NBC’s The Voice returned on Monday evening with the first round of Knockouts and the competition was intense.
Team Kelly’s Gymani and Kinsey Rose went head-to-head for a Knockout round that left coach Kelly Clarkson in a bind, having to pick only one contestant to advance to the next round.
After Gymani shared an impressive cover of Zayn’s “Pillowtalk,” Rose took the stage to deliver a rendition of Deana Carter‘s iconic hit, “Strawberry Wine.” She emotionally dedicated her performance to her late grandfather and went on to deliver memorable cover of the song in his honor.
While she strummed her guitar and sang the nostalgic lyrics, Rose had Clarkson and her fellow coaches swaying along to the music.
They all seemed to agree that Clarkson had a difficult decision to make.
“Wow! You guys couldn’t be more different. Kinsey, I don’t know if I’ve ever heard anybody not do the falsetto part in the chorus. You did a full voice, and it was like, ‘Whoa!’ And Gymani, you are so special. You’re an incredible singer and an incredible performer,” Blake Shelton gushed.
Ariana Grande praised both performances as well, telling them, “you’re both just that good, while John Legend praised Rose’s tone and told Gymani she lights up the stage.
Ultimately, the final decision came down to Clarkson.
“Gymani, I was a little nervous when I saw the song. I was like, ‘Where are you going to go to make it not linear?’” Clarkson shared. “Then I was like, ‘Well, that’s how you do it!’ And Kinsey, you took it to a beautiful level and sustained that big huge note. You did such a great job!”
Admitting that she could relate to both artists, Clarkson decided to advance Gymani to the next round, ending Rose’s journey on the show.
Kinsey Rose previously performed “Cowboy Take Me Away” by The Chicks and “Seven Bridges Road” by Steve Young.
The Voice returns on Tuesday (Oct. 26) at 8/7 c on NBC.
