After performing a Tom Petty tune on Tuesday, Traverse City’s Joshua Davis moves on to the Top 8 after an “instant save” by America. And more watch parties Monday to cheer him on.
‘Hold Back the River’: Joshua Davis performing on Monday night.
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It’s not like Joshua Davis had an off night Monday on “The Voice,” but the northern Michigan singer-songwriter may have survived one of his toughest challenges yet in the much-ballyhooed NBC singing competition.
Pushing Harder then Ever Before: Joshua Davis on “The Voice.”
Singing the song, “Hold Back the River,” by British singer-songwriter and guitarist James Bay, forced Davis to hit lower, higher and more dynamic notes than ever before during the live performance segment featuring the show’s 10 finalists – and he eventually, albeit narrowly, pulled it off, saved as the final contestant on Tuesday to move on to the next round of the competition.
As one of the “bottom three” in terms of fan voting, Davis had to perform another song on Tuesday, Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” while viewers voted for each of the three contestants seeking an “instant save.” That tune obviously suited him much better than “Hold Back the River,” because Davis survived as the final competitor to move on to the Top 8, along with Koryn Hawthorne, Corey Kent White, Sawyer Fredericks, India Carney, Meghan Linsey, Kimberly Nichole and Hannah Kirby. (Eliminated were Rob Taylor and Deanna Johnson).
He ‘Won’t Back Down’: Joshua Davis moves on.
If anything, this week’s competition proved that a lot of it comes down to song selection: a questionable song choice by the judges — involving a tune with which few were familiar — almost cost Davis a shot at the next round. Luckily, Davis got to choose the song that eventually saved him. Check out the videos of both performances below and judge for yourself.
During the taped part of Monday’s show, Davis called it “a dream come true” to work with producer and musician Dave Stewart, who served as a guest coach this week for his performance, along with Team Adam’s leader and judge Adam Levine.
And he also gave a big national TV nod to his fan base in the Great Lakes State. “I’m so thankful for all the support back home in Michigan,” said Davis, adding that “music is about community” – something he’s long advocated by working with students and younger musicians.
Watch parties for Davis’ performance on Monday were organized by musicians and fans in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Bellaire, Frankfort and Leland.
Music is About Community: Joshua Davis comes from a supportive one in Michigan.
Stewart acknowledged during the taped segment that Davis seemed nervous about attacking the “higher registers” during a performance, but he and Levine both thought it was important to take that risk at this stage of the competition.
“Josh has a presence to entertain an audience,” Stewart said. “What comes through is his sincerity.”
After his performance, which included playing an electric — rather than acoustic — guitar, judge Blake Shelton told Davis that “this song pushed you vocally harder than you’ve ever pushed before.” Levine said while it was a challenge, it got the singer “over that hurdle” of hitting the higher register after impressing judges for weeks with that “beautiful, delicate, warm and fuzzy tone that everybody likes.”
But after Monday’s show, the BuddyTV.com website ranked Davis’ performance of “Hold Back the River” 9th out of 10.
The show resumes at 8 p.m. Monday on NBC, and watch parties once again will be held at several locations including Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids, Celebration Cinema in Lansing, Short’s in Bellaire, Stormcloud Brewing in Frankfort, Paul’s Pub in Johannesburg, The Vogue Theatre in Manistee, UP Masonic Center in Marquette and Workshop Brewing in Traverse City. Get the full rundown at earthworkmusic.com, along with info on voting for Davis.
The Grand Rapids watch party will feature pre-performances by Nicholas James Thomasma and The Delta 88’s (with Joe VanAcker and Max Lockwood) playing some Joshua Davis songs. Get more information online at grcmc.org. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
VIDEO: JOSHUA DAVIS, “Hold Back the River”
VIDEO: JOSHUA DAVIS, “I Won’t Back Down”
Copyright 2015, Spins on Music LLC
“If anything, this week’s competition proved that a lot of it comes down to song selection: a questionable song choice by the judges — involving a tune with which few were familiar — almost cost Davis a shot at the next round.” Thanks for making that observation, John.
We weren’t sure what Levine was thinking either. It seemed an odd thing to do if he’s trying to keep in the “game.” Fortunately, Joshua didn’t “back down” and his talent and professionalism clearly outshone that of the other remaining performers.