As Kelsea Ballerini watched the knockout rounds of "The Voice," her thoughts drifted to her boyfriend, Chase Stokes. On Monday, April 14th, during the episode of NBC's singing competition, coach John Legend paired Jacquelyn George and Olivia Kuper Harris for an intriguing showdown. Both artists left a lasting impression on the panel, but Olivia's mesmerizing rendition of Donna Summer's "Last Dance" sparked a romantic musing in Kelsea, 31.
"Olivia, that opening part had me yearning to rush home and lock lips with my boyfriend," she quipped, referencing Chase, 32. "It was so potent and sensual, and then you rose to display a playful demeanor. As Adam might put it in primal terms, 'Absolutely mind-blowing!'"
Fellow coach Michael Bublé also sang Olivia's praises for her take on the disco classic. "Both song choices quite literally made me want to smooch Kelsea's boyfriend too," he said, eliciting a burst of laughter from Kelsea. "Olivia, this was the first time in season 27 we've witnessed someone tickling the ivories. I adore that. Your voice evokes a hint of Celine Dion. I refrain from disclosing my choice because you both blew me away."
Adam Levine, still grappling with the fact that both Olivia and Jacquelyn had opted for other coaches earlier in the season, added his commendations. "Well, you know, I had the unique honor of turning around only to be rejected by both of you," he joked. "Olivia, you genuinely exceeded my expectations tonight. That was truly remarkable."
Ultimately, John, 46, held the deciding vote on who would advance to the playoffs. Though he was "immensely proud" of both his singers, he selected Olivia for the next round. "Olivia, wow," the "All of Me" crooner gushed in a confessional interview. "She delivered with flair, precision, and when she embraced that jazzy tone, it was truly special. There's no one quite like her in this competition."
Starting April 28th, the remaining artists on "The Voice" will battle it out in the playoff rounds. This season, Sheryl Crow will mentor Kelsea and Michael's teams, while Adam and John's teams will receive guidance from LeAnn Rimes. With each of the four judges boasting five singers on their rosters, only two contestants from each team will progress to the live shows scheduled for May.
"The Voice" airs on NBC Mondays at 8 p.m. ET. Catch up on past episodes anytime via Peacock.
