Monday, April 24, 2017

The Voice Season 12: The Top 12 Sing A Song for You

Team Adam: Jesse Larsen sang To Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan-- Is there anything that Jesse cannot sing? He is so authentic, so real, and so soulful. There is a legit richness to his voice that is just so appealing to listen to. Shania said you are just a stunning vocalist, and I was very moved. Adam said you are the most pure vocalist in this competition.

Team Adam: Mark Isaiah sang One Dance by Drake-- This is a cool song choice for him and I love the arrangement. Shania said you have a definite star quality. Adam said he had his doubts but that Mark pulled it together and deserves to be here. He said that people should vote for him because his performance was like he was not a contestant on the show but coming by to promote his new single.

Team Alicia: Stephanie Rice sang White Flag by Dido-- I am not the biggest Stephanie fan but for some reason, I related to this performance. I thought she represented and was strong. Shania said your emotion was pouring out of you. Gwen said she channeled her inner pain and emotion. Alicia said you are the purest artist on this show, and you arranged this. You deserve all the votes to continue being an artist.

Team Gwen: Troy Ramey sang Free Fallin' by Tom Petty-- I am obsessed with Troy and obsessed with his voice and song choice. Shania said I am so blown away, I love all the subtleties of your voice, you're a true stylist, I loved it. Adam said I liked it, I just love listening to you sing. Gwen said your personality came through tonight.

Team Blake: Aliyah Moulden sang Heat Wave by Martha Reeves and The Vandellas-- Aliyah is so bright and so charismatic, her confidence makes her vocals so strong. She is clearly someone to watch in this competition. Shania said Aliyah commanded the stage and is such a professional. Blake has been an incredible influence on you. Blake said you blow me away every time you get on the stage, you take another step towards being a complete artist. Your smile lights up a room and you're becoming a performer.

Team Alicia: Chris Blue sang Love and Happiness by Al Green-- I thought this performance had just so much realness. I loved his energy and just everything about the vocal was so organic. Shania said you can sing anything all day long, you brought it from a cool, collected place to everyone just exploding with you. Alicia said you make things electric. Alicia said America is feeling you.

Team Blake: Lauren Duski sang Lord I Hope This Day is Good by Lee Ann Womack-- Love Lauren's voice, this was a little rough for me in terms of song choice. Shania said you are an honest spirit. Blake said we have been waiting for someone like Lauren on this show.

Team Adam: Lilli Passero sang Man I Feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain-- I feel like Lilli was definitely sick and I could tell. She seemed out of breath about half way through the performance. Shania said you did an amazing job with that song. Adam said I am impressed that you can do whatever you want to do. This is just the beginning.

Team Gwen: Brennley Brown sang Long Long Time by Linda Ronstadt-- Wow, all the ladies were on their feet. This was a beautiful and heartfelt performance. Shania said your technique was great all the way around. This is really as good as it gets. Blake said I don't know if you're still mad at me, but every time you get on stage you blow me away just a little bit more. Gwen said I cannot believe you're on my team.

Team Blake: T Soul sang Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson-- I am a big T Soul fan, my only thing with this song is that it was a little too down, I wanted to hear him do something up, but I think he is going to be around another week. Shania said you have so much soul and heart. Blake said I have never seen anyone get lost in their performance the way you do. T Soul deserves to be here so you have to vote for him.

Team Gwen: Hunter Plake sang Somebody That I Used to Know by Goethe-- This was one of my favorite performances tonight! I loved this, I liked the way he changed it, his vocals were HOT! Shania said she felt like she was at a concert, and she thought the performance was credible. Gwen said it was exciting to see you do something like that.

Team Alicia: Vanessa Ferguson sang A Song for You by Leon Russell-- Vanessa gave just a beautiful and touching performance. The vocals were right on tonight. Shania said Vanessa you are pure class inside and out, you have a sense of style and that really comes out. Alicia said you break down walls inside of all of us.

Bottom 3: Stephanie, Lilli, and Lauren or T Soul

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

The Voice Season 12: Team Gwen and Team Adam Go LIVE!

Team Gwen:

Johnny Gates sang Hands to Myself by Selena Gomez-- I liked Johnny's different take on this, my only thing with him is that sometimes the performance quality is sloppy. Of course the coaches ate up the performance and praised his return to the show.

Troy Ramey sang A Case of You by Joni Mitchell--  I am feeling Troy's performance. That was absolutely full of tons of emotion. It was so genuine and personal. Adam said you are so intriguing and powerful, your voice is spectacular. Gwen said I saw you in a way I have never seen you before, I think you're incredible.

Quizz Swanigan sang My Girl by The Temptations-- Quizz has a throwback vibe to him, he definitely has that old school voice and quality to him like he's from Motown Records. Alicia appreciated his finesse and grace and confidence. Gwen said he looked adorable, his performance was incredible.

Brennley Brown sang Fly by Maddie & Tae-- Super sleepy song but Brennley is such a talent that she may have just pulled that off. Blake said he made a mistake by letting Brennley go. Gwen said you have so much style, so much personality.

J. Chosen sang Nothing Compares to U by Prince-- King of a strange song choice for J. Chosen but I think he is so good that it doesn't even matter. The comments are redundant tonight.

Hunter Plake sang Elastic Heart by Sia-- Adam said I can see exactly where you're gonna go, you're extremely talented, this is just the beginning for you. I wanted to hear his words more, but the vulnerability that Hunter displays is so consistent.

My predictions to move forward: Troy, Hunter, and either J Chosen or Brennley

Actual Results: Brennley, Hunter, and Gwen saved Troy

Team Adam:

Johnny Hayes sang Ain't Too Proud to Beg by The Temptations-- Adam said I am so proud of how you came out here. I love Johnny's showmanship, he is always entertaining any time he comes out. I think on a normal night he would for sure advance, but tonight will be tough with all the amazing people on Adam's Team.

Hannah Eyre sang Skyscraper by Demi Lovato-- I love Hannah, her vocal was a little bit all over the place, there were some definite pitch issues. Adam kind of said it but in a polite way. He said the more they work together, the more that they will be able to tame the beast that is her voice.

Josh West sang More Than a Feeling by Boston-- Adam said Josh is bad ass. I really like Josh and this is one of my fave classic rock songs. That being said, the vocal was once again very pitchy.

Mark Isaiah sang All Time Low by Jon Bellion-- Probably one of the best vocals of the night, he was one of only a few who didn't have pitch issues during his performance. Gwen said she felt like he did a great job being himself. Adam said give me more time with Mark so I can make him the best version of himself.

Lilli Passero sang It's Too Late by Carole King-- Not loving the song choice but I have actually grown to like Lilli, I wasn't a fan at first. Adam said Lilli is always inside herself when she sings and that is the mark of a great singer.

Jesse Larsen sang Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder-- Loved! That was probably the best performance of the night. It is the best that he is not only a singer but a musician, Jesse is the whole package. Adam said that was soulful, you're like this wizard from another planet, you're white Cee Lo. That was by far the best vocal of the night, no one else sang that good.

My predictions to move forward: Mark, Jesse, and Lilli

Actual Results, Jesse, Lilli, and Adam saved Mark


Monday, April 17, 2017

The Voice Season 12: The LIVES Team Blake and Team Alicia

Team Blake:

Casi Joy sang Parachute by Chris Stapleton-- Blake loved her accuracy and vocal pitch. To me, Casi comes across as a seasoned country artist. I loved that she did Chris Stapleton who is this new age country. I think Casi shows so much versatility, she needs to make it to the final 12. I would be extremely surprised if she didn't.

Felicia Temple, comeback artist! sang Defying Gravity from the musical Wicked-- The song choice was terrible. I did not like this performance at all. I think for her as a comeback artist to be singing this was a risky move. I wouldn't be doing a Broadway musical song, I'd be doing something that truly showcases her big voice.

Aaliyah Rose sang Brass in Pocket by The Pretenders-- Blake thought that this was her best performance. I am unsure what he was hearing but this song was VERY under and off pitch. I also thought that the song somehow came across as too mature for her.

T Soul sang Knock on Wood by Eddie Floyd-- Didn't love the song choice but performance and vocal was stronger in comparison to the past two performances. T Soul stays true to himself as an artist. Blake said that was so much fun, it's what performing is supposed to be all about.

Aliyah Moulden sang Mercy by Duffy-- This was the best of the night so far. Her vocal was strong, she picked a song that suited her voice. Blake called her a real firecracker, and he said it's the best I have seen you sing on this show, and for her, I have to actually agree with his statement there.

Lauren Duski sang Someone Else's Star by Bryan White-- I think if we are having dueling country artist, Lauren wins over Casi tonight. Her vocal really sparkled and it was touching.

Moving on from Team Blake, my predictions: Aliyah Moulden and Lauren Duski, third spot is between Casi Joy and T Soul

The REAL results: Lauren and Aliyah M., Blake saved T Soul



Team Alicia:

Chris Blue sang Love on the Brain by Rihanna-- Gwen said it's unbelievable what you do, mesmerizing, someone as talented as you needs the stage, it's so natural. Alicia was impressed to hear him conquer something new and different. I loved Chris's performance, great song choice for him. It really showed that he has that strong upper register. He has always been one of my favorites, and he truly deserves a top 12 spot.

Anatalia Villaranda sang Stand by Me by Ben E. King-- Alicia said Anatalia has so much personality and feeling. There is nothing stopping her. This was a solid performance, not her best, but depending on how everyone else performs, it could be enough to get her into the final 12.

Jack Cassidy, comeback artist! sang Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me by George Michael and Elton John-- Alicia said I know your family is at home going crazy for this performance. This started out pretty well but once again, there were pitch issues with this performance like so many other pitch issues tonight. He sounded either under pitch or sharp. It just didn't sound go, especially at the end.

Vanessa Ferguson sang Lean On by D,J, Snake and Major Lazer-- I liked how she put her own spin on this song and almost took it from a club song to a classic. Her pitch was pretty on in comparison to almost everyone else. Adam said I am a fan of yours and you're ready for this.

Ashley Levin sang I Can't Stand the Rain by Tina Turner-- Wow, this performance I love, it's sultry, and such a soulful take on the song. Alicia thought she did an incredible job,

Stephanie Rice sang Every Breath You Take by Sting-- I love this song on almost anyone, it's just such an epic lyric. I think Stephanie's story gave the song more power, but do I think she was strong her than three other people on this team, I am unsure.

Moving on from Team Alicia: Chris Blue, Vanessa Ferguson, and Ashley Levin

The REAL results: Chris Blue, Vanessa Ferguson, Alicia saved Stephanie

Monday, April 10, 2017

The Voice Season 12: Cry a Little for the Knockouts

Team Blake: Andrea Thomas singing Cry by Faith Hill vs. Lauren Duski singing When You Say Nothing at All by Allison Krauss-- I like Andrea's voice but I felt like she was trying to mimic Faith rather than singing her own version. Lauren was a little bit more risky in her approach although the song was sleepy.
Blake chose Lauren

Team Alicia: Jack Cassidy singing Unsteady by X Ambassadors vs. Vanessa Ferguson singing If I Were Your Woman by Gladys Knight-- I liked Jack but tonight was not his night, this performance had way too many pitch issues. Vanessa has more experience than Jack and she really rose to the challenge tonight. Adam noted that Jack's performance was off.
Alicia chose Vanessa

Team Adam: Davina Leone sang Toxic by Britney Spears vs. Jesse Larsen singing The Letter by Joe Cocker-- There is something special about Davina and what she does. Jeese knocked it out of the park though. His authentic sound and the rasp in his voice did it for me. Adam compares Jesse to Cee Lo. Gwen likes how Jesse slapped them around.
Adam chose Jesse

Team Adam: Mark Isaiah singing Love Yourself by Justin Bieber vs. Malik Davage--
Adam chose Mark

Team Gwen: Brandon Royal singing Redemption Song by Bob Marley vs. J Chosen singing Without You by Usher-- Adam liked how vulnerable Brandon left himself and J Chosen crushed it. Blake said Brandon is one of his favorites in the competition, but that he would go with J Chosen. Alicia loved how Brandon sang Redemption Song, and when J Chosen sings, it just lets you in. Gwen said Brandon you took that song to a modern place, it was brave. She said J Chosen had such courage tonight, and that both of them are so gifted. I absolutely loved both of these guys. I am sad that Brandon didn't get stolen because his rendition of Redemption Song was so moving. J Chosen definitely deserved to be in the live shows.

Team Blake: Aliyah Moulden singing Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood vs. Caroline Sky singing At Last by Etta James-- Aliyah was great, she really flourished with this song. Caroline on the other hand was quite wobbly and all over the place. Adam said Aliyah it's astonishing that you are this good this quickly, and Caroline your song choice was ambitious. I think I would pick Aliyah.
I agree with Adam, I would too!
Blake chose Aliyah

Team Gwen: Stephanie Rice singing Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift vs. Troy Ramey Chandelier by Sia-- I absolutely loved Stephanie's performance. It was so gentle but strong. Troy is a force, I don't think I could ever see getting rid of him. Adam loved Stephanie but could never part with Troy.
Gwen chose Troy and Alicia stole Stephanie

Loving J Chosen, Aliyah, and Troy

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

The Voice Season 12: I'd Go Up to the Mountain to Hear these Knockouts

Team Alicia: Anatalia Villaranda singing Two Black Cadillacs vs. Dawson Coyle singing Demons by Imagine Dragons-- Loved both performances. Anatalia's vocal was powerful. her stage presence is a bit much but that can be toned down. Dawson had a real sincerity to his performance.
Alicia chose Anatalia 

Team Blake: Enid Ortiz singing When We Were Young by Adele vs. T Soul singing These Arms of Mine by Otis Redding-- Both vocals were impressive. Enid always seems to take performances to the next level, and this was so exception. There was something about T Soul's performance though. It was so throwback, and he really stayed in that whole mindset throughout the performance. The vocal really moved me. Alicia loved T Soul's long notes and was impressed with Enid. Gwen loved T Soul's retro quality. Adam said he would choose T Soul. 
Blake chose T Soul 



Team Gwen: Aaliyah Rose singing Like I'm Gonna Lose You by Meaghan Trainor and John Legend vs. Brennley Brown singing Up to the Mountain by Kelly Clarkson-- Aaliyah's performance was fun and certainly beyond her 14 years, but Brennley at 15 years of age moved me. Her performance was so genuine and emotional and it got me in my heart. Adam said Brennley gave a Grammy performance. Blake is sorry he let Brennley go. Alicia liked and felt where Aaliyah was coming from but she felt Brennley's performance was impactful. 
Gwen chose Brennley and Blake stole Aaliyah 



Wow, keep your eye on T Soul and Brennley!

Monday, April 3, 2017

The Voice Season 12: The Knockouts Begin

Team Alicia: Chris Blue singing Superstition by Stevie Wonder vs. Quizz Swanigan singing Chains by Nick Jonas--  Chris has impressed me since day one. With Quizz, I see potential but I wonder if he will get up to where he needs to be now at his age with the time left in the competition. He's definitely talented. Chris is a sure thing though and he already knows who he wants to be. He has to go through. Blake believes Chris could win. Adam thinks Quizz lived up to the challenge of taking Chris on. Gwen thinks Chris is special and can't even believe he is human.
Alicia chose Chris and Gwen stole Quizz


Team Adam: Autumn Turner singing Respect by Aretha Franklin vs. Hannah Eyre singing Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis-- Autumn did a great job being one of the steals from Team Adam. Her vocal was strong on a tough Aretha song but has this song been overdone, possibly. Hannah is just so impressive. Wow, what a vocal. Alicia called Hannah's growth exponential. Gwen loved Hannah's warmth in her vocal. Gwen wanted a better song choice from Autumn. Adam said it was a  tough choice, and he said he is making his decision based on what he can't live without and that's..... Hannah!
Adam chose Hannah

Team Gwen: Hunter Plake singing I Wanna Know What Love is By Foreigner vs. Johnny Gates singing Million Reasons by Lady Gaga-- Hunter's take on the song he chose was original, and it was a sincere take. I could tell he was connected to the song. A part of me thought he would be a one trick pony after his battle performance but this performance made me a believer. Johnny's song choice was spot on like Alicia said. I actually loved both of these guys and I agree with Adam, Johnny is a flat out performer. Adam praised how different Hunter's voice is. Blake said Hunter you're the winner of this knockout.
Gwen chose Hunter

Team Blake: Casi Joy singing My Church by Maren Morris vs. Felicia Temple singing My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion-- I loved Casi's rousing, take me to church rendition, of My Church. It's a great song, obviously catchy. Her vocals were strong, she pushed, and I think both these ladies are going to do their best because they both want to win. Felicia was special tonight, that was a next level performance. I don't know who I would choose, this is too close to call. Alicia thought Casi had a great control, Felicia I had chills on my arm when you were singing. Gwen said Casi has so much confidence, and Felicia I was just shocked, you were unbelievable. Adam said Casi I am a fan of yours, Felicia you had courage. Blake said Felicia, your performances are next level, Casi there is no stopping you. Blake said why did I pair these two together? And Adam said I wish I could be surprised with your stupidity.
Blake chose Casi

Team Adam: Johnny Hayes singing Statesboro Blues by The Allman Brothers Band vs. Josh West singing Carry on my Wayward Son by Kansas-- I loved Johnny's performance, it really oozed authenticity. His performance definitely had a cool vibe to it. Josh did a true rock performance. I honestly think this could go either way. Blake loved Johnny's stage presence, and he loved that Josh took his vocals to a new level. Alicia thought Johnny was incredible, and she felt taken with Josh. Gwen said Josh sang a difficult song, and Johnny was so engaging. Adam said Johnny continues to improve and Josh sang a tough song and is a maniac.
Adam chose Josh

Team Alicia: Ashley Levin singing Fancy by Reba McEntire vs. Lilli Passero singing Tears Dry on their Own by Amy Winehouse--  Liked Ashley, but found her performance a little bit sloppy. Surprisingly, Lilli, who I haven't liked before this round, came out stronger to me here. I loved not only her vocal but her new look. Gwen liked the familiarity and confidence in Ashley's voice. Adam said Ashley's progression is great, but Lilli screams potential winner of the voice. Blake would also go with Lilli. Alicia said she chose Ashley cause she wanted to develop that country soul in her. Adam and Blake are both in to try and steal Lilli.
Alicia chose Ashley, and Lilli chose Adam

Just keep your eye on everyone who advanced tonight....