West Dundee's Riley Elmore to appear in live playoffs on 'The Voice'
After impressing coaches once again on Monday night's episode of NBC's "The Voice," Dundee-Crown High School junior Riley Elmore is advancing to the live playoffs.
The 16-year-old West Dundee resident, a jazz singer, beat out team member Jason Warrior of Chicago during the competition's knockout round. Elmore's rendition of "Haven't Met You Yet" by Michael Buble won over coach Adam Levine, who said he wanted to pick the contestant "most unlike anything we've ever had before on this show."
"When I hear you sing, it always shocks me," Levine told Elmore after the performance. "It always takes me back to a different time."
Teary-eyed after his victory, Elmore said he's thankful for the opportunity to continue performing a unique style of music on the show.
Coach Miley Cyrus said she was waiting to steal the young crooner if he hadn't been chosen - a move that would have sent him to the live playoffs on her team.
"I just really love watching you and your youthfulness and the innocence of the way you perform. Never lose your sweetness and your humbleness," Cyrus told Elmore. "You're also an incredible singer."
Warrior, who sang "I Want You" by Luke James, also advanced to the live playoffs after being stolen by coach Blake Shelton.
Before competing in the knockout round, contestants also received advice from country stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. They coached Elmore on his stage presence, showed him some performance techniques and offered tips for connecting with the audience.
"Any time you can set yourself apart stylistically, then you're in a good place," McGraw said. "When you're that young and you're able to sing songs like he sings, I think that's pretty spectacular."
Elmore will be one of 20 artists performing in the live playoffs, during which viewers will vote for their favorite contestants. The top two from each team, plus one chosen by the team's coach, will advance to the next round of live performances.
"The Voice" airs at 7 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC. The live playoff and elimination round is Nov. 7, and there will be no show the following day because of the election.