The Voice Season 28: Premiere Weeks Impresses with Some Bright Spots

Night One: 

**FOUR CHAIR TURN**
Aiden Ross sang Love in the Dark by Adele-- This is one of my fave auditions in a long time. I loved the song choice, I loved the delivery, his voice is skilled. So so good. Everyone turned and rightfully so. Niall loved how he made the song his own. Reba was impressed with his stage presence and the confidence it took for him to step forward on the stage. Michael said he loves the connection he gets to make with the artists on the show. Snoop said he turned first and would help him after the show. Niall added that he thinks Aiden would be a potential finalist.
Aiden chose Niall 

Mindy Miller sang Wildflowers and Wild Horses by Lainey Wilson-- Mindy has a great voice! You can tell she's a seasoned artist. I loved her song choice. Snoop turned and blocked Reba. I think he identified the greatness in her right away. He also recognized that Reba is/ was a threat!
Mindy is on Team Snoop

Max Chambers sang I Want You Back by The Jackson Five-- Max does sound young, but he is so good; he's poised and clearly has that performer quality about him. Reba stressed her versatility beyond country music. Michael said he believes he can help Max with his vocal control. Niall regrets not turning. 
Max chose "Mr. Buble"

Manny Costello sang Almost Home by Craig Morgan-- Manny has that old school country quality to his voice. It's easy to hear him and his words. He actually reminds me a little of Craig Morgan in terms of style. Again, Snoop and Reba turned, only this time, Snoop couldn't block and the country artist chose Reba. Reba said Manny's performance made her homesick. 
Manny chose Reba

**FOUR CHAIR TURN**
Dek of Hearts sang Heads Caroline, Tails California-- Wow, so cool, a trio! Reba, Niall, Snoop, and Michael all turned quickly. Impressive performance, they sound good together. Niall thinks it's impressive that they have developed such tight harmonies in such a short time. Reba loves three part harmony. Snoop urges them to dare to be different. Michael wants them to take a risk. The trio talk it over and choose Niall. Niall has gotten two four chair turns so far! 
Dek of Hearts chose Niall 

Peyton Kyle sang Talking to the Moon by Bruno Mars-- I love Peyton's whole story and he has such a cool vibe. His voice is different. Reba is the only one to turn. Niall and Michael regret not turning. I think it's crazy that Reba was the only one to turn.  
Peyton is on Team Reba

**FOUR CHAIR TURN**
Ralph Edwards sang Lights by Journey-- Ralph sounds like an artist, seems like he has been doing this forever. He has some great grit in his voice. Niall said you're a pro, if  I walked into a bar and you were playing, I wouldn't leave. Reba said she didn't hear an off pitch and it was a perfect performance. Michael said I love you. I don't want you to open for me, I want to lip synch to you. Snoop brought out his family (people who were on the show or that he has helped in music). Niall mentioned he was on a show just like this, and Michael mentioned he is producing Sofronio's record. 
Ralph chose Snoop! 

Jack Austin sang This Town by Niall Horan-- I love Jack's voice, it is so pure and so innocent. I liked the creative liberties he took with the melody of the song to make it his own. Michael, Niall, and Reba turned. Michael says he turned fast, and Reba notes his pure and sweet voice. But... let's be honest, he sang a Niall Horan song, and Niall turned and sang with him. 
Jack chose Niall 

Ryan Mitchell sang Cigarette Daydreams by Cage the Elephant-- Ryan is a rocker, and also has a touching store, and he shouldn't be chosen because of that, but it makes him more than one dimensional. He sings well, but there were some nerves. No one turned! So sad! However, new this season-- "Carson's Callback". Someone gets a second chance to audition, choose a new song, the whole deal. Carson decided to give his "Carson's Callback" to Ryan! This is so exciting and so deserved. 

**FOUR CHAIR TURN**
Jazz McKenzie sang What's Love Got to do with It by Tina Turner-- I like Jazz but I don't think she'll will make it past the battles. Reba actually blocks Snoop. I guess they believe she is really valuable since they all turned. Once all is said and done Jazz picks Michael.
Jazz chose Michael 

Night 2:

Yoshihanaa sang Nobody's Supposed to Be Here by Deborah Cox-- Got to be honest, did not love it as much as the coaches did. Snoop turned, then Reba and Niall. Michael was sorry he didn't turn, but assumed once Snoop turned he was out, and he was right.
Yoshihanaa chose Snoop

Lucas Beltran sang You'll Never Find a Love Like Mine by Lou Rawls-- He has a mature voice for someone so young. I think his style and what he does would lend itself to Michael being his coach. I think it would be an effective partnership. Michael and Reba turned which makes sense. Reba says no one has done what he's done and she says she doesn't have a chance. 
Lucas chose Michael  

Callback Artist Ryan Mitchell sang Baby One More Time by Britney Spears-- I do like Ryan and I think someone should turn for him. We don't get many artists that are that alternative rock style. He reminds me a little bit of Constantine Maroulis. Reba finally turns for him. Carson is so excited! 
Ryan is on Team Reba

Carolina Rodriguez sang Cardigan by Taylor Swift-- This is not an easy song to sing and she does a great job. I love the sultry sound in her voice, there seems to be a little jazz influence. She loves Niall and he turns first. She is a little nervous but pulls off her audition. Snoop also turns. Carolina tells Niall-- "I love you". She even has a poster of him that she brought, he seems slightly embarrassed. Of course, Carolina chooses Niall. 
Carolina chose Niall

**FOUR CHAIR TURN**
Max Cooper III sang Cooler Than Me by Mike Posner-- Max is so good! He is so different and so talented. Everything was just effortless. Snoop turned, then Reba, Niall, and Michael. Reba said she thinks he is super cute and would love for him to be on her team. Snoop said his first notes made him turn. Niall said his ears perked up when he heard Max. Max says he loves doing pop but adding jazz elements and Michael's song, I Just Haven't Met You Yet was his first song he learned.     
Max chose Michael 

My Personal Voice Team (12 picks with 3 wildcards)

Aiden Ross

Max Cooper IIII

Jack Austin

Peyton Kyle

The Voice Season 27 Finale: The Performance Show

Round 1: 

Team Legend: Renzo sang Fly by Lenny Kravitz-- I have been critical of Renzo throughout this but I have to say that he has proven to me that he deserves to be here. What a great song choice and I love how he started the song acoustically, it was more quiet for sure and really showed his voice quite well. Michael said there was not a lot to say and that the performance was flawless. John said the arrangement, which Renzo elected, showed his voice beautifully. 

Team Adam: Lucia Flores Wiseman sang Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd-- Wow that was beautiful. I loved the way she navigated that song. She's so original. Kelsea said you embody the love letter you wrote to music, you're supposed to be here. Adam said I feel so connected to you. You lead with heart and you lead with feeling. I'm so proud of you. 

Team Buble: Jadyn Cree sang Lose You to Love Me by Selena Gomez-- I liked this song choice for Jadyn, I brought out some of her innocence. Michael said he is so proud of her and happy for her, her voice is kind, empathetic, pure, and she is a pop star. 

Team Kelsea: Jaelen Johnston sang What Was I Thinkin' by Dierks Bentley-- Okay I will first say that had to be so tough to mess up on live TV, but he kept going. He stopped for a second and kept going. I think that was his most challenging performance, but I believe he will watch it back and be proud of himself. He persevered. Kelsea said you showed up and I am so proud of you, you locked back in, got back in your body quickly.  

Team Buble: Adam David sang You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker-- What a great performance, it showed the versatility in Adam's voice. John talked about that beautiful broken quality in Adam's voice and added-- you did a beautiful song much justice tonight. Michael said he is one of my favorite singers, he's a blue collar singer, he's worked his butt off, he plays in bars.   

Round 2: 

Team Adam: Lucia Flores Wiseman sang Wildflower by Billie Eilish-- I feel like her performances are so poetic and prolific. Adam said that was so amazing, Lucia is not the typical type of Voice winner which is exactly why she should win. 

Team Buble: Adam David sang Hard Fought Hallelujah by Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll-- This is such a gorgeous song and any time any one sings it I have heard so much heart and sincerity behind it and this was so exception. Michael said I am shaken, 100/100, we are blessed to be given music like this. 

Team Buble: Jadyn Cree sang Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners-- This was one of the most creative performances I have seen on the show. The song is also pretty iconic. It's like she took us back to a moment in history and froze it. Michael said you're a pop star, I love you, you lead with light. 

Team Legend: Renzo sang Lover You Should Have Come Over by Jeff Buckley--Wow, what an exquisite vocal. He just knows how to bring you into his world with his performances. John said he showed something new in his voice today. You are a superstar and I am so happy I got this chance to work with you.  

Team Kelsea: Jaelen Johnston sang Cold by Chris Stapleton-- I loved this song for him. He seemed like he was totally immersed in the performance. It was honestly such a great way for us to hear that natural rasp that he has in his voice. Kelsea said I am out of breath and I am sweating. She said, Jaelen picked this song, and she was nervous, but when he sang it in rehearsal she knew it was the right song for him. 

American Idol Season 23: Notes on The Top 5 As We Find Out Our 3 Finalists

Tonight's show was another Disney themed show. Lin Manuel Miranda continued to mentor the contestants. I think he did a great job, his advice was so thoughtful. I understand why he is so good at what he does and so well regarded.

Slater Nalley-- 
Song 1: You've Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story
Song 2: Born to be Wild from D3 The Mighty Ducks
Notes: I thought the first performance was so good. I mean honestly, both performances were good. Slater has become one of my favorites on the shoe. He and John are both so young but both understand their identity as artists. No matter what happens, this kid is going to be a star. He will be doing country music. Lionel said he has come such a long way in the competition. 

John Foster-- 
Song 1: The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book
Song 2: The Rainbow Connection from The Muppets
Notes: John has such a way about him. His style is laid back and authentic. There is not once in this competition where he has settled or deviated from who he is. He's always made thoughtful decisions about the songs he has chosen. Luke talked about his charm. Carrie talked about how she found a diamond in the rough with him; she needed to convince Lionel and Luke but she did it. 

Thunderstorm Artis-- 
Song 1: A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella
Song 2: Find Yourself from Cars
Notes: First song was everything! Thunderstorm is such an artist. Beyond that is the person that comes across to all of us. I love how the first song had a lullabye / storytelling feel to it. It was absolutely beautiful. Carrie talked about his ability to connect with people and said he is all heart. Luke said he deserves to be here and Lionel called him a vibe master. Literally any of these contestants could be top 3 (even Gabby, Mattie, and Josh who were voted off in the past two weeks could have been Top 3). This is such a talented group. 

Breanna Nix--
Song 1: This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) from The Parent Trap 
Song 2: You'll Be In My Heart from Tarzan
Notes: Breanna is someone who has continued to improve as the competition has gone on. Week after week, she has shown growth and more of herself in the performances. I think this is what's moved her forward. Whereas, someone like Gabby was consistent from the beginning. In her first song, Carrie mentioned how she seemed unsure of herself at the beginning, but as the performance went on, her confidence grew. In the second song, Luke commented that her voice and presence was so strong. 

Jamal Roberts-- 
Song 1: Ain't No Mountain High Enough from Remember the Titans
Song 2: Beauty and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast
Notes: To me, this is the first time in the competition that I saw Jamal be somewhat human and struggle or not pick the best song. I also feel like because he is such a great singer, his performance quality needs to be there as well, and I think that's what Carrie was remarking about. I know Carrie got a lot of negative press for saying Jamal should have moved around some in the first performance, but I couldn't agree more. And for his second performance, the song choice did not make sense for him. It's not that it sounded bad, it just wasn't believable. 

Top 3 Are: 

John Foster
Jamal Roberts
Breanna Nix

Going Home: 
Slater Nalley
Thunderstorm Artis

  

The Voice Season 27: Finally Live for the First Time This Season with the Top 12

Team Adam: Kolby Cordell sang Drink You Away by Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake-- I wasn't as crazy about this as the coaches were. John says he feels regret and calls it the best performance. Okay, that's a bit of a stretch but sure. 

Team Kelsea: Alanna Lynise sang I'm Not That Girl from Wicked-- This sounded like she could be on Broadway but I have to be honest, I didn't love the song choice and the performance and I am a fan of Alanna. Michael thought she did her coach proud. 

Team Buble: Jadyn Cree sang I Think We're Alone Now-- This was a great song choice for Jadyn. I have struggled some with her artistry this season, but this was right up her alley. John says she is like family because of her dad and loves seeing her do what she does. Michael likes how unique she is and the pureness of her vocal. 

Team Legend: Olivia Kuper Harris sang Someone to Watch Over Me-- Great song for Olivia, she was deserving of coming back. Adam said she should feel amazing about her performance and that she deserves to be here. 

Team Kelsea: Iris Herrera sang Messy-- Oh man I am not a fan of this song. I really like Iris but I wish she had done something else. Kelsea appreciates her commitment to artistry. 

Team Adam: Lucia Flores Wiseman sang Black Hole Sun by Chris Cornell-- LOVE Chris and loved this song and I am also a fan of Lucia. Kelsea says the opportunities are endless for her. Adam says he has appreciated being able to celebrate who Lucia is. 

Team Legend: Bryson Battle sang Without You-- This is a little bit of a different song choice for Bryson but I loved it. His vocals were on point as always. John called his performance and vocal stunning. 

Team Kelsea: Jaelen Johnston sang I Drive Your Truck-- Heartfelt performance, the song was not as impactful as it should have been, but I think he should stick around for the finale. Kelsea says he is doing country music proud and she is proud to be his coach. Yet she almost let him go. I suppose what matters is that she brought him back. 

Team Buble: Adam David sang Bring It On Home to Me by Sam Cooke-- This was one of my favorite performances of the season. Adam is committed to his craft, easy to tell watching this performance. Adam says Adam is his biggest regret. Michael says that meant more to him than any other performance on the show. 

Team Buble: Kaiya Hamilton sang Ain't Nobody by Chaka Kahn-- Good song choice for Kaiya. Michael called it flawless and said he didn't want to talk too much and discourage people from voting. 

Team Adam: Conor James sang Chasing Pavements by Adele-- I was torn about whether Conor or Britton should have come back because they were both great for different reasons. Adam said great singers sing and he liked that Conor kept it pure and simple. 

Team Legend: Renzo sang Dream On by Aerosmith-- Loving Renzo's new hair style. Okay, so check it out, I did and didn't like this performance. It was different than the original, sometimes too much. But then at other times, him doing something like this felt safe. 

Overall what I don't like about this format is that the voting is hardly America's vote til now and then the finale is next week. 

Here are my predictions for the Top 5: 

Bryson Battle 

Adam David 

Lucia Flores Wiseman

Jaelen Johnston

Renzo

possible-- Jadyn Cree 

Drop your comments below!

The Voice Season 27 Breaking News: The Super Save Artists are Announced

John super saved Olivia Kuper Harris

Michael super saved Kaiya Hamilton

Kelsea super saved Jaelen Johnston

Adam super saved Conor James

American Idol Season 23: Disney Songs and Songs for Mama Take the Contestants from 7 to 5

Disney Songs: 

Lin Manuel Miranda is coaching the contestants this week.He's great, he gives them great advice on where to take the various songs. 

Gabby Samone sang How Far I'll Go from Moana-- Lin tells her this is a wordy song that is difficult to sing, he's right, but she navigates it beautifully. Carrie tells her that her voice is made for songs like that. Luke says he has never heard her deliver a more clear vocal. 

Jamal Roberts sang Go the Distance from Hercules-- What a great song choice for Jamal. Wow! It has some gospel roots/ nuances to it. He sounds great. Luke said you're always able to make it your own and challenge yourself. Lionel said typically people put on flashy clothes to compensate for something,  you put on flashy clothes and it gets bigger than that. 

Breanna Nix sang Reflection from Mulan-- This song matches Breanna perfectly. She is peaking at the right time, she's someone initially I thought would go home. She loved Lin's advice and thinks it will be her perfect performance. Luke felt she was in total control and that she picked the perfect song. Lionel loved her poise and grace. Carrie loved what she did with the song. 

John Foster sang Almost There from Princess and the Frog-- Lin asked him about his connection to the song and he said that the movie is set in his home state of Louisiana. I had my doubts, but this was a good choice for him, and he sounded great even though it was unlike anything he has done in the past. Lionel said that was amazing. Carrie said no matter what you do, John Foster is John Foster. Luke said you have charisma. 

Slater Nalley sang Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King-- Slater is super excited about meeting Lin and calls him a legend. Lin encourages him to start the song quiet and let it build. It's great advice. Slater messes up a little but recovers well. Carrie said it was exciting to see his session with Lin. Luke said he recovered well. Lionel said you're a storyteller, use that voice more. 

Mattie Pruitt sang Remember Me from Coco-- I am glad that Mattie picked a song from a movie she really likes, it should give her a chance to connect. Lin calls her incredibly gifted. Luke says it is one of her favorite performances. Lionel thinks she's grown up, I do too, but is it too late? Carrie says this is why you are here. 

Thunderstorm Artis sang Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas--  Lin says he was most excited to hear Thunderstorm. He wants him to not smile on the first verse. He says the first verse of the song is an accusation. That was great! Lin's advice was on point. Lionel said you are an amazing storyteller. Carrie said that was my favorite arrangement of the night, it was beautiful. Luke said you had me immersed in the moment. 

Mother's Day Dedications:

Breanna Nix sang Like My Mother Does by Lauren Alaina-- Wow!!! That was such a stunning performance and I love that song by Lauren Alaina. Carrie said I am going to cry my way through this, it was beautiful, the voice, the song, the moment. Luke loves this night, we love where you're trending at this point in the competition. Lionel said, once you hit the tear, you've got everyone in the room. 

Gabby Samone sang Home from The Wiz-- Oh my gosh! She's so good, she has to be on Broadway once all is said and done. She's amazing. I am such a Gabby fan!!! That made me emotional. Luke said that was my favorite performance you've done. It took tonight to a whole new level. Lionel said you sang that song like you were closing the show. Carrie said that was ridiculous, I am in awe. 

Slater Nalley sang Don't Think Twice It's Alright by Bob Dylan-- This was so perfect for him and so needed to keep him in the competition. It felt authentic and genuine. Loved his voice in this. Lionel said that's the way you bring out the surprise secret weapon, simplicity is king. Carrie said you seemed in your element. I listen to Dylan when I'm sad but you made me happy. Luke said you're an artist, your sound is so oidentifiable.  

Jamal Roberts sang A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke-- This was the perfect example of who Jamal is, his voice is a throwback but somehow he makes it current. Carrie said you proved why you are here. Luke said how good you are is humbling to me. 

Mattie Pruitt sang Those Kind of Women by Lauren Alaina-- Great song choice by Maddie. She does well when she picks songs that she relates to. Luke said she is getting more comfortable, and you're getting the "sass" and it's making me happy. He said this because she said Mister Luke I need to get some sass. Carrie said that was a great song choice for you. It seemed like you felt every word. 

Thunderstorm Artis sang Out of the Blue (original song)-- I loved that Thunderstorm chose to do an original song, and it's perfect that it was about his wife for Mother's Day. The words are beautiful, it's always a risk to do an original song, but this was perfect. Lionel said you are about to turn your thunderstorm into a tornado. If you are writing those kinds of words you have a career. Carrie said, Thunderstorm, you are an artist. You've brought some amazing songs to us already. Luke said when I heard you were doing an original, I was like cool, I can't wait to hear this song. 

John Foster sang Believe by Brooks & Dunn-- That was such a touching and beautiful performance, I believed every word. This had a gospel like quality to it, I believe! Carrie said that was the perfect song choice. Luke said you keep surprising me every week. Lionel said what the heck are you doing? John said exactly what you told me to. You told me to find my voice. I have spent the whole competition doing that. Lionel said, I now believe you as an artist. 

And the results...

Top 5: Slater, Breanna, John, Jamal, Thunderstorm!

Wow, Gabby and Mattie are going home. 

Breanna is the last lady standing. 

 

The Voice Season 27: Michael and John pick their playoff teams...

Team Buble:

Kaiya Hamilton sang If You Love Somebody (Set Them Free) by Sting-- Kaiya is someone who has been challenged and risen to every occasion. I would like to see more of her in these song selections and see what she chooses for herself. Who does she see herself as, as an artist? Adam called her the most improved artist. 

Angie Rey sang How Do I Live Without You by LeAnn Rimes / Trisha Yearwood-- This was a beautiful performance. I could tell that Angie connected with the lyrics of the song. John said Angie has the pipes to deliver this song. 

Jadyn Cree sang 99 Balloons by Nena-- I'm not familiar with this song. I think she's talented, but I feel like some of her teammates had better performances,  but I know Michael really supports her. Michael says everyone is going to know her. 

Barry Jean Fontenot sang Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez-- Great song and performance by Barry. I would love to see him in the lives because I think America will love him. Adam said his confidence has grown and his stage presence is A+. 

Adam David sang I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan-- I did not have high expectations, and I was wrong to feel that way because this was such a great performance. The song was perfect for him. I am a fan. Adam said he was blown away, and Michael said he deserves a long career. 

Team Legend: 

Bryson Battle sang pov by Ariana Grande-- Of course, I believe Bryson is one of the best voices in this competition. The vocal was compelling and no matter what happens, he is going to be a star. Michael wished he could steal him. Kelsea thinks he could win the whole competition. John called him soulful, powerful, and compelling. 

BD.ii sang All My Life by KC and JoJo-- I have been a fan of BD since the first audition. This was his best performance. I want to see him in the lives. Michael called him expressive and present. John added that his performance was effortless and that it was his best performance. 

Olivia Kuper Harris sang What Was I Made For by Billie Eilish-- Olivia is so unique and sounded beautiful. Kelsea called it stunning and said she is a fan. Adam complimented the fact that she can do many different songs. 

Ari Camille sang Rain by SWV-- Ari has been a fave of mine from the beginning, I just love the angst and soul in her voice. The song choice was everything, a throwback to 80s and 90s R&B. Adam said she looked and sounded amazing. John said she has a light inside her. 

Renzo sang Too Sweet by Hozier-- I am a fan of Renzo, I am not quite bought in to the degree that the coaches are. I feel like this song is overplayed. I appreciated how he changed it up though. Kelsea said she would buy his record. John said he is already a star. 

Michael chose Adam and Jadyn

John chose Bryson and Renzo 

SURPRISE! The coaches are going to get to bring back one more artist each. 

Here are my predictions: 

Team Kelsea: Jaelen

Team Adam: Britton 

Team Michael: Barry Jean

Team Legend: BD or Ari