RENZO showcased his extraordinary vocal ability on The Voice this season, successfully securing a coveted spot in the Playoffs after delivering a breathtaking rendition of Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever” during Monday evening’s Knockouts episode on April 14. His performance captivated both the audience and the judges, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most distinctive vocalists in the competition.
Joined by fellow Team Legend artist Nell Simmons, who delivered a stunning version of Chaka Khan’s classic “Sweet Thing,” RENZO presented a gripping and emotionally rich interpretation of the 2021 hit “Happier Than Ever.” His ability to convey deep emotions through his performance has set him apart in the competition.
After RENZO’s compelling performance, coach John Legend lauded Nell’s performance as “poised” and “perfection,” but ultimately made the pivotal decision to advance RENZO to the next stage of the competition. This decision showcases not only RENZO’s talent but also his ability to resonate with the audience and judges alike.
“Happier Than Ever” serves as the title track from Billie Eilish’s critically acclaimed sophomore album, which made a remarkable debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 2021. The song achieved a peak position of No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered prestigious Grammy nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance, solidifying its place in music history.
RENZO’s authentic vocal style infused the song with a new depth, effectively capturing its emotional transition from gentle melancholy to intense anguish. His captivating performance left the coaches visibly moved, eliciting raucous applause from the audience, who were clearly impressed by his artistry and emotional delivery.
Later in the evening, Team Legend’s Olivia Kuper Harris also secured her place in the next round with a sultry interpretation of Donna Summer’s iconic “Last Dance,” narrowly defeating Jacquelyn George, who performed JoJo’s heartfelt “Too Little Too Late.” This highlights the competitive nature of the Knockouts and the exceptional talent present in this season.
On Team Bublé, Adam David impressed coach Michael Bublé with his rendition of Allen Stone’s “Unaware,” successfully moving past Carlos Santiago, who performed Calum Scott’s emotional “You Are the Reason.” Additionally, Jadyn Cree’s passionate performance of Avril Lavigne’s “Keep Holding On” earned her a spot in the Playoffs, with Bublé remarking that her voice “cuts through”—a testament to her vocal prowess.
Meanwhile, in Team Kelsea’s Knockout, the competition heated up between Jaelen Johnston and Hailey Wright. Hailey captivated the audience with her vibrant rendition of the Patsy Montana classic “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” but ultimately, it was Jaelen’s heartfelt interpretation of Noah Kahan’s “Dial Drunk” that secured his victory and advancement in the competition.
The night concluded with a dramatic decision on Team Adam, where Conor James’ soulful rendition of Alphaville’s “Forever Young” narrowly outperformed Darius J.’s energetic take on Estelle’s “American Boy.” However, Kelsea seized the opportunity to utilize her steal, bringing Darius onto her team and stating, “I’ve been waiting for this for so long.” This maneuver adds an exciting dynamic to the competition.
With RENZO’s Knockout victory, Team Legend’s impressive lineup heading into the Playoffs now includes Ari Camille, BD.ii, Bryson Battle, Olivia Kuper Harris, and RENZO—a formidable group poised for success in the upcoming live shows.
The Voice Season 27 continues to air on Mondays on NBC, offering viewers a chance to witness incredible talent and emotional performances each week.