10 Best Country Covers on ‘The Voice’
With each new season of 'The Voice,' more singers are choosing country songs to impress both mentors and viewers at home. It's not surprising that Blake Shelton's team leads the way in country music covers, but Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera have not shied away from the genre. The best country covers on 'The Voice' helped launch each singer into late rounds in the competition.
Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Shelton and Miranda Lambert are the most popular singers covered by contestants on the hit NBC show. One singer's rendition notched her a No. 1 song on iTunes, while another used a performance as a way of saying thank you to his coach for believing in him. Scroll down to watch video of all 10 of the best country covers from three seasons of 'The Voice,' then share your favorites in the comments section below.
- 10
Liz Davis, 'Independence Day'
Originally performed by Martina McBridePerhaps no one in 'The Voice' history relied on country music quite like Liz Davis, who gave worthy performances of 'Here for the Party' by Gretchen Wilson and 'Gunpowder and Lead' by Miranda Lambert, prior to picking 'Independence Day' from Martina McBride. Davis proves to be a splendid vocalist in this cover of the country song, but much like RaeLynn in Season 2, her lack of artistic range might have been her downfall. This wound up being her last performance on the show.
- 9
Dez Duron, 'Wanted'
Originally performed by Hunter HayesDez Duron looks like a slightly older, slightly taller version of Hunter Hayes. His performance of 'Wanted' is full of passion -- perhaps more than the song calls for in such a short amount of time. No one can question his enthusiasm, however. His rendition was good enough to move him through to the next round, but the Team Christina member would eventually be sent home after singing 'U Smile' by Justin Bieber.
- 8
RaeLynn, 'Hell on Heels'
Originally performed by Pistol AnniesThis country firecracker's introduction to America was a twangy copy of 'Hell on Heels' by the Pistol Annies. She would later go on to be named a honorary Annie after befriending the trio and mentor Blake Shelton. One is reminded of her innocence in watching her nervous performance, which swells into one of the more memorable moment's in the show's history.
- 7
Nicolle Galyon, 'You Save Me'
Originally performed by Kenny ChesneyTrained pianist Nicolle Gaylon's sensitive rendition of Kenny Chesney's 'You Save Me' had a sexy, R&B vibe, but it was good enough to impress at least one coach during the second season of 'The Voice.' Adam Levine spun around to watch Gaylon tickle the ivories. Her nerves slipped away at that point, giving her the confidence to hit the high notes in the 2006 hit.
- 6
Terry McDermott, 'Over'
Originally performed by Blake SheltonTeam Blake member Terry McDermott dropped the classic rock anthems to sing a soaring ballad first recorded by Blake Shelton for his 2011 'Red River Blue' album. “You performed that song like I always wished I could,” Shelton told his team member. It was enough to get him to the final rounds in the show's third season.
- 5
Gwen Sebastian, 'Stay'
Originally performed by SugarlandGwen Sebastian auditioned for Season 2 with this song, causing Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine to turn around. The singer had country success prior to her time on 'The Voice,' but her cover of Sugarland's 'Stay' introduced her to millions more people than she'd ever played for before.
- 4
Jermaine Paul, 'God Gave Me You'
Originally performed by Blake SheltonJermaine Paul was full of confidence on the night he was named the Season 2 winner of 'The Voice.' The singer didn't "miss" the entire season, and his cover of Shelton's 'God Gave Me You' was a truly professional performance. Few other singers in the history of the show made a better connection with the live audience and viewers at home.
- 3
Danielle Bradbery, 'Please Remember Me'
Originally performed by Tim McGrawDanielle Bradbery chose Sara Evans' 'Born to Fly' as her solo song during the finals of Season 4 of 'The Voice,' but her rendition of Tim McGraw's 'Please Remember Me' is the one that can still leave you tingling today. She shows extraordinary patience during this building ballad. A full choir behind her and and outfit that whispers elegance helps pull it all together. Could it be possible that she really won the competition during this semi-finals performance?
- 2
Jordis Unga, 'A Little Bit Stronger'
Originally performed by Sara EvansRocker Jordis Unga ditched the leather pants for a pink dress and the tender lyrics of Sara Evans' 'A Little Big Stronger' during the late rounds of 'The Voice' Season 2. It was a courageous performance. Few singers on the show have stepped outside their comfort zone like Unga did in April 2012. As she finished the song, the heavily-tattooed, former INXS star was almost in tears.
- 1
Cassadee Pope, 'Over You'
Originally performed by Miranda LambertCassadee Pope doesn't stray far from Miranda Lambert's original in her cover, yet she somehow injects the song with her own unique story and style. Her vulnerability is only equaled by her anger as she shouts, "How dare you??" This cover was a beautiful moment... which later became the No. 1 song on iTunes with over 150,000 downloads.