Monday's two-hour show The Voice, featuring the list of Top 8 live performances, was bookended by a pair of diva-strong performances that showcased both glamour and range.

Carson Daly got in on the action offering a couple jokes aimed towards The Voice 2013 judges.

"Nothing celebrates Memorial Day with this rarely sober national treasure," he said Monday night as he introduced coach Blake Shelton, who performed his country single "Boys 'Round Here" that has the most undeniable hook.

Team Blake:

If you weren't distracted by the elaborate Hollywood Squares set during Holly Tucker's singing of "Done" by The Band Perry, then you heard some major crooning. Again, Holly Tucker proved she is one of the biggest belters of the bunch, powering through the vocally demanding country tune and having enough steam to finish the song with panache. You ended the song with "two big notes," said Usher, "and you 100% killed them."

Team Shakira:

Sasha Allen took on "Without You," by David Guetta and Usher, who offered her his congratulations. Shelton called her performance "fun," and added, "I think you bought Shakira another week on this show for sure."

Team Usher:

Michelle Chamuel delivered a dynamic performance of Bruno Mars' "Grenade" that Shakira called "spectacular." Levine hailed her as "exciting" and Usher praised: "You put in the work. People can identify with an incredible spirit. You represent true inner beauty."

Team Adam

Showing an artsy side (she paints, too), Sarah Simmons took on Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know". Amid the smoke machine and band that included a harpist (and a camera that included a through-the-harp shot), Sarah certainly let that "somebody that she used to know" hear it, with some angry, gravelly vocals. "I think it was great for you to show a different texture" and "restrain" from belting in the song, said Usher. "This is a tough song, and I feel like no one has done it right, until tonight," said Adam.