Monday, May 22, 2017

The Voice Season 12: The Finale is Here! I'm Experiencing Deja Vu

Team Blake: Aliyah Moulden singing Never Be Lonely an original song-- For an original, this song sounded like it could be on the radio right now.

Team Adam: Jesse Larsen singing Taking it to the Streets by The Doobie Brothers-- I am unsure if I guy Jesse singing this exact song, but his vocal was strong, and by the end, he made me believe it. Alicia said your voice has never sounded better. I love and respect what you and Adam are doing together. Adam said it was the best he has ever sounded, and that he might be a little biased but he should win this whole thing.

Team Alicia: Chris and Alicia singing Diamonds and Pearls by Prince-- This song felt so perfect for them to sing together. Stylistically it felt so close to who both of them really are. I loved the range in Chris's voice, the low lows and and those BIG notes. He and Alicia never overpowered each other, Chris's voice in particular was tender. Wow on this one.

Team Blake: Lauren Duski singing The Dance by Garth Brooks-- This was a great song for Lauren to do, but I was thinking she could have done something a little more controversial, maybe like Thunder Rolls. Adam said we've all loved your voice from the beginning, you have a familiar comforting voice. Throughout the whole competition, it has been such a pleasure and joy to watch you, and I am still mad you're not on my team. Blake said I can't stop smiling right now. It's one of my favorite songs and you made me feel like I am hearing this for the first time.

Team Blake: Aliyah and Blake singing Dancing in the Street by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas-- I thought this song was really fun for Aliyah to do. It did seem a little redundant to be honest,  I feel like she's done this before, but being that it was a duet, it had a different dimension to it.

Team Alicia: Chris singing Money on You an original song-- I enjoyed the fun and personality Chris brought to this original song. At first I didn't like it but the song had a lot of different twists and turns in it. Alicia said watching you perform, I am already at your show. There's an electricity that happens when you're here.

Team Adam: Jesse and Adam singing Let's Go Crazy by Prince-- This performance was iconic. I loved the vocals, the song choice, the guitar. Everything was amazing, loved this!

Team Blake: Lauren and Blake singing There's a Tear in My Beer by Hank Williams-- I think if I were them I would have done something more serious. I liked the playfulness of the song, but probably not finale material. Lauren is going last so clearly she is the favorite in this.

Team Adam: Jesse Larsen singing Woman an original song-- Chris Stapleton cowrote that song which is so cool. The song sounded so authentically him; he needs to go on tour with Chris Stapleton right now! Adam said I want to give back to that intangible thing called The Voice.

Team Blake: Aliyah Moulden singing Signed Sealed Delivered by Stevie Wonder-- Blake said every time you get on that stage you make people smile and you bring them into this moment.

Team Blake: Lauren Duski singing Deja Vu an original song that she cowrote-- Actually loved this more than any other original song. She needs to actually put this on her first album, it's perfect. The lyrics are amazing. Blake said let me congratulate you for writing your first number one song, that was beautiful and perfect.

Team Alicia: Chris Blue singing Rhythm Nation by Janet Jackson-- Chris brought the house down with that song, it was so relevant, and the performance just bled authenticity. Alicia said you just showed everyone that you are everything and there is nothing you can't do.


Monday, May 15, 2017

The Voice Season 12: The Top 8 Take me to the King

Team Gwen: Hunter Plake sang With or Without You by U2-- I liked this song on Hunter; I liked that for once he didn't change the song dramatically. Blake said that is your best vocal performance on the show. You honored the original, but you don't sound like anyone else. Gwen wants America to realize how talented Hunter is.

Duet: Chris Blue and Vanessa Ferguson sang If I Ain't Got You by Alicia Keys-- Beautiful duet, this song fit both of them so well. All the coaches were on their feet, that was a vocal master class! Yay for being able to vote for that duet and have it count!

Team Blake: T Soul sang Ain't No Way by Aretha Franklin-- I like that T Soul returned to his roots last week and stayed there this week. This song and his whole performance was so throw back and I loved the soulfulness. Alicia said Ain't No Way is one of my all time favorite songs ever, T Soul you have a showmanship that comes from you. Blake said I am so proud of you, you told me about your dream to be on The Voice and here you are in the semi finals.

Team Gwen: Brennley Brown sang Suds in the Bucket by Sara Evans-- Loved Ms. Brennley's attitude in this song. It was a little strange that she did a song so niche like this in the semifinals. I would have done this a couple weeks ago. Blake thought it was the right time for her to do that song. Gwen thinks it is easier to do an emotional song than to do a song like the one Brennley did tonight. Yes, and no Gwen, I don't completely agree with that. Doing an emotional song forces you to be vulnerable if you're doing it correctly. And if you're not, you come across as fake or forced instead of emotional.

Duet: Hunter Plake and Aliyah Moulden sang Let it Go by James Bay-- Liked the song idea, however, the performance itself sounded like there were some pitch issues.

Team Blake: Lauren Duski sang Ghost in this House by Allison Krauss-- This was yet another haunting performance by Lauren. It felt really and she yet again showed us she is a skilled storyteller. Adam said grace and simplicity is going out of style, and it's so great to see you do just that. Blake said that is a pure country song, and I cannot wait to see how country music fans respond to it on iTunes.

Duet: T Soul and Jesse Larsen sang I Wish by Stevie Wonder-- That was the best duet yet! I loved the soul, the beat, the syncopation. It was flawless.

Team Alicia: Chris Blue sang Take me to the King-- The vocal was a tiny bit out of control at times, but when he reigned it in it was thoughtful, real, and passionate. It was a genuine plea, "take me to the king". Alicia said you represent our frustrations, troubles, and pain; you tapped into that. You got out of your way, that was so moving.

Team Alicia: Vanessa Ferguson sang Superstar by Leon Russell-- This song and this performance could not have been more perfect and touching. Vanessa put her own spin on this song and really made it her own. Her phrasing was just beautiful. Alicia begged everyone to vote for Vanessa.

Duet: Lauren Duski and Brennley Brown sang Good Hearted Woman by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson-- Fun performance, not the best of the night for the duets, but certainly entertaining.

Team Adam: Jesse Larsen sang I Was Wrong by Chris Stapleton-- This performance was Jesse's stamp in the finale. If he doesn't make it, it just won't be right. This vocal and performance absolutely bled authenticity and realness. There was soul for days.

Team Blake: Aliyah Moulden sang I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe-- Aliyah looked like she was soaking this performance in and relishing every moment. She looked so happy and so free, this was a great song choice for her. This young lady may have solidified her spot in the final as well. Blake said I signed up to do this show in Season 11, and I hoped that someday I would get to work with an artist like you. Someone who we can see development and growth, and that is you.

Monday, May 8, 2017

The Voice Season 12: The Top 10 Are Unforgettable

Team Adam: Jesse Larsen sang Jungle Love by The Tyme-- I loved the way this performance came together. Jesse played the crowd, his voice was great, his guitar skills even better. I loved this. I hope going first doesn't hurt him. Alicia said was it your idea to say my name at the end, and Jesse said that was all me. Adam said that song was jazz, sex appeal, funk, it was nasty.

Team Blake: Aliyah Moulden sang Jealous by Labrinth-- Gwen loved the tone in her voice. Blake said I couldn't be more proud of you. You did what you needed to, and you sang that song about your dad. You got lost in the moment. Acknowledging the fact that Aliyah cried, I hope it didn't hurt her. I thought the vocal was sincere, and I hope this isn't the end for her, because she is a strong artist, never mind her age.

Team Alicia: Vanessa Ferguson sang Doo Wop That Thing by Lauryn Hill-- This has been one of the most genuine performances I have ever watched on the voice. It was real, dirtied up, and I loved how Vanessa just really channeled Lauryn. Adam was jamming. He said no one ever does Lauryn Hill and that album is one of his favorites of all time. He said he loved her rapping, and it's cool that Lauryn is proud of her for doing that. Alicia said you're a poet, mc, lyricist, musician, and an artist.

Team Adam: Mark Isaiah sang Sign of the Times by Harry Styles-- Gwen said it sounded so good, and I am glad you got to do that, because we saw a different side of you. Adam said you get better every week and no one works harder than you. I felt like there were some pitch issues at the top of the performance but I think Mark overcame that, and I hope he stays out of the bottom three this week.

Team Alicia: Chris Blue sang 24k Magic by Bruno Mars-- 3 out of 4 coaches were on their feet. I love the song so much, is it 100% Chris Blue's style? No. But, he pulled it off, and made it his own style. Blake said people must be deaf or blind if they don't get how talented you are. You're definitely going to be in the finale. Alicia said he is out here celebrating life, doing his thing. You just showed me and everyone that you're unstoppable.

Team Adam: Lilli Passero sang Unforgettable by Nat King Cole-- Didn't love the performance as much as I thought I would. I didn't enjoy how she was sliding into some of the notes, and scooping into them. It just sounded a little bit sloppy. I think she was trying to sound classic and it didn't have that effect. Of course, Adam and Alicia both loved the performance.

Team Blake: Lauren Duski sang Tell Me Why by Wynonna-- I thought this was a bit of an odd song choice, but Lauren is such a great singer, she may have pulled it off yet again. I feel like she needs to do a contemporary country song. Gwen said she loved hanging out with Lauren and loved it. Blake said you are the missing piece of country music right now. This momentum that's happening right now is so exciting, I am so happy for you.

Team Gwen: Hunter Plake sang Higher Love by Steve Winwood-- Whoever put together the arrangement did a great job. The song was given a cool contemporary feel, I loved it. Adam said you're very connected to music and that's very obvious. Gwen said she is happy to know and watch Hunter. He is so happy and comfortable on stage.

Team Blake: T Soul sang At This Moment by Billy Vera-- Alicia said you are really genuine, and your voice has its own stamp on it. Blake said I believe you bought yourself a ticket in the top 8, that's the best you've sounded so far. T Soul needed a performance like that and he came up big. That was flawless, the vocal was stunning, and he needs to always do songs that keep with this style.

Team Gwen: Brennley Brown sang Anyway by Martina McBride-- Blake said you will continue to defy the odds, your voice keeps getting better and better. Gwen said you're so gifted, beautiful, and talented. Brennley continues to impress me, she improves every week and doesn't flinch at a challenge.

Monday, May 1, 2017

The Voice Season 12: The Top 11 Show Us How to Love Them

Team Alicia: Stephanie Rice sang Behind Blue Eyes by the Who-- It was a cool song choice, and I liked what she did with it. She really breathed herself into the vocal. Alicia said it really came through that Stephanie felt like the song described her life.

Team Blake: Aliyah Moulden sang Take It Back by Reba McEntire-- I didn't love the song choice as much as I thought I would. The growl part I felt like was overdone. The style of the song was all her, and the end of the performance was strong. Which is good because that's what people will remember. Alicia loved the growl in her voice. Blake said I am blown away and America is falling in love with you because how can they not.

Team Blake: T Soul sang Lay Me Down by Sam Smith-- I love this song, it is my favorite Sam Smith song. I found the performance comfortable and in the zone for him. However, I thought his vocal was somewhat pitchy. Blake called T Soul a beast and said his performance was unbelievable.

Team Adam: Lilli Passero sang Town Without Pity by Gene Pitney-- It was a very throwback performance. I felt like the only thing I wanted more from her in terms of her feeling the lyric she is singing. She has the technique down, now she just needs that other part. Alicia said I was so feeling that, it was so relevant. I loved it. Adam said I'm so happy and I felt like we were in another time, and it's hard to do that without feeling contrived or sincere.

Team Gwen: Hunter Plake sang All I Want by Kodaline-- Wow, his range is pretty incredible. I think the song should have been a little bit more mainstream, but the lyric was relevant. I feel like he is the most ready of anyone to make a record. Adam said I love your voice, it's so distinct. Gwen said this a real artist who writes his own music. I can't believe you're on my team and I can't wait to buy your album.

Team Alicia: Vanessa Ferguson sang Diamonds by Rihanna-- Vanessa has been the most consistent performer on the show. She lost her pitch at one point in the song though which was surprising. Blake said I have always been most intimidated by you sis. Alicia said your vocals are so effortless.

Team Blake: Lauren Duski sang Somewhere in my Broken Heart by Randy Travis and Billy Dean-- Liked Lauren in this more than anything she has sung before. She did not lack emotion and her voice just resonated, there was an unmatched sincerity. My only criticism would be that I'd like to see her sing something upbeat. Adam said you're gonna be in the finale, you do it so effortlessly and in a classy way. You're incredible. Blake said your voice is classic but you don't sound like anyone else.

Team Adam: Mark Isaiah sang How to Love by Lil Wayne-- Tell you what, the song was a good idea. Adam said Mark chose it. Christina Grimmie did this song when she was on the show and she left me breathless, Mark was impressive, don't get me wrong. I think it just lacked sparkle. Gwen said you're already in my heart, and that feels like your song. You're so gifted. Adam said I was a little worried, that's a tough song. I just trusted you would come out here and blow me away. He does not deserve to be in the bottom again.

Team Adam: Jesse Larsen sang Human by Rag and Bone Man-- Probably my fave on the show end of story. Jesse is so soulful, and I will say it every week. Loved the song choice, and loved his authenticity. Adam said Jesse is not a popstar, you come out here and you sing your face off, you're an incredible talent and the best singer in this competition.

Team Gwen: Brennley Brown sang River by Joni Mitchell-- Brennley always resonates with me. I feel every note and her feelings are mine when she sings. This was flawless, if this girl is not in the finals, it will be criminal. How can she be that young and that talented? She just has it! Adam said I'm so happy you're with Gwen, it's cool to hear you sing a Joni Mitchell song. I loved your refreshing originality. Gwen said there is no way you're 15 and you can channel a Joni Mitchell song that's so revered and so deep.

Team Alicia: Chris Blue sang When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge-- It's a classic song that's been overdone, but that wasn't overdone that was perfect. Alicia said I was blessed to hear your voice, I feel like I watching Marvin Gaye, Sam Cook, Nat King Cole, that was so powerful.

Best of the Night: Brennley, Jesse, Chris, toss up between Lauren and Hunter

Bottom 3 Prediciton: Stephanie, T Soul, Vanessa