Monday, April 29, 2019

The Voice Season 16: The Top 24 Work it Out

Team Kelly:

Rod Stokes sang Midnight Rider by The Allman Brothers-- Strong performance, this song choice really suited him. He has a shot.

Matthew Johnson sang Ordinary People by John Legend-- Wow, could it be that I preferred Matthew's interpretation of this song more than the original? I think so! A little off key at the end, but I forgive him.

Rebecca Howell sang Wild One by Faith Hill-- Rebecca is a great vocalist, I did not find the song to be memorable and I wonder whether or not she will be memorable to me by the end of the night. I think she's a great singer though and definitely deserves to be here.

Presley Tennant sang Nothing Breaks Like a Heart by Miley Cyrus-- She is one of my fave vocalists in this competition and the fact that she is so young is insane to me. She was so good! I loved that she slowed down the arrangement.

Abby Kasch sang I've Got the Boy by -- Didn't love this, is this the song Kelly was talking about last week? I did not care for this at all. I thought vocally it was okay, but it seemed to be showcasing all the same parts of her voice.

Jej Vinson sang Love Lies by Khalid and Normani-- Jej's stage presence, amazing! He performed and everyone was feeling that performance. The arrangement was like dynamite for his voice. It was soulful and emotional. Wow, loved big time!

Team Legend:

Lisa Ramey sang The Weight by The Band-- Great song, started out great. I didn't feel it held up well as the song went on.

Jacob Maxwell sang Total Eclipse of the Heart by --I am still confused about who he is trying to be here. Not enough left for him to move on.

Jimmy Mowery sang Youngblood by 5 Seconds of Summer-- I did not enjoy this performance. I see him as more pop/ R&B and I didn't think there was any element of R&B in that.

Celia Babini sang The Chain by Fleetwood Mac-- Here is someone who is not confused at all about who she is as an artist. I loved this! It was so authentic, that was incredible (John was yelling that from the audience!)!

Maelyn Jarmon sang Fallingwater by  Maggie Rogers-- The song is obscure, I have never heard it before but it worked for her vocally. However, I was a little bored and she wasn't on her game tonight.

Shawn Sounds sang Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder-- Enjoyed this, Shawn should definitely move on.

Team Adam:

Kalvin Jarvis sang Mine by Bazzi-- That was emotional and gorgeous. I loved that so much.

Betsy Ade sang Are You Gonna be My Girl by Jet-- This was the perfect song choice for her! It did get a little bit shouty though.

Mari sang Work it Out by Beyonce-- This was so within her element. She is so different from anyone else in the competition. I'd love to see her in the Top 13. 

Domenic Haynes sang Love is a Losing Game by Amy Winehouse-- Domenic can literally do no wrong in this competition. He took a big risk with that song, it paid off half way. I did not love it, but I love him and hope he moves forward.

Team Blake:

Andrew Sevener sang Boots On by Randy Houser -- Again song choice is a little obscure but I loved Andrew's vocals. My issue is, has he done enough to make himself stand out, I'm not sure.

Selkii sang Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls-- This was a great interpretation of this song. Selkii redeemed herself from last week.

Oliv Blu sang Girl from Ipanema by Frank Sinatra-- So unique from everyone in the competition. Oliv is another standout I love her.

Gyth Rigdon sang I want to be Loved Like That by Shenandoah-- Gyth is someone I always look forward to hearing. I wish he had sung something a little more mainstream but he is a skilled storyteller. 

Kendra Checketts-- sang Bad Guy by Billie Eilish-- I did not expect this song choice on her but she kind of killed her performance tonight. She actually has a good chance of going through.

Carter Lloyd Horne sang Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley-- Something about this young man that I really love. He is a throwback for me. He has this cool retro vibe and he does understand who he wants to be.

Kim Cherry sang Waterfalls by TLC-- Expected song choice, she of course wanted to show off how she can sing and rap which is still cool. I thought her rapping could have been stronger but she may have done enough to pull through.

Dexter Roberts sang Ain't Nothing About You by Brooks & Dunn-- To be honest-- fave country performance of the night. I loved this.

My Top 12---

Matthew, Presley, Jej, Celia, Shawn, Kalvin, Mari, Domenic, Dexter, Carter, Gyth, last spot between Selkii, Oliv, and Kendra


Monday, April 22, 2019

The Voice Season 16: Way Down We Go with The Cross Battles

Team Adam: L.B. Crew singing Wade in the Water vs. Team Kelly: Jej Vinson singing Versace on the Floor by Bruno Mars-- WOW! Neither one of these guys deserve to be eliminated. They both deserve to actually automatically advance to the finals for these dynamic performances. Both have killer voices. Adam said L.B. the composure and depth of your voice is incredible, I am blown away. Kelly said you are both so evenly matched. Kelly said if Bruno Mars was hearing that right now, he'd say oh I should do that lick. John said you are both fantastic vocalists. You're both exceptionally talented.



Team Adam: Kalvin Jarvis singing New Rules by Dua Lipa vs. Team Legend: Julian King singing Hello by Adele -- Kalvin just blew my mind. I never thought of a guy singing that song, it was so intriguing and captivating. He commanded my attention throughout the performance. I felt his angst and what he was struggling with emotionally through the lyrics and his delivery. I liked Julian but I didn't understand going between the English and Spanish with that performance. Vocally, he was great. I kind of feel like both of them deserve to stay. Adam said Kalvin that was a front-runners performance. You turned that song on it's side and what you did was truly incredible. John said Julian you made such outstanding choices with how you interpreted Adele's song. Kelly said there are some great singers in this building. I am so floored, y'all are so good. Blake felt like Kalvin took that battle.



Team Blake: Carter Lloyd Horne singing Way Down We Go by Kaleo vs. Team Legend: Jacob Maxwell singing You're Still the One by Shania Twain-- Absolutely in love with the song Carter did. His style is so hypnotic. Jacob is great but that song choice was a little sleepy for me. He played it safe whereas Carter I felt like grew from an artist standpoint. Blake says Carter has grown so much and has such a vintage sound. I'd go with Carter here.



Team Kelly: The Bundys singing The Letter by The Box Tops vs. Team Blake: Andrew Sevener singing Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde by Travis Tritt -- I thought The Bundys got better as they went along. The end was especially awesome. I thought Andrew did great; that song was amazing. Blake said country fans are losing their minds over that performance. I would lean towards Andrew.

Team Legend: Shawn Sounds singing Lay Me Down by Sam Smith vs. Team Blake: Karly Moreno singing Down by Marian Hill -- Strong performance from Shawn, it was off here and there. I have heard that song done better before but that was pretty solid. For me, Karly takes this. Her sound was so different, it was a mix of jazz and folk. I loved this! Adam said Karly you were incredible, truly amazing. And Shawn I have to show you love as well because you were incredible. It couldn't be more different up there on this stage. Kelly said you are totally different vibes; Shawn I think you have a phenomenal spirit.

Team Adam: Kendra Checketts singing Cold Water by Justin Bieber vs. Team Legend: Jimmy Mowery singing Mercy by Shawn Mendes-- Love Kendra's version of this song. She has a gorgeous tone. I enjoy both of these artists; this is tough! Jimmy was a little bit more dynamic but I liked both of them. Adam said I only pray I get to watch more of you Kendra. John said Jimmy you made such great choices today, I am so proud. Blake said I have to stick with you Kendra. Kelly said Kendra I find your tone so captivating. It's really beautiful.

Team Kelly: Rebecca Howell singing Any Man of Mine by Shania Twain vs. Team Legend: Beth Griffith Manley singing I Put a Spell on You by Screamin' Jay Hawkins-- I love the attitude with which Rebecca has when she sings. Wow, she gave quite the performance. That was pretty fierce. Beth was emotional and so good. That was such a stirring rendition of that song, it really moved me. Kelly disliked that they were against each other because both were so good. John said you really gave that raw energy in that song. Blake said Rebecca you were a shock for me tonight in a good way, you took that song to the next level. Beth, what you did at the end of that was great. Adam said Beth you put on a clinic with that song. Rebecca, the shock of the season, you are probably the strongest country singer in the competition so far.

Team Blake: Gyth Rigdon singing Goodbye Time by Conway Twitty vs. Team Kelly: Abby Kasch singing Cupid's Got a Shot Gun by -- Once again, thought both of them were great but I do lean with Gyth. There is something super special about him. Blake said Gyth to see you keep that old school country alive like that, this guy is going to be in the finale. Kelly said Abby when you came out and did this in rehearsals I was floored. Adam said Abby was great and she gave a spirited performance but he strongly believes that Gyth is going to be in the finale. 

Fave performances are highlighted above! L.B., Kalvin, and Carter

Kelly has a save and John has a steal

Battle 1-- L.B. wins, Kelly will save Jej

Battle 2-- Kalvin wins

Battle 3-- Carter wins

Battle 4-- Andrew wins

Battle 5-- Shawn wins

Battle 6-- total toss up between Kendra and Jimmy

Battle 7-- Beth wins, John steals Rebecca

Battle 8-- Gyth wins

Just my predictions!!!





Monday, April 15, 2019

The Voice Season 16: The Cross Battles Begin for the First Time!

Cross Battles--

Team Blake: Kim Cherry singing Poison by Bel Biv Devoe vs. Team Kelly: Betsy Ade singing You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette-- That was amazing. Both ladies rocked it, I loved the song choices. That's a tough decision, I was not a huge Betsy fan prior to this, but that was a great performance. Blake said Kim brings something so different to this show, we have never had anyone like her before. Kelly said Betsy was captivating. Adam said if he had to choose he would go with Betsy. John said he sees a steal in the future because both ladies were amazing.

My pick: Kim

Team Adam: Mari singing My My My by Troye Sivan vs. Team Blake: Selkii singing Torn by Natalie Imbruglia-- I have to give the edge to Mari. I found Selkii's performance a little bit boring. I like Selkii more than I liked that performance. John thought Mari came off more stylish and her confidence came off better. Kelly said I know what I'm getting with Mari, but Selkii there is something intriguing about you. 

My pick: Mari

Team Legend: Lisa Ramey singing It Hurt So Bad by Susan Tedeschi  vs. Team Kelly: Karen Galera singing Unfaithful by Rihanna-- John said he is so proud Lisa is on his team. Your stage presence was incredible and your voice is strong. Kelly said Karen my favorite part about you is your tone. Adam said Lisa this was your best performance. Blake said you both did a great job, I have to second Adam. Lisa you have been a survivor. I did love Karen's tone, I think it was untouchable. That being said, something about that performance fell flat. She never really connected with the song.

My pick: Lisa technically, Karen emotionally


Team Kelly: Matthew Johnson singing Who's Loving You by The Jackson 5 vs. Team Adam: Domenic Haynes singing Damn Your Eyes by Etta James-- I love both of these artists. Matthew's personality sells his performances but this was not a good song choice for him. Domenic's performance was impassioned. Etta James is always classic, but he made this his own. He convinced me. Kelly talked about how strong a vocalist Matthew is. Adam said Domenic you are one of the most honest, raw, passionate singers we have ever seen. John said Domenic your tone, and your voice is so emotionally pure. Matthew, you have more range.

My pick: both need to move forward, but Domenic won this!


Team Kelly: Presley Tennant singing Love on the Brain by Rihanna vs. Team Legend: Kayslin Victoria singing Stay by Alessia Cara-- I loved both of these girls! Vocally, they are both powerhouses! Blake said you two being so young, I can already hear such a big difference. You  have already both grown so much.

My pick: Both could go forward, vocally Presley, total package Kayslin

Team Adam: Celia Babini singing A Thousand Years by Christina Perry vs. Team Blake: Oliv Blu singing Gravity by John Mayer-- Both ladies were great, but Olive is clearly more connected with the song. Celia seemed distracted tonight.

My pick: Oliv

Team Blake: Dexter Roberts singing Believe by Brooks and Dunn vs. Team Adam: Andrew Jannako singing Yours by Russell Dickerson-- Blake said that was tough. I am not gonna lie, you brought it. Blake said Dexter that song is sacred and you were pitch perfect. Kelly said Andrew, I don't even know if you know who you are. Kelly said you represent new country Andrew, and Dexter you represent old country. John said I preferred Andrew this time, you gave a better performance this time around.

Team Legend: Maelyn Jarmon singing Mad World Gary Jules by vs. Team Adam: Rod Stokes singing How Am I Supposed to Live Without You by Michael Bolton-- Two amazing performances-- Rod has a HUGE voice. He is a classic singer. Maelyn is so emotionally connected to whatever she is performing. John said Maelyn has great control of her instrument. Adam said that story tonight is Rod Stokes, you shocked your old coach! You stepped it up tonight.

My pick: Rod

Sunday, April 14, 2019

American Idol: The Journey Continues, The Top 14 Take the Stage

Laine Hardy sang That's All Right by Elvis Presley-- Luke liked his delivery and his confidence. Laine has improved so much, especially vocals and stage presence. I love the attitude that he brings to every song. 

Evelyn Cormier sang The Middle by Jimmy Eat World-- Her voice is unique but at some points it sounded like her voice was cracking.

Alyssa Raghu sang She Used to Be Mine by Sara Bareilles-- Lionel applauded the work she has put in and her growth. I have to admit that at first I didn't think I was going to like it. Once she started singing and hit the chorus she sounded strong.

Eddie Island sang Benny and the Jets by Elton John-- Luke said you make us smile, like what the heck is that outfit. Vocally make sure you stay on top of it, but it is so fun watching you. I agree with Luke, he does need to stay on top of his vocals. I understand that he was focused on the performance but the vocals were a little off.

Riley Thompson sang Suds in the Bucket by Sara Evans-- She's a little superstar. Luke loved her choice of song. Katy said she owned the stage.

Wade Cota sang Trouble by Ray LaMontange-- His voice sounded a little bit too gravely tonight. It was kind of weird if I am being honest. His full voice sounded good. The judges were much more excited than I was.

Dimitrius Graham sang Perfect by Ed Sheeran-- Surprisingly impressive! I love his voice, beautiful! The judges are all on their feet and so justified. WOW!

Madison Vandenburg sang Fallin' by Alicia Keys-- Her voice was so exposed during that performance and she sounded amazing. Katy said she carved out her own spot.

Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon sang We All Fall in Love Sometimes by Elton John-- Katy said I am so blessed to have this job and to meet people like you.

Uche sang Finesse by Bruno Mars-- Performance wise it was great but vocal wise, it left a lot to be desired.

Alejandro Aranda sang One Dance by Drake-- Kinda weird that Luke called him a Vegas act. Lionel said he has a lot of versatility. I like him more than I liked that performance but I think he should go through.

Ashley Hess sang Fix You by Coldplay-- Her performance seemed sincere but somehow that song is a bit overdone. Katy compared her to a Diana Krall or Carole King.

Laci Kaye Booth sang I Miss You by Blink 182-- Katy called her performance timeless. Luke liked that she called herself out for the spray tan. I loved how she did this song, it was beautiful, Blink 182 kind of does it as a ballad too, but the way she slowed it down and matched with her beautiful vocals was stunning.

Walker Burroughs sang Climb Every Mountain from The Sound of Music-- That was a great performance, and Luke is right, that is a tough song.

Who is going home? Evelyn, Wade, Ashley, and a toss up between Eddie and Jeremiah




Tuesday, April 9, 2019

The Voice Season 16: Location-- The Battles

Team Adam: Andrew Jannako vs. Patrick McAloon sang Free Fallin' by Tom Petty-- John was shocked that both of them could sing so high. He likes Patrick's voice because it has so much character. Adam said Patrick you're seasoned. Andrew, you were a revelation. You both stepped up and impressed me today. I think what Andrew did was so surprising that who knows where he could go. The potential is endless.
Adam chose Andrew

Team Blake: Selkii vs. Cecily Hennigan sang Head Above Water by Avril Lavigne-- Cecily is a talent but Selkii is ready right now! She is a star. Blake agreed, he had to go with the experience.
Blake chose Selkii

Team Blake: LiLi Joy vs. Carter Lloyd Horne-- Blake chose Carter
Team Kelly: Karen Galera vs. Alena D'Amico-- Kelly chose Karen

Team John: Kayslin Victoria vs. Olive Blue sang Location by Khalid-- Battle of the night! Both of these ladies are undeniably talented. Kayslin is beyond her years, her style was incredible. Olive reminds me so much of Erykah Badu, she is so grounded and earthy. Kelly said Olive the style was there, but Kayslin you have a gigantic voice.
John chose Kayslin and Blake stole Olive



Monday, April 8, 2019

The Voice Season 16: U Got it Bad for The Battles

Team Legend: Lisa Ramey vs. Betsy Ade singing The Joke--To me, Lisa is more different! Betsy was slightly more invested emotionally. I'd go with Lisa cause she's the comeback kid. Blake was torn, and Adam was undecided as well. John said you both showed you belong on a stage.
John chose Lisa and Kelly stole Betsy which was slightly surprising. The coaches like these two a lot more than I did.

Team Adam: Mari vs. Anthony Ortiz singing I Like Me Better by Lauv-- Adam said Mari was amazing and performed even better than in practice. Adam said Anthony's nerves got him at first but he recovered well. He did everything Adam asked of him. All the coaches seemed to want to go with Mari and ....
Adam chose Mari, he's bummed about Anthony I can tell!

Team Blake: Hannah Kay vs. Andrew Sevener singing Tequila --
Blake chose Andrew

Team Kelly: Abby Kasch vs. Jackson Marlow singing Bring on the Rain--
Kelly chose Abby

Team Legend: Jacob Maxwell vs. Talon Cardon singing Every Little Thing She Does is Magic by Sting-- I was not in love with that performance. Kelly thought Talon has more of an R&B type of vibe so he was at a disadvantage. It was more Jacob's style.
John chose Jacob

Team Kelly: David Owens vs. Rebecca Howell sang Unchained Melody-- Both are strong vocalists in this match up. The coaches are moved by the performance.
Kelly chose Rebecca and David gets chosen for the comeback stage.

Team Adam: Kalvin Jarvis vs. Jimmy Mowery singing U Got it Bad by Usher-- Wow! Best of the night by a mile. They sounded so good together. Jimmy's falsetto is so good, and Adam clearly worked with him on his full voice. Kalvin's lower register is so smooth. John said I have a hard time deciding between the two of you. Adam is proud of how they worked together through the performance. He really likes both of them.
Adam chose Kalvin and John stole Jimmy! Yes! Both of them deserve it.







Monday, April 1, 2019

The Voice Season 16: The Battles are Here!

Team Adam: Karly Moreno vs Celia Babini sang Friends by Marshmello and Anne Marie-- For me Karly won this. To be honest, this was a boring battle for me. Adam thinks both of them could go far in this. He said the shocker in this is your Karly, you're amazing. Celia, you were a four chair turn and you're sparkly and amazing.
Adam chose Celia, and Blake stole Karly

Team John: Julian King vs Denton Arnell sang Grenade by Bruno Mars-- Not digging this battle either. Julian is the winner here. Denton just did not rise to the occasion on this one. Blake said there was this run Julian did that separated you, so I would go with you. Kelly said you can both sing just as well.
John chose Julian

Team Kelly: Rizzi Myers vs Presley Tennant sang Whataya Want from Me by Adam Lambert-- So far this is the best battle of the night. I think they are well matched and both deserve to go through. John thought they were both outstanding and he liked how they worked together on the stage. He said he loved the confidence in Rizzi's voice. Adam said he would go with Rizzi cause it seems like she is ready right now. Blake said Presley took it to the next level.
Kelly chose Presley



Team Blake: Dexter Roberts vs Dalton Dover sang Hurricane by Luke Combs-- Wow! These guys were well matched! They were amazing. Dexter is more polished in terms of the whole package but Dalton is amazing from a vocal perspective. Both of them were feeling the song. Adam likes Dalton's rawness and he felt Dexter was more technically there. Blake said you guys did everything you could do. I heard both of you individually and I am happy about that.
Blake chose Dexter

Team Adam: Ciera Dumas vs L.B. Crew sang Done for Me by Charlie Puth-- I think both of them knocked it out of the park vocally. I loved the chemistry between them on the stage. L.B. has such a presence, he makes me smile. The runs by both of them were stellar. Blake said L.B. we expected that from you; Ciera I  love you hit those notes and your voice had that shred. Kelly said Ciera, I loved you in this battle. John said L.B., you remind me of some of the gospel singers I listened to growing up.
Adam chose L.B.

Ciera was chosen for the comeback stage!



Team Blake: Kim Cherry vs Kendra Checketts sang Here by Alessia Cara-- Battle of the night! Amazingness! They were absolutely vibing! I loved this. They both need to move forward. Kelly said I love y'all.  Kelly said Kim, I would go for you, I think this catered to you a little bit more. John said you nailed it, it was a flawless performance. Adam said you're both superb. Blake said imagine me, Brooks, and Dunn trying to coach this song. You have to have pocket and pitch to do this song.
Blake chose Kim--- double steal for Kendra by Adam and John, Kendra chose Adam



Top 3 Performances Tonight--- videos are posted for above!