The Battles!
Battle advisors-- Blake had Bebe Rexha, Kelly had Dua Lipa, Nick had his two brothers Joe and Kevin Jonas, and John had Ella Mai
Team Blake: Joei Fulco vs. Todd Michael Hall sang The Best by Tina Turner-- The song was super cheese, but these two both have great vocals. Todd is probably one of my fave contestants from this season. Todd has an impressive voice, he sang the high harmony on this. Joei is great too. Blake picked Joei and saved Todd.
The spin on this season is that the 4 saves (1 from each team) will compete against each other and the fans will vote one through to the lives.
Team Kelly: Chelle vs. Anaya Cheyenne sang Scared to be Lonely by Dua Lipa-- The song is a bit mature being that they are both so young. However, it showed how advanced Anaya is, she did a great job with this song. Anaya has a mature voice, she reminds me a little bit of Normani.
Kelly chose Anaya
Team Nick: Joanna Serenko vs. Roderick Chambers sang When the Party's Over by Billie Eilish-- Definitely the battle of the night. This was amazing, and I am so glad that both of them got picked; however, I am so shocked that Nick did not save Joanna. Joanna was a four chair turn and she was amazing. Her vocals are always stunning, and she really pushes whoever she is singing with to come up to her level. Roderick is a surprise! I definitely did not expect him to be at that level, but I think he studied hard and Joanna brought out amazing things from him. I also have to give props to Nick because the arrangement was gorgeous and helped them to compliment each other. Nick chose Roderick and John stole Joanna
Team John: Mike Jerel vs. Zach Day sang Adorn by Miguel-- I loved this as well! It didn't feel like a battle, it felt like a duet which was the beautiful thing about it. They supported one another and pushed each other, and both of them, as Nick said, were so confident. Kelly said Zach, I don't expect the sound to come out of you, and Mike you're fearless. Blake said you have to go with who is more in the lane that you want to go with your team. John chose Mike
Team Blake: Jamal Corrie vs. Levi Watkins sang Counting Stars by One Republic-- I wasn't too crazy about song selection here. They were well matched but I thought the performance lacked connection to the song. Blake chose Levi
Team Nick: Allegra Miles vs. Michael Williams sang How Will I Know by Whitney Houston-- I was obsessed with the arrangement on this. Nick did a great job. You can tell Michael definitely worked hard on cleaning things up a little bit and being more precise with his vocals. Allegra's tone is ridiculous; she is so unique. These two clearly formed a bond, a friendship; even the phrasing in this performance is simply so cool. Kelly said Michael you came in strong, you have a magnificent voice. Allegra, I am in love with your voice, said Kelly. Blake said congratulations on a killer performance. Michael you're a great singer, and Allegra not often someone like you comes along. John said I got some Nick vibes from you Michael, and Allegra the singers who really connect in this world have special tones like yours. Nick chose Allegra and saved Michael
Oh my gosh! Faves of the night-- Allegra, Michael, Joanna, and Roderick
Honorable mention to Mike J. and Zach
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
The Voice Season 18: The End of the Blinds Give Me Fever
Micah Iverson sang All I Want by Kodaline-- I love Micah's style. He has that indie singer vibe. Kelly turned first and then Blake and Nick. John missed out here. I believe Nick mentioned Switchfoot-- I could definitely see Micah singing Switchfoot. Kelly did a great job of relating to Micah, so did Nick. I actually think he and Nick would be a great match.
Micah chose Team Kelly
Brittney Allen sang Dancing on My Own by Robyn-- Super underrated song. Unfortunately, the interpretation was not so original. The only one who turned was John... interesting.
Camp Sprinks sang Wave on Wave-- Nothing too special here. Perhaps some coaching by Blake will take him to the next level. Their is a lot of doubt in his vocal, some pitch issues. Kelly and Blake turned and Camp chose Blake
Anders Drerup sang I Can't Help Falling in Love with You by Elvis Presley-- I wasn't excited about this either. I did not enjoy his interpretation of the song. It was a little bit weird for me. Nick was the only one who turned.
Mandi Castillo sang Asi Fue by Juan Gabriel-- She has a gorgeous voice, and was rightfully a four chair turn. Mandi said I love you to Kelly, and Kelly stood up and said I love you. Nick was emotional, he said some of my favorite music in the world is sung in other languages. That was so beautiful. Blake said Mandi, I love you, I love San Antonio. Not knowing what you were saying, I was able to concentrate on your voice. He said it's unbelievable, you have an incredible sound, and I would be honored to be your coach. Mandi said I love Mariah Carey and Sade. John said I am a huge fan of your singing, following name dropping. Kelly said come on girl, you would look so good in this vibe.
Mandi chose John
Kailey Abel sang Forever Young by Alphaville-- I am not too sure about her vocals. They are a little bit rough around the edges. I enjoy her rasp but didn't care for the song choice. Blake was the only turn.
Gigi Hess sang Lovesong by The Cure-- Same as Kailey... I am unsure on her vocals. The song choice wasn't a good one and she was a one chair turn and is on Team Kelly.
Kevin Farris sang Home by Johnnyswim-- Another blah performance. John and Nick turned. The contestant compared himself to early Jonas Brothers and went to Team Nick.
Cedrice sang Fever by Peggy Lee-- Cedrice is one of my faves tonight. In a night full of duds, she is a star. She is gorgeous, she is unique, and she has attitude and sass. She and Mandi were honestly the only standouts tonight. I loved her. Kelly called her sexy, and said she is so mad she couldn't press her button. She said you're like a goddess, you're so hot. Blake said I am so happy for you. John said no one else looks like you, no one else sounds like you. You approached this performance with seductiveness. Cedrice is on Team Legend
Faves of the night--- Mandi Castillo, Cedrice, and honorable mention to Micah Iverson
Micah chose Team Kelly
Brittney Allen sang Dancing on My Own by Robyn-- Super underrated song. Unfortunately, the interpretation was not so original. The only one who turned was John... interesting.
Camp Sprinks sang Wave on Wave-- Nothing too special here. Perhaps some coaching by Blake will take him to the next level. Their is a lot of doubt in his vocal, some pitch issues. Kelly and Blake turned and Camp chose Blake
Anders Drerup sang I Can't Help Falling in Love with You by Elvis Presley-- I wasn't excited about this either. I did not enjoy his interpretation of the song. It was a little bit weird for me. Nick was the only one who turned.
Mandi Castillo sang Asi Fue by Juan Gabriel-- She has a gorgeous voice, and was rightfully a four chair turn. Mandi said I love you to Kelly, and Kelly stood up and said I love you. Nick was emotional, he said some of my favorite music in the world is sung in other languages. That was so beautiful. Blake said Mandi, I love you, I love San Antonio. Not knowing what you were saying, I was able to concentrate on your voice. He said it's unbelievable, you have an incredible sound, and I would be honored to be your coach. Mandi said I love Mariah Carey and Sade. John said I am a huge fan of your singing, following name dropping. Kelly said come on girl, you would look so good in this vibe.
Mandi chose John
Kailey Abel sang Forever Young by Alphaville-- I am not too sure about her vocals. They are a little bit rough around the edges. I enjoy her rasp but didn't care for the song choice. Blake was the only turn.
Gigi Hess sang Lovesong by The Cure-- Same as Kailey... I am unsure on her vocals. The song choice wasn't a good one and she was a one chair turn and is on Team Kelly.
Kevin Farris sang Home by Johnnyswim-- Another blah performance. John and Nick turned. The contestant compared himself to early Jonas Brothers and went to Team Nick.
Cedrice sang Fever by Peggy Lee-- Cedrice is one of my faves tonight. In a night full of duds, she is a star. She is gorgeous, she is unique, and she has attitude and sass. She and Mandi were honestly the only standouts tonight. I loved her. Kelly called her sexy, and said she is so mad she couldn't press her button. She said you're like a goddess, you're so hot. Blake said I am so happy for you. John said no one else looks like you, no one else sounds like you. You approached this performance with seductiveness. Cedrice is on Team Legend
Faves of the night--- Mandi Castillo, Cedrice, and honorable mention to Micah Iverson
Thursday, March 12, 2020
The Voice Season 18: You Say These Are The Blinds
Episode 3:
Mandi Thomas sang Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli-- first time we have had an opera singer on The Voice. Only Kelly turned!
Jacob Miller sang The Times They Are A Changin' by Bob Dylan-- I was surprised that Kelly, Nick, and Blake turned. Jacob is a folk singer, and he has a decent voice, but is clearly a better musician than singer. Jacob surprisingly chose Nick.
No one is really impressing me from this group so far.
Joe Mullins sang Don't Give Up On Me by Andy Grammer-- His voice was just okay, Blake took a chance and was the only turn.
Jacob Daniel Murphy sang Til You Come Back to Me by Aretha Franklin-- Blake said I am just having the best day. I went in back and made myself a drink, and I came out here and I'm listening to great music. I heard you singing and I was like I'm not even going to try because he is so good. But it came to the end and no one turned. I feel like I won the lottery today. Jacob made it on Team Blake.
Zan Fiskum sang Light On by Maggie Rogers-- All the coaches turned except Blake. I was not impressed with her voice. There was nothing special for me. She ended up choosing John.
Roderick Chambers sang Back at 1 by Brian McKnight-- This guy was actually so good and deserved more than one person to turn, in this case Nick! What is great is that from a tone standpoint, Roderick sounds a lot like Nick. What I really love about Roderick is he has that old school R&B voice. It is so needed right now.
Jules sang Ain't No Rest For The Wicked by Cage the Elephant-- She is unique and at only 15, she has lots of experience in her voice. This arrangement she did is so different. I loved this and feel like it should have been four chairs maybe. Blake and Kelly did turn. Jules chose Team Kelly, I really thought she was going to choose Blake.
Michael Williams sang You Say by Lauren Daigle-- He is super pitchy-- Nick was the only one who turned. I am guessing Nick believes he can help Michael with his falsetto.
Mike Jerel sang It's a Man's World by James Brown-- John and Nick turned immediately. Mike has a great voice, and takes this classic song and really makes it his own. Kelly turns and then Blake. The coaches really fight it out for Mike, but in the back of my mind, I knew he was choosing John, especially when his mom came out and picked John.
Standouts for tonight-- Jacob Daniel Murphy, Roderick Chambers, Jules, and Mike Jerel
Sunday, March 8, 2020
The Voice Season 18: Lately I'm Digging the Blinds
Episode 3
There weren't a lot of highlights but I sure did love Thunderstorm's vocals, his attitude not so much. I loved Samuel and Jamal, they could grow a lot in this competition. Allegra and Samantha come with some cool singer/ songwriter vibes, and if they study hard, they have a chance in the competition.
Allegra Miles sang Use Somebody by Kings of Leon-- Allegra has a mature voice. she is only 16 and has great tone and control. Kelly turns towards the beginning and Nick towards the end. John regrets not turning. Kelly compares Allegra to Brynn Cartelli who she coached to a win in Season 14. Allegra says she is a big fan of Kelly's. Nick says he comes from a musical family and wrote his first song at 12 just like Allegra. At the end though, Allegra chooses Nick.
Cammwess sang Earned It by The Weeknd-- Camm had John and Blake turning for him. I liked Camm's runs, there are just so many interesting parts of his voice. His transitions are effortless. Blake basically conceded and said he knew Camm was going to pick John but he turned in respect for his talent. Camm did choose John
Joei Fulco made it to Team Blake
Sara Collins chose Team Kelly
Samantha Howell sang Take it on the Run by REO Speedwagon-- There's lots of great potential here. I don't think I would have wasted a block (ahem, Kelly). However, I think Samantha is somewhat old fashioned in her approach. I think the right coach could give her some edge. It's a good thing Kelly Clarkson landed her. Kelly turned, blocked Blake, Nick turned, and Samantha chose Kelly.
Jamal Corrie sang Be Alright by Dean Lewis-- I actually felt like Jamal was much better than the coaches thought. Blake was the only one who turned for him and I think some of them are going to regret that. The issues he had were minor and with good coaching are easily fixable.
Samuel Wilco sang Lately by Stevie Wonder-- Impressive out of the gate. I agree with Kelly, and Nick-- this is such a great song, it is definitely a storyteller song. The message means something. Kelly and Nick turn. Samuel says his wife got him into the Voice, and he loves Kelly and everything she does with her artists but his kids love Nick. As a result, Samuel chooses Nick.
Thunderstorm Artis sang Blackbird by The Beatles-- 4 chair turn and standing ovation-- well deserved. I like this kid, he comes off as a little bit arrogant. I feel like he could stand to be a little more humble. Other people have been on the show with as great of a blind audition as his. Kelly said we're aware of what's standing on stage right now, and it's someone who could win this competition. Blake said I want to talk about your control, your performance was that in control and that in the pocket that it sounded recorded. John said I am notoriously stingy for turning around, but when I do, I turn quickly. No surprise, Thunderstorm chose Team Legend.
There weren't a lot of highlights but I sure did love Thunderstorm's vocals, his attitude not so much. I loved Samuel and Jamal, they could grow a lot in this competition. Allegra and Samantha come with some cool singer/ songwriter vibes, and if they study hard, they have a chance in the competition.
Allegra Miles sang Use Somebody by Kings of Leon-- Allegra has a mature voice. she is only 16 and has great tone and control. Kelly turns towards the beginning and Nick towards the end. John regrets not turning. Kelly compares Allegra to Brynn Cartelli who she coached to a win in Season 14. Allegra says she is a big fan of Kelly's. Nick says he comes from a musical family and wrote his first song at 12 just like Allegra. At the end though, Allegra chooses Nick.
Cammwess sang Earned It by The Weeknd-- Camm had John and Blake turning for him. I liked Camm's runs, there are just so many interesting parts of his voice. His transitions are effortless. Blake basically conceded and said he knew Camm was going to pick John but he turned in respect for his talent. Camm did choose John
Joei Fulco made it to Team Blake
Sara Collins chose Team Kelly
Samantha Howell sang Take it on the Run by REO Speedwagon-- There's lots of great potential here. I don't think I would have wasted a block (ahem, Kelly). However, I think Samantha is somewhat old fashioned in her approach. I think the right coach could give her some edge. It's a good thing Kelly Clarkson landed her. Kelly turned, blocked Blake, Nick turned, and Samantha chose Kelly.
Jamal Corrie sang Be Alright by Dean Lewis-- I actually felt like Jamal was much better than the coaches thought. Blake was the only one who turned for him and I think some of them are going to regret that. The issues he had were minor and with good coaching are easily fixable.
Samuel Wilco sang Lately by Stevie Wonder-- Impressive out of the gate. I agree with Kelly, and Nick-- this is such a great song, it is definitely a storyteller song. The message means something. Kelly and Nick turn. Samuel says his wife got him into the Voice, and he loves Kelly and everything she does with her artists but his kids love Nick. As a result, Samuel chooses Nick.
Thunderstorm Artis sang Blackbird by The Beatles-- 4 chair turn and standing ovation-- well deserved. I like this kid, he comes off as a little bit arrogant. I feel like he could stand to be a little more humble. Other people have been on the show with as great of a blind audition as his. Kelly said we're aware of what's standing on stage right now, and it's someone who could win this competition. Blake said I want to talk about your control, your performance was that in control and that in the pocket that it sounded recorded. John said I am notoriously stingy for turning around, but when I do, I turn quickly. No surprise, Thunderstorm chose Team Legend.
Sunday, March 1, 2020
The Voice Season 18: Episodes 1 and 2 of The Blinds Make Me Weak
Episode 1:
I was actually excited for this season of The Voice. Nick Jonas joining the show had a lot to do with that. I think he brings a unique perspective from anyone who has been on the show before. I kind of boycotted last season--- not because of Blake and Gwen, I love them! I think it was because Adam didn't come back, and I am not a huge fan of John Legend. He's a bit much for me.
Something I love, in particular, about this first episode of Season 18 is that the great "voices" come from unlikely sources. First contestant out-- Todd Tilghman came out singing "We Got Tonight" by Bob Seger with the same type of rasp and growl in his voice as Seger himself. At 41, and a Pastor with eight kids (two adopted!) Tilghman seems poised to go far in this competition with the right song selection and coaching. Predictable four chair turn, and Todd goes the smart route and picks Team Blake.
Nelson Cade III was up next and he sang Pride and Joy-- I liked him, but I did not think he was four chair turn worthy. I wanted him to take it up a notch vocally and he never did that. John even used his block on Nick for Nelson, and I guess it made sense since Nelson ended up choosing Team Legend.
Tate Brusa sang perfect by Ed Sheeran-- Tate is only 16, and he has a good voice, but it's nothing out of the ordinary. He did play at Sundance last year and writes and produces his own songs in his bedroom which is pretty cool. Blake and Nick turn and it's no surprise that Tate goes with Nick.
In honesty, I am not a huge fan of the song Issues by Julia Michaels. I enjoy her as an artist but I did not enjoy the style of that song. Well, Tayler Green came up and did her rendition of Issues and it blew me away. I saw the song in a whole new light. She changed up he melody some and it was cool. She also just has an interesting vibe for me. Kelly and Nick turned for Tayler and she chose Team Kelly.
Darius Lyles sang How Do You Sleep by Sam Smith-- He has a great tone, I loved his interpretation of this song. Kelly and John turned and Darius chose Team Legend.
Megan Danielle sang Remedy by Adele-- Kelly was the only one who turned. Megan was rough around the edges but maybe with Kelly's guidance she can really develop her talent.
My fave of the night was Todd Michael Hall, hard to believe he is 50 years old. He sang Juke Box Hero by Foreigner, and he has a great rock voice. The authenticity of his whole performance in and of itself was turn worthy. This is someone who should have had a four chair turn and was totally robbed. Todd is someone in my opinion who could go to the finals of this show and make an amazing album. John and Blake turned. Blake said you like to rock and I like to party, let's do this!
First show wrapped up with a four chair turn that I didn't think should be a four chair turn. It was Joanna Serenko who sang All My Lovin' by The Beatles. She did do her own rendition of the song. I will say she is mature for 18 and does have a great technical voice, she is probably the most original of the night next to Tayler. Joanna picked Team Nick
I do think though that what Todd Michael Hall did was truly special though because as Kelly said, not many people have legit rock voices today. She said that they say that they sing rock and she is like "meh, do you"?
Episode 2:
Arei Moon sang Miss Independent by Kelly Clarkson-- Kelly and Nick turned, Nick blocked Kelly. I was not a fan of this performance.
Levi Watkins sang Hey Soul Sister by Train-- This one was so shocking! Levi has such a cool voice and is only 14 years old. I cannot believe no one else turned except Blake. He was trying so hard to not react and he did a great job. I think all the coaches were genuinely shocked. It's always tough with a boy that age because his voice is no doubt changing. Levi is on Team Blake!
Zach Day sang Weak by SWV-- Impressive performance and John and Kelly turned. My only issue is I feel like his voice is a little too soft and I don't know if he is going to be able to compete with some of these bigger voices. Zach chose Team Legend
Chelle sang idontwanttobeyouanymore by Billie Eilish-- Oh wow! I agree with Nick, her voice makes me feel emotional. Nick tries to seal the deal by saying she is the type of singer he would die to write songs for. Kelly says, would you write songs for me, and he said, I think I submitted some for you and you turned them down. He jokes that Blake has been doing this for an eternity. John regrets being the only one not to turn. Chelle picks Team Kelly
Toneisha Harris sang I Want to Know What Love is by Foreigner-- They saved the best for last tonight! Toneisha is 44 and she has a beautiful story. She was supposed to audition for The Voice eight years ago but her son was diagnosed with leukemia. He is now in his second year in college. Nick said it is one of the best vocals he has ever heard! Blake said you have been singing in the shower or something because you don't just come out and sing like that! He said I don't want to pretend that I know what it's like to sing like you because I can't, but I would be proud to be your coach. Blake's experience pitch really works. Toneisha chose Team Blake.
I was actually excited for this season of The Voice. Nick Jonas joining the show had a lot to do with that. I think he brings a unique perspective from anyone who has been on the show before. I kind of boycotted last season--- not because of Blake and Gwen, I love them! I think it was because Adam didn't come back, and I am not a huge fan of John Legend. He's a bit much for me.
Something I love, in particular, about this first episode of Season 18 is that the great "voices" come from unlikely sources. First contestant out-- Todd Tilghman came out singing "We Got Tonight" by Bob Seger with the same type of rasp and growl in his voice as Seger himself. At 41, and a Pastor with eight kids (two adopted!) Tilghman seems poised to go far in this competition with the right song selection and coaching. Predictable four chair turn, and Todd goes the smart route and picks Team Blake.
Nelson Cade III was up next and he sang Pride and Joy-- I liked him, but I did not think he was four chair turn worthy. I wanted him to take it up a notch vocally and he never did that. John even used his block on Nick for Nelson, and I guess it made sense since Nelson ended up choosing Team Legend.
Tate Brusa sang perfect by Ed Sheeran-- Tate is only 16, and he has a good voice, but it's nothing out of the ordinary. He did play at Sundance last year and writes and produces his own songs in his bedroom which is pretty cool. Blake and Nick turn and it's no surprise that Tate goes with Nick.
In honesty, I am not a huge fan of the song Issues by Julia Michaels. I enjoy her as an artist but I did not enjoy the style of that song. Well, Tayler Green came up and did her rendition of Issues and it blew me away. I saw the song in a whole new light. She changed up he melody some and it was cool. She also just has an interesting vibe for me. Kelly and Nick turned for Tayler and she chose Team Kelly.
Darius Lyles sang How Do You Sleep by Sam Smith-- He has a great tone, I loved his interpretation of this song. Kelly and John turned and Darius chose Team Legend.
Megan Danielle sang Remedy by Adele-- Kelly was the only one who turned. Megan was rough around the edges but maybe with Kelly's guidance she can really develop her talent.
My fave of the night was Todd Michael Hall, hard to believe he is 50 years old. He sang Juke Box Hero by Foreigner, and he has a great rock voice. The authenticity of his whole performance in and of itself was turn worthy. This is someone who should have had a four chair turn and was totally robbed. Todd is someone in my opinion who could go to the finals of this show and make an amazing album. John and Blake turned. Blake said you like to rock and I like to party, let's do this!
First show wrapped up with a four chair turn that I didn't think should be a four chair turn. It was Joanna Serenko who sang All My Lovin' by The Beatles. She did do her own rendition of the song. I will say she is mature for 18 and does have a great technical voice, she is probably the most original of the night next to Tayler. Joanna picked Team Nick
I do think though that what Todd Michael Hall did was truly special though because as Kelly said, not many people have legit rock voices today. She said that they say that they sing rock and she is like "meh, do you"?
Episode 2:
Arei Moon sang Miss Independent by Kelly Clarkson-- Kelly and Nick turned, Nick blocked Kelly. I was not a fan of this performance.
Levi Watkins sang Hey Soul Sister by Train-- This one was so shocking! Levi has such a cool voice and is only 14 years old. I cannot believe no one else turned except Blake. He was trying so hard to not react and he did a great job. I think all the coaches were genuinely shocked. It's always tough with a boy that age because his voice is no doubt changing. Levi is on Team Blake!
Zach Day sang Weak by SWV-- Impressive performance and John and Kelly turned. My only issue is I feel like his voice is a little too soft and I don't know if he is going to be able to compete with some of these bigger voices. Zach chose Team Legend
Chelle sang idontwanttobeyouanymore by Billie Eilish-- Oh wow! I agree with Nick, her voice makes me feel emotional. Nick tries to seal the deal by saying she is the type of singer he would die to write songs for. Kelly says, would you write songs for me, and he said, I think I submitted some for you and you turned them down. He jokes that Blake has been doing this for an eternity. John regrets being the only one not to turn. Chelle picks Team Kelly
Toneisha Harris sang I Want to Know What Love is by Foreigner-- They saved the best for last tonight! Toneisha is 44 and she has a beautiful story. She was supposed to audition for The Voice eight years ago but her son was diagnosed with leukemia. He is now in his second year in college. Nick said it is one of the best vocals he has ever heard! Blake said you have been singing in the shower or something because you don't just come out and sing like that! He said I don't want to pretend that I know what it's like to sing like you because I can't, but I would be proud to be your coach. Blake's experience pitch really works. Toneisha chose Team Blake.
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