We felt that going in to the Knockout Rounds on NBC's The Voice, Ian Flanigan from Saugerties made the right song choice to continue deliver the knockout blow to fellow Team Blake contestant Ian Pyle.  Pyle sang 'In My Blood' by Shawn Mendes while  Flanigan, 30, selected 'Beautiful Crazy' by Luke Combs to perform in front of mentor Usher and the millions watching at home. This would be an important decision because at this stage of the competition, it's do or die as both hopefuls looked to advance as to the 'live' rounds next week.

While very artists can match the tone and tenor of Luke Combs, we felt that Flanigan had every bit of the country star's bravado and confidence to pull it off.  In each of the previous weeks that we've seen Ian Flanigan on The Voice, we marveled at his ability to sound so rich yet make it all feel so effortlessness and natural - something Luke Combs has perfected.  But those were just mine and Chrissy's thoughts going into Monday nights show.  The only real vote of confidence that mattered was that of fellow country (and TV) superstar Blake Shelton, the man who would ultimately control Flanigan's fate.  

In the end, Ian Flanigan did what he does best.  His honest and straightforward rendition of Combs' #1 smash was tender in spots, bullish when it needed to be and just like Combs, Flanigan has the ability to make it look easy - which it is not.

A stressed out Shelton had high praise for both singers but he fell for the gravelly bass and tenor of Flanigan who adds a bit of mystery to every performance.   Blake Shelton finally settled on his choice and he took Flanigan with him to the 'live' rounds of The Voice which will air next week on NBC.

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