Monday, December 18, 2023

The Voice Season 24: The Finale Takes Me Higher

Team Reba: Jacquie Roar sang More Than a Feeling by Boston-- This really showed the range in her voice and the fact that she is a total rocker. Gwen said Jacquie keeps getting better and better. I loved this song for her, very different but then when she started singing, so in her style. 

Team Legend: Lila Forde sang The Weight by Bob Dylan-- Didn't love this performance to be honest. Gwen complimented her confidence. John said he loves her individuality and musicality. 

Team Niall: Mara Justine sang Turning Tables by Adele-- This is one of my fave Adele songs. I loved how soulful she made this but she also made it her own. John said it was so striking and so beautiful, we saw a different side of your voice today. Niall said Mara I am so proud of you, the growth you have shown is insane. I hope they don't forget this moment because it was so big, you're an incredible singer and an incredible person. 

Team Niall: Huntley sang Another Love by Tom Odell-- Didn't love this one either. Gwen said I like how you're so effortless and you feel like you come from a different time. 

Team Reba: Ruby Leigh sang Suspicious Minds by Elvis Presley-- One of the better performances of the night. Ruby does have such a maturity for her age, it's hard to believe. This was a good song choice for her.  John said you are so remarkable, your voice has so much maturity. Reba said you have amazed me from the first time you got on the stage. 

Team Reba: Jacquie Roar sang Knights in White Satin by The Moody Blues-- LOVE! Wow! What an amazing song choice. She killed this as well. Gwen said you must run on a tread mill all day to get that right in terms of the breath. That was beautiful. Reba said you are a force of nature, that was so pretty, it was a wonderful performance. 

Team Legend: Lila Forde sang Across the Universe by The Beatles-- I thought this was a beautiful choice for her. Much better than her first round. Niall said you're so impressive and so true to yourself. John called her performance cinematic. 

Team Niall: Mara Justine sang Piece of my Heart by Janis Joplin-- I feel like this song is overdone sometimes. I preferred her first performance here. This was good, she didn't sing bad per say, it just wasn't my taste. The coaches thought this was better than her first performance, I disagree. 

Team Reba: Ruby Leigh sang Desperado by The Eagles-- Smart song choice, she sounded stunning but didn't overdo it. Wow! Gwen said you just channel so well the intention of the song. Reba said what a great song selection, not many people can do what you do, 

Team Niall: Huntley sang Higher by Creed-- Great song choice for him! I thought once again his voice was a little lost in the arrangement but this is such a big song. John said I feel like when I watch you, I am watching someone who is already playing arenas. I am so shocked when you say you can't believe you're here doing this. Niall said that was euphoric. 

Videos to come tomorrow! 

5th Lila

4th Huntley 

3rd Jacquie

2nd and 1st between Mara and Ruby 

Monday, December 11, 2023

The Voice: Season 24: The Top 9 Are "Alive"

Team Reba: Ruby Leigh sand Take Me Home by John Denver-- Great fan selection on that song. Ruby sounded great. I love how she was all her own. John said you have been consistent and I loved those high notes today, clear as a bell, so beautiful. Reba said you did a great job, you did everything to perfection. 

Team Gwen: BIAS sang God Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts-- BIAS sounded so strong tonight and in touch with the vocal. It was nice to hear him be passionate with the lyrics and tender. Niall thought it was mature and well executed, he felt it was emotional, and he is consistent. Gwen said there is something so authentic about you, your voice is so gorgeous and it's just incredible to get to know you. 



Team Reba: Jacquie Roar sang Alive by Sia (Chris Daughtry version)-- Such an awesome choice for her. I literally want her to sing that with Chris Daughtry. John said you knocked that out of the park. Reba said I know your kids are so proud of you, I know I am. 



Team Reba: Jordan Rainer sang Ol' Red by Blake Shelton-- Something I really appreciate about Jordan is her performance quality. This was her best performance to date in my opinion. I just loved her performance quality and how she showed so much personality. Gwen said that was crazy, I could never imagine a female doing that song and it was my favorite performance of you. Reba said you did all of America proud tonight. You handled it like a pro. 

Team Niall: Huntley sang Way Down We Go by Kaleo-- Such a perfect song for Huntley! John mentioned it, but I was feeling his Thor vibes up there. I feel like Huntley has been to this "painful" place in his life so when he sings these lyrics, he's coming from that place. Loved this.  John said I feel like I am really seeing you as an artist up there. Niall said you're incredible dude, we both love classic rock and southern rock. I think this was a perfect song for you to do. 



Team Niall: Mara Justine sang Parachute by Chris Stapleton-- This song choice is a little curious for me, but I suppose it was chosen based on the fact that it is soulful and sultry and that is Mara. I liked her interpretation and I hope she sticks around cause she is a talented vocalist. She had that big note! John said you're hitting notes I've never heard before. I think this was your best vocal performance. Niall said that is crazy, it's a different side to you, the confidence is unbelievable. 

Team Legend: Mac Royals sang Love TKO by Teddy Pendergrass-- I don't know if I would have chosen that song but he made it sound so good. I think he just has star quality and has earned a spot in the finals.  Reba said what a journey, you have just soared. John said he sings like a pro, he sings like a star, he sings like a superstar. 



Team Niall: Nini Iris sang No Time to Die by Billie Eilish-- Wow!! That may have been the performance of the night. That was emotional and moving. Gwen said I'm blown away, you're so gifted, and tasteful with the way you build the songs. Niall said your ability to know who you are as an artist, Billie sings that song completely different. He urged America not to get complacent and to vote for Nini. 



Team Legend: Lila Forde sang River by Joni Mitchell-- Amazing rendition, she was like Joni, but all her own. Reba said you have the ability to touch hearts so deep and you do that. John said you performance had so much wisdom, heart, integrity, and musicality; stunning.




Who is going home tomorrow? 

My predictions-- Mara, Ruby, and Jordan, and I am sad about it. 

Monday, December 4, 2023

The Voice Season 24: The Top 12 Lose Control

Chance the Rapper is back to mentor the top 12! 

Team Reba: Jacquie Roar sang Wildflowers and Wild Horses by Lainey Wilson-- Wow! Jacquie looks amazing and sounds great. This is exactly what she should be doing. Niall said that's what comfortable looks like; we're getting to know you more and more. Gwen said you are incredible, you look beautiful tonight; you were tasteful with your dynamics. Reba said way to go, I am so proud of you. 



Team Niall: Nini Iris sang Lovesong by The Cure-- Nini looks gorgeous too! She turned the song into an anthem, a declaration, and it was beautiful. John said your voice is so powerful, you have so much star power on stage and you did it again. Niall said the way you know who you are as an artist is impressive, I'm so proud of you. 

Team Gwen: Kara Tenae sang Love by Keyshia Cole-- Shout out to the style department; they are making all these gorgeous women look glamorous! I loved Kara's song choice, and you could tell she is genuinely connected to the song. I felt the love. This is a real deal R&B performance. All four coaches were standing at the end. John said you nailed it, that was iconic; I loved it. Gwen said you are poised and confident and you, pure! 



Team Gwen: Tanner Massey sang Thanks for the Memories by Fall Out Boy-- In theory I liked this song for him, but I don't know that the song did anything to showcase his voice in a strong way. Reba said I have always wanted you on my team. Gwen said she is so proud of him, you did such a good job. 

Team Legend: Lila Forde sang Closer to Fine by The Indigo Girls-- Lila is one of those artists who unequivocally knows who she is. Like there is absolutely no question. The coaches once again all on their feet. Niall said, Lila Forde, I'm your biggest fan without a shadow of the doubt. Chance said in the video that you sing the lyrics as if you lived it and it happened to you. John said you brought us into your world, you're so special, I believe in you. 

Team Reba: Ruby Leigh sang You Lie by Reba McEntire-- Ruby is just so young and it's incredible to me that she turns out such mature and poised performances. Niall said Ruby you are insane. Reba said Gwen and I are balling. I am so proud of you. 



Team Niall: Huntley sang With a Little Help from my Friends by Joe Cocker-- I liked the song choice, I felt like the arrangement drowned him out at points. Then there were other points where he was really big and I could hear him loud and clear. John said I feel like you're already a pro; your voice is so powerful. Niall said that was in a different league. Reba and the other coaches were on their feet. 

Team Legend: Azan sang Ex Factor by Lauryn Hill-- I am a big fan of Azan and a big fan of Lauryn Hill. I was stoked that  Miss Hill cleared that song. I wanted to hear more passion from her, like I really wanted her to push the vocal and she was just behind it. Well, once again, the coaches are on their feet. I absolutely LOVE that song. Gwen said I am so addicted to the original and for you to move me that way is a big deal. John said I felt everything, your passion and emotion, your voice is golden because it has so much nuance to it. 

Team Reba: Jordan Rainer sang There's a Stranger in my House by Ronnie Milsap-- Loved Chance's comment about how she is so eccentric and her dress doesn't match her voice. Niall said another fantastic performance. Reba said you're a star, you conduct yourself on stage and demand attention. 

Team Niall: Mara Justine sang Lose Control by Teddy Swims-- This was one of the most real and confident performances of the night. Mara sounded great, and I had never heard the song before but it was super catchy. Loved it. Another incredible performance as Carson said. Niall said Mara that was insane, best you've done it. The confidence you have gained getting to the lives is everything. 



Team Legend: Mac Royals sang I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt-- That was a "star studded" performance. The coaches were on their feet. I felt like he felt that song, there was an emotional awareness. I loved how by the end, he was totally comfortable and made the song his own. However, he also maintained the integrity of the song by keeping the melody intact. John said you are elite talent. This man needs a record deal and this man needs to win The Voice, I am so proud of you. 



Team Gwen: BIAS sang God's Gonna Cut You Down by Johnny Cash-- This guy is so original. I love him. He has to be a finalist on this show. That was such an inspired performance. Reba said that's why I wanted you on my team, my gosh you're good. Gwen said it's like a dream that you're on my team, I am so excited. You are the purest person I have ever met.  


Who could be going home? My bottom three-- Jordan, Tanner, and Nini... I'd be sorry to see Tanner go, I think he is great, I think it was the wrong sonng choice for him. Azan is on the bubble along with Huntley. These two frontrunners gave lackluster performances. Azan's performance lacked passion and Huntley's voice was drowned out by an over productive arrangement at time.