Telemundo's LA VOZ KIDS Heads to Final Phase

TELEMUNDO's "La Voz Kids" (The Voice Kids) kicked off the Final Phase of the hit singing competition in an evening full of powerful performances by the 18 finalists. Six kids from each team, were welcomed by hosts Daisy Fuentes and Jorge Bernal and their Coaches Daddy Yankee, Natalia Jimenez and Pedro Fernandez in the state-of-the-art stage at Universal Orlando Resort, accompanied by a live band. Each contestant performed in front of an audience giving all their talent, charisma and uniqueness with every note, bringing the audience and Coaches to their feet often throughout this first gala. Viewers from across the United States and Puerto Rico began voting immediately after the conclusion of the episode to help their favorite contestant move on to the next gala this coming Sunday, May 24 at 8pm/7c, where the first voting results will be announced and six voices will be eliminated.

During this episode, hosts Daisy Fuentes and Jorge Bernal joined the NBC's Red Nose Day campaign by wearing the nose to encourage viewers to participate and donate for children and young people living in poverty. Prior to the gala, the 18 finalists had the opportunity to give back to kids in need in the community, and share their love for music by donating musical instruments for their studies.

The following finalists performed on stage:

From #TeamYankee:

Arnold Cruz, 13 years old, from Santa Clarita, California, sang: "El Aventurero." Every one enjoyed the interpretation of Coach Pedro Fernandez's song, and Arnold got everyone on their feet!
Franser Pazos, 14 years old, from Portland, Oregon, sang: "Inolvidable." Coach Yankee, very proud of his achievements, told him that his performance gave music "grace."
Samantha Rios, 13 years old, from Washington, D.C., sang: El Hombre del Piano." Coach Yankee said, "Accompanied only by a piano and a microphone, you conquered all of us... very few 'talents' as you."
Jersen Ruiz, 14 years old, from Humacao, Puerto Rico, sang: "Que locura enamorarme." With his stage presence, he showed that "his dreams are bigger than his fears," said Coach Yankee.
Janely Rosa, 12 years old, from Houston, Texas, sang: "Con los Ojos Cerrados". Coach Yankee said, "I see in you a pure artist"... as she showed the reality of living a dream.
Jorge Cruz, 13 years old, from Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, sang: "Dangerous." He showed amazing stage control during a beautiful performance.
From #TeamNatalia:

Antonella Henao, 15 years old, from Houston, Texas, sang: "Duele Menos." Coach Natalia said that she showed amazing intensity and passion; also adding that "there are few talents as you and it is an honor to be your Coach."
Priscilla Naranjo, 13 years old, from Miami, Florida, sang: "Tu Recuerdo." Coach Natalia said that she sang with "her heart," as she honored her mother's wishes with a great performance.
Jonael Santiago, 11 years old, from Miami, Florida, sang: "Suavemente." Coach Natalia said, "You did an amazing job...I love you"; as he got everyone on their feet.
America Vazquez, 13 years old, from Los Angeles, California, sang: "Porque no le Calas."
Coach Natalia told her that not only did she make her family happy when she sings, but she makes everyone listening very "happy" as well.

Alberto Castro, 15 years old, from Miami, Florida, sang: "Diamonds." Coach Natalia on her feet told him that he was a "monster" on stage and everyone was easily convinced by his great talent.
Jesus Manuel Esquer, 15 year old from Heber, California, sang: "Besame Morenita". Coach Natalia said, "You honored your father's memory; it is a great joy to hear you sing and to have you in my team."
From #TeamPedro:

Brianna Arteaga, 13 years old, from Tyler, Texas, sang: "Mi Ciudad." Coach Pedro was impressed with her self-confidence, of how she enjoyed performing and how she made "hers" the song.
Shanty Zumaya, 11 years old, from Peñitas, Texas, sang: "Acompa?ame," a beautiful performance of which Coach Pedro expressed his pride of being her coach.
Wildania Aquino, 14 years old from Bronx, New York, sang: "Falsas Esperanzas." Coach Pedro told her that she had shown great evolution throughout the competition and he was proud that the audience enjoyed her excellent performance.
Monica Canedo, 10 years old, from Boynton Beach, Florida, sang: "Heartbeat Song." Coach Pedro said, "Amazing job... a sensational performance."
Milenia Perez, 14 years old, from Clinton, Oklahoma, sang "Lips are Movin." Coach Pedro said that he really had enjoyed "a great artist on stage" with her performance.
Estefani Lopez, 12 years old, from Riverside, California, sang: "Es Demasiado Tarde." Coach Pedro admired the way she transmits her music, her technic, and self-confidence.
During this Final Phase of "La Voz Kids," the television audience now has the opportunity to vote, and with the Coaches, decide who will stay in the competition and who will go home. In the end, only one kid will be named as the winner of the third season of "La Voz Kids," receiving a recording contract and a $50,000 cash prize to support their education. The Sunday night singing competition gives the audience the opportunity to witness how the stars of the future are discovered and developed while the competition's Coaches search for the nation's best voice of the season.

For exclusive access to all the behind-the-scenes action of "La Voz Kids," fans can log onto LaVozKids.com and Telemundo.com and follow the excitement through Facebook.com/LaVozKids, Twitter.com/LaVozKids and Instagram.com/LaVozKids using #LVK, #TeamYankee, #TeamNatalia and #TeamPedro.

After "La Voz Kids," viewers can enjoy "Suelta La Sopa Extra," THE AFTER show with hosts Jorge Bernal and Erika de la Vega, featuring behind-the-scenes and exclusive moments, contestant reactions and previews of the upcoming episode.