'The Voice' : Sasha Allen Is Compared to 'Sasha Fierce'

The contestant, a New Yorker and mom of two, gets high praise from Usher for singing a Carrie Underwood hit

Published on June 4, 2013 09:00 AM

After Judith Hill left The Voice last week, Sasha Allen of Team Shakira stepped up Monday to claim her spot as the show’s reigning powerhouse diva.

In two strong performances that showed off her confidence, Allen, 31, proved she’s a contender among the final six artists who sang a song of their choice and one picked by their coach.

Allen, a New Yorker and mother of two, was even compared to Beyoncé‘s famous alter-ego.

“I guess there is more than one Sasha Fierce,” Usher said of Allen, who belted Carrie Underwood‘s hit “Before He Cheats” – ripping off her long, red dress to reveal black patent thigh-high boots and high-waist shorts.

Blake Shelton, who still has three contestants left in the competition, was also impressed. “What guy doesn’t like it when a girl rips her dress off, especially on the stage? You know what, that was so dramatic and powerful.”

Added Shakira: “You just worked that stage like a star!”

Allen was not the only contestant to thrill the audience as well as the show’s stars. Alternative singer Michelle Chamuel, who performed Taylor Swift‘s “I Knew You Were Trouble,” was paid a visit by the pop-country sweetheart, who offered her seal of approval.

“Oh my gosh – that was so emotional,” Swift said as Chamuel rehearsed the number.

The audience agreed when Chamuel performed the song, beginning with a ska vibe and later adding rock, rendering it virtually unrecognizable.

“That was like some head bangin’… literally,” an impressed Shelton said.

Host Carson Daly also weighed in as the crowd cheered wildly. “That’s like TRL, Backstreet Boys, ‘N Sync love,” he told her after the audience’s applause went on and on.

The unexpected song choices continued: Adam Levine had country artist Amber Carrington sing the Skid Row’s power ballad “I’ll Remember You,” and she claimed it as her own with a banjo and mandolin accompaniment.

“You take risks, sometimes they pan out, sometimes they don’t,” Levine said. “I am so happy you represent my team and you are willing to take those risks.”

Oklahoma duo the Swon Brothers once again paid tribute to their home state, devastated by recent tornadoes, to sing the Merle Haggard classic, “Okie from Muskogee.” Their light-hearted vibe drew just the right reaction from the coaches, including Usher who felt their laidback happiness in the tune.

“This song truly does prove that you don’t have to smoke marijuana to have a good time – just go to Oklahoma,” Usher joked of the lyrics. “You 100 percent represent country in a great way. It’s good to see your personalities come out.”

The show’s youngest contestant, Danielle Bradbery, 16, turned in two strong songs – Pam Tillis’s hit “Shake the Sugar Tree” and “A Little Bit Stronger” by Sara Evans.

Texas singer Holly Tucker showcased her huge voice and range with Martina McBride’s “When God-Fearing Women Get the Blues” and a heartfelt version of “My Wish,” the soaring ballad from the country trio Rascal Flatts.

“I can’t wait ’til you make a record,” Shelton said with pride.

The show returns Tuesday when one more artist will be sent home.