RENZO continued to prove why he’s one of the most unique vocalists on The Voice this season, earning a spot in the Playoffs after a powerful performance of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever” during Monday night’s Knockouts episode (April 14).
Paired with fellow Team Legend artist Nell Simmons, who performed Chaka Khan’s “Sweet Thing,” RENZO delivered a gripping, emotionally nuanced version of the 2021 hit.
Following the performance, coach John Legend praised Nell’s performance as “poised” and “perfection,” but ultimately chose RENZO to move forward.
“Happier Than Ever” was the title track from Billie Eilish’s sophomore album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2021. The song itself peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Grammy nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance.
RENZO’s raw vocal style brought new weight to the song’s emotional arc, which shifts from gentle melancholy to full-throttle anguish. His performance left the coaches visibly moved, and the audience responded with raucous applause.
Later in the night, Team Legend’s Olivia Kuper Harris also earned a spot in the next round with a sultry rendition of Donna Summer’s “Last Dance,” narrowly edging out Jacquelyn George, who tackled JoJo’s “Too Little Too Late.”
Over on Team Bublé, Adam David took on Allen Stone’s “Unaware” and impressed coach Michael Bublé and winning over Carlos Santiago, who performed Calum Scott’s “You Are the Reason.” In another pairing, Jadyn Cree’s performance of Avril Lavigne’s “Keep Holding On” earned her a spot in the Playoffs, with Bublé noting her voice “cuts through.”
Meanwhile, Team Kelsea’s Knockout between Jaelen Johnston and Hailey Wright saw both artists step up. Hailey brought crowd-pleasing energy to the Patsy Montana classic “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” but Jaelen’s take on Noah Kahan’s “Dial Drunk” ultimately secured his win.
The night closed with a dramatic decision on Team Adam, where Conor James’ rendition of Alphaville’s “Forever Young” narrowly beat Darius J.’s high-energy take on Estelle’s “American Boy.” However, Kelsea used her steal to bring Darius onto her team, saying, “I’ve been waiting for this for so long.”
With RENZO’s Knockout victory, Team Legend’s updated lineup heading into the Playoffs includes Ari Camille, BD.ii, Bryson Battle, Olivia Kuper Harris, and RENZO — a stacked roster for the live shows.
The Voice Season 27 continues Mondays on NBC.
This story originally appeared on Billboard
