'The Voice' : Danielle Bradbery Wows Coaches at Semi-Finals

"What you possess is genuine and God-sent," Usher tells the youngest contestant left in the competition

Published on June 11, 2013 09:00 AM

At 16, Danielle Bradbery may be the youngest singer left on The Voice, but on Monday Blake Shelton‘s contestant proved she has what it takes to beat her older competitors.

Shakira called her “a little star,” while a gushing Usher used the word “amazeballs” to describe the Texas teen’s near-flawless performances, including “Please Remember Me,” the 1995 Rodney Crowell tune later recorded by Tim McGraw.

“What you possess is genuine and God-sent,” Usher told Bradbery.

With five artists left, Bradbery added to the increasingly tough competition as the artists covered disco (Donna Summer), ’70s rock (Loggins & Messina) and even German electronic dance music from the producer Zedd on Monday’s show.

Contestants also returned home to take in the adoration of friends and families. The Swon Brothers were in for a big surprise as they returned to Oklahoma. The duo, shining with their pure and soulful harmonies, which this week included “Danny’s Song,” were honored with the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame’s “Rising Star Award” – given a decade ago to their Voice coach Shelton.

The night was personal in other ways: Amber Carrington took on a song co-written by her coach Adam Levine and his bandmate James Valentine, and recorded by their group Maroon 5.

Levine offered her the ultimate compliment: “The fact that you sat here and sang it better than I did … makes me so happy.”

New Yorker Sasha Allen, who was dubbed “Sasha Fierce” during last week’s show, showed off disco prowess and some dance moves while covering “Bad Girls.”

“You started in this competition as a voice,” her coach Shakira said. “But we didn’t have a clue of how great a performer you have turned out to be.”

After covering Zedd’s electronic dance hit “Clarity,” Michelle Chamuel honored the tight relationship she’s formed with coach Usher. “Time after time, you’ve been there for me,” she said before singing a Cyndi Lauper ballad.

Thanking Chamuel, Usher dubbed her a “winner,” and said, “You are medicine for the whole world.”

The show returns Tuesday when the field will be narrowed to three artists who will compete in next week’s finale.