Monday, November 18, 2013

The Voice Season 5: The Top 10 Are Pretty Awesome

Austin Jenckes sang Your Love by The Outfield-- Blake liked the slow build that happened throughout the song. Christina loved the ending. I agree with Christina, unexpected for me, he did well this week. Adam said that Austin has such an incredible range, but he wanted to feel more of the big, high notes. Cee Lo appreciates the fact that Austin makes him feel like a fan.

Jacquie Lee sang Clarity by Zed-- Christina loved seeing her in such a vulnerable setting. Cee Lo said she is one of the best that they have. Blake said it was so different to hear a broken down version of you. Adam praised Jacquie's gracefulness. I liked all the judges comments cause they do reflect how I am feeling.

Will Champlin sang Love Me Again by John Newman-- I loved that performance, the song was awesome, the vocal was hot. Adam said Will is a testament to hanging in there, and he said he loves Will and everyone should vote for him. Christina said she felt like he came into his own in this performance. Blake said you're such an accurate vocalist, I really think you're great, and I can't believe you're on Adams team cause I can't stand him.

Caroline Pennell sang Leavin' on a Jet Plane by John Denver-- I like Caroline, but I think she made a mistake choosing that song. I know Cee Lo and Adam were trying to be nice, but this is probably her weakest performance to date, and not a good time for her to have it.

Cole Vosbury sang To Be With You by Mr. Big-- Another amazing performance by Cole. He really knows how to choose the right songs and his voice is money. Blake said you sang the daylights out of that song. It was so acoustic and so about you, you nailed it. Adam said, I love that song, it took me back. Then he said, it broke my heart when you went to that fool's team. Cee Lo said, I genuinely support you, and I've seen you grow, you are more confident and more expressive.

Tessanne Chin sang If I Were Your Woman by Gladys Knight-- Tessanne was magical tonight, her voice just transported me somewhere so unbelievably surreal. Adam said thank you for trusting in me, you're a wonderful person, and I love you so much. Christina said you can do so much and I would love to hear more moments like this from you, I want to see the different dimensions of you.

Ray Boudreaux sang You Are the Best Thing by Ray Lamontagne-- Low key but satisfying performance, I am hoping Ray will be sticking around. I loved what Cole said about him, that he had never heard anyone have that style, swamp pop, that Ray has.

James Wolpert sang Without You by Harry Nilsson-- Agree with Adam in that James individualizes every single song and performance. It happens so much so that you want to buy that song or hear that album. Christina said he looked so dapper and Gatsby and that he had her for the whole performance. James has something that no one else has, I cannot put my finger on it, but there's this quality about him. I want to see James, Cole, and Matthew at the end of this thing.

Kat Roubichaud sang We Belong by Pat Benatar--  Cee Lo said he is so proud of her, it's exhilarating to see you be yourself and who you are. You're the new next thing. Adam said this was the Kat we were waiting to see, it was so elegant. The song was perfect for her, it was really right in her sweet spot vocally.

Matthew Schuler sang Beneath Your Beautiful by Labrinth feat. Emile Sande-- His performance absolutely left me breathless, what an incredible vocal and the emotion that just poured out, I am quite speechless.
Christina said you bring it every single week, you bring this place to a new buzz and a new energy. I am so connected to you. Adam said from the beginning this was no less than amazing. Adam said he is pretty sure he will have no problem finding a wife (Matthew said he was going to act like he was singing this song to the wife he hasn't found yet).

In the bottom this week..... tough call.... Caroline, Ray, Austin, and Kat are my predictions.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

The Voice Season 5: The Top 12, Jonny and Josh head home, but was it deserved?

Top

James Wolpert sang Mr. Brightside by The Killers-- As usual, James has impressed me once again. James has been on a hot streak for a few weeks now. To tell you the truth, I hope he continues with these consistent performances. Adam chose exactly the right song for him, it really played to his geek turned rocker style. The high note, Adam's suggestion, A--mazing!

Jacquie Lee sang Love is Blindness by U2-- Love how I hear so many other singers in Jacquie Lee but yet she remains her own singer and an original one at that. She has so much strength and maturity and she displays it every time she comes out and performs. I think if Jacquie continues down this road, she has a better than good chance of winning this.

Kat Robichaud sang Sail by AWOLNATION-- I enjoyed this performance more than I thought I would. Kat attacked it, and for the life of me, why was she in the bottom three? Besides having a great rock voice, she is an above par performer.

Matthew Schuler sang Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley-- I was so excited to see that Matthew was singing this, and hearing him sing it was a blessing. His voice was literally like a prayer, there was this surreal silence throughout the studio audience as he sang. I loved that Adam brought up the legacy that Matthew is preserving when he sings this song this beautifully and I could not agree more.

Cole Vosbury sang Adorn by Miguel-- Loved how Blake and Cole bonded over having siblings that were killed in car crashes. Oh..... my....goodness! This was an unreal performance, it literally brought tears to my eyes because it was so so beautiful. He brings so much versatility. I still cannot believe he was a one chair turn. The high note was awesome, the emotion was palpable. Cee Lo, who initially was the only one to pick him was so happy for him, and rightfully so.

Will Champlin sang Demons by Imagine Dragons-- Will was the last performer of the night, and he had so much passion. I loved how he put his heart and his soul into that performance so fully. I must mention that I realized something when Will finished singing and that's that all the artists in the top have something in common. They all have this unbounded love for music; it flows through their veins.

Middle

Tessanne Chin sang My Kind of Love by Emile Sande-- There's no doubt Tessanne has a strong voice, it's reminiscent of female vocalists today who power through performances and their voices just touch you. Tessanne reminds me of Rihanna at times, Kelly Clarkson, etc. The song was a little unrecognizable-- in other words, she could have picked something a little more popular and therefore relevant.

Ray Boudreaux sang All of Me by John Legend-- This was a nice switch for Ray. There were absolutely some parts of it that were pitchy, but there was also a real tenderness to it. His vocal was soft, precise, and the high notes were right on.

Josh Logan sang Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson-- Actually liked this performance. I know Christina told him to scale back on the ad-libs that he does throughout the songs, but I actually wish he hadn't because I think it cost him some valuable votes. I must wonder whether or not he would have been saved from the bottom three and ultimately elimination if he had poured it on a little bit thicker.

Jonny Grey sang Another Day in Paradise by Phil Collins--Ok now, I have finally heard the performance that supposedly sent Jonny home. While I think the arrangement was a little weak and the song choice was certainly not the best, I don't know that he deserved to go home after this, especially taking past performances into consideration.

Bottom

Caroline Pennell sang Wake Me Up by Avicii-- I found this performance boring at best and not much different than all the other songs she has tackled in this competition. Caroline is a favorite of mine because her voice makes me feel like  I am wearing a warm fuzzy sweater, but if she doesn't step it up she'll be going home soon.

Austin Jenckes sang It's a Great Day to Be Alive by Travis Tritt-- This is a performance where the song choice was a little bit too cookie cutter for me. I still like Travis, and I don't think he should have been voted out either because he just has so much heart, and he's such a nice person. This wasn't the song for him though. I would love to see him do some Bruce Springsteen or John Mellencamp.

Who was your pick to go home last week? Did Jonny and Josh deserve to go home?

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The Voice Season 5: Live Rounds-- Team Christina and Team Cee Lo

From Team Cee Lo: Amber Nicole singing Wasting All These Tears by Cassadee Pope-- I feel like this was the wrong song and she messed up in several places and was under pitch for the majority of it. The coaches are not good at being critical when they need to be, it's a little bit of a let down cause Amber would benefit from this information.

From Team Cee Lo: Jonny Gray singing Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve-- This performance was disappointing considering how talented Jonny is. The song didn't build, it didn't go anywhere so it was a challenge for him to showcase his vocals. I agree with Cee Lo, a sound like Jonny's is rare, but he didn't capitalize with this performance. Hopefully he'll stick around based on the fact that Amber had a more weak performance than he.

From Team Cee Lo: Tamara Chauniece singing I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor-- Tamara's vocals were good, but this song has been overdone, and I would have liked to see Tamara sing something a little more contemporary than this. Adam and Blake both complimented her vocals.

From Team Cee Lo: Kat Robichaud singing She Keeps Me Warm by Mary Lambert-- This is my favorite performance so far from a member of Team Cee Lo. Kat has authentic rock star quality to her. I was waiting for her to give more, and I think that's what Christina was getting at in her comments to Kat. Adam felt similar in that he wished she kicked it into a different gear.

From Team Cee Lo: Caroline Pennell singing We're Going to be Friends by The White Stripes-- I genuinely enjoyed this performance by Caroline. She has such a soothing quality to her voice. Blake said she could be singing about killing people and he would still be skipping around the stage. Adam felt that she really came into her own tonight, I feel like she did it before tonight, but I understand his point. It's like her having consistent performance after performance isn't just luck, she has real talent.

From Team Christina: Josh Logan singing Crazy by Knarls Barkley-- I absolutely loved the phrasing and his vocal. Cee Lo was honored that he did his record, and said good job. Adam thought that the wordiness of the song was overwhelming his experience, but he is a huge fan. Christina thought the way that Josh performed it was so original, and she loves the way he ad libs everything.

From Team Christina: Olivia Henken singing Roar by Katy Perry-- They hardly talked to anyone about Olivia's performance except for Blake and Christina who both offered not much feedback. It was a nice performance, but again, what was special about it? I am unsure of that.

From Team Christina: Stephanie Anne Johnson singing Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles-- Loved Stephanie's performance. I feel like this is what I was waiting for from her; it was so strong. Cee Lo said he was entertained, amazed, and jealous. He felt she commanded the crowd. Adam liked how she opened up the song and changed it; he respected it and thought it was a really great performance. He said it's a song he loves because he reveres Ray so much. Christina says Stephanie can do it all and loves all the great jazz skills that she has.

From Team Christina: Matthew Schuler singing Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus-- This young man has an opportunity to win this whole thing. He is so powerful in his vocal and delivery; he absolutely 100% slays every song he sings. Cee Lo said you make me so sick, I hate how much I love you, you did a great job. Adam said three hearts just broke. He said it makes me angry cause you're not on my team. Blake said this is the guy, forget you, you're so good. Christina said they don't like you cause they love you. You bring such charisma and emotion.

From Team Christina: Jacquie Lee singing I Put a Spell on You by Screamin' Jay Hawkins-- And with that electrifying-ly energetic performance from Jacquie, I say, see you Olivia! That vocal from someone who is 16 is far beyond her years; that was fierce. Cee Lo said Oh my God Jacquie, dang, that was the absolute best. It was past, present, and future, and you are the future. Adam said you were tremendous, the emotion and how connected you were. Christina said I am honored to be your coach, I just love you, you're an old soul.

I think Olivia is going home from Team Christina and Amber or Tamara are going home from Team Cee Lo.

Dancing with the Stars Season 17, Weeks 7 and 8: The Injustice

Sorry to say it, but it's hard to write about something that brings so much unhappiness, but sometimes it feels better to get it all out. One week ago, one Nicole Polizzi, aka Snookie, was voted off Dancing with the Stars. Last night, Brant Daugherty from Pretty Little Liars, pretty in his own right, was voted off Dancing. My point in telling you this is to tell of the injustice of it all. There were other amateurs who should have gone home before either one of them. I will tell you who by process of elimination-- Elizabeth shouldn't have gone home, neither should have Corbin, and as much as I like everyone else, they are all fair game in my book to go home. I might save Amber, even though I think the judges have made her out to be better than what she really is.

When I was thinking of the finals, I was thinking of Elizabeth, Corbin, and Brant. This isn't a case of me being unhappy cause I didn't get what I wanted. This is a case of growth and when you watch these people dance every week you look for who experiences that the most. What was difficult about this season is that everyone started at a similar level so it was difficult to see a front-runner emerge.

It's not the fault of the judges, they're scoring accordingly, it's really the fact that the public is voting based on popularity rather than on talent, growth, potential, etc.

Monday, November 4, 2013

The Voice Season 5: Time for the Live Shows!

Tonight is Team Blake and Team Adam and tomorrow night will be Team Cee Lo and Team Christina--

Up first...

From Team Blake: Shelbie Z. singing Fancy by Reba-- This was a good performance, but I didn't find anything special about it. Christina made this weird comment about how she liked Shelbie's growls; I feel like if she really did like the performance, she could have found something else to comment on.

From Team Adam: James Wolpert singing A Case of You by Joni Mitchell-- That was amazing. What phenomenal feeling and the vocal was so special. Blake said to come out and perform acoustically like that and then to have the amazing vocals too, congratulations. Christina complimented his vocal range. Adam commented on how he bounced back and did something so bold and so elegant, he said he could not be any more proud of him.

From Team Blake: Nic Hawk singing Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke-- Nic remains entertaining and really knows how to get the crowd going. I love that quality about him cause Shelbie wasn't able to do that. Christina said he did it all, and fabulous job. Cee Lo said Nic is one of his favorites and he did a great job. Adam said seeing Nic was bittersweet cause he shouldn't have let him go, you're so fun to watch and I'm proud of you. Blake said that Nic does everything he could do as a performer.

From Team Blake: Ray Boudreaux singing Home by Marc Broussard-- So far, Shelbie is the weak link because Ray's performance was so strong. The vocal was that thing he is so good at "swamp pop", his voice is just so gritty. Christina thought it was his best yet. Cee Lo called him "sugar Ray" and thought it was great. Adam thought it was really excellent and talked about how he toured with Marc Broussard on one of his first tours. Blake said you're doing so much good for your heart with that performance.

From Team Blake: Austin Jenckes singing She Talks to Angels by The Black Crowes-- I need to totally echo these judges in that Austin brings so much emotion to each performance. And The Voice truly does have the best talent of any singing show on TV right now. Christina loved the performance. Cee Lo loved his effortlessness and his conviction and commitment to the performances. Adam loved the song and has loved Austin from the beginning and offered to take him out on a Harley ride. Blake loved his heart and the fact that he gave 150%.

From Team Adam: Grey singing Still Into You by Paramore-- This was such a fun performance by Grey, loved the free quality that the vocal had. Blake wished he could steal Grey and thought she did a great job. Adam said Blake was rambling like a maniac cause he likes her so much, everyone does. He thought this was the perfect song for her.

From Team Adam: Will Champlin singing Secrets by One Republic-- Will is so flippin' talented. I loved his vocals, how he played the piano and he put his spin on the song. Christina said she is routing for him and he hit the money note. Cee Lo thought it was a dynamic performance. Adam said he has a special gift with his voice and put on the performance of his life tonight.

From Team Adam: Preston Pohl singing Nothin' on You by B.O.B. featuring Bruno Mars-- I love that the Voice is called what it is because when I close my eyes and hear someone like Preston, I think about Mowtown, particularly someone like David Ruffin. He's just special, wow. Blake said it was right in the pocket and he has so much passion and the pitch is perfect, it was so good, studly. Lol. Christina said you make everything you sing sound classic and old school. Cee Lo said, I thought I could have coached you better, but you did a great job. Adam said you covered all ground, no one in this competition has what you have, it can't be coached.

From Team Blake: Cole Vosbury singing Maggie May by Rod Stewart-- For me, Cole is another person in this competition who just has such a unique voice, and every time I hear him I like him more. Christina said she was so shocked that he was a one chair turn! Cee Lo said I still love you unconditionally, I support you to the end, even if it means me losing. Adam said I'm a stupid person, I'm an idiot. You're so good, and it's one of my favorite songs, and I wish there was a button I could press to get you on my team. Blake said you're good for this show, I feel like you're someone who could win the whole thing and I am lucky enough to have you on my team.

From Team Adam: Tessanne Chin singing Many Rivers to Cross by Jimmy Cliff-- Christina said I've been a fan from day one. Cee Lo said you're one of my favorites, you remind me that I'm alive. Adam said, talent aside, you have a golden soul. Your talent is mind boggling, I don't even know where to start. Vocally, it doesn't get better than what you just did.

Sadly, I think two women are going home Wednesday... Sheblie Z. and Grey... It's hard to say this cause everyone is just so strong, but this is my prediction.


Sunday, November 3, 2013

The Voice Season 5: Impressive Knockout Round Performances

Team Adam: Lina Gaudenzi singing I'd Rather Go Blind by Etta James vs. Preston Pohl singing No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley-- the result: Adam chose Preston.-- Ultimately, if only one of them could be chosen, Preston deserved it more than Lina, but this performance by Lina was unforgettable. This song absolutely fit her like a glove. Preston had such an effortless performance that was full of vocal control which is what Blake commented on. Christina liked Preston but not the song; however, she loved Lina's performance and phrasing.

Team Blake: EG Daily singing I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt vs. Ray Boudreaux singing Hard to Handle by Otis Redding-- the result: Blake chose Ray.-- I agree. This was a no contest situation. EG has a great voice, but Ray has something different, and that's what we as listeners look for today. Blake ended up choosing Ray cause EG had that unfortunate break in her voice.

Team Christina: Anthony Paul singing The Other Side by Jason Derulo vs. Jacquie Lee singing Stompa by Serena Ryder-- the result: Christina chose Jacquie.-- I agree, another no contest. Anthony chose the wrong song here. I love Jason Derulo and love the song, but it's too stylized for him to sing and interpret himself. Jacquie on the contrary, sang a song I've never heard before, but owned it.  Cee Lo points out how nervous Anthony was and how impressive Jacquie's range was. Christina chose Jacquie and felt bad the song didn't work out for Anthony.

Team Cee Lo: Stephanie Anne Johnson singing Don't Know Why by Norah Jones vs. Tamara Chauniece singing No One by Alicia Keys-- the result: Cee Lo chose Tamara and Christina surprisingly stole back Stephanie. I say surprisingly because there were a lot of issues with her performance. Tamara, on the other hand, was compared to a young Anita Baker by Cee Lo. I see that.

Team Adam: James Wolpert singing More Than a Feeling by Foreigner vs. Juhi singing Heard it Through the Grapevine by Creedence Clearwater Revival-- the result: I wish Christina would have stole Juhi rather than Stephanie. I am torn over Adam choosing James cause this wasn't a strong performance, but he's had strong performances in the past. It seemed like many of the other coaches would have chosen Juhi.

Team Blake: Austin Jenckes singing I'll Be by Edwin McCain vs. Brandon Chase singing Even if it Breaks Your Hearts by Eli Young Band-- the result: Blake chose Austin. This was a tough one too. Christina kind of brought up the fact that both of them had vocal issues. Blake brought up that Austin was sharp and Brandon was flat and he felt like being sharp was better than being flat. I hope that Austin focuses on moving forward from his backstory because if he doesn't, it could hold him back.

Team Cee Lo: Caroline Pennell singing The Way I Am by Ingrid Michelson vs. George Horga Jr. singing Because of You by Neyo-- the result: Sadly, George's dream comes to an end. Caroline was the right choice here though. As Blake said, Caroline makes me want to curl up in bed with a cup of hot cocoa. Now there's a sight, but I get what he means, she makes me feel the same way.

Team Christina: Matthew Schuler singing Cosmic Love by Florence + the Machine vs. Will Champlin singing If I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars-- the result: Christina chose Matthew and wow was this performance amazing, and Adam stole back Will to his team without question. Matthew is really continuing to slay every performance. He's nothing short of impressive, and this is nothing short of the best performance of the season so far. The vocal was stunning, and it was a cover of the song that was really quite powerful. Will was great too, and deserved to be stolen back. He held his own against Matthew.

I had to share the link: