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.



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