The Voice 7 - Live Blog and Recap - The Knockouts Premiere (VIDEO)

Welcome to the live blog and recap of The Voice 2014 Season 7, "The Knockouts Premiere"!

The battle round is finished, and coaches Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Pharrell Williams, and Gwen Stefani have their final eight artists. Tonight, we will see the coaches pit their remaining eight acts against one another to round out their respective teams. Each coach has one steal, so picking the right artists is more important than ever! Also, Taylor Swift is here as the guest mentor, helping each coach prepare their respective acts for the performance of their lives!

I'm not 100% certain, but I believe the match-ups we're getting tonight are...

Team Adam:
Damien vs. Toia Jones

Team Pharrell:
Luke Wade vs. Taylor Phelan
DaNica Shirey vs. Katriz Trinidad

Team Gwen:
Bryana Salaz vs. Sugar Joans

Team Blake:
James David Carter vs. Griffin
Tanner Linford vs. Jessie Pitts

Add your thoughts in the comments below, and keep refreshing for analysis, thoughts, and videos of the night's battles.

Rickey will be posting individual videos as the night rolls on. So let's get this show on the road!

Credit: NBC

RECAP

-We open with Gwen gushing about Taylor Swift and how she'll bring "a whole other element" to her team. However, all of the coaches have Taylor, so they'll all be getting the same advantage. That said, I think Taylor has the potential to have the greatest effect for Gwen's team, since there's a high concentration of pop singers like Taylor. You know, because Taylor is a pop singer now. For her part, Taylor says she admires Gwen for successfully making the transition from band leader to solo artist.

TEAM GWEN: BRYANA SALAZ VS. SUGAR JOANS

-Bryana damn near loses her mind to see Taylor Swift there. After having a gushing session, they work on the song, which is "Heart Attack" by Demi Lovato. Bryana sounds great, but has trouble connecting, since she's never actually had a boyfriend before. Taylor offers good advice about the shoutiness of the song, suggesting she go up into her falsetto during the chorus to avoid straining. She puts this advice into practice, and it ends up being a lovely, lilting little vocal that makes Bryana a potential threat against a singer the caliber of Sugar.

-Speaking of Sugar, she'll be singing "Love On Top" by Beyonce, saying she loves the old soul quality of it. However, Gwen is a little surprised, since Sugar already did a Beyonce song. But Taylor is all-in on Sugar, calling her an amazing performer. Gwen feels the most important thing here is "uniqueness," so she wants people to feel that from Sugar, who's already a great singer. Her growl sounds great on this song, but honestly, I think it's the wrong song. Her voice sounds strained in places. Hopefully, though, this is worked out by the time the actual knockout duel occurs.

-Bryana is up first, and I thought this is actually really good. I was impressed with her control. There's not a single note she goes for that she doesn't hit, and her falsetto sounds stunning. She reminds me a lot of Jacquie Lee, but less screechy and far less prone to overdo it on the vocal runs. And I say that as someone who loved Jacquie Lee. Sugar is up next, and I'm kind of disappointed that we didn't get a more soulful arrangement of the track, since "Love On Top" is a song that seems tailor-made to be refashioned into a classic 60s/70s style groove. That said, Sugar did a really good job here, even though I thought this turned into kind of a mess by the end. Pharrell clearly loved it though, getting up from his seat halfway through.

-Adam calls it a choice between "ridiculously incredible" and "unbelievably amazing," and he has no idea what Gwen is going to do. He says "taste-wise," he has more in common with Sugar, but this is just too close for him to call. Blake essentially says the same thing as Adam, but in the "in-bred way," prompting Adam to remark that Blake is doing his job for him by insulting himself (I was wondering when we'd get more Blake vs. Adam. I know some people are really sick of it, but I find it charming). Pharrell loved both girls, but notes that if Sugar goes anywhere, he's going to push his button so hard. Gwen is similarly positive about both girls, swearing to Carson that she honestly has no idea who she's going to pick. But she must, so...

BRYANA SALAZ ADVANCES TO THE NEXT ROUND!

-Pharrell warms up his hands in preparation to steal. The minute she's available to steal, Pharrell hits his button for Sugar. He says what blew him away about her is her affinity for soul music. He doesn't want to do old soul music with her, he wants to do what soul music is going to sound like in the future. And he thinks he can do that with Sugar.

PHARRELL STEALS SUGAR JOANS!

-Great calls on both ends. I thought Bryana was the clear choice for that contest, while Sugar Joans is a good pick for Pharrell, since he obviously has an idea for her. I'll be interested to see him implement that plan.

WATCH: Bryana Salaz sings ‘Heart Attack’ (VIDEO) / Sugar Joans sings ‘Love on Top’ (VIDEO)

TEAM BLAKE: GRIFFIN VS. JAMES DAVID CARTER

-James feels like Taylor can really help him, since she's "on top of the world right now." He'll be singing "You've Got A Friend" by James Taylor. In rehearsal, Taylor feels he does an excellent job conveying the sentiment of the song. She thinks he's doing some really cool riffs, but Blake is a bit reticent, since he feels like his flourishes will mask what a great singer he is. "I don't want people to think you're bringing a knife to a gun fight," he tells James. Not sure the analogy works, but I'll just defer to Blake's judgment.

-Griffin meets Taylor and relays having met her parents before. She finds it really sweet, and says she'll tell them he said high. Griffin then reveals he'll be singing "As Long As You Love Me" by Justin Bieber, which confuses Blake a bit, since Griffin started out singing Michael Buble, and then did Paul McCartney (which Blake admits wasn't his choice). I don't blame him for being puzzled, since I have no idea who Griffin is trying to be, as an artist. However, Blake ultimately ends up feeling it was a good choice for Griffin, particularly after Taylor convinces him to take the song in more of a rock direction.

-James is up first, and he does some wonderful runs. On the one hand, it's a country/folk performance, but his riffs make it sound so modern. I loved every single ounce of this, and I'll be stunned if James doesn't win this showdown. I think he's someone who could get Blake very far in the competition. Griffin, meanwhile, does an admirable job with his song, particularly in his upper register. But I just didn't feel this the way I felt the performance from James.

-Pharrell calls it a really tough call, and he has no idea what Blake will do. "Neither do I, no thanks to you," Blake responds. Gwen thought it was a good showdown, but goes with James because she isn't sure James knows who he is as an artist. Adam also goes with James, saying he wished we'd have heard more from Griffin's upper register, like in his Battle Round performance. Blake admits he was wrong about James singing "You've Got A Friend," and makes it official...

JAMES DAVID CARTER ADVANCES TO THE NEXT ROUND!

-Griffin thanks Blake for stealing him, and for giving him a second chance. Unfortunately for Griffin, he is not stolen. But I don't think it's a mistake to let him go. The guy can sing, but I think we've seen most of what he can do. And his uncertainty as an artist makes him too uneasy a choice to send through to the next round. There's a difference between versatility and lack of identity, and I felt like Griffin's issues were more a case of the latter than the former.

WATCH: James David Carter sings ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ (VIDEO) / Griffin sings ‘As Long as You Love Me’ (VIDEO)

TEAM PHARRELL: DANICA SHIREY VS. KATRIZ TRINIDAD

-DaNica says the Battle Round was the first time her daughter has ever seen her perform, since she stopped singing for three years after her dad passed away. She'll be singing "Saving All My Love For You" by Whitney Houston, claiming she wouldn't be the singer she is today without her. Pharrell asks if there's anyone special in her life she can think of, and she lists her fiance Christopher. She rehearses, and Pharrell is blown away, calling it a tasteful performance. And I agree. Very classy vocal with very few runs. Just straight-up, crystal clear vocal power.

-Katriz is singing "Superwoman" by Alicia Keys, and her vocal is impeccable, but Pharrell just isn't feeling it. He feels Katriz is too practiced onstage, and far too delicate, like she's carrying a basket of eggs across the stage. Taylor encourages her to let loose a little onstage, to maybe throw her head around, to work the stage. Granted, I'm not sure this is the kind of song she should be doing that for; however, Taylor has offered some pretty great advice so far, so maybe she's on to something.

-DaNica's vocal is virtually flawless. She really doesn't feel like a contestant at all, she feels like a successful pro who already has Grammys and big-selling albums under her belt. In fact, the only thing I really feel like she's lacking is any discernible star quality. Of course, that's a charge I could claim against 80% of the people in this competition in any given season. DaNica is a great singer, and for The Voice, which doesn't really seem the least bit concerned with finding a star so much as finding someone who can sing really well, that just might be enough to get her through to lives.

-By contrast, I do feel Katriz has a lot more to offer as a potential star, in addition to being a great singer. She's current, and she's growing into a damn good performer. She worked the stage here, conveying the emotion of the song through her body language, and maintaining eye contact. Too many people just shut their eyes as if they're trying to get through a song. I was SO impressed by this. One too many runs, sure, but still the best performance of the entire night so far.

-Adam and Gwen both gush over Katriz, particularly Adam, who seemed to have expected a bit more from DaNica. However, DaNica insists she has far more to offer. Blake thinks Katriz gave it 200%, and couldn't look cuter, to boot. Meanwhile, he feels DaNica is "the perfect singer". Pharrell struggles with his decision, but eventually settles on a choice...

DANICA SHIREY ADVANCES TO THE NEXT ROUND!

-I'll admit, this decision shocked me. Not because DaNica didn't deserve it, but because I just figured Pharrell would assume he could do more with Katriz. The bigger surprise, though, is that no one steals Katriz. I seriously thought she was a surefire choice to get scooped up by SOMEBODY. But nope, they're saving their steals. For whom, I have no idea. But Katriz is devastated, breaking down while hugging Pharrell and Gwen.

WATCH: DaNica Shirey sings 'Saving All My Love For You' (VIDEO) / Katriz Trinidad sings 'Superwoman' (VIDEO)

TEAM ADAM: DAMIEN VS. TOIA JONES

-Damien is going to be singing "How Can I Live Without You," which might be the most baffling song choice in any round so far. Taylor, however, is over-the-moon about Damien after he rehearses the song, saying, "You're so amazing! I could cry." And it IS a good vocal, but it's just such a bland, vanilla song choice for him that feels like the opposite of what he needs to be doing.

-Toia is singing "Crazy In Love" to avoid being "put in a box" as a "church" artist. Adam can appreciate her trying to show her versatility, but didn't think she was hitting enough of the notes, nor does she convey the right mood for the song. Taylor comes up with some awesome advice, once again, by saying Toia is emphasizing the "in love" part of the song when she needs to be emphasizing the "crazy" part of the song. And, instantly, it's like a different Toia up there. Much fiercer, and less like she's trying to copy Beyonce. I swear, Taylor is just killing it with the advice.

-Damien nails it in the parts that utilize his falsetto, but everything else is kind of dodgy. It's like he's pushing his voice way too hard, to the point of straining. It's actually kind of unpleasant, which surprises me, because I've generally liked Damien so far. Toia, meanwhile, absolutely slays it. I think she overdoes it a bit on the "crazy" part, but she's really good here, getting both Adam and Pharrell grooving with her. It's one of my favorite performances of the season so far, actually. So fierce!

-Blake thought Toia offered great entertainment and a great vocal, and gives it to her, even though he thought Damien made a great song choice. Pharrell calls Damien's vocal a "flawless performance," but didn't feel he brought "all the guns out." He feels Toia "tore this place down," and gives the knockout to Toia. Gwen appreciated Damien's performance and how it showed a different side. However, she chooses Toia, impressed by how animated and lively she was. Adam thought Damien's song choice was really smart because it's a song that "tips its hat to R&B," whereas he was less enthusiastic about Toia's song choice, thinking she would pick something more "revelatory". But he thought she did a great job, so it's a tough choice for him.

DAMIEN ADVANCES TO THE NEXT ROUND!

-Pharrell is absolutely STUNNED Toia didn't get picked, and frankly, so am I. That was such an outrageously boring performance that I just don't know how Damien won. But Pharrell already used his steal, and Blake didn't feel he had anything to offer Toia (and I guess Gwen just wasn't feeling her), so Toia isn't stolen. Unfortunate. I would have liked to have seen more from her.

WATCH: Damien sings 'How Do I Live' (VIDEO) / Toia Jones sings 'Crazy In Love' (VIDEO)

TEAM BLAKE: JESSIE PITTS VS. TANNER LINFORD

-Jessie is thrilled to meet Taylor, and geeks out with her over her cats. Jessie is singing Ellie Goulding's version of "Your Song," and Blake loves when an artist picks a song that fits their voice, since it gives him confidence in the person he's chosen. And I agree. This is an absolutely lovely choice for Jessie, with potential to provide a real moment for her.

-Tanner is so flustered to see Taylor, he nearly falls over. In his confessional, he wishes he had hugged her (an utterly adorable moment). He's chosen "Calling All Angels" by Train, surprising Blake since he feels it's a daunting choice. But Tanner really steps up, and Blake is so impressed he assumes Tanner must be trying to impress Taylor. She notes that Tanner is working the "Cute Boy Factor," and although she gives him advice on how to utilize this, Tanner is simply thrilled Taylor Swift thinks he's cute.

-Jessie is up first, and I was floored by this. It's not exactly a surprise that she's a great singer, but her upper register is every bit as spectacular as her usual voice, and this song gave her the chance to show off the full range of her vocal. I adored this. Tanner delivers a nervous, but unexpectedly solid vocal. Tanner really gives it his all, and makes a solid case for why he could potentially be a worthwhile choice to take to the lives. I think Jessie is the clear and obvious winner here, but frankly, I'm done trying to predict any of these freaking battles.

-Pharrell thought what Tanner brought to the song made him look at it differently. Meanwhile, he says Jessie converted him, since she showed great "melodic topography" (what a wonderful turn of phrase!). Gwen thought Tanner did a fine job, but also praises Blake for how he's helped shape Jessie. Adam feels Tanner sounds manlier and more grown than he does, and thinks he's quite good. Meanwhile, he praises Jessie and says he expects she'll get even better as she goes forward. Ultimately, Blake makes his choice, saying he's selecting the artist he thinks has a more complete sense of the artist they want to be...

JESSIE PITTS ADVANCES TO THE NEXT ROUND!

-Finally, a choice I can agree with. Blake says that while he's proud of Tanner, he felt Jessie was more ready for the live shows. Tanner thanks the coaches and says how glad he is to have gotten farther than he did last time. However, he does not get stolen. I didn't really expect him to, but I think he surprised enough of the coaches that it wouldn't have completely shocked me if someone had hit their button. But this is ultimately the right choice. Tanner needs some time to grow as a performer and as a vocalist.

WATCH: Jessie Pitts sings ‘Your Song’ (VIDEO) / Tanner Linford sings ‘Calling All Angels’ (VIDEO)

LUKE WADE VS. TAYLOR PHELAN

-Upon seeing Taylor when he walks in, Luke proclaims, "This show is awesome!" He'll be singing "Rich Girl" by Hall and Oates, and Taylor is in love with his voice, saying she'd buy his album right now. She likes what he does with the song, but suggests he start out leaning against the Knockout Round set, choosing when he's going to notice the audience and then moving around the stage. Luke feels this advice is "invaluable," since he'll need all the help he can get to defeat Taylor Phelan.

-Taylor Swift tells Taylor Phelan that she often has a rapport with other Taylors, and tells him to call her "Tay". He'll be singing "Rather Be," and it's a solid vocal, but Tay feels the guitar is a crutch, saying he only played the guitar for a few seconds in the entire performance. He puts the guitar down and goes through the song again, and he immediately feels better about it. However, Pharrell still doesn't feel Taylor is connecting with the song, and warns him that if he doesn't use all the gifts at his disposal, he's going to lose this battle.

-Luke does a hell of a job with "Rich Girl," setting the bar pretty high for Taylor. Luke's voice just has this unique, rolling quality to it that makes every performance feel like the vocal equivalent of a waterfall, if that makes any sense (and I'm not entirely sure it does). I'll just say the guy is seriously good, and deserves to go farther. However, Taylor totally steps up to the plate. It feels like an easygoing, laid back performance that also manages to be high-energy. It's a tough balancing act, but Taylor totally pulls it off. I'd actually give this to Taylor.

-Gwen thinks both guys are "seriously good," noting Luke's perfect song choice and Taylor's natural stage presence. Adam calls both guys the two major losses for him in the Blinds, and says he doesn't think there's a winner since it's all apples and oranges. However, he notes they're the best apples and oranges possible. Adam says it doesn't matter who wins because the loser is coming to his team. Blake thought Luke failed to convey the message of the song due to all his ad-libs. In his opinion, this "opened the door for Taylor" to steal the battle. Pharrell makes his choice...

LUKE WADE ADVANCES TO THE NEXT ROUND!

-Much like Pharrell earlier, Adam warms up his hands preparing to steal. Both Adam and Gwen hit their buttons, and Blake does as well after Adam calls him an idiot for not trying to steal Taylor. Adam feels Pharrell made a mistake letting him go, but Pharrell doesn't want Adam using him in his sales pitch. Gwen pleads with Taylor to come to her team, whereas Blake reiterates that Taylor won that Knockout round. It's a hard sell, but after consulting the woman he loves, and getting no answer, Taylor decides to go with the man who's been fighting for him since day one...

TAYLOR PHELAN CHOOSES ADAM LEVINE!

-I'm glad both men will be continuing, since they're both great singers. It should be interesting to see what Adam does with Taylor now that he finally has him. I'm stoked.

WATCH: Luke Wade sings ‘Rich Girl’ (VIDEO) / Taylor Phelan sings ‘Rather Be’ (VIDEO)

-Aaaaand that's a wrap! To recap, here are the contestants advancing to the live shows from tonight's Knockout Round...

TEAM ADAM: Damien, Taylor Phelan (STOLEN from Pharrell!)

TEAM GWEN: Bryana Salaz

TEAM BLAKE: James David Carter, Jessie Pitts

TEAM PHARRELL: DaNica Shirey, Sugar Joans (STOLEN from Gwen!)

So what did you think of tonight's Knockout Round? Did the coaches make the right choices? Were the steals used on the right contestants? Sound off in the comments! And join us again tomorrow night as the Knockouts continue! Until then, thanks for hanging out!

GOODNIGHT!