Menlik Zergabachew and Troy Ritchie sing 'Maneater' (VIDEO)

Menlik Zergabachew and Troy Ritchie sang 'Maneater' by Hall and Oates on The Voice 2014 Season 7 Battle Round on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 for Team Gwen Stefani. Who won the battle?

Gwen has given the guys “Maneater” by Hall and Oates, which might just be the most interesting song choice of the Battle Rounds so far, particularly for these two, who have a similar, groovy tone to their voices. Both Gwen and Gavin are impressed by the singers, although Gwen notes that they have two very different styles, which should make this an interesting battle.

In the rehearsal, Gwen encourages Menlik to add some ad-libs, since she read that “Maneater” was actually originally meant to be a reggae-type song. She has the band deliver more of a reggae arrangement, and Troy gets really into it. However, Gwen thinks he gets too into it, getting “bouncy” and “happy” when that isn’t the intention of the song’s lyrics. Gavin suggests it should be like two friends in a bar singing about a girl who’s dangerous. It’s not bad advice, really, although I don’t know that I ever thought of it that way when hearing Hall and Oates singing it. I like Gavin as a mentor, and think his suggestions about the tone of the song might help shape this into a very colorful battle. And Gwen’s choice to give this a groovier, more reggae-flavored arrangement was an inspired touch on her part. I’m looking forward to this.

Preparation video:

Watch the full performance video of Menlik Zergabachew and Troy Ritchie singing 'Maneater' here:

Download MP3: Maneater

Adam thinks these are the two guys who’ve come the farthest since the Blind Auditions, while Blake loved the song choice. He says this was the best battle of the night. Pharrell, meanwhile, admits he didn’t know just how good Troy was. He then praises Menlik, saying, “Ethiopia is proud of you.” Gwen wishes she could put these two guys in a blender and make one person, which Adam thinks sounds horrible.

Battle Round Results

Coach Gwen Stefani selected Troy Ritchie as the winner.

Coach	Steal	Results
	YES
	YES	WINNER
	NO

Menlik says he chose Pharrell because “he said the right things” and “the vibe was right,” which I guess is as good a reason as any. I would have gone with Adam though, since I think he has a better grasp of the kind of artist Menlik wants to be. But Pharrell will never be a bad choice for any artist, in my opinion. Even the country ones.

Menlik Zergabachew is now on Team Pharrell Williams

Download MP3: Maneater

Note: Text written by Nick Roman

To watch more performances check out The Voice