The second of BBC1's The Voice’s Knockout rounds saw some surprising song choices – and decisions – as Boy George and will.i.am faced the task of reducing their team numbers from eight to three acts apiece.
But it was undoubtedly Harry who made the bravest move. “It’s a difficult choice to do one of her songs, but he may do something with it,” cautioned the 19-year-old's coach Boy George, before the sequence cut to reveal him performing Adele’s recent hit single Hello!
It worked for Boy George, who declared: ”From his big shoes to his many hairdos, Harry’s special. And it’s physical when he sings. It’s like he’s going into battle.”
Joining Harry on Team Boy George were Greek/Scottish heart-throb Vangelis and 17-year-old Cody, who looked to have been sharing make-up tips with her coach.
Vangelis gave an understated performance of Elvis’ You Were Always On My Mind, but Boy George couldn’t help wondering if it could have been spicier – “I know you fancy him,” he said to Paloma, “but forget that, I need your help. It was a bit unconnected.”
Still, it could have been worse. He got through, after all. But what if his coach had let him sing Viva Forever? Oh, the undisguised look of horror on Boy George’s face when that was suggested! Fantastic!
Mini-Boy George, aka Cody, secured the last place on the team with her rendition of Another Brick in the Wall. “She’s unique and artistic,” said her coach.
Sadly the remaining five had to go home, among them Leighton, who pretty much everyone acknowledged was one of the best singers in the competition.
So, to Team will.i.am, who declared that his acts had to “Man up, get to work and try to be fearless”.
First to make the grade for Will was 18-year-old Dubliner Lauren, who sang Release Me, by Agnes. “She’s sweet, a darling,” he said.
Second was 46-year-old Lyrickal from East London. He chose to pen some of his own rap lyrics and mix them into Professor Green’s version of Emeli Sande’s Read All About It. Luckily for him, will.i.am approved. “There’s so much talent in that guy. He’s dope.”
Last to be picked by Will was 22-year-old Essex girl Lydia. She was the first of Will’s wannabes to sing, but her performance of Taylor Swift’s I Knew You Were Trouble, wowed the audience and her coach, who said: “She is the full package.”
Sadly, it meant the end of the road for another five acts, including gorgeous Londoner Theo Llewellyn despite Will's earlier suggestion that he might be “THE One” to win the competition.
Meantime, the 12 acts going through are very much still in the running and will be nervously preparing to sing live in the first of the quarter-finals. Catch them on The Voice, Easter Saturday, BBC1, 7pm
Click here for all the action from tonight’s Knockouts
