"The Voice" eliminated eight of its contestants on Thursday after the first week of live performances.
Joselyn Rivera and Loren Allred were eliminated from Team Adam, with America saving Amanda Brown and Bryan Keith, while Adam saved Melanie Martinez. Melanie was crying even before Adam made his decision and balled when her name was revealed. "No one is better than the other, I don't believe that," Adam said before announcing his decision. Joselyn thanked everyone and said graciously, "You don't have to win to be a winner."
Blake Shelton lost Julio Cesar Castillo and Liz Davis from his team. America saved Terry McDermott and Cassadee Pope, who will be moving on along with Michaela Paige, who Blake saved. "I want everybody at home to know that each one of them has given 100 percent," Blake said, adding that any one of them could win.
From Christina Aguilera's team, De'Borah and Devyn DeLoera were eliminated. America voted to keep Dez Duron and Sylvia Yacoub around and Christina's save went to Adriana. "Please never ever let anyone or anyone's opinion ever define who you are," Christina told her bottom three, citing her early loss at Star Search as proof to never give up.
Mackenzie Bourg and Diego Val went home from Team Cee Lo. Trevin Hunt and Nicholas David were saved by America and Cee Lo saved Cody Belew. "I will always be with you, spirit and support," Cee Lo told Mackenzie, Cody and Diego. "If one of us wins, we all win."
The remaining Top 12 contestants will move on to the semi-final live rounds next week.
Before the eliminations began, Team Adam and Team Blake sang Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger," while Team Cee Lo and Team Christina took on "Drive By" by Train. Maroon 5, featuring "Voice" coach Adam Levine as its frontman, also performed their new single "Daylight," while wearing head-to-toe royal blue, but that still didn't compare to Cee Lo's leopard outfit.
"The Voice" goes back to its regular schedule next week, airing Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
