package eventually runs and viewers learn that John is gay, from Rosenberg, Texas and is a professional opera singer. Ruth Bader Ginsburg attended a few of his opera perfoamnces. She's his "Shero." Obviously taped before she died. He has performed all over the world and plays piano. Kids always teased him for his high voice, but his grandmother accepted him 100%. He wants to inspire little boys who might be like him. Blake tries to psych John into picking Gwen. John picks Team Legend.
