The latest episode of 'The Voice' season 5 left viewers shocked with the elimination of Matthew Schuler, one of the most talented and consistent performers in the show.
Schuler was no doubt a terrific singer and was well received in the show right from the beginning when all four coaches turned around for him in the blind audition. He sounded a little predictable as the show progressed, and the song choice seemed to have played a crucial part in his elimination. His ouster could come as a shock to his fans, as he was one of the most consistent performers this season.
All the remaining finalists are talented, and following their electrifying performances on Monday, many would argue that each one of them deserved to stay in the competition. But one had to be sent home according to the rules of the game.
During the show, host Carson Daly called the top six contestants from 'The Voice' Season 5 - Will Champlin, Tessanne Chin, James Wolpert, Jacquie Lee, Matthew Schuler, and Cole Vosbury - on stage to announce who advanced to next week's semi-finals.
"America saved, from Team Christina... Jacquie Lee!" called out Daly.
She received heaps of praises from the coaches for her rendition of "Cry Baby" by Janis Joplin, and "The Voice Within" by Christina Aguilera on Monday.
The announcement came a few minutes after the viewers got into Christmas mood, following Kelly Clarkson's rendition of the song, "Wrapped in Red" from her new album. Lee, Chin and Schuler also performed "You've Got the Love" by Florence and The Machine together.
Soon after the 16-year-old singer, who is also the youngest contestant in the competition was saved, Blake Shelton performed Christmas classic "Silver Bells" with Xenia, one of the favourites from Team Blake in season one.
Daly called the remaining five contestants on stage again. And this time, Cole Vosbury's name was called out, keeping Team Blake alive in the competition. He sang "Rich Girl" by Hall and Oates, and "Better Man" by James Morrison on Monday, winning the hearts of the judges.
Before the next contestant was announced, Vosbury, Wolpert and Champlin hit the stage with "More Than Words" by Extreme along with one of the band members Nuno Bettencourt on the guitar.
The four finalists were called on stage again. Daly called out Tessanne Chin, the powerful Jamaican singer from Team Adam. She sang "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley and "Unconditionally" by Katy Perry on Monday, winning the hearts of the judges and viewers alike.
All the six finalists hit the stage, probably their last rendition together, singing Christmas song, "Joy to the World."
Daly then announced, "America saved, Will Champlin from Team Adam". He gave a good performance on Monday, singing "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke and "Hey Brother" by Avicii.
With four names being called out, the fate of Schuler and Wolpert depended on the five-minute Instant Save window wherein viewers can save one of the contestants via Twitter vote.
Viewers saved Wolpert, who sang "Fell In Love With A Girl" by The White Stripes" and "I'd Do Anything For Love" by Meatloaf on Monday, keeping his chances of winning the show alive.
The semi-finals of 'The Voice season 5' will begin on Monday with the remaining contestants hitting the stage again for America's vote. Coach Adam Levine has three contestants in the competition, while Blake Sheldon and Christina Aguilera have a contestant each.
