Shakira and Blake Shelton Show Off Their Talented Teams on 'The Voice'

Sasha Allen, Danielle Bradbery and Karina Iglesias shine on a second night of live performances

Published on May 8, 2013 08:00 AM

The Voice‘s celeb coaches Shakira and Blake Shelton beamed like proud parents as their teams delivered powerful performances Tuesday night, each fighting for a spot in the top 12 before Wednesday’s live elimination.

Team Shakira’s Sasha Allen – a steal from coach Adam Levine, whose team performed Monday along with Usher‘s – closed out the night with her show-stopping performance of “Oh! Darling” that left the judges drooling.

“I feel that we are in front of one of those moments that we all signed up for here, that we all live for in this show,” Shakira said. “You just gave us this moment. You have one of the best voices I have ever heard in my life.”

Coach Blake looked ecstatic to show off his all-country team, which included a jaw-dropping performance of “Maybe It Was Memphis” by 16-year-old novice Danielle Bradbery.

“I think you are one of the ones to beat,” Levine said a bit reluctantly. “You are coming along so quickly it’s actually terrifying.”

“Danielle is one of the most important artist who has ever been on The Voice,” coach Blake said.

Justin Rivers of Team Blake may have been the biggest surprise of the night for earning kudos for his lively performance of “Meet in the Middle.”

“It felt like you were just owning everything about it,” said Adam. “I think you are a huge surprise.”

His coach agreed: “I think you’ve been a dark horse in the competition,” Blake said. “This is a big moment for you tonight.”

Team Blake’s Holly Tucker also earned big praise for her rendition of “How Do I Live,” and the judges brushed off her concern that she doesn’t fit the mold of a superstar looks-wise, a fear she admits stems from childhood bullying.

“You’re better looking and more talented than Blake is,” Adam said, not missing an opportunity to tease his pal.

“I’m beside myself,” Coach Blake said admiringly. “You just proved to America that you deserve to be here because everyone in this competition just said ‘Oh crap, that’s who I’ve got to beat.’ ”

The Swon Brothers, the only duo in the running, also got positive comments from coach Blake and others, albeit slightly less enthusiastic, for their version of “Fishing in the Dark.”

Team Shakira’s Garrett Gardner kicked off the show on piano, singing “Imagine” by John Lennon. The judges praised his determination to come back to the show and improve himself rather than for his performance.

“You are the epitome of what this show is all about,” said Shakira. “This country is all about improving and getting better with hard work and determination and that’s what you’ve been doing since day one.”

Kris Thomas of Team Shakira sang “When I Was Your Man” and gave his coach “goosebumps,” even if Levine felt he looked a bit tense onstage.

Powerhouse Latina Karina Iglesias – Shakira’s other steal from Team Adam – earned high marks for “Let’s Stay Together.”

“I thought that microphone was just going to break into a bunch of pieces, it was so intense,” said Blake.

The live results show airs Wednesday (8 p.m. ET) on NBC.