The Voice Season 30: I'll Be Loving These Battles Always

Team Queen: Brandon Diaz vs. Bryan Jaymes sang As by Stevie Wonder-- This is one of my fave ever battles. I loved how they made this performance and song their own but honored the complex simplicity of the original. The voices were amazing together. They held space for each other but it was a true battle. I can't choose a winner. Riley liked how they were having fun, and were different. Kelly said y'all should be a duo, that was sexy. Adam agreed, "that was sexy, I said it". Kelly said she can't choose. Adam said Brandon your comprehension of the song benefitted you the most, but Bryan you came in and did some runs and sounded like Stevie. Queen said no one can help me. She said I had to give you something you could chew on, the harmonies were, wow. She said there's no way either one of you should go home tonight. Queen chose Bryan. Adam stole Brandon. Wow! That was a massive power play for Adam! 

Team Riley: Harmony McKee vs. Allie Rae sang Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers-- Both ladies have great voices, but there is something nostalgic about Allie Rae. I love the smokiness of her voice. Kelly said Harmony your voice fills the room. Allie, you have a really rad style, I'd lean towards you. Adam said Allie, I had some temporary brain issue and didn't turn for you. She said it's okay I will love you, and he said I love you too. I'd lean towards Allie Rae. Riley felt the battle was really neck in neck. He chose Allie Rae

Team Adam: Owen Uffens vs. Wade Turner sang Dive by Ed Sheeran-- Wade and Owen could not be more different. I agree that Wade is more polished but there is something about Owen that draws you in. His personality and heart is very much on his sleeve. Queen said you have such different voices. She likes Owen's falsetto, and she said Wade went there. Kelly said Wade you were always on, she said, Owen I like when your voice breaks just a tiny bit. She said, I would go with Owen.  Riley felt both of them took vocal risks but he would pick Wade. Adam said, Wade you have more technical prowess. Owen, you did something I did, I forgot lyrics to a song that I listened to 6,000 times. Adam chose Owen. 

Team Kelly: Kyle Davis vs. Matthew Chu sang Take Me Home by Phil Collins-- This is an interesting battle because stylistically they are so different. Kyle feels so throwback and Matthew feels current. I enjoyed them both, and I actually find it hard to choose. Adam said he was proud of Matthew. Kelly said Kyle you have a special sauce, Matthew you're a beast and it felt heartfelt. You're both believable for me. Kelly chose Kyle. 

Team Adam: Julia Clark vs. Amanda Mikkel sang I Can't Help (Falling in Love With You) by Elvis Presley-- Julia's voice is soft and gorgeous. Amanda has so much power and feeling behind her vocals. This song was such a beautiful choice for both of them. Queen said beautiful job thank you. Riley said, Amanda there is nothing you can't do, Julia something drew me in about your voice. Kelly said Julia your presence and your tone, Amanda when I heard you sing Moon River, I was like I can't wait to hear you. Adam could hear their nerves, ane he chose Amanda to move forward. I think her blind audition was so undeniably amazing that they had to move her forward. 

Team Kelly: Brianna Cameron vs. Saade sang Mercy by Duffy--  Love and performance and appreciate what they both put into it. For me, I am obsessed with Brianna's energy. She's amazing! I would definitely pick Brianna but props to Saade for doing something out of comfort zone. Adam said it's bonkers what you can do at age 13 Brianna. He said Saade recovered nicely after a stumble. He would pick Brianna. Queen said Brianna performed with so much depth, she liked Saade's emotion. Riley said Saade if you make a mistake, make it at 100 miles per hour, and you did. Kelly chose Brianna. 

The Voice Season 30: I'm On My Own With Some of My Picks Tonight

The Battles Continue: 

Team Queen: Luke Pope vs. Big Country sang Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton-- That was an even matching! I think they're both worthy of moving on. Kelly thought it was a seamless and cool performance. Adam said I turned for both of you guys but you didn't pick me. He enjoyed the harmonies. Queen thought that they sounded amazing together. Big Country committed to the performance. Luke I am proud of you and that you got to have this moment. Queen chose Big Country. She said he is a presence and a force. 

Team Kelly: Anna McElroy vs. Johnnie Kapua sang Some Things I'll Never Know by Teddy Swims and Maren Morris-- Both amazing artists. Johnnie caught some nerves but recovered well, but sometimes that can cost you.  Queen said Anna you're a beast and Johnnie you got a touch of the nerves and then let the soul come out. Kelly said Johnnie the notes are effortless. Anna I love the rasp in your voice, it's like you've been smoking but you don't. I would love to work with both of you after this. Kelly chose Anna. 

Team Riley: Keiyana Osmond vs. Brendan Coulter sang She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5-- For me, I am leaning with Brendan on this. I loved his falsetto and where he took the song. Adam said it was an honor to have then singing a song he wrote all those years ago. He said you both did great, and it's just a matter of what direction Riley wants to go in. I will love to see him suffer so I am going to leave the decision to him. Wow! Riley chose Keiyana. 

Team Adam: Luke Curran vs. Evan James sang You Look Like I'm Going To Wind Up Missing You by Tucker Wetmore-- Wow! That was actually one of my faves of the night so far. I thought they were so closely matched. I think I lean with Luke. I just enjoy his rasp. Queen said they were locked in, and she loved it. She said she feels both of them can move forward. Riley enjoyed the arrangement. Kelly said-- Evan you have presence and you fill the space, Luke you have rasp and a storyteller vibe. Adam has gone back and forth with who he is going to choose. Adam chose Evan. 

Team Kelly: Nina Howland vs. Hazel Gerson sang Breathe Me by Sia-- I think both of them should go through. Nina is unreal though, her vocals are off the charts good. She must move forward in my opinion. Riley enjoyed both of them but would lean a little with Hazel. Kelly said Hazel you're more outward and you emote, Nina you're more introverted with your emotions and you draw people in. Kelly chose Nina! I got one right!

Team Queen: Chari vs. Marcus Ladden Jr. sang On My Own by Patti LaBelle-- I am going to cry. That performance was so beautiful and it had so much power. I expected Chari to come out with a big voice, but Marcus was a surprise. There was something about his voice that was so nostalgic. I would need to lean with Marcus. He was the most pleasant surprise. Riley said he could not choose. Kelly said Marcus your voice fills the room for sure, Chari you're effortless, wanted you on my team then and now. Adam said what I did. It was expected from Chari but from Marcus-- that was a surprise. Queen thought it was incredible and she was so proud of both of them. Queen chose Chari, but Kelly thankfully saved Marcus. 

The Voice Season 30: Don't Mind If I Do Love These Battles

The Battles!

Team Queen: Alt Bloom vs. Morgan Lett singing Ex Factor by Lauryn Hill-- For me Alt is the surprise. I fully expected Morgan to do this song justice, but it was a real collaboration and they supported each other. I loved their voices in unison. There was something so earthy and grounded about Alt's performance. They just brought it on a Lauryn Hill song, wow! Kelly said I was worried for you, but that was so good. Riley said she might have to flip a coin on this one. Kelly said Morgan you honored that song; Alt, I was like this might be how Adam would sound on this song. You were the surprise for me. I'd lean towards Alt. Adam said Morgan you sang the s*** out of that, Alt, I have range, but you've got range where I was like damn. Queen said no one has done that arrangement of this song before and apparently both contestants came up with it. Queen chose Alt.

Alex Warren is the Advisor for Team Adam which is so cool! 

Team Adam: Cal Cook vs. Connor Closs sang Homewrecker by Sombr-- Enjoyed that performance. I love that song. The energy was awesome. I don't know who I would pick. Kelly liked how Cal started high and went into his chest voice. She loved Connor's runs. Riley said it seemed like the two of them have been buddies forever, and it made the performance great. Queen said Connor, your runs were great, and Cal you were in it from the beginning. Adam said these are two stellar human beings, incredible singers, and hard workers. Adam chose Connor. 

Carly Pearce is the advisor for Team Riley. 

Team Riley: Joe Henley vs. Kenna Elpers sang Don't Mind If I Do by Riley Green and Carly Pearce-- Okay, I thought this was the perfect song choice for them. To me, at the age of 19, what Joe has is so special and just a gift. I would need to go with him. Kelly said Kenna had a beautiful vibrato. Kelly thinks Joe has the Randy Travis effect.  Adam said Joe, you have one of my favorite voices in the competition. He echoed that it was the perfect song choice. Riley said, Joe what you have is God-given. Kenna, Joe could not have done what he did without you. Queen leaned with Joe. Riley chose Joe. 

Ariana DeBose is Kelly's advisor. 

Team Kelly: Lance Tenazas vs. Koumba Diallo sang Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish-- I loved how this sounded like a true collab, but I would need to lean with Koumba. Her poise and maturity is far beyond what it should be. Adam said Koumba said you're 15? How? You have so much power and presence. Lance, this was a much better performance for you than the blinds. Queen said she closed her eyes for a moment. Riley said Lance held his own against Koumba who is one of the best performers and voices on the show. Kelly said Koumba is so impressive. She loved Lance's tone and his runs. Ultimately she chose Koumba. 

Team Riley: Everett Bounds vs. Caroline Alexis sang Lousiana Woman, Mississippi Man by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn-- I loved both of them more here than in their blind auditions. I was just intrigued, and their performance felt so real. Kelly said that felt so fun, like a throwback. This was evenly matched. Adam felt like he enjoyed it, it was a great partnership. Queen said you brought all of us into your world. Riley said, Caroline you laid into the performance and it was sassy. Everett you did exactly what I asked you to do. Riley chose Everett. 

Patti LaBelle is Queen's advisor. 

Team Queen: Kayleigh Mathew vs. Lillie Kolich sang Girl Crush by Little Big Town-- Closely matched-- they are both just stellar vocalists. Queen's team is truly stacked. I think Kayleigh, without question, has so much power. Lillie seems to strive to be unique and she pushes the boundaries and steps out of her comfort zone or does whatever she needs to, to do it. Riley said Kayleigh that was awesome, Lillie you did a lot of unique stuff with your voice. Kelly said that was so gorgeous. Kayleigh you have a huge presence, Lillie the way you did "maybe" broke me. That was breathtaking. Adam said you're both so different. Queen said I feel honored to have been here to witness that. Queen said Kayleigh you made this your own, and you were in the pocket whereas Lillie you were right behind it, but you made it work. Queen chose Lillie. Kelly and Riley pushed to steal Kayleigh. Riley said the reason Kelly and Adam are saying that they don't want you to be on my team is because they know we're gonna win The Voice together. Kayleigh chose Riley!

 

The Voice Season 30: Night 6 of the Blinds and The Battles Begin

Night 6: 

Lillie Kolich sang Back to Friends by Sombr-- Hmm, four chair turn, and I thought it was just okay. I need to hear more from her. Kelly liked how she made the song her own. I felt it was too far from the original. Queen asked her why that song, and she said she likes taking a male song and turning it into a female song. Lillie ended up picking Queen and she was the last spot on her team. 

Brendan Coulter sang Liar by Jelly Roll-- I actually loved his version of the song. The was really good and I think Jelly would have liked it. He leaned less towards the country and almost had it be like a country rock or country pop. Kelly and Riley turned. Riley related to the country part of his performance. Adam said, Kelly Clarkson would be a great coach for you. Brendan chose Riley

Zalissa sang Sweet Thing by Chaka Kahn-- Wow, no one turned. 

Kavi Nyx sang Wildflower by Billie Eilish-- All the coaches turned at the beginning who have spots left-- Kelly and Adam and then Riley. I love this song and she sounded amazing. Kavi has a gorgeous voice and felt the song. Kelly said she would like to help her with her breath control but she thinks she is incredible. Adam liked how bold she was in terms of her performance. Riley said he loved all the personality that he heard in the vocal. Kavi chose Kelly. 

Isabella Juliet sang Things a Man Oughta Know by Lainey Wilson-- no one turned. 

Evan James sang Wasted on You by Morgan Wallen-- Evan's voice is great, and I loved the song choice. This was just so good, he is one of those untapped talents and when you find him you hang on. The remaining coaches turned-- Kelly, Riley, and Adam. Adam said Evan would stand out on his team. I would love Adam to get a country artist. Yes!!! Evan chose Adam. 

Lance Tenazas sang Risk it All by Bruno Mars-- Of course, love the song, it's always hard to sing Bruno Mars cause he is so stylized and good at what he does. Kelly and Riley turned. I had a feeling Lance was going to choose Kelly and I was right, and now her team is full. 

Bela Pierce sang Just a Girl by No Doubt-- no one turned. 

Wade Turner sang This Town by Niall Horan-- Awesome song choice for him-- it compliments his voice well. Adam and Riley are going to battle it out for him. I think either would be a good coach for him and would help him to grow in the competition. Riley thought it was perfect. He said you were different and had your own sound. Kelly liked his tone, delivery, and timing. Adam liked how he brought him into the performance. Adam said I have one spot left and you would be the best way for me to close out my team. Yes! He chose Adam! Team Adam is full!

Brayden Howell sang Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks-- Wow! Brayden has quite the personality. I liked him a lot, great vocals, and he is unique. What an appropriate way for Riley to fill his team; he said he felt like he was at a honkytonk.

The Battles Begin: 

Carly Pierce is the advisor. 

Team Riley: Brandy Neelly vs. Ferryn and Brinkley sang Mother's Broken Heart by Miranda Lambert-- Kelly liked how Brandy shined through going up against the sisters. Adam liked the three part harmony and wouldn't choose. Queen agreed with Adam and said she would not choose. Riley chose Ferryn and Brinkley to move forward. 

My Picks:

Brendan Coulter 
Evan Woods

The Voice Season 30: Night 5 of the Blinds and I Pull Up in a Yukon

Night 5:

Brandon Diaz sang Drink You Away by Justin Timberlake-- Amazing song choice, tight vocals, and originality, love him. Kelly and Queen turned. I am disappointed that Adam didn't. I expected Riley not to turn. Kelly said vocally you're insane. You're talented and soulful. Adam said I made a mistake. His wife Jackie Foster was on Team Kelly and Team Adam. Queen said he feels my strength and wants to be on my team. Brandon chose Queen cause she turned first. 

Marilyn Hucek sang La Tortura by Shakira-- I loved the song choice and I loved the performance. Queen and Adam turned. Kelly said she didn't turn cause she kinda sounded like Shakira. Adam said I am a fan, Shakira is a difficult artist to cover, that was a breath of fresh air. He mentioned her power and connection. Queen said I loved how you did the passion your way. Marilyn chose Adam, I had a feeling she was going to choose him. 

Keiyana Osmond sang Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer-- She really took the song in a different direction and it seemed to intrigue Riley. He liked that she sang in her lower register. He was the only one to turn so she is on Team Riley. 

Dakota Cohen sang Changes by Black Sabbath-- That was an interesting performance, I'm intrigued and want to hear more. Adam said the song choice said so much for me. Kelly loved the rasp in her voice. Adam brought up Miley's voice and she was excited about that. Dakota met Adam at a restaurant in Montecito. Dakota chose Adam. 

Luke Cope sang Burning House by Cam-- Wow! That was raw and authentic. I was digging that. Riley said you nailed that at the end for me. There were some tempo issues. Kelly said I loved the emotion. Adam said when I listen to people, there's the technical side of me that wants to hear things in the perfect pocket. Adam said you really grabbed ahold of the other side of me, the emotion. What you do at the core is extremely unique and special, and I believe you have that in spades. Queen said you brought me where I needed to go. She said I want to feel moved and you moved me. Luke chose Queen.

Nina Howland sang Love Me Like a Man by Bonnie Raitt-- Nina is honestly one of my fave auditions ever. Her performance was absolute fire. I loved the song, she is a technically flawless vocal. Kelly turned first, then Queen, Riley, and Adam turned right at the end. Kelly says that is her fave Bonnie Raitt song and she makes her pitch for Nina. Adam says she has a big and beautiful voice and he was won with people like that. He tells her to choose Team Adam. Queen says she believed Nina. Nina chose Kelly. 

Luke Curran sang Operator (That's Not the Way it Feels) by Jim Croce-- I see Luke as a country/ rock artist. His voice has an ease to it. Catchy song choice! Riley turned and then Adam. Adam said I love your voice and that you chose that song. Adam said what you are doing is not pure country, there is some folk, Riley said he turned first, I love storytelling and you told a story. Luke said I'm a day one voice fan, so I gotta go with Adam. 

Matthew Chu sang Home by Chris Daughtry-- Alright, I thought there were some issues throughout the performance but I think he will benefit by Kelly's coaching. Kelly said I have covered that song and it's a rangey song. The fact that you were bold enough to do it made me turn. Matthew is on Team Kelly. 

Raymn sang Yukon by Justin Bieber-- no one turned. I love his vibe. Obsessed. Kelly, Queen, and Adam all said that they regretted not turning. 

Brandy Neelly sang Lesson in Leavin' Jo Dee Messina-- I have to be honest, I did not love the song. The performance was pretty good. Riley said you sounded unique, the best you can be is different. Queen you said can rock a song like that, your energy is on point. Adam said stand out on Queen's team, rather than the country gauntlet that is Riley's team. I know, you made him a cake but that was a waste of time. Brandy chose Riley. 

Phinley McKee sang Way Down We Go by Kaleo-- No one turned. Kelly said the tone in your voice is incredible. Adam said don't stop, please come back. I agree, he was so good, someone should have turned. Kelly said this was on us. And Adam said we suck.

Kayleigh Mathews sang When I Call Your Name by Vince Gill-- Her voice is beautiful and I believe everything she is singing. Adam was the first to turn. He said I should temper my expectations. He said this show is my world and I'd be honored to be your coach. Queen said I turned because you deserved to have four chairs turn for you. Riley said I loved every bit of that and Vince Gill, you have big shoes to fill. I'd enjoy working with you and I think we could do something great. Kelly said I did a duet with Vince Gill. I come back to the show for voices like yours. Kayleigh chose Queen. 

My picks: 

Brandon Diaz

Marilyn Hucek

Nina Howland

Luke Curran