Chattanoogan J.T Rodriguez sang for the judges on Tuesday night’s episode of “The Voice,” didn’t get a chair turn, but did get a call from fifth judge Bebe Rexha to return for the Comeback Stage. But Rodriguez didn’t win his battle there, losing his shot at competing on NBC’s talent show.
Rodriguez, a 28-year-old fitness coach and trainer, sang Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love” for “The Voice” coaches. It was a loose interpretation of the song, in which he put his own spin on the pop hit. No judges turned. The judges appeared surprised when their chairs turned to face him following the song. Adam Levine said he thought the singer was a 70-year-old and Blake Shelton joked he had wondered how he would coach a 90-year-old.
But the judges were all complimentary, with Kelly Clarkson telling him she was “so close” to pushing her button. Levine said, “You’ve got to
come back to give us another chance.”
Rodriguez did come back when he got a call from Rexha. She is the Comeback Stage coach and may invite back six previously eliminated contestants to try again. She pairs two singers in a battle round, eliminating one each round until one singer remains, who wins the final spot in the live rounds.
Although Rexha praised Rodriguez’s “very soulful” voice, he did not win his round. Fans can see the Comeback Battle on “The Voice” app
and NBC’s website for “The Voice.”