The Voice Finale Recap: Which of the Top 5 Sang Like They Were Headed for the Winner’s Circle?
Charlie Mason
Editor
Monday night’s finale of The Voice served up a last chance for Season 25’s contestants to attempt to curry favor with viewers — that is, if the winner wasn’t already a foregone conclusion. Performing both numbers upbeat and down-, the Top 5 sang like their lives depended on it. Which, in a way, I suppose they did. Who delivered music to our ears? And who stood the best chance of taking the metaphorical crown? Let’s discuss.
Nathan Chester (Team Legend), “It’s Your Thing” — A+ | On The Isley Brothers’ classic, Nathan gave a performance that was so electric, it could’ve powered the whole damn stage. In addition to laying down typically flawless vocals, he worked the crowd like he was running for office and busted out enough moves to, as the coaches so often say, make it feel less like a number on a reality competition and more like a showstopper on an award show.
Josh Sanders (Team Reba), “Go Rest High on That Mountain” — B | Tackling Vince Gill’s beloved ballad, Josh delivered a vocal that was, for the most part, as smooth as a blanket laid across the stage. The audience seemed to be very much into it, too, given the number of lighters that were raised above their heads as he sang. But as pleasant as this was, it was also so dull that it made me glad that I couldn’t recap lying down; otherwise, zzz.
Asher HaVon (Team Reba), “Last Dance” — B- | When Asher started singing Donna Summer’s disco smash, I immediately thought, “Oh, this is gonna be gooood!” What I didn’t expect in the slightest was that it was going to be just good, not great. What happened? As far as I could tell, Asher tried too hard to dump out his whole bag of tricks on stage, and it didn’t help elevate the number. More troubling, he seriously whiffed on his big notes. Possibly his worst performance of the competition.
Bryan Olesen (Team Legend), “Beautiful Things” — B+ | While Asher stumbled, Bryan delivered what might have been his best performance of Season 25. Demonstrating admirable restraint on Benson Boone’s ballad, our one and only rocker built to an explosive vocal crescendo that really packed a punch. Certainly, Bryan’s rendition hit his coach hard. Relating to the feeling of loss that the song conveyed, John was reduced to tears.
Karen Waldrup (Team Dan + Shay), “What Hurts the Most” — A- | Though Rascal Flatts’ ballad is a tall order for any singer, I was sure that Karen was going to rise to the challenge. Instead, she kinda needed a stepstool now and then. On the choruses, her vocal was thrilling — downright volcanic. But on the verses, it seemed like she struggled a little bit. Maybe it was a case of too many words, not enough air? Regardless, this was overall fantastic.
Josh Sanders (Team Reba), “Boots On” — A | Well, damn! On Randy Houser’s rollicking hit, Josh didn’t just come alive, he channeled his inner Rip Wheeler, too. Vocally, he spat nails like he’d swallowed a hardware store (that’s a compliment, by the way). But what was most impressive was the personality that he unleashed. I mean, Nathan he’s not, but this was still the most attention-grabbing that I’d ever seen Josh. Maybe his coach was right and this was the number that would get him the win.
Nathan Chester (Team Legend), “A Song for You” — A+ | On Donny Hathaway’s oldie, Nathan served on a silver platter an unequivocal case for why he should win Season 25. His vocal was nothing short of perfection. Big moments, small, intimate ones… he handled them each with aplomb. And his presence… Lord! It felt like he was singing a hole clear through my heart. I know Asher is the favorite to win, but you’ve gotta admit that this was a step beyond.
Bryan Olesen (Team Legend), “Freedom! 90” — C+ | Curious choice to have the season’s only rocker sing one of George Michael’s pure-pop hits. And by “curious,” I mean “bad.” The number didn’t play to Bryan’s strengths, it in fact highlighted his weaknesses, putting front and center the cheese factor that has so often made him come off karaoke-esque. How on earth was the decision made not to give him something by Journey, Aerosmith… any act but George Michael!
Karen Waldrup (Team Dan + Shay), “I’m Alright” — B+ | Was it just me, or did Karen seem more at ease on her second number of the night, Jo Dee Messina’s tongue-twister? She looked like she was having a good time and sounded like she was born with a mic in her hand. That said, I wasn’t sure that the performance delivered enough of a “wow” to win over any viewers who weren’t already on Team Karen. Depending on how big Team Karen is, maybe that wouldn’t matter?
Asher HaVon (Team Reba), “I Will Always Love You” — A | Asher was handed a golden opportunity to make us forget the stumble of “Last Dance” with Dolly Parton/Whitney Houston’s smash and a half, and boy, did he make the most of it. This was the Asher who prompted John to say that he was the best singer of the season. He was poised and present, and turned out a vocal that was the textbook definition of “soaring.”
OK, for the last time in Season 25, who do you think will win… and who should? Vote in the polls below, then back up those votes with your thoughtful insights in the comments.
Sorry….ok not really, but Nathan deserves to win. At least he is getting my vote.
Mine, too!!!
Asher for me is taking the W
He crushed both songs
I actually loved Freedom 90 for Bryan! Would I have preferred more of a rock song? Maybe. But it was still a fun, energetic performance & I was singing along the whole time. And his first song was very moving & emotional. He did an awesome job!! Bryan for the win!!!
A Song for You was written and first performed by Leon Russell. Luther Vandross covered it. Please give credit where it is due.
Thing is…it is a Donny Hathaway oldie and it’s arguably the most famous cover, so nothing was incorrect in the article.
That said, I do believe your comment gives credit erroneously …Luther Vandross never covered the song.
Nathan has been my favorite since he sang the Elvin Bishop song. I have rewound that so many times. I got the sense that Chance was not a huge fan of Nathan’s – if I had to guess too much action besides the singing. I do get that sense that Reba and Dan and Shay liked him, however. I liked Carson’s reaction- he would come to see his act in Vegas. Rooting for Nathan to win but I would not be upset if Asher does- his voice is beautiful.
I have not been much of a Bryan fan this season but that first song he sang- he did a great job on that. Rewinding worthy.
It’s between Asher and Nathan.
They are both just so far above the other other three.
Josh – sleepy on the first song, much better on the second.
Bryan – I always hear pitch issues when Bryan sings, but I will say he performed his best of the season tonight.
Karen – She should have stuck to ballads. She apparently doesn’t have the breath control to sing songs with a lot of words.
Asher – could have been better on the first song but still good. His second song was stellar, though.
Nathan – Awesome on both songs. He deserves to win, and he got my vote.
I totally agree. You hit it right on the head with all the artist.
Nathan should win. And I was proud of Bryan He gave it his all tonight, he always has. It’s just his song choices were good. I enjoy his enthusiasm when he performs.
The others were pretty good. But Nathan is our winner.
Yes im with you Nathan should win ,my 10 votes for him ,hope he wins
I’m sorry about Josh’s personal loss, but using a picture of his Deceased baby boy in the package to elicit votes is wrong on so many levels.
He showed that picture at the start of the season, not just tonight. I’m not a fan of seeing it but I’ve never been in his position so I ain’t judging.
This is a pretty cynical reaction. You may be right and I may be naive but I saw it as including his whole family after he had praised his daughters.
For me, it’s between Nathan and Asher. Nathan is a phenomenal entertainer (singing, dancing and commanding the stage) and Asher has the best voice. Nathan was a 70’s powerhouse on “It’s Your Thing” and Asher took a Whitney song that I’m frankly sick of and was so good he made me cry. (I played it four times). They’re both amazing (and a Broadway producer needs to snap up Nathan ASAP) but I voted for Asher…
I definitely believe Nathan is best. Asher is 2nd best. As vocalists, they are way ahead of the other 3.
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However, Karen does have advantages: she’s the only female & does not share a coach like the other four (which matters when we can only vote once). I just did not find her good enough to deserve the win.
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The show & coaches, though, seem all in on pushing Asher instead of Nathan. Even John & Chance both said Asher is best. And the show gave Asher the plum last singing slot for the season. Seems they’re paving way for Asher & Reba to get the win.
I think the reason both John and Chance are so keen on promoting Asher’s.vocals is that they believe many will not vote for him based on his looks. Chance actually pointed out that the show is the voice and people shouldn’t base their votes on looks.
Bryan should not have been here. He has pitch issues on long notes at times and I feel yelled at. Either Madison or Maddie J could have moved on but I think they canceled each other out last week. Nathan got my vote, Asher tried to flower it up too much for me. And his first song was a mess. Nathan is great and consistent.
Yikes. I was so happy this was the first season that some under age pitch challenge teen did,t make the finals. Finally someone who is seasoned and ready made the finals!
Asher#1, Nathan Chester#2. Karen was off,Bryan has not really been on pitch, Josh absolutely ruined “Boots on” ,that song was written for Andrew Sevener by Brandon Kinney when he placed #4 on Blakes team in 2019. Asher has such a full round rich voice, he reminds me of Luther VanDross mixed with Teddy Pendergrass. Asher has a presence on stage as well. Nathan is good as well but I’d like to see it go to Asher!
We noted that only the singer’s coach commented on their performance this season. This was true for the first four songs. On 5th John L. commented before coach Reba.
Then on the 2nd set of songs this was true for the first four singers. Then again, the fifth singer and final performance by Asher HaVon had Chance the rapper commenting before Reba the coach. His responses were similar to John L that Asher has best voice on the show. He didn’t quote anything Reba the coach said. Instead he used. John L’s comments to bolster their claim that Asher has best voice on the program. Cleary, Asher was receiving positive comments from two coaches other than Reba the chosen coach. Heavy handed influence that was out of order with prior contestants limited to comments from only their coach. Seemed blantly unfair! Designed to take some control away from voters by two stars (other than his coach) to weigh in and steer preferences.
It’s a tough choice between Asher and Nathan. I’d be happy seeing either win as they are clearly the best two vocalists remaining. I didn’t think Asher’s first performance was that pitchy and his rendition of “I Will Always Love You” deserved an A+. Nathan’s version of “A Song For You” was mesmerizing. I agree that Bryan gave his best performance of the season. He was great singing “Beautiful Things,” but his second song selection was very odd. Karen and Josh are both very good but I didn’t think their performances were memorable.
Asher HaVon!!!!!!!!! Come first or second this guy will sell more records than any other Voice competition in season 25.
I don´t get all the high notes. A lot of pitch problems by Bryan (loves to be sharp) and Asher (some flat ones) Karen has a wonderfull timbre, so as Josh. But it´s Nathan, who is always in the pocket and delivers in every performance.
all the performers were awesome but with Asher I could just feel his soul come through his performances he is top notch is stage presence. His voice is so alive and so engulfs. ones attention that last. so love him and admire him.
NATHAN. CHESTER. Such a complete star.
Unbelievable voice, unbelievable dance moves, terrific charisma onstage and with the audience plus, he’s so kind and respectful. He is the season 25 winner, hands down. Pure WOW.
Asher has definitely a great voice but because Nathan has a such an prescence, his tone and quality are overlooked. Nathan is the best, whether up tempo or ballad.
The judges should not say who should win.
Nathan should win. The problem is that his incredible stage prescence overshadows his beautiful tone. I much prefer his simplicity to Asher’s oversinging
Enjoyed all artists tonite — some less than others because of diction and/or pitch issues. Agree with comment re: credit for Leon Russell & “A Song for You.” Great 70’s song & amazing singer. Would have preferred less vocal runs on Nathan’s version. Asher’s “I Will Always Love You” was absolutely BEAUTIFUL & brought me to tears. Asher or Nathan for the win!!!
We need Nathan to win; we need that kind of music back. He makes you want to dance! I agree it is between Nathan and Asher. If it is called “The Voice”, it is Asher. I would like to see John win with Nathan on his last season. I also want Reba to get a win with a non-country singer. Can we please have 2 winners? Please note, I am a country fan, but this time country wasn’t good enough against the likes of Nathan and Asher. They are fantastic.
They are all so very good so at this point they are all winners in my book,, they were all 5 my top picks so Good luck to them all,, They are all going to be successful. Good luck top 5!
Renee LaFavor
From Hastings MN
All five are all very good singers but I also look to the stage presence and hands down Nathan has it all. I wish each and everyone a good future as they really deserve it.
I have to say that I have had Nathan and Brian on my team from practically the beginning I also had Tay I think it’s a tie between Brian and Nathan I’d say I wish they both could win we’ll see I’m just proud to have two of my team in the final five and tae almost made.it