The Voice started its eighth-season "Knockout Round," advancing nine artists to the next phase of the competition, during Monday night's broadcast on NBC.

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On Night 1 of the Knockouts, The Voice coaches Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton and Pharrell Williams had to narrow down their teams by pairing two teammates against one another at a time to perform solos with a spot at stake in the "Live Playoffs."

In each Knockout, the two artists competing choose their own song. This round shows America and the coaches what type of artist they are or would like to be. Every artist also receives personal attention from his or her coach as well as the universal mentor Nate Ruess.

Adam, Blake, Christina and Pharrell are each allowed only one "Steal" during the Knockouts.

Christina paired Ashley Morgan with "Heartbreaker" against Sonic with "A Woman's Worth." Sonic won the Knockout and will therefore advance to the "Live Playoffs." Ashley was eliminated from the competition.

Blake had Brian Johnson sing "Nothing Ever Hurt Like You" against Sarah Potenza's rendition of "Wasted Love." In the end, Sarah won the Knockout but Brian was stolen by Adam.

Adam matched up Clinton Washington with Nathan Hermida. Clinton performed "Wanted," while Nathan took the stage with "Leave Your Lover." Adam declared Nathan the winner, so Clinton was sent home.

Pharrell had The Voice's first three-way Knockout in the show's history. Mia Z sang "Hold On I'm Coming," Paul Pfau performed "I Don't Need No Doctor," and Sawyer Fredericks charmed the crowd with "Collide." Pharrell announced Sawyer was the first winner and Mia Z was the second -- ultimately ousting Paul.

Blake had Meghan Linsey with "(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman" face off against Travis Ewing with "I Don't Want To Be." Blake revealed Meghan was the winner of the Knockout. As a result, Travis was eliminated.

Christina's artists closed the show, and the Knockout was so good that Adam admitted it felt like the Final 2 artists had just performed in the finale.

Kimberly Nichole wowed with "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free." She was up against the powerhouse Koryn Hawthorne with "Try." Although Christina decided Kimberly was the winner and should stay on her team, Pharrell ended up stealing Koryn.


About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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