'The Voice' recap: Josh Kaufman rules Team Adam

To wrap up “The Voice” playoffs, Usher’s final choices last night were tough ones.

But it didn’t seem that Usher figured in the fact that the public starts voting on who moves ahead in the season next week. Aside from likable underdog dad Josh Kaufman, who was head-and-shoulders above the rest of the team, Usher went with skill over likability in his other choices since the others were all flawed in some way.

Here’s how the night played out:

TEAM USHER

T.J. Wilkins, “Tell Me Something Good”: He did a good job with the Rufus with Chaka Khan classic, envisioning his voice like a tenor sax, after a great suggestion from Usher. However, he didn’t quite have the fire needed to pull off the song properly. “You just reminded us of the beautiful nature -- the careless, free nature of that period of time and what music was,” Usher said.

Melissa Jimenez, “Halo”: She took a big risk to try the Beyonce song with such a bare-bones arrangement. It worked most of the time, but when she ran out of breath near the end, there was nowhere for her to hide. “It was a very brave move to strip this song down,” Shakira said. “I think it was a great way of laying out there.” Adam Levine was more mixed, saying, “There were moments that are really beautiful and there were moments where you got in trouble.”

Stevie Jo, “The Thrill Is Gone”: Tackling the B.B. King classic is seldom going to work unless you can actually slay it. Stevie Jo didn’t slay it, but he was good, until he got lost in the ad-libbing. “It’s like he’s sneaking up on a rabbit,” Blake Shelton said of his performance. “I know you’re the real deal.” However, his coach was more muted. “I believed it,” Usher said. “Good job, man.”

Bria Kelly, “Wild Horses”: Her take on the Rolling Stones song was unusual, because she was great during the difficult bits, but slightly wobbly on the easier, quieter parts. “I was worried about you last time because it was if you weren’t you for a second,” Levine said. “I’m really pleased to say you’re back.”

Josh Kaufman, “It Will Rain”: He did an amazing job with the difficult Bruno Mars song, managing to maintain clear notes while introducing passion and soul. This actually gave Sisaundra Lewis’ stunning performance a run for her money for the best of the playoffs. “You’re one of the best singers on ‘The Voice’ this year,” Shelton said. “You did an incredible job,” Usher said.

USHER PICKS: Josh, Bria, T.J.

SHOULD’VE PICKED: Josh, Bria, T.J.