‘The Voice’ Top 8: Team Pharrell Nails It With Chill-Inducing Performances

With another week of live performances down, we’re one step closer to crowning Season 8’s winner of ‘The Voice.’ This week, the Top 8 gave it their all, and the contestants nailed their performances. How will you choose, America?!

Things just keep getting better and better on The Voice! This week, former coaches CeeLo Green, Usher and Gwen Stefani all returned as guest mentors, and they really helped the singers step their game up to a whole new level — but it was Pharrell’s two artists, Sawyer Fredericks and Koryn Hawthorne, who stood out above the rest. Here’s a full recap of the Top 8 performances!

‘The Voice’ Top 8 Perform —  Team Pharrell’s Sawyer & Koryn Kill It

To start the show, Corey Kent White, Joshua Davis and Sawyer Fredericks took the stage together to sing a unique version of Avicii’s “Hey Brother,” which was followed by a rendition of his hit “Wake Me Up,” sung by the girls, Koryn Hawthorne, Hannah Kirby, India Carney and Meghan Linsey. By the end of the medley, all eight performers joined forces to belt out the final lines of the tune. What a great note to start the show on!

Blake Shelton‘s, 38, artist, Hannah Kirby, kicked off the night’s solo performances, singing “We Don’t Need Another Hero” by Tina Turner. Totally hitting the mark on her wish to be a “theatrical” artist, Hannah absolutely nailed her vocals and put on quite a show by adding a kids’ choir for extra background melodies, per CeeLo’s suggestion. “That had CeeLo’s stamp on it!” Christina Aguilera, 34, laughed. And I loved it!

Up next was Adam Levine‘s, 36, final artist, Joshua Davis, who was instantly saved by America after landing in the bottom three last week. Josh sang Sting’s “Fields Of Gold,” showcasing his vocals and guitar skills for a moving performance. “[This song] tells my story and it’s me swinging for the fences,” Josh admitted. Hopefully the risk will pay off!

Next, Christina’s artist Kimberly Nichole took on a surprising song choice with Radiohead’s “Creep,” but considering this girl can do no wrong, it was, as always, an incredible rendition! Rather than doing showing off her usual powerhouse vocals, Kimberly gave a much more vulnerable performance, even becoming emotional as she truly connected to the track. “I’m honored that you were on my team. I’m honored that you are still on this show,” Pharrell, 42, gushed of his former team member. “That was masterful.”

The contestants had a quick break when Coach Blake took the stage to perform his new single “Sangria.” It’s always so fun to see the coaches get up and do what they do best, so of course this was no different! Go Blake!

After a commercial break, Meghan Linsey of Team Blake sang a soulful rendition of The Beatles’ “Something,” and proved, once again, why she deserves to still be in this competition. The performance brought Blake to his feet, and he raved, “It was just so classy. Your singing just gets better each week that goes by as you get more comfortable and have more confidence. After this performance, I’m absolutely positive saying I expect to see you in the finale of the show this year.” Bold statement, Blake, but I certainly wouldn’t be surprised, either!

‘The Voice’ Top 8 Revealed: 2 More Contestants Sadly Eliminated

Christina’s singer, India Carney, got her turn in the Top 8 next, and absolutely killed it by singing “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” from The Wizard Of Oz. This song has been done on The Voice and shows like it many times before, but India completely kept the audience’s attention and totally nailed the classic tune. Those pipes are NOT. REAL!

Next, Season 7 finalist from Team Adam, Matt McAndrew, made a comeback to The Voice stage, where he sang his new single “Counting On Love.” Matt came in second last season, and we were so excited to see him back and sounding better than ever!

Sawyer Fredericks from Pharrell’s team was up next, and once again wowed the crowd with his performance of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man.” As always, it’s impossible to believe this kid is just 16 years old! He’s been a frontrunner since the beginning of the season, and just continues to bring it week after week — even Blake is afraid of Team Pharrell! “He has two artists on his team that are going to be tough to compete with,” the country singer told HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY. “They are phenomenal!” I couldn’t agree more!

Blake’s only country singer, Corey Kent White, went for something different this week, singing “When I See You Smile” by Bad English — a classic rock song. “I feel like the only thing that’s close to being country about it is me singing it,” Corey told his coach confidently, and once he took the stage, Corey proved that he can take on a genre outside his comfort zone and make it his own. Definitely a breakout moment for Corey!

‘The Voice': Koryn Hawthorne Has What It Takes To Win It All

Last, but not least, Pharrell’s Koryn Hawthorne really gave it her all with a unique, stripped-down version of Alicia Keys’ “Girl On Fire.” On the show’s April 20 episode, Koryn had her breakout performance, and she rose to the occasion once again by belting out the track and proving that last week wasn’t a one-time deal.

Team Pharrell is stronger than ever at this point in the competition, and while all eight singers are absolutely incredible, it’s hard to imagine that someone from the “Happy” singer’s team won’t take it all! Oh, and they’re both teenagers, by the way!

HollywoodLifers, what did you think of the Top 8 performances? Who is your pick to win it all?

–Alyssa Norwin

'The Voice': Gwen Stefani, Usher & CeeLo Set To Return For Reunion Apr22 Read Article►→ 'The Voice' Top 8 Revealed: 2 More Contestants Sadly Eliminated Apr21 Read Article►→ Sponsored Content by Taboola 'The Voice': Koryn Hawthorne Has What It Takes To Win It All Apr21 Read Article►→ 'The Voice': Koryn Hawthorne's Best Performance Yet Makes Her A Contender Apr20 Read Article►→ 'The Voice': Reba Gets To Know Christina Aguilera -- Behind The Scenes Video Apr20 Read Article►→ 'The Voice' The Top 10 Revealed After 2 Singers Were Sadly Eliminated Apr14 Read Article►→ 'The Voice' Sawyer Fredericks Gives An Absolutely Beautiful Performance Apr13 Read Article►→ 'The Voice' Recap: Top 12 Revealed Apr08 Read Article►→ Sia Covers Face With Wig For 'Elastic Heart' Performance On 'The Voice' -- Watch Apr08 Read Article►→ 'The Voice': Powerhouse Kimberly Nichole Breaks Down In Tears Apr07 Read Article►→ 'The Voice': A Singer From Team Pharrell Will Win This Season Apr07 Read Article►→ 'The Voice': Live Playoff Rounds Begin & America Must Vote For The First Time Apr06 Read Article►→ 'The Voice': Christina Aguilera Uses Final Steal On Standout Singer Mar30 Read Article►→ 'The Voice:' Blake Shelton Uses His Last Steal On Powerhouse Singer Mar24 Read Article►→ 'The Voice:' Team Pharrell's Mia Z Has What It Takes To Win Competition Mar24 Read Article►→ 'The Voice:' First Ever 3-Way Knockout Round Shocks Contestants Mar23 Read Article►→ 'The Voice': Pharrell Uses His Last Steal On Standout Singer Mar17 Read Article►→ 'The Voice' Sneak Peek: Pharrell Must Make An Impossible Choice Mar17 Read Article►→ 'The Voice' Sneak Peek: Blake Mocks Adam's Shirt -- Watch Mar16 Read Article►→ 'The Voice': Country Singer Forced To Pick New Team After 3-Button Steal Mar10 Read Article►→

Linda Thompson On Bruce Jenner’s Gender Issues: She Wouldn’t Have Married Him

Bruce’s second ex-wife, Linda Thompson, opened up about her marriage to the ‘KUWTK’ star right after his big ’20/20′ interview where Bruce revealed he was transitioning into a woman. In an in-depth essay, Linda emotionally reveals that had she known about his ‘gender issue’, she never would have married Bruce in the first place.

Bruce Jenner, 65, has been showered with a ton of support since he revealed to the world in his tell-all interview with Diane Sawyer that he’s transitioning from male to female. Now, it’s his second ex-wife, Linda Thompson‘s turn to speak. Linda, 64, shared her thoughts on her ex-husband’s journey into womanhood, revealing that she’s “so grateful to God” that she “didn’t know” about his gender issues at the time — here’s why.

Linda Thompson Speaks On Bruce Jenner’s Gender Transition

Linda, who is an Emmy-award winning songwriter, touched on how her marriage to Bruce affected her entire life in her emotional essay posted on The Huffington Post. 

If Bruce had told me about his gender issue when we first began getting romantically involved, I would not have married him. But looking back, I’m so grateful to God, the universe and Bruce that I didn’t know, and that Bruce played the role in my life that he did. What a tragedy that truth, if Bruce had confessed it in 1979, would have been for my existence as I have known it! I would never have experienced the joy, the honor, the privilege of being the mother of the two most precious gifts I have ever known, Brandon and Brody. As life has a way of unfolding as it is meant to, I have learned to trust life.

Linda recalled meeting “handsome” Bruce in her essay, how she watched him win the Olympic gold medal in 1976, and married him in 1981. When Brandon was three and a half years old, Bruce approached her with “a very somber look on his face” and told her that “he identified as a woman.” While Linda was shocked at first, she sought, above anything, to understand.

I was pretty ignorant of the fact that being transgender isn’t something that can be overcome, fixed, prayed away, exorcised or obliterated by any other arcane notion. Being transgender, like being gay, tall, short, white, black, male, or female, is another part of the human condition that makes each individual unique, and something over which we have no control.

It sounds like Linda has a ton of unconditional love and support for her former husband, and is very much “grateful” of everything that he’s given her. Such a powerful piece!

Kris Jenner On Bruce Jenner’s Interview — She Cried & Feels She Failed Him

Meanwhile, HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY learned that Bruce’s third ex-wife Kris Jenner, 59, feels she “failed him.”

“That interview made her think twice about herself and she thinks she’s failed miserably as his wife,” a source told us. “Hearing Bruce say that they would still be together if she were able to handle his transition better than she did sent chills throughout her entire body. She feels she failed him.” Poor Kris.

What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers? Tell us your thoughts on Linda’s essay below!

— Julianne Ishler

Kris Jenner Cried Through Bruce's Tell-All Interview: Feels She Failed Him Apr25 Read Article►→ Kim Kardashian Furious With Kris Humphries For Bruce Jenner Diss: 'He's An… Apr25 Read Article►→ Sponsored Content by Taboola Kim Kardashian New Interview: Bruce Jenner's Transition Is A 'Hard Adjustment' Apr25 Read Article►→ Kylie Jenner: Supporting Bruce Is Bigger Priority Than Tyga Betrayal Apr25 Read Article►→ Kris Humphries Apologizes For Dissing Bruce Jenner: 'I Was Too Vague' Apr25 Read Article►→ Kris Jenner Fires Back After Bruce Interview: 'I Wasn't Asked' For A Comment Apr25 Read Article►→ Bruce Jenner: Kim Kardashian, Kylie & Kendall All 'Caught Me In A Dress' Apr25 Read Article►→ Bruce Jenner: Kim Kardashian & Siblings Show Support With Loving Pics Apr25 Read Article►→ Kris Humphries Disses Bruce Jenner After Interview -- See Shocking Tweet Apr25 Read Article►→ Bruce Jenner Reality Show: E! Confirms Transgender Series Apr24 Read Article►→ Bruce Jenner: Supportive Messages From Family During '20/20' Interview Apr24 Read Article►→ Bruce Jenner Shows Diane Sawyer New Closet Full Of Dresses Apr24 Read Article►→ Bruce Jenner: Khloe Kardashian Has Taken My Transition The Hardest Apr24 Read Article►→ Bruce Jenner: Kim Kardashian & Kanye West Have Been The Most Supportive Of My… Apr24 Read Article►→ Bruce Jenner Says: 'I'm A Woman' -- Lady Gaga & More Stars Send Support Apr24 Read Article►→ Bruce Jenner Confirms He's Still Attracted To Women Apr24 Read Article►→ Bruce Jenner Confesses: 'I Was Suicidal' During My Transition Apr24 Read Article►→ Bruce Jenner Admits Kris Jenner Knew He Was Transitioning While Married Apr24 Read Article►→ Bruce Jenner Confesses: 'I Am A Woman' Apr24 Read Article►→ Bruce Jenner Attacked By Wendy Williams: Talk Show Host Calls Him A 'Fame Whore' Apr24 Read Article►→

Cecily Strong: ‘SNL’ Star Bombs As White House Correspondents’ Dinner Host — Watch

Funny lady Cecily Strong’s biting and blunt humor didn’t resonate well with everyone at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on April 25. The ‘SNL’ star fired jokes left and right, but unfortunately not everyone was rolling on the floor laughing!

Let’s be honest — President Barack Obama, 53, set the bar very high at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington on April 25. When host Cecily Strong, 31, took the stage to follow his hilarious bit, the SNL comedienne didn’t seem to bring in as many laughs as the President himself! Watch Cecily’s speech here and let us know what you think!

White House Correspondents’ Dinner: Cecily Strong Bombs As Host

We totally admire Cecily for her boldness and willingness to take risks — this funny lady did not hold back on any jokes at the huge event full of celebrities and politicians. From taking aim at C-Span (who broadcasted the event) to taking aim at Hillary Clinton and ISIS, Cecily seemingly went everywhere possible while roasting the President and his administration.

Unfortunately, some of her jokes seemed to fall flat. One that didn’t resonate well with the crowd was her reference to the Charlie Hebdo attacks (10:00), where she criticized the President for not paying a visit to Paris at the post-shooting memorial parade. Showing a photo of herself in the City of Lights, she threw shade at Obama saying, “Obama, Paris is so beautiful, Mr. President. You should really think about going there some time.” Burn!

Cecily also referenced SNL‘s criticism for ISIS jokes, while taking a slight jab at the President, making some seemingly uncomfortable! “Even ‘SNL’ got criticized for making fun of ISIS. If anyone is guilty of taking ISIS too lightly, it’s um, you know,” she said, nodding toward the president.

While Cecily’s jokes didn’t always resonate well, she definitely had some funny moments and we loved that she wasn’t afraid to hold anything back! As the second female comedian to host the dinner in more than 20 years, we think she did fantastic, even if not everyone found her bits funny.

She had some hilarious commentary which resonated well. One of her first jokes of the night drew in some laughs: “‘It is great to be here at the Washington Hilton,’ is something a prostitute might say to a congressman.” LOL. Also, Obama seemed to like when she reflected on what it would have been like growing up together in Chicago (where they are both from), playing basketball together while he wore her mom’s jeans.

What do YOU think, HollywoodLifers? Did you think Cecily was a funny host? Sound off with your thoughts below!

— Julianne Ishler

White House Correspondents' Dinner Live Stream -- Watch Online Apr25 Read Article►→ Cecily Strong Snubbed By 'SNL40's Weekend Update: Was She Angry? Feb17 Read Article►→ Sponsored Content by Taboola Michael Che Replaces Cecily Strong On 'SNL Weekend Update' Sep12 Read Article►→ Colin Jost To Replace Seth Meyers On 'SNL': Why He's The Perfect Choice Jan24 Read Article►→ Justin Bieber Crashes High School Prom, Hits Dance Floor -- Watch Video Apr26 Read Article►→ Linda Thompson On Bruce Jenner's Gender Issues: She Wouldn't Have Married Him Apr26 Read Article►→ Selena Gomez Out With Mystery Guy: Forgetting Zedd & Justin Bieber? Apr26 Read Article►→ Nina Dobrev & Ian Somerhalder Take Silly Selfies After Filming Final 'Delena'… Apr26 Read Article►→ Blac Chyna Claims Tyga Has Been Trying To Get Back With Her For 7 Months Apr26 Read Article►→ Jennifer Lopez Rocks Sexy Shimmery Ensemble At 2015 RDMAs Apr26 Read Article►→ Zendaya's RDMA Outfit: Stunning Black Crop Top & High-Waisted Pants Apr26 Read Article►→ Jennifer Lopez, Fifth Harmony & More: Full RDMAs Winners List Apr26 Read Article►→ Nepal Earthquake: Sophia Bush's Ex Tragically Killed In Massive Disaster Apr26 Read Article►→ Lil Wayne's Tour Bus Shot At Multiple Times In Atlanta -- Is He OK? Apr26 Read Article►→ 'Full House' Spinoff': 8 More Classic Shows That Deserve To Be Revived Apr26 Read Article►→ Kylie Jenner Vs. Blac Chyna & More: The Biggest Kardashian Feuds Apr26 Read Article►→ Channing Tatum: 'Magic Mike' Star Turns 35 -- Happy Birthday Apr26 Read Article►→ Amber Rose Shows Off Butt In See-Through Dress -- See Pic Apr25 Read Article►→ 'KUWTK': Kourtney Fears She'll Be Abandoned In The Delivery Room -- Watch Apr25 Read Article►→ Kris Jenner Cried Through Bruce's Tell-All Interview: Feels She Failed Him Apr25 Read Article►→