Which of the top 5 sang like they were on their way to the winner’s circle?

The final on Monday evening The voice offered the Season 25 contestants one last chance to ingratiate themselves with the audience – that is, if the winner hadn’t already been decided. The top five sang both the upbeat and downbeat numbers like their lives depended on it. And in a way, they probably did. Who put music in our ears? And who had the best chance of taking the metaphorical crown? Let’s discuss it.

The voiceThe best performances of all time, ranked: The good, the baddest and the absolutely amazing

Show list

Nathan Chester (team legend), “That’s your thing” – A+ | On the Isley Brothers classic, Nathan delivered a performance so electrifying it could have rocked the whole damn stage. Not only did he deliver his usual flawless vocals, but he also pumped up the crowd like he was running for office and pulled off so many moves that, as the coaches often say, it felt less like a reality competition act and more like an awards show show show.

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Josh Sanders (Team Reba), “Rest high on that mountain” – B | Josh sang Vince Gill’s popular ballad, singing mostly as softly as a blanket draped over the stage. The crowd seemed to be very into it too, considering the number of lighters he held over their heads while he sang. But as enjoyable as that was, it was also so boring that I was glad I couldn’t recapped lying down; other than that, zzz.

Asher HaVon (Team Reba), “Last Dance” – B- | When Asher started singing Donna Summer’s disco hit, I immediately thought: “Oh, this is going to be good!” What I didn’t expect in the least was that it Only good, not great. What happened? From what I could tell, Asher tried too hard to pull out all his tricks on stage and it didn’t help the act. Even more troubling, he seriously missed his big notes. Possibly his worst performance of the competition.

Bryan Olesen (team legend), “Beautiful Things” – B+ | While Asher stumbled, Bryan delivered perhaps his best performance of Season 25. Our lone rocker showed admirable restraint on Benson Boone’s ballad, building to an explosive vocal crescendo that really packed a punch. Bryan’s performance naturally hit his coach hard. John burst into tears as he understood the sense of loss the song conveyed.

Karen Waldrup (Team Dan + Shay), “What Hurts the Most” — A- | Although Rascal Flatts’ ballad is a big challenge for any singer, I was sure Karen would be up to the challenge. Instead, she needed a stepladder of sorts from time to time. In the choruses, her singing was exciting – almost volcanic. But in the verses, she seemed to struggle a little. Maybe it was too many words and not enough air? Either way, overall it was fantastic.

Josh Sanders (Team Reba), “Boots On” — A | Well, Damned! During Randy Houser’s rollicking hit, Josh not only came to life, but he also channeled his inner Rip Wheeler. Vocally, he spat out nails like he’d swallowed a hardware store (that’s a compliment, by the way). But what was most impressive was the personality he unleashed. I mean, he’s not Nathan, but that was still the most attention-grabbing thing I’ve ever seen from Josh. Maybe his coach was right and that Was the number that would bring him victory.

Nathan Chester (team legend), “A song for you” – A+ | In Donny Hathaway’s oldie, Nathan served up a clear argument on a silver platter as to why he should win season 25. His voice was nothing short of perfect. Big moments, small, intimate… he mastered them all with flying colors. And his Present…Lord! It felt like he was singing a hole through my heart. I know Asher is the favorite, but you have to admit, this took it a step further.

Bryan Olesen (team legend), “Freedom! 90” — C+ | Strange decision to have the only rocker of the season sing one of George Michael’s pure pop hits. And by “strange” I mean “bad.” Rather than playing to Bryan’s strengths, the number emphasized his weaknesses by emphasizing the cheesiness that so often made him seem like a karaoke song. How on earth did the decision come about not to give him anything by Journey, Aerosmith, or any act other than George Michael?

Karen Waldrup (Team Dan + Shay), “I’m fine” – B+ | Was it just me, or did Karen seem more relaxed during her second number of the night, Jo Dee Messina’s tongue twister? She looked like she was having fun and sounded like she was born with a microphone in her hand. Still, I wasn’t sure the performance had enough “wow” to win over viewers who weren’t already on Team Karen. Depending on how big Team Karen is, maybe that wouldn’t matter?

Asher HaVon (Team Reba), “I will always love you” — A | Asher was given a golden opportunity to make us forget the failure of “Last Dance” with the Dolly Parton/Whitney Houston hit and a half, and boy did he make the most of it. The was the Asher that prompted John to call him the best singer of the season. He was poised and present and produced vocals that met the textbook definition of “superb.”

OK, for the last time on Season 25: Who do you think will win…and who should win? Vote in the polls below, then back up your votes with your informed insights in the comments.

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