Sydney Sterlace performs Billie Eilish’s When the Party’s Over in The Voice semi finals

Monday, December 2, 2024, marked the start of The Voice season 26's live semi-finals, in which eight competitors competed for a place in the finale the following week. One of them was Sydney Sterlace, a 16-year-old member of Team Gwen from Buffalo, New York.

Sydney wowed the judges and audience with her passionate and polished performance of Billie Eilish's eerie ballad When the Party's Over. A group of ballet dancers and a subdued piano accompaniment were used in her theatrically produced performance, which enhanced her strong vocals.

All of the competitors sang alone and in duets during the episode, and the audience had complete control over the voting and the performers' faith in the show. The night was made even more memorable by the return of Sting, who had been a mega-mentor earlier in the season, to work with participants on special duet performances.

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The Voice: Sydney Sterlace's performance

Sydney Sterlace took the stage in a dramatic black and tan lacy dress, standing alone at center stage while eight ballet dancers moved gracefully behind her. Her rendition of When the Party’s Over was both intimate and powerful, showcasing her control over the song’s challenging low and high notes.

Snoop Dogg, moved by the performance, said, “I always shed a tear when she sings.” Michael Bublé praised her ability to handle the song’s tricky low notes, and her coach Gwen Stefani added,

“I’m blown away. … You make us all feel something, and that’s what’s so special about you. Vote for her!”

This isn’t the first time Sydney has impressed audiences on The Voice. Earlier in the competition, she performed Olivia Rodrigo’s Drivers License, Lewis Capaldi’s Bruises, and Taylor Swift’s Betty, among other songs, earning her a reputation for choosing material that fits her style. Her consistent growth throughout the season has positioned her as a strong contender for the finals.

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Highlights from the The Voice Semi-Finals

The semi-finals episode of The Voice saw all eight contestants performing twice: a solo number and a duet of a Sting classic. With Sting joining the performances on acoustic guitar and bass, the contestants rose to the challenge. Here are some key moments:

Christina Eagle (Team Snoop) opened the show with a lively rendition of Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like a Woman!. Her coach, Snoop, praised her “great stage presence” and compared her to Reba McEntire.

Jan Dan (Team Gwen) tackled Journey’s Open Arms. While his performance lacked a lasting impression, Gwen appreciated his growth, saying, “Every single note was perfect.”

Adam Bohanan (Team Reba) delivered a relaxed cover of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. Reba McEntire called his joyfulness “infectious.”

Shye (Team Bublé) wowed with Brandi Carlile’s The Joke. Michael Bublé described her as “the truth,” comparing her to Adele and Celine Dion.

Jeremy Beloate (Team Snoop) performed Tom Jones’s I (Who Have Nothing), displaying theatrical flair and a powerful voice.

Danny Joseph (Team Reba) showed his versatility with Chris Stapleton’s I Was Wrong, adding a surprise guitar solo that impressed the judges.

Sofronio Vasquez (Team Bublé) closed the show with Elvis Presley’s If I Can Dream. His smooth voice and strong technique earned him praise from Bublé, who commended him for his resilience.

The duets, featuring Sting classics, added another layer of excitement to The Voice semi-finals. Sydney Sterlace teamed up with Shye for an exquisite rendition of Fields of Gold, with Sting accompanying them on guitar.

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The voting results for the Top 5 have been revealed. The Voice live finale part 1 will air on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 8 pm ET.