The top 9 contestants paid tribute to pop superstar Taylor Swift during the second round of live shows Monday night. In addition to a fan-selected solo song, each singer joined a pair of their fellow contestants for a trio performance of a Swift song.
Team Niall singers Mara Justine and Nini Iris and Team Reba’s Jacquie Roar teamed up for an explosive rendition of Swift’s “Don’t Blame Me,” taken from her 2017 album “reputation.” The female powerhouses elevated the haunting electropop track with their emotive belting.
The trio’s fiery chemistry and showstopping performance caught the attention of host Carson Daly.
“That just blew everybody away,” Daly said. “That had supergroup vibes on it.”
Here’s what else went down on Monday’s episode.
Instant Save singer Jordan Rainer reveals she’s a ‘closet Swiftie’
Team Reba singers Ruby Leigh and Jordan Rainer and Team Gwen’s BIAS combined their country prowess for a soulful performance of Swift’s banjo-inflected hit “Mean.”
“I’m going to shock both of you. I’m a closet Swiftie myself,” Rainer told Leigh and BIAS ahead of the performance. “If we get Ruby’s true country voice to hold down the melody, I sing a third above her and (BIAS brings) in that tenor part underneath her, we’re going to be a country-fried steak sandwich.”
Rainer, who was saved from elimination last week with viewers’ Instant Save vote, also found redemption with her swaggering solo performance of Blake Shelton’s “Ol’ Red.”
Coach Reba McEntire praised the Oklahoma vocalist for her versatility onstage.
“You did Oklahoma (proud) – no, forget that. You did all of America proud,” McEntire said. “I’m very proud of you. Tackling the stairs, singing, guitar, all of that – handled it like a pro.”
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Lila Forde calls Taylor Swift an ‘inspiration,’ makes John Legend emotional
Team Legend’s Mac Royals and Lila Forde and Team Niall singer Huntley delivered an emotional cover of Swift’s “folklore” ballad “exile,” a collaboration with indie folk band Bon Iver.
“She’s an inspiration,” Forde said of Swift ahead of the performance. “She was just named Time (magazine’s) Person of the Year.”
Forde kept the emotion going with a tender performance of Joni Mitchell’s “River,” which left coach John Legend visibly choked up.
“It had so much wisdom and heart and integrity and musicality and beauty,” Legend said. “It was stunning. I absolutely loved it.”
