Monday, May 21, 2018

The Voice Season 14: The Final 4 Perform

Kyla Jade sang With a Little Help from My Friends by The Beatles-- Kyla deserves to be in the finale, she's outstanding. Blake said Kyla if you don't win the Voice, why do we call this show the Voice?

Britton Buchanan sang Where You Come From by Britton Buchanan (original song)-- All the coaches were on their feet. Risky to do your own song but it might work out in his favor.

Brynn and Kelly sang Don't Dream It's Over by Crowded House-- I was mixed on the song choice here.

Spensha Baker sang Merry Go 'Round by Kacey Musgraves-- This was such a clever song choice, I honestly hope it works out for her, she is my pick to win this. Blake said that's why she was my save in the playoffs and that's why she's in the finals.

Britton and Alicia sang Wake Me Up by Avicii and Aloe Blacc-- Side note.... I loved this!

Kyla Jade sang The Last Tear (original song)-- I didn't love this original too much, it was dragging too much. Kelly said that the songwriters must be crying right now.

Spensha and Blake sang Tell Me About It by Tanya Tucker-- This was awesome too! They sound awesome together, they should honestly record a song together.

Brynn sang Walk My Way (original song)-- Didn't love the song but Brynn delivered it to the best of her ability. Adam said I can't believe you're 15, it's impossible. I really don't believe it, it's astounding. It would be impressive for a 30 year old to do what you've done and you're half that age.

Kyla and Blake sang Only Love by Wynonna Judd-- I understand the song choice but didn't love it.

Britton Buchanan sang Good Lovin' by The Rascals-- Wow, all the coaches are on their feet. Performance quality was like times 100! It was crazy, he is a complete performer and artist. Alicia said you set the whole place on fire.

Spensha Baker sang Old Soul (original song)-- Actually liked her original song. This was so cool, I felt Spensha's confidence and heart in this song.

Brynn Cartelli sang Skyfall by Adele-- For some reason I felt like she went sharp throughout that performance. That is my fave Bond song so a little disappointing.

My prediction---
4. Brynn Cartelli
3. Kyla Jade
2. Britton Buchanan
1. Spensha Baker wins The Voice

Monday, May 14, 2018

The Voice Season 14: The Top 8-- Here They Go Again!

Team Kelly: Brynn Cartelli sang What the World Needs Now by Jackie DeShannon-- I still think Brynn is so talented and such a front-runner but I found some weakness in the vocals somehow. Blake said she has mastered the art of performance.

Kaleb and Pryor sang Hillbilly Bone and Hillbilly Deluxe--

Team Alicia: Jackie Foster sang Here I Go Again by Whitesnake-- That is one of my favorite rock songs and I loved Jackie taking that on! Her vocals are awesome; I want to see her make a rock record. Adam liked how tonight she had fun on stage. Jackie said she took his advice because he told her that. Alicia said that performance validated her sense for freedom and abandonment.

Spensha and Kyla sang Rise Up and What's Going On--

Team Adam: Rayshun LaMarr sang Imagine by John Lennon-- Rayshun gave an original performance of Imagine, I loved that although this song is so iconic he made it his own, but honored the melody and legacy of the song. Kelly said you make everyone escape from what they are thinking about when you sing. Adam said you're the last man standing on my team. That was a truly inspired version of that song and I believe John Lennon would be so proud of that performance.

Team Blake: Spensha Baker sang My Church by Maren Morris-- My Church is one of my fave country songs that has come out in recent memory. I always love hearing different interpretations of the song. Spensha made it her own but stayed true to the roots of the song and I think that's the key to success on any singing show like this. Blake said everything she's been holding back this season, the dam just broke on that performance. He said he will be shocked if she is not in the finale.

Team Blake: Kyla Jade sang Let it Be by The Beatles-- Kyla's vocal was so poignant. That song is always touching, but Kyla was so invested and I felt every word. Alicia said Kyla had an iconic superstar performance. Blake said I have never been more honored to be associated with a person and a vocalist in 14 seasons like yourself. You may have just won The Voice with that performance.

Britton and Brynn sang 4-5 Seconds and You Can't Always Get What You Want--

Team Kelly: Kaleb Lee sang It Is Well With My Soul-- Kaleb's performance was pure. It was an emotion filled vocal. Kelly said Kaleb killed it and has dying to sing this song since the beginning of his journey on The Voice.

Jackie and Rayshun sang Believer and Radioactive--

Team Blake: Pryor Baird sang Change the World by Eric Clapton-- The thing I like about Pryor is that no one else sounds like him. He's so unique! Kelly said your ache is so rad, you believe in what you're singing about. Blake said America is in love with you because you're an amazing singer and you're really like the guy next door.

Team Alicia: Britton Buchanan sang The Rising by Bruce Springsteen-- I can tell Britton truly loved singing this song. This was another inspired performance! BIG! He made a huge leap when it mattered, but will it be enough? Alicia said I continuously feel blessed to be working with you. This was a piece out of what you wanted to say to the world. That was so far beyond your years.

My Top 4: Jackie, Spensha, Kyla, and Britton or Pryor

Sunday, May 13, 2018

American Idol: Who Will Be in the Finals?

Carrie Underwood Songbook:

Michael J Woodard sang Flat on the Floor by Carrie Underwood-- He was direct in his delivery, I wanted a little more attitude but in general I loved it.

Gabby Barrett sang Last Night by Carrie Underwood-- I loved Gabby singing this, she kept doing something where she was cutting off the ends of phrases. I wanted her to extend that. 

Cade Foehner sang Undo It by Carrie Underwood-- I understand why he chose that but I didn't think it was the best performance. I didn't feel he connected with the song at all.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson sang So Small by Carrie Underwood-- I did like this song for him, and he did seem connected to it. My only argument here was that his voice was very nasal.

Maddie Poppe sang I Told You So by Carrie Underwood-- I liked her rendition of this, very similar to Carrie's, clearly her voice is so unique. She continues to be the most consistent contestant

Mother's Day Tributes:

Gabby sang I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston-- Wow! Gabby did that song so well, she made it her own. I was shocked at how amazing she sounded.

Cade sang Simple Man by Lynard Skynard-- Now that was a song that he was connected to. That was real and raw and just perfect.

Michael sang Still I Rise by Yolanda Adams-- Such a moving performance, that was so powerful. His voice, I don't even know how to describe it. Lionel said you are anointed.

Caleb sang Stars in Alabama by Jamey Johnson-- The judges all commented on the uniqueness of his voice. So true, and this song was exactly the type of record he should be recording.

Maddie sang God Only Knows by The Beach Boys-- What a cool song choice! I love this, she made it so special.

Wow! Tough.... I think my top three is Michael, Gabby, and Cade

Well, I was 1 for 3! I have to say I am disappointed because Michael to me was the strongest performer in this competition. He was also the most consistent, never gave one bad or weak performance.

Cade.... with him, there hasn't been an authentic rocker that good on Idol since forever.


Monday, May 7, 2018

The Voice Season 14: The is The Top 10

Team Blake: Kyla Jade sang This is Me from The Greatest Showman-- I could tell that Kyla's performance was so personal to her. The song choice was spectacular. Alicia said you are a goddess who shows everyone what's possible. Blake said I love you, and we not only heard your message, we felt it.

Team Kelly: Kaleb Lee sang Boondocks by Little Big Town-- I think that was his most passionate performance to date. It was authentic, he was feeling it, and so was I. Adam said that was phenomenal, the growth from the beginning to now is incredible. You've really come into your own. Kelly said he is such a good dude, and a solid singer and we're finally getting to see that.

Team Adam: Jackie Verna sang Love Triangle by RaeLynn-- Everyone is stepping it up tonight. This was her best performance to date! I feel like all these songs are so personal to the contestants. Blake said the message of that song and your delivery of it was incredible. That song hits home for me and so did your performance. Adam said you know that I love, sometimes a subtle, refined vocal can get lost, and I hope it doesn't get lost, and it gets rewarded.

Team Adam: Rayshun LaMarr sang Grant Green by Mr. Jukes-- It didn't seem possible for him to give a more energetic performance but he did so tonight. I loved the song choice for him, and Kelly and Adam's comments were right on. Kelly said I have never had so much fun watching anyone. You are such a special spirit, you're pure joy. Adam said you separated yourself from the pack in such a profound way.

Team Blake: Spensha Baker sang Red by Taylor Swift-- O-M-G! I love this, Spensha is a complete star, this was a perfect and amazing choice. Why is she not already a star?! Adam said it's amazing, some people can sing all the notes possible but they don't connect. What you do is exactly what you should be doing, your instincts are amazing, I am a huge fan of yours. Blake said I was thinking that was your best performance so far. You're going to make country music history, you're going to be a star, and I cannot believe I could to be a little bitty part of that.

Team Alicia: Jackie Foster sang Gravity by Sara Bareilles-- Stunning performance by Jackie! Alicia said I thought it was a perfect moment and I know it was hard to hold it together for you. You showed us that you're strong, and I was totally riveted and taken into your world.

Team Alicia: Britton Buchanan sang What's Love Got To Do With It by Tina Turner-- Oh wow! Britton just stepped up his game times ten. I am loving him tonight. He completely transformed the song, amazing! Who will go home tonight because no one deserves to! Adam said Britton my heart has been broken for so long cause you're not on my team. It would be petty of me not to vote for you cause you're not on my team. Alicia said two years from now, you're going to be mind blowing. You smashed that!

Team Alicia: Christiana Danielle sang Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers-- I love how she put her own spin on this song. It got a little out of control but overall I liked this. Kelly said your body is like a living and breathing orchestra. Alicia said you're such a unique and special being. Your instincts are spectacular, you own it.

Team Blake: Pryor Baird sang My Town by Montgomery Gentry-- Pryor continues to have such a distinct voice. Adam said I am super into your voice. Blake said I want to see you go beyond number three on iTunes this week. Blake thinks he could win.

Team Kelly: Brynn Cartelli sang Fix You by Coldplay-- Brynn continues to be poised beyond her years. Her performance was actually not her best to date, but I could tell the performance was ethereal for her. Kelly said it's amazing to hear someone as young as you sing and give us that message. You were born to sing.

I thought everyone stepped up their game tonight but look for Jackie V, Rayshun, Pryor, and Christiana to be in some trouble.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

American Idol: The Top 7 Perform Songs from the Prince Songbook

Journee sang Kiss by Prince-- Good parts, but not her best.

Gabby Barrett sang I Hope You Dance by LeAnn Womack-- She sounded like a true country star.

Michael J Woodard sang I Would Die for You by Prince-- My fave Prince song, I loved this.

Cade Foehner sang Who Will Save Your Soul by Jewel-- Did not like this interpretation, too dark, but like him.

Catie Turner sang Oops I Did it Again by Britney Spears-- Did not like this interpretation.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson sang Amazed by Lonestar-- This felt ordinary and predictable.

Maddie Poppe sang Nothing Compares to U by Prince-- Crazy good, I loved this.

Michael J Woodard sang My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion-- Absolutely stunning vocal, goosebumps! 

Cade Foehner sang Jungle Love by The Time-- This was a cool interpretation, strong vocals.

Gabby Barrett sang How Come You Don't Call Me by Prince-- Surprisingly soulful, loved this!

Jurnee sang Back at One by Brian McKnight-- I felt the song was personal to her.

Catie Turner sang Manic Monday by Prince-- Tiny bit awkward but she got through it. 

Maddie Poppe sang If It Makes You Happy by Sheryl Crowe-- Her vocal had such power behind it.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson sang When Doves Cry by Prince-- NOTHING ordinary about this performance! Way to turn it around!

My 5 (Prediction)--

Michael
Gabby 
Cade
Caleb
Maddie