Tuesday, May 19, 2020

The Voice Season 18: The Finale is Here!

Team Legend: CammWess sang Purple Rain by Prince-- Tough song choice, I loved this for him though. It was certainly ambitious and he's been so talented throughout the entire competition. The only thing I did not love is when he reached for the high note. It seemed a little off key. Kelly talked about him continuing to be confident in himself and how gifted he is. I completely agree. Nick said I am a huge Prince fan and I think you did that song justice.



Team Blake: Todd Tilghman sang I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me-- This was probably the single most inspiring performance of the entire season. I felt how committed Todd was to the song and how much he believed the lyrics. Wow, that was a tears coming down my face performance. Kelly said I was crying, you are so moving, you have a bigger belief inside of you. She is still crying, and she says I want to come to your church, you're special. Blake said you have a connection with people, and you sing with so much passion and precision. People believe you.



Team Kelly: Micah Iverson sang Butterflies by Micah Iverson-- I thought that this was better than I thought it would be; however, I didn't like the ending. It seemed abrupt. Micah is a little bit of a dark horse in this so it will be interesting to see how this turns out. Micah and Kelly agreed that this song describes who he wants to be as an artist.



Team Nick: Thunderstorm Artis sang Sedona by Thunderstorm Artis-- His voice still sounded great but the song was just good. John commented on his tone, and Nick said he is a true artist.



Team Blake: Toneisha Harris sang Faithfully by Journey-- I am surprised that Toneisha is the only lady left in this! She is remarkable. Her tone is always rich and full. Kelly said you have tones in you like Chaka Khan. You intrigue me. Blake said you have turned the entire finale upside down and this was your best performance of the season.



Round Two

Todd Tilghman sang Long Way Home by Todd Tilghman-- The sound and the vibe of this song was so him. I loved the positive message and it sounded like something he would sing if recording his own album. Blake said you are such an incredible talent, I have been torn about original songs on the Voice, but you took this and breathed life into it.



CammWess sang Save it for Tomorrow by CammWess-- This song sounds a lot like John, and that makes sense as John has a writing credit on it. I think the song really showcased Camm's vocal strengths and abilities. John called the song instantly catchy.



Micah Iverson sang Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol-- Micah sounded good in this, one of his best performances in a while. He does have amazing range, almost like an Adam Levine in certain spaces of his voice. Kelly said she looks forward to working with him when this is over.



Toneisha Harris sang Superhero by Toneisha Harris-- Again, the song was okay, not great. Obviously Toneisha had a connection with the song as it was inspired by her son who was sick. Blake said we're supposed to be social distancing but she just touched millions of people with that performance.



Thunderstorm Artis sang What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong-- This song does get performed a lot, but I loved how Thunderstorm was still able to change it up and make it his own. Each note was so deliberate, and it just ended so beautifully. Nick said I am so grateful that you sang that song. I try to find ways to stay encouraged. Thank for bring that message with pure and emotional artistry.



Well friends, we made it to the end of the season. Who is going to win? Your guess is as good as mine. Thunderstorm has been a favorite since day one with a magical tone. Micah is a dark horse of sorts that has continued to come up big. Todd is insanely unique; there's something super authentic about him. Toneisha is a rock star, her voice is the biggest and most consistent. CammWess has this incredible range; he reminds me of so many other singers yet sounds like no one.

Who is your pick? I think I am going with Team Blake and saying Todd or Toneisha is going to win this.


Wednesday, May 13, 2020

American Idol: The Top 7 Sing Disney and Songs for their Moms

The top seven were decided on Sunday night on American Idol, and I was a little discouraged with the results. Two ladies and five guys ended up being chosen. I just think there were some people that moved forward that maybe should not have-- Dillon James had not been great for several weeks. Jonny West--- I know the judges are sold but I'm not.

Last night's performances came in two rounds. Round one was Disney songs and round two was songs inspired by mom in honor of Mother's Day. The Disney round was king of lame to be honest. I love Disney songs, but I am kind of tired of the shameless Disney plugs every two seconds on ABC. The second round for me is what sold me on several of these artists. The song choices were thoughtful and heartfelt.

Arthur Gunn-- sang Kiss the Girl from The Little Mermaid and Hey Ma by Bon Iver-- First performance was sound, not great, but safe. Second performance bled authenticity. I do think he is going to make the top five, he just sounds unlike anyone else. Forget the Phillip Phillips comparisons. Arthur sounds like no one else.



Just Sam-- sang A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes by Cinderella and I Turn to You by Christina Aguilera-- I was not into either performance. Every week I hear her she sounds good, but she does not seem to connect with the songs or emote in any way. I think she is in danger of going home next week.

Jonny West-- sang Almost There from The Princess and the Frog and Amazing Grace-- I full expected him to go home this week, but I am glad he didn't. This week I saw so much from him. His performances felt inspired, he connected to the songs, and was true to himself as an artist. I believe he will stick around.

Louis Knight-- sang Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King and You've Got a Friend by James Taylor and Carole King-- This was probably his weakest couple of performances in a while. I felt like he lost focus and was off pitch, especially in the first performance. He improved on the second performance and it should be enough for him to go through because a couple of people were a little bit weaker than he was.

Julia Gargano-- sang Beauty and the Beast and Sweetest Devotion by Adele-- Julia has not missed a beat in this competition. She has been one of the strongest performers and vocalists from day one. Her first performance this week was a miss for me. Her vocals were too low, it needed to be in a different key. The second performance was her ticket into the finale. It was one of the best performances of the night.



Francisco Martin-- sang You're in My Heart from Tarzan and River by Leon Bridges-- Francisco has by far been my favorite contestant this season and this was his best performances to date. He has not taken one wrong turn. Both of his performances were equally amazing. He has a sincerity that comes through every time he sings. He also shines as a storyteller because he believes fully in what he is singing about.



Dillon James-- sang Our Town from Cars and Hang On Hang On by Amos Lee-- This is so hard because a couple weeks ago, I felt like he should have gone home for losing his authenticity. Now I feel like he's grown, but is it enough? Is it fair for him to stay around when others have been more consistent throughout the competition than he has? He regrouped without question and got his authenticity back.

My top 5:

Francisco (potential winner)
Julia (potential winner)
Jonny
Arthur (potential winner)
last spot is between Louis and Dillon

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/americanidol

**My top three performances of the night are posted.









Monday, May 11, 2020

The Voice Season 18: The Top 9 Sing From Home

Team Blake: Joanna Serenko sang Lean on Me-- I feel like this song is a little overdone, especially in times like these. I do continue to be a fan of Joanna though. Nick said in many ways losing Joanna is his biggest regret. Blake says her voice floats like a butterfly. 



Team Kelly: Micah Iverson sang I'll Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie-- I have to say I was not crazy about this performance at all. It was too dark for this time in the competition. Kelly calls him a great artist. 


Team Blake: Todd Tilghman sang Love Me by Collin Raye-- Todd is a dark horse in this competition that is not such a dark horse anymore. There is something about him that's really appealing. I find myself wanting to route for him. Kelly said if I could sound like a man when I am singing, I would want your voice. Todd is emotional and Blake appreciates his emotion. 


Team Legend: Zan Fiskum sang Never Be the Same by Camilla Cabello-- I loved her interpretation of that. I did find it a little high. Nick praised her arrangement and how she made it her own. John said she really puts the arrangements together herself. 


Team Nick: Thunderstorm Artis sang Home By Michael Buble-- I think this was his most humble performance to date. I genuinely liked this, and his vocals were spot on. Blake said I was zoned in, you took the melody and song and made it your own. I liked what you were doing on the guitar. Nick said you have made everything your own from day one and you have a clear path to the finale. 


Team Kelly: Megan Danielle sang What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts--One of my all time favorite songs. She did a beautiful job with it. I think I would have liked to see a little more dynamics, but she has such a unique tone. Kelly said thank you reminding me of how much I love to sing. Your voice is beautifully broken. 


Team Nick: Allegra Miles sang Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder-- Oh my, she was so good tonight. This is a difficult song, and as John mentioned, she navigated through all the key changes so well. John said it's not an easy song, but you gave an all star performance. Nick said you came out swinging. 
This was one of your best performances yet. 


Team Blake: Toneisha Harris sang Because You Love Me by Celine Dion-- Wow, her voice was just amazing tonight. This is someone who has deserved a spot in the finals since day one. Her talent is unreal. Kelly said come to my Vegas show and sing that song live on my stage. Blake said if I ever get to play again, you are welcome to come sing with me. You are special to me, you bring so much joy and credibility with your talent. 


Team Legend: CammWess sang Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves-- Another strong performance from Camm. He is someone who like Toneisha has never missed once this season. He seemed genuinely connected to that song. John said you took us on a journey, your voice was honey butter. 


My picks for the finale in no order-- 

Todd
Allegra
Toneisha 
Tunderstorm
CammWess is going to edge out Joanna Serenko for the last spot

 


Monday, May 4, 2020

The Voice Season 18: The Top 17 Are Stronger

17 perform tonight, only 9 will move forward tomorrow.

Team Nick:

Thunderstorm Artis sang Summertime-- John thought Thunderstorm was magical. I have to say this was a little too lethargic for me. I thought it was interesting with the whistling but I didn't love it. I will be listening to see what everyone else does. At the beginning he was definitely finalist material and tonight I am not so sure.



Allegra Miles sang New York State of Mind by Billy Joel-- Blake said great job sis. Nick said Allegra you have been a force since day one. With this performance from your home, you owned it and brought it, this was your best performance. Oh my gosh! Allegra is exquisite, I literally had tears in my eyes listening to her. She is so moving and her tone is just so rich. This was a home run in my opinion.



Arei Moon sang Finesse by Bruno Mars-- Nick said he loved the 90s influence she brought and said she killed it. Okay, I love Arei, but I feel like next to some other contestants she was out of her league. It wasn't karaoke but, at the same time, she didn't really make it her own.



Roderick Chambers sang Lost Without You by Robin Thicke-- John said you go between your head voice and chest voice effortlessly. Nick said you needed to know where you were going to go every step of the way. I am excited to see what happens because I think this performance was going to blow up on Twitter. Roderick has been one of my personal favorites since the first time I heard him, and I am really hoping he has the opportunity to make it to the finals. I thought this was a great song choice for Roderick and he transitioned through this song with such ease.



Michael Williams sang Sign of the Times by Harry Styles-- Kelly said that was so cool, I love your look, and love your sound. I think you're the rock and roll vibe of this show. Nick said we picked this song, and Harry is a stylist with this vocal and set the bar high and you did great with this song. Michael was my pick for the four way knockout so I was thrilled to see him advance. Initially I was a little bored with this song choice but his vocals and his sincerity with each song he tackles turns me into a believer every time.



Team Legend:

Zan Fiskum sang Blowing in the Wind by Bob Dylan-- Kelly said that is the best version of that song I have ever heard. I do have to say, I like how she took that song and made it timeless. The song soared instead of dragged.



Mike Jerel sang All My Life by K-Ci and Jo-Jo-- John said I loved your creativity and how you made it your own. He liked the runs he added and the chords. Oh boy, I loved Mike's blind audition and I don't think he has ever topped that. I wanted this to be stronger and more passionate.



Mandi Castillo sang Corre-- John said you make me so proud, you have a beautiful tone and verbrato and you're so humble. I did not care for that performance. It was a little lost on me, I feel like she had to do something at this stage of the competition that was more mainstream.



Camm Wess sang Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers-- Kelly said Camm you are such a solid singer and artist. John said you nailed this song and knocked it out of the park, your tone is honey butter. John also shouted out the great Bill Withers who we recently lost.  Loved this performance, Camm's vocal tone is so good.





Team Kelly:

Megan Danielle sang Anyone by Demi Lovato-- Kelly said you're so special, your tone, and how you can float through different genres. I know Demi probably heard that. She started off a little off key. Megan did improve as the song went on, and she ended really strong. She could go far if she gets past tonight.



Mandi Thomas sang I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack-- Kelly said she loves Mandi's vibe and that she can sing anything. I love Mandi but I didn't think that was very good. I don't think that song did a great job of showcasing all Mandi has to offer as a vocalist.



Micah Iverson sang Your Song by Elton John-- Blake said you go from a softer tone to these bigger notes, and I am happy for you man. Kelly said you're incredible, thanks for picking me. Micah was honestly one of the stronger contestants tonight. That Elton John song is not easy and he made it sound that way, gorgeous vocals from a technical standpoint.



Cedrice sang Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish-- You're so crazy cool, you don't need a show, you're a stand alone artist and human being. Cedrice remains very different, I adore her authenticity and originality. Her voice is amazing. Her vibe reminds me a little of Sade.



Team Blake:

Toneisha Harris sang Stronger by Kelly Clarkson-- John said you are a phenomenal singer, so impressive. Blake said all right, yes! Yes! I think that's the best of the night so far. Kelly said if you need a backup singer call me. I loved this! She is one of the strongest vocalists on this show. Finalist material right there!



Joei Fulco sang Runaway by DelShannon-- Nick said your voice is so fun to listen to, so unique and so special. You owned this and made it special. Blake said I don't know why Nick didn't get you on his team. You have this buzz in your voice that is so unique. She flipped this song on it's side. She made it country, she made it blues, and she brought it to now. I loved this, she's got to move forward.



Joanna Serenko sang Rich Girl by Hall & Oates-- Kelly said that was a cool song choice for you and you have a captivating spirit. Blake said Joanna you didn't change the song too much but your voice is so different that it became your song. What I enjoy about Joanna is her soulfulness. I don't know who she reminds me of, maybe Paula Cole a little bit. She is so good.



Todd Tilghman sang Glory of Love by Peter Cetera-- Blake said that was incredible, you're one of my favorite artists I have worked with on the show, you're so fun to be around.  I thought that was going to be cheesy as all hell but that was amazing.



Top 9 (my predictions in no particular order)

Toneisha Harris
Allegra Miles
Roderick Chambers
Camm Wess
Megan Danielle
Cedrice
Todd Tilghman
Joanna Serenko
last spot-- toss up between-- Zan Fiskum, Michael Williams, and Joei Fulco


Sunday, May 3, 2020

American Idol-- The Top 20 Become 10 or 11 and Sing Songs That Remind Them of Home

The Top 10 sing songs that remind them of Home

Louis Knight sang In My Place by Coldplay-- Katy thought it was commendable for him to lean into his roots, he made he escape to a better time. Luke loved his star quality, and wasn't necessarily blown away by the performance. I actually disagree with Luke, I loved this performance for exactly the reason Katy said, he taps into his roots. Any time you as a performer directly relate with a song, you're good to go. He connected and we as an audience felt that.



Julia Gargano sang New York State of Mind by Billy Joel-- Lionel said she took Billy Joel's song and made it her own, it was memorable. Luke and Katy said it was one of the performance's of the season.  Again, she clearly connected with the song and that's why it was amazing. Her approach was genuine and sincere.



Jovin Webb sang Voodoo by Allen Stone-- Katy said I was in a bar in Nola having an extra dirty martini. Luke said you haven't always been on pitch but there is such a believe-ability. However, Luke said tonight he was not off key once! Jovin just has such a vibe. His style is original, he's not trying to be like anyone else and it is so authentic and original.



Grace Leer sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland-- Katy calls is big and bolg. Lionel reminds her if she is country to stay in her lane. Obviously she sang a memorable BIG song. It always touches me. However, I wasn't blown away by this if I am being honest.



Jonny West sang Faithfully by Journey-- Luke said you stay within your style and can sing anything. Lionel said you've gone from a shy guy to a sexy guy. You made it your own. Katy said it's beautiful to see the life you're building. I wanna go see your show. That was so effortless.



Sophia James sang In My Room by The Beach Boys-- Lionel said I love your delivery from top to bottom. Katy said it was so upper echelon, you really brought it with your interpretation of that song. Luke said I find myself immersed in emotion.  Oh my gosh, that was so moving, it was dreamlike. Sophia has this ability to tell a story and make you follow and be completely pulled in.



Arthur Gunn sang Take Me Home Country Roads by John Denver-- Katy said he connected with her and the audience. Luke said that was a classic song to take on and put his spin on it. Lionel said you took John Denver's song and put a reggae twist on it, and it was good. Arthur has a way of making something his own, but the song doesn't lose it's meaning. It seemed like a far jump from country to reggae but he made it seamless.



Just Sam sang Grandma's Hands by Bill Withers-- Luke said the richness and how your voice holds at all levels is really what makes you, you. Katy said the performance reminded her of being in church. The song was appropriate for her. I don't know if it will be enough to get her into the top seven. The performances tonight have been amazing.



Dillon James sang Yesterday by The Beatles-- Katy told him that he needed to give more breath to his performance. Luke said relax the lyrics and let them flow. Dillon is certainly an original artist but for some reason, he made that too quick tempo wise. When I think about covers of "Yesterday", I think of Boyz II Men and how they really gave that song a modern spin with a different life without losing the meaning.



Francisco Martin sang Falling Like the Stars by James Arthur-- Katy is pretending to cry. Katy said she believed it and felt it. Luke said you're a diamond in the rough. Lionel said you are a true talent. Francisco is one of my favorite contestants this season. He really touches my heart with every single song, and he always seems to pick things that fit him just so beautifully.



The judges elected to use the only save of the season tonight and they used it on Makayla Phillips. And why wouldn't they, she is amazing.

Makayla Phillips sang The House that Built Me by Miranda Lambert-- Luke said we fought for you because of the voice we have heard throughout the audition process. Lionel said you're a star. Katy said I felt like you were singing directly to me, you showed growth from last week.  I am shocked the judges had to use a save on her. She is phenomenal!  This was a stunning vocal performance.



My top seven (these are just predictions!)---

Louis
Julia
Jovin
Sophia
Arthur
Francisco
Makayla