The Voice Season 23: My My My The Finale

Team Blake: Grace West sang The Night The Lights Went Out in Georgia by Reba McEntire-- Blake thought it was incredible. I think she is a great singer but I would have chosen something a little more uptempo, I also did not feel that did anything to showcase her vocals. She played it too safe. 

Team Kelly: D Smooth sang My My My by Johnny Gill-- Loved this performance, this is what I imagine him singing, this is totally his vibe every day. I did not want the performance to end. The coaches are on their feet. Chance said that was one of my fave performances this season. Kelly said you are already a star, you performed like this was your audience. I agree, he has such star quality. 

Team Chance: Sorelle sang A Million Reasons by Lady Gaga-- This has been their best performance to date. What a great arrangement and I loved how they built the dynamics throughout the song. Niall said girl that was so beautiful, it was nice to see you all stripped back like that. Chance said I am incredibly proud of you guys and your harmonies were so tight, it was nice to hear you all individually. 

Team Blake: Noivas sang Cold by Chris Stapleton-- I thought it started out a little rough but I thought by the end that he completely brought it. All the emotion and all the feeling was there. Kelly said what a smart song choice for you, it was a little country and a little bit of rock and roll. Blake said your personality and the way you make people feel is country, you killed it dude, congratulations. 

Team Niall: Gina Miles sang Style by Taylor Swift-- I liked this conceptually, it was really cool. I thought there were some hiccups but overall great performance. Chance thought it was an amazing performance, you have a distinct tone in your voice, and you are your own artist. Niall said you are a superstar. This was the perfect song for you, and I can't wait to see what kind of album you make. 

Team Blake: Grace West sang She's Got You by Patsy Cline-- I can tell Blake is really excited about this performance. She has a great voice, I like that she modernized this a little bit because Patsy Cline can come off as very old fashioned. Niall said Grace you saved your best two performances for tonight. He said the jump from the top of your range to the bottom was impressive. Blake said everyone sounds really good, that was unbelievable Grace. 

Team Blake: Noivas sang Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz-- It was certainly an uptempo performance. I felt like vocally he lost control at times but it was such a strong and powerful performance that I almost feel like you can excuse that. Chance said I knew you were gonna turn up,  and you deserve to win the show. Blake said we finally started this finally, you killed it, congratulations. 

Team Kelly: D Smooth sang What You Won't Do For Love by Bobby Caldwell-- D Smooth has put together these two awesome performances. I loved this song for him. I really hope we see him in music going forward.  Kelly loved his dynamics, you are so smooth man. You are so creative, you're a producer, a writer, all these things. 

Team Chance: Sorelle sang Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell-- Wow, that was an amazing performance. It just made me smile and it made me feel everything. Blake said you guys sound like a record when you get up here. He said to have all three of you singing in the pocket like that is a phenomenon. Chance said choreography on point, voices on point, it was pitch perfect, Blake is so salty right now.  

Team Niall: Gina Miles sang Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O'Connor-- That was a stunning performance, she really is putting up a fight. She could be the dark horse in this. Niall said that was absolutely incredible. I won't be forgetting that one any time soon. 

**I'll post videos when they upload 

This could be anyone's night to win. 

The Voice Season 23: The Lives Finally Begin

Team Niall: Ryley Tate Wilson sang Vienna by Billy Joel-- I am a huge Ryley Tate fan but this song choice was old and dated on him. I wanted to hear something newer, contemporary. I hope this isn't his only song. 

Team Chance: Ray Uriel sang Can You Stand the Rain by New Edition-- I am obsessed with his song choice, after all these years, this song still feels relevant. I wanted his outfit to be different for this song. I thought he gave a good performance, but he left me wanting more. I didn't feel satisfied. Blake said you're so cool on stage, killer job. 

Team Kelly: Holly Brand sang Rumor Has It by Reba McEntire-- Great song choice for Holly. She sounded beautiful and she showed her range through that song. Chance said she killed the whole performance. Kelly said she has no doubt Reba would be so proud. 

Team Blake: Noivas sang Skyfall by Adele-- Wow, that performance was a testimony. It was so powerful. The coaches are on their feet. Noivas was really overcome with emotion. Blake said every time he does something he does it different, he does it in the moment. 

Team Niall: Gina Miles sang All I Want by Kodaline-- I wanted to love this performance but this song choice fell short for me as well. Niall saw her confidence. 

Team Chance: Sorelle sang Fallin' by Alicia Keys-- That was such a cool performance and you could tell that they put so much into that. Kelly said you guys are incredible. Chance said I love that you keep your confidence, the pitch and the choreography were there. 

Team Kelly: D Smooth sang Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran-- I didn't think I was going to like this for him, but I loved it. He made it more soulful, he made it his own. Blake said I don't know how you don't vote that guy into the finale. You were comfortable on stage, cool, and unique. Kelly said I am such a fan and so proud of you, it's straight from the heart. 

Team Blake: Grace West sang Til I Can Make it on My Own by Tammy Wynette-- Niall said one of my favorite voices on this show. I've always been a fan of you. You need to be in the final. Blake said I will be stunned if you don't make it into the finale. You're the real deal.  

The 5 Finalists from Real Time Voting: 

Grace West, D Smooth, Gina Miles, Sorelle, Noivas 

Blake wraps his last season with two team members in the finals. 

The Voice Season 23: Team's Kelly and Niall Fight for a Spot in the Lives

Team Kelly: D Smooth sang Location by Khalid-- That was like old school R&B at its finest. Chance liked how he was doing some improve towards the end. Blake said I am gonna be doing the same thing with my mic that you did there, no one has lived up to their name like you. Niall said I bet you never do that the same. Kelly said he really made the song his own. 

Team Niall: Ross Clayton sang With or Without You by U2-- Ross is one of those throwback artists, that was such a cool performance. I am surprised when Chance says he doesn't know that song. Kelly complimented his range. Blake said it went from good to incredible. Niall said he was proud of him and that he nailed it as usual. 

Team Kelly: Cait Martin sang Alone by Heart-- Wow, she actually pulled that off. I needed that big ending. Niall said song choice phenomenal, pure and clean. Chance thought it was a dope performance. Blake said you were a monster, it sounded like the pitch got off but then you made it back. Kelly said I need to think who you are going up against in the lives. 

Team Niall: Gina Miles sang Wicked Games by Chris Isaak-- What a stunning song choice for her. She sounds absolutely amazing. Chance said I don't know you had so much control of your lower register. Kelly said that was crazy, the control. You're rad. Blake said if you don't put her through, not only are you fired from the show, you're not my son anymore. That was the best thing I have heard on this show in a while. Niall said you absolutely nailed that performance, I still have goosebumps. 

Team Kelly: Neil Salsich sang Have a Little Faith by John Hiatt-- That was a gorgeous performance. I just loved how passionate he was, it's like he was talking to someone and telling a story, took it almost gospel style. Blake said all you do is come out here and be great. Niall said the runs were great and the passion you throw into the performance, magic. Chance said you know I rock with you, dynamic performance, great song choice. Kelly said your purpose and passion is on the stage, it's like home to you. 

Team Niall: Tasha Jessen sang Here by Alessia Cara-- I feel like she is under pitch. I think she got too much in her head during the performance. She is also behind the beat. Chance said it started rocky but then she settled in. Kelly said she felt like the song got away from her a bit, but she is a fan of hers. Niall said it got a little bit away, but you got it back and I am really proud of you. 

Team Kelly: Ali sang Never Alone by Tori Kelly and Kirk Franklin-- That was definitely emotional performance. Niall said you have a soul with storytelling, and I have been a fan since day one. Chance said you impress me every time. Blake said you have such a vision, and it got away from you a little bit, but you've become such a fan favorite. Kelly said you move me. 

Team Niall: Michael B. sang The Joke by Brandi Carlile-- What a solid performance. I could tell that Michael felt every note of that song. Kelly said that was crazy, that was so good.  All that stuff at the end, I didn't need it but you gave it to me anyway. Blake said Michael, that was incredible. I haven't seen anyone throw more of themselves into a performance than you have. Chance said I am always a fan of Michael B. Niall said you connect to this lyric and it's unlike anyone in this competition. 

Team Kelly: Holly Brand sang Bring on the Rain by Jo Dee Messina-- She has a great voice, I don't think that song best showcased her voice, but looking at her body of work, she is so talented. Blake said it's a tough part of the competition, you did a killer job. Niall said it's nice to see that side of you. Chance said you sang that first line and I sat up. Kelly said you bring us to that place. 

Team Niall: Ryley Tate Wilson sang When the Party's Over by Billie Eilish-- I felt he connected so well with the lyrics of the song, he poured everything into that performance. It was truly emotional. Chance said you surprise me every week, greatest show of control out of all the performances. Kelly said I am very very very scared of you, you are so good. Blake said, unbelievable, all the different parts of your voice, you know you gotta put Ryley through. Niall said, 15 years old, Ryley is mature beyond his years, I am so proud of you. 

Coach's Picks--

Team Kelly: D Smooth and Holly Brand

Team Niall: Ryley Tate and Gina Miles

American Idol Season 21: The Songbooks of Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran Stun

Warren Peay sang All I Really Want by Alanis Morissette-- I am actually not very familiar with this Alanis song. Alanis said she never imagined a version like this. Ed said his confidence shined. Luke said it is fun watching him grow. 

Zachariah Smith sang Ironic by Alanis Morissette-- Zachariah is by far my favorite, I look forward to his performances every week and this is my fave Alanis song so I was happy to hear he was singing this. Alanis was quite complimentary saying his voice is angelic and he moves beautifully. It was great to hear him sing something softer but still be able to use his rock voice for the chorus. 

Iam Tongi and Oliver Steele sang Photograph by Ed Sheeran-- These two artists are made to sing together. They should once this is all over. Their voices are just so complimentary. Ed loved the gentleness and soulfulness. Alanis loves the respect between them as well as their vulnerability. Luke loved the arrangement.  

Haven Madison sang You Learn by Alanis Morissette--  Wow! She is so young but it really comes across that she feels the song. Alanis called it gorgeous and said that she has that inside out music in her body. Ed called the chorus captivating. 

We Ani and Warren Peay sang Perfect by Ed Sheeran-- This is probably the most unusual pairing. I have to be honest, it is probably the weakest of the duets. Alanis said they showed their massive range, emotionally as well. 

Colin Stough sang Hand in My Pocket by Alanis Morissette-- LOVED! This was awesome, I never could have imagined him singing an Alanis song and somehow he brought it to life. Ed loved how it rocked out in the end. 

Haven Madison and Zachariah Smith sang Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran-- This was so beautiful, these two both need to be top five in my opinion. Ed thought it was soulful and powerful and thinks they are both really talented. Alanis felt like it was born as a duet. Luke said I have smile cramps. 

Megan Danielle sang Head Over Feet by Alanis Morissette-- Love how she slowed the song down and prettied it up. Ed said her timing is incredible. Luke said he loves watching Ed and Alanis react to seeing the contestants. Luke said you nailed that, magic. 

Iam Tongi sang Guardian by Alanis Morissette-- What a stunning performance. Alanis said the empathy in your voice is such a gift. Ed said I felt like you really connected with the song, really beautiful. Luke said great job, you always light the room up. 

We Ani sang Uninvited by Alanis Morissette-- That was a beautiful song choice for her, I wanted it to be less theatrical and more pop/ rock. Alanis said I wanted you to make it less perfect, because I wanted to believe you were singing it to somebody. Ed said I loved how you changed the arrangement, it was very powerful. Luke said it's so haunting and that was the best I ever heard it. 

Megan Danielle and Colin Stough sang Dive by Ed Sheeran-- Wow! Their voices are stunning together!! What the actual heck. I am loving this duet, and what a great song for them. Ed said whoever put you together was a genius. Megan said that they picked the song. This is such a privilege for me. Alanis said you were just connected and familial almost. Luke said that was a sweet moment.  

(I can't find this video but will post it when I find it, it was so good.)

Oliver Steele sang You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette-- Alanis gave him some feedback and said anger moves worlds. I loved that! What a brave and fierce performance. Alanis said she loved what he and his voice embraced tonight. Alanis said she is proud of him. Ed said he loved how it started. Luke said way to get in there and battle. 

My Top 5

Zachariah Smith

Haven Madison

Megan Danielle

Colin Stough

Oliver Steele

Actual Top 5 

Zachariah Smith

Megan Danielle

Iam Tongi

We Ani

Colin Stough

My Monat Story

So you want to understand my why for Monat. Why am I pushing myself, why am I challenging myself to do this? If you want to really understand I’m going to need to take you back one year. I had been working in various retail sales and retail management jobs for 25 years. Sales is not new to me and I will tell all of you that I have so much passion and so much integrity— I’m so honest. I don’t sell things that I can’t get behind. I don’t sell things I don’t believe in or that I wouldn’t personally use myself. In 2017, I was offered what would become the best job I’ve ever had in my life. I was working for a brand that I loved, I opened a store for them in Boston, and I built my own team. I went on to work for this company for almost five years. However after we returned from Covid lockdown everything changed. The integrity of the brand changed, they lost their identity. But most importantly, the people changed. There were people who had been my colleagues/ friends that I didn’t even recognize anymore. It really started to take a toll on me. It started to compromise my confidence. My passion and my fire for the job was pretty much gone. The last straw was losing a boss I respected enormously, having friends turn their backs on me, and being bullied by someone who was a colleague. Someone who I had helped and supported betrayed me in probably the worst way possible. Sad part is that he’s still doing it to others. I accepted a new job at a company that I was really excited to go to— I never ended up going, it was a mutual decision, and ultimately I think it was for the best. Long story short, I had five different jobs last year. I started a new job at the beginning of this year. It’s alright, it pays the bills, but it’s not my passion. I am hanging in there with it because it’s the best I can do for now. And I have some obligations, personal obligations and those— I need to keep. The common thread with all the various places I’ve been is the presence and abundance of lies! People, companies, and recruiters being dishonest about the job, the environment, the people, unclear expectations, the staffing, payroll hours, everything. It’s been so so hard to find an employer that truly appreciates what I have to offer. I don’t believe I found Monat by accident but I think it happened during a time for me when I really needed it. It brought some new people into my life who have impacted me in a great way. It renewed my faith, my path, my journey. It gave me hope and helped me to believe again. It helped me to see that there is better for me out there if I go out and get it. I know it won’t be easy, I know and recognize I will have to put in a lot of work. Listen friends, we’re living in super challenging times. I bet the last thing you’re thinking of doing is buying some expensive shampoo from a washed up retail manager. I get it. You have other expenses. But here’s the thing, at the end of the day, everyone needs to wash their hair. Why not do it with something that is good for your hair, makes you feel better, and lasts a heck of a lot longer than anything you could buy at the drugstore or super store or salon? If you have a legit reason I’ll listen to your objections and then I’ll share my responses to to your objections. Monat has given me confidence. It changed my hair from the first few days I used it. It’s the single best investment I made on myself that directly impacts me every day. I have so much more to share and I absolutely want to be an open book and answer all your questions. This brand is about so much more than just haircare systems, it’s about life, community, attitude, and giving you the confidence to give each day everything you have. That’s my why, that’s my Monat story. 

Please reach out with any questions you may have. I will be happy to share photos and testimonials. 

Also here is the link to my personal shopping page. http://12919226.mymonat.com/

Think about becoming a VIP, one time enrollment of $19.99 USD, look at the benefits-- 

The Voice Season 23 Playoffs: Team Blake and Team Chance Take the Stage

As soon as videos pop up I will attach them, there were some phenomenal performances tonight. 

Team Blake: Noivas sang Come Together by The Beatles-- Chance and Kelly said there is no way he doesn't make the live shows. Blake said the singing was incredible and his singing is a little wild but it works for him. 

Team Chance: Kala Banham sang My Funny Valentine-- Incredible! Kala should be in the finals for sure. Blake said it was perfect, unbelievable, and you have to put her through cause this is my show. Niall said that song was made for you, different level. Kelly said that was all the great adjectives. Chance said you made me cry in the rehearsals. 

Team Blake: Rachel Christine sang The Only Exception by Paramore-- That was a little pitchy. I just watched Haven Madison sing this on American Idol and her preferred her version. 

Team Chance: Jamar sang The Thrill is Gone by BB King-- I just think Jamar is a great artist. He has such a unique sound, and it's so authentic. Kelly said I wanna be you, that was such a great performance. Blake said you nailed it. Niall said Jamar is your guy. Chance liked his interaction with the band. 

Team Blake: Grace West sang Love is Alive by The Judds-- Kelly loved the song but she did not think it showcased the best of Grace. Blake said since the first time I heard you sing, you have been such a consistent and special artist. I love how she is country music today, she sounded great, but I have to say, I agree with Kelly. I think what she can do is far more than what she did tonight. 

Team Chance: Manasseh Simone sang Speak the Name by Koryn Hathorne-- I needed her to sing a more well known song. However, she puts so much effort into her performances. She strikes me as a perfectionist. Niall and Kelly both mentioned the passion that she put into the performance. Blake said it was shaky at parts but she pulled it together. 

Team Blake: Kylee Dayne sang Flowers by Miley Cyrus-- I thought she was a little pitchy unfortunately. I love her though. I think she is incredibly talented. I think she just missed some things she wanted to do. Blake said he could see her effort and he could see that she was frustrated with herself.  

Team Chance: Ray Uriel sang Essence by Whizkid and Tems-- He has a phenomenal voice and I love that I am hearing the lyrics for the first time. Amazing! Kelly said you have such a broken but beautiful tone. Blake said I want you to move forward and put your sound back on the radio. Kelly said it's like Frank Ocean and Miguel had a musical baby. Niall praised his vocal. I agree with Blake, we NEED him in this. 

Team Blake: Mary Kate Connor sang When I Die Young by The Band Perry-- I actually have to say, not to be all competitive, but I think I prefer her to Grace. She is strong, and she knows who she wants to be as an artist. Kelly said you're a magical storyteller. Niall said your tears at the end showed how much the song meant to you. Well done. Chance said she trusted in her gift, and she would kill it in the lives. Blake said her message was believable. 

Team Chance: Sorelle sang I Get a Feeling -- This was soooo good! I mean it was honestly ridiculous. Niall said their harmonies were so tight. Kelly said that what they did is so different. Blake said, you're putting them through right Chance? We'll talk! He commented on how yes they are strong together as a group but they arer also essentially strong individually as well. 

Blake chose: Noivas and Grace

Chance chose: Sorelle and Ray 

American Idol Season 21: The Top 10 Sing Judges' Picks!

Zachariah Smith sang Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi-- What an amazing performance. He made that his own and I felt like it was electrifying. Lionel said the edge of his voice was incredible, it was nasty. Lionel chose the song and felt like he did great. 

Haven Madison sang The Only Exception by Paramore-- Great song for Haven, she continues to impress me. She guessed Katy chose it for her and she did. Spot on, Katy said vulnerable and strong, I agree!

We Ani sang I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston-- She sounded incredible, she looked incredible. Luke picked that song for her. Luke said I am so proud of you in that performance. That was one of the more elegant things I have ever seen, breathtaking. Lionel said you owned that song tonight. Katy said you picked the right song. You don't have a box, you supersede that box. 

Oliver Steele sang High & Dry by Radiohead-- I didn't love that song for him or performance. Katy said he went with his intuition and your interpreted that song as your own. Oliver not only selected Katy as the one who chose the song for him but he also picked which judge picked the other two songs for him. 

Warren Peay sang  Colder Weather by Zac Brown Band-- This was a huge performance for him, big improvement from last night. Katy said I want to see all of the cards that you're playing with. Luke told him to continue to lean on that grit. I have to say though I am happy that he cleaned it up a little. Lionel chose this song for him. 

Iam Tongi sang What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong-- I like this song but I think it is way too predictable for him. I would have liked to hear him sing something different. I see him being the frontrunner. The weird thing is, I don't see him recording original music or having a breakout career. To me, he is just a really good voice. Luke picked that song for him. 

Mary Beth Byrd sang Wasted on You by Morgan Wallen-- She is someone I feel like I could hear on country radio right now. She really felt the song and I enjoyed her interpretation. Wow, Lionel chose that song and I think it was amazing for her. Lionel wanted to get her out of her comfort zone. Katy called her a butterfly. 

Tyson Venegas sang Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi-- He has fallen a little for me since that amazing audition. I thought, again, this was a little predictable. Katy chose this song for him, it was the best of the three songs. 

Megan Danielle sang Go Rest High on That Mountain by Vince Gill-- Megan is becoming more and more confident on stage. Luke picked that song for her, and I think it was perfect, tailor made. Luke loves how she is so honest about her faith. Lionel said she has the amazing ability to touch. 

Colin Stough sang It's Been a While by Staind-- Great song choice for him! Well done to whoever picked this. He dirtied it up and he was feeling the song. The song sit perfectly in the pocket of his vocal. He guessed that Katy picked it and she did. She said thank you because you're a star. 

Moving on: 
Megan

Haven

Warren

We

Colin

Iam

Zachariah

Katy gets to save one of them: She saves Oliver, and Tyson and Mary Beth go home. To be honest, those were my picks to go home as well. I am very excited about the contestants moving on. And I love that Katy consulted with the other two judges. 

Oh wait in case you missed this..... amazing!