'The Voice' judges eliminate Delaware's Olivia Rubini after 'I Stand By You' falls flat

On Monday night's first episode of the playoffs round on "The Voice," Hockessin singer Olivia Rubini delivered a soulful rendition of the Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You."

In the end, the star-studded NBC coaching panel did anything but.

The Padua Academy graduate was eliminated from competition Monday night after a two-month run as the number of contestants was whittled down from 52 to 20 for the latest round.

Rubini was pit against four other performers on the team for show coaches/country singers Dan + Shay. Three were chosen to advance ― Karen Waldrup, Tae Lewis and Madison Curbelo ― while Rubini and Anya True were sent packing.

What happened?

The warning signs were there even before the votes came in for Rubini.

Her take on the 1994 song originally sung by Chrissie Hynde did not elicit the glowing reviews she had received in previous weeks.

She had been mentored with the song by Dan + Shay, along with guest mentor rapper/singer Saweetie, who said she was drawn to Rubini: "I like your eyes. I can get lost in them. Stare at us, girl. Point at us. Let us know you're going to stand by us."

Well, it didn't quite work when the dust settled.

Chance the Rapper told Rubini she has a great voice, but added, "I wish there were a little more dynamics. A little more of your range."

John Legend also complimented her ability, but then took a turn: "I feel like you were doing little things with your voice and body to try to find some rock 'n' roll in this song. I just feel like maybe this song wasn't the best song for this moment."

Dan + Shay, who would have the final decision on her future, only had positive things to say about her talent and did not criticize the performance. Dan Smyers added, "You have so much originality. There is no one else in this competition who sings like you."

But at the end of the episode when it came to dispatch contestants, Rubini was picked to leave the show. She took the news with grace, applauding the advancing Lewis as he dropped to his knees at the news.

Rubini reacts online

Not long after the episode aired, Rubini logged in to her Facebook account to react to her departure from the program.

"My time on 'The Voice' has come to an end ― finding the words to express my thoughts and emotions to encompass the magnitude of this experience is almost impossible," she wrote. " Making it to the Top 20 has so far exceeded any expectations I could have ever had when this process began. This has truly been the biggest blessing and honor."

FLASHBACKQ&A: Hockessin's Olivia Rubini talks about 'The Voice' audition and previews next round

After thanking Legend and Dan + Shay, her coaches throughout her time on the show, she turned her attention to the new fanbase she has earned on "The Voice," which has averaged more than 5 million viewers each episode this season.

"The outpouring of love and kindness has been so incredibly magical and overwhelming. I am so blessed and overjoyed that I’ve connected with so many people through the power of music ― there’s nothing more beautiful than that," she said.

What's next for Rubini?

Rubini's final words of her Facebook message made clear she may be down, but she's not out: "So much more music to come."

Since her debut on "The Voice," she has released new music, including the singles "Heartless Woman" and "Love Em & Leave Em."

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She also already has a pair of Delaware concerts on her schedule.

First up is a free main stage performance at this year's Wilmington Flower Market on Friday, May 10, at 5:30 p.m. in the city's Rockford Park.

Also slated is a set at the new Sunrise Fest at Schellville (36470 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach) celebrating the kickoff of the beach season in Delaware. It will be held Saturday, June 8, from 2 to 8:30 p.m. An exact set time for Rubini has not yet been announced.

During Monday's episode, Rubini asked Saweetie if she had any advice for a young woman in the music business.

Saweetie's answer? "My biggest advice is not taking 'no' for an answer."

After receiving a quite public "no" on national television, Rubini is clearly running with Saweetie's advice.

Have a story idea? Contact Ryan Cormier of Delaware Online/The News Journal at rcormier@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier) and X (@ryancormier).