'The Voice' recap: Kat Perkins leads strong Team Adam

“The Voice” playoffs continue with tough cuts, as the coaches narrow their teams from five contestants to three.

Team Adam’s cuts seemed especially hard, considering that his entire team performed better than anyone Team Shakira had to offer.

Here’s how the night shaped up:

TEAM SHAKIRA

Kristen Merlin, “Two Black Cadillacs”: She drew standing ovations from Shakira and Adam Levine with a nice version of the Carrie Underwood song. It was well-sung, but not really distinctive, though the coaches fell all over themselves complimenting her. “You are definitely at the top of your game right now,” Levine said. “You are one of the strongest voice in the competition,” Usher said.

Deja Hall, “Battlefield”: The adorable 16-year-old sang a sweet, but timid, version of the Jordin Sparks song. Her voice is strong, but her performance hasn’t progressed as quickly as her voice. “She had 101 things to tackle and she tackled 100,” Shakira said. However, the other coaches didn’t seem to hold it against her. “You definitely came out of your shell,” Shelton said. “It’s time for you to approach a song like this with some attitude.”

Tess Boyer, “Human”: She made some unusual phrasing and vocal choices on the Christina Perri song that didn’t necessarily work to her advantage. But her strong voice and ability to handle both high notes and low ones won over the coaches. “You’re superhuman to be able to hold notes like that,” Usher said. “That’s so hard and you made it seem easy,” Shelton said. “You’re like a little miracle,” Shakira said.

Patrick Thomson, “Trouble”: He did a good job with the Ray LaMontagne song, though he was also a little tentative in places. Luckily, his powerful, gritty voice pulled him through those spots. “I thought this was your finest moment,” Levine said. “Your voice was always right on the money,” Shakira said. “You killed it.”

Dani Moz, “The Edge of Glory”: Finally, someone brings the heat on Team Shakira. Dani was fearless on the Lady Gaga song and showcased her vocals and, more importantly, her emotions. “The overwhelming emotion you put into it brought me closer to you,” Usher said. “I saw a true artist,” Shakira said. “You were the perfect vehicle.”

SHAKIRA PICKS: Dani, Tess, Kristen

SHOULD’VE PICKED: Dani, Tess, Kristen

TEAM ADAM

Delvin Choice, “Let’s Stay Together”: He showed off a lot on his version of the Al Green classic, including an impressive, but unnecessary, up-and-down run toward the end. He gets a standing ovation from Levine. “There’s not a more unique voice on ‘The Voice’ this season,” Usher said. “It was delicious,” Shakira said. “You are one of my absolute favorites.”

Jake Barker, “She Will Be Loved”: He did a great job with the Maroon 5 song, even handling some bits as well as Levine, who congratulated him on his rendition. “I hope that you make it to the end,” Usher said. “You just did an amazing rendition,” Shakira said. “It was a stellar performance.”

Kat Perkins, “Open Arms”: She did a masterful job with the Journey song, even effectively embellishing it in ways Steve Perry didn’t even think of, without going over the top. “Open arms, my ass,” Shelton said. “Open lungs!” The fact that she made it look effortless only made her accomplishment that much more impressive. “Those Journey songs, those are difficult songs,” Levine said. “There has not been a better performance than this one so far.”

Morgan Wallen, “Stay”: His distinctive vocals made the Florida Georgia Line song even more interesting than the original. Shelton tries to say that Morgan is influenced by Eddie Vedder but can’t remember his name. “I’m gonna punch you right in the face,” Levine tells Shelton, who later adds, “It’s country, but it comes from a different angle than we’re used to.” “You’re excellent,” Levine said.

Christina Grimmie, “I Won’t Give Up”: There was actually some good coaching on Adam’s part here, noticing how she goes off the rails when she ad-libs. Her plan for the Jason Mraz song was right on target, nailing the big notes and the subtleties. “You’re a ball of fire,” Usher said. “You’re like Baby Celine Dion!” “This is only the beginning,” Levine said. “Unbelievable, Christina.”

ADAM PICKS: Kat, Christina, Delvin

SHOULD’VE PICKED: Kat, Christina, Jake