'The Voice' recap: Josh Kaufman takes the semifinals

“The Voice” semifinals was an oddly dark night, as coach Adam Levine complained about the compromises needed for artists to get to the finals of a singing competition.

That would be a more believable debate if he wasn’t, you know, coaching a singing competition.

“I'm going to say some bold words right now,” Levine said, in support of Christina Grimmie, adding that he felt he was also speaking for her. “We're sick of the things people do all the time on this show. And we've had a little bit of a hard time with the winners of this show, or the people that make it to the finals, kind of seeing them through to the end and beyond this show.”

Levine said that this week marks the first time he’s taken the approach of pushing things artistically with his team. “I don't think we want to sit here and do karaoke,” he said. “We want to surprise people. We want to impress people. We want people to be uncomfortable a little bit, so hopefully they can embrace some music they've never heard before.”

Um, that may be a good artistic strategy, but it’s not going to work on this show. And Coach Levine, who also dumped a load of cow manure on Blake Shelton’s truck in retaliation for tweeting out Levine’s cell number a few weeks ago, may find himself without a team after tonight.

Here’s how the finalists stacked up:

1. Josh Kaufman, “All of Me”: His lovely, grittier version of the John Legend song, where he even out-sings Legend in places. “You have such a gift for reaching people with romantic songs,” Shakira said of what was easily the best performance of the night. “There’s no question to me that you’re going to be in the finale,” Shelton said. “You deserve to be.”

2. Jake Worthington, “Heaven”: His countrified version of the Bryan Adams song showed off everything that makes Young Jake so likable. His warm voice and laid-back style make the song special, with his country style coming through to energize his fan base. “You’re experiencing some issues with your throat,” Usher said. “You pushed through.” Shelton congratulated him, saying, “You’re the real deal.”

3. Kristen Merlin, “Gunpowder and Lead”: She took a darker approach to the Miranda Lambert revenge fantasy, making it sound more like a candy-coated promise than an angry response. “Two different approaches,” Shelton said, “but it worked for you,” Shelton said. Her coach Shakira said it showed off her depth. “You rocked the stage,” Shakira said. “You just proved you’re an amazing, amazing artist.”

4. Josh Kaufman, “Love Runs Out”: The OneRepublic song wasn’t very good, but Kaufman made the most of it, filling it with more passion than the original has. “It’s like he’s got the song by the throat,” Shelton said. “You’re a natural born killer singer.” Usher gave him the song to show that Kaufman could have a hit today and it worked. “You shouldn’t put artists into boxes,” Usher said. “I’m so proud of your performance .?.?. I feel like this is it.”

5. Kat Perkins, “Chandelier”: Sia’s current hit is tough to sing, but Kat hangs in there, landing most of the big notes for a decent result. “She is hands down one of the best singers we have ever had,” Levine said. “This girl deserves to be here next week.”

6. Kristen Merlin, “Foolish Games”: The Jewel song was not the best song choice for her, but her emotional connection to it salvaged it. “She dumped her heart and soul into that,” Shelton said. Kristen was praised for her storytelling ability. “You give people chills,” Shakira said. “You’re so emotional and that’s something I revere in artists.”

7. Christina Grimmie, “Hide and Seek”: It was a weird choice to do the Imogen Heap song because it emphasized the technology over her voice, no matter how Levine sold it. “In the beginning, I was a bit disconnected,” Usher said. Shakira said she was surprised by the choice. But Levine said, “I like to try and push things .?.?. We want to surprise people.”

8. Jake Worthington, “Good Ol’ Boys”: The  Waylon Jennings song better known as the “Dukes of Hazzard” theme was a bit of a throwaway performance, but it served his position with fans. “You’re about as real and genuine as it gets,” Levine said. “You’re a great singer.” Shelton marveled how a teenager like Jake could deliver a Waylon Jennings so well. “I couldn’t have been more proud of that performance,” Shelton said. “This is the guy that you think he is. You’re the real deal.”

9. Kat Perkins, “Let It Go”: The rock twist to the Idina Menzel song from “Frozen” was OK, but a bit shouty at times. “This song allowed you to show off another side,” Shakira said. “It doesn’t get better,” Levine said. “You’re soulful and you’re beautiful and I love you.”

10. Christina Grimmie, “Some Nights”: Her delivery was a little too cutesy on the fun. song and she sounded dicey on the vocals, sounding thinner and choppier than usual. Even her big notes were off. “This is the biggest departure of anything you’ve done,” Shelton said. “I loved the hell out of it.” Levine defended it. “You can lose sight of the artist that you are,” he said. “You’re sticking to your guns .?.?. This was a week of unique choices.”

BOTTOM THREE Kat, Christina, Kristen

SHOULD BE ELIMINATED: Kat, Christina

WILL BE ELIMINATED: Kat, Christina

ACTUALLY ELIMINATED: Kat, Kristen