The Voice Season 3: The Battle Rounds Rebound and Contestants Shine

Two weeks ago,  the battle rounds on The Voice was disappointing at times, the two episodes this week proved that the talent is better than ever.

Episode 1 of Week 2 of Battles 

This past week of battles began with two members of Blake's Team, mariachi singer Julio Cesar Castillo and Terisa Griffin singing Conga by Gloria Estefan-- I like both of these artists, and I'm beginning to find that I am routing for both people competing in the battle. Cee Lo liked Terisa for her soul. Adam thought Terisa was fierce, but said he would choose Julio because he brings something different. Blake ultimately chose Julio for the same reason Adam said, he brought something different, but also Blake said he struggled in practice, and he came so far, which means he probably put the most work into it.  Both of these singers are solid, and I am really glad that Cee Lo decided to steal Terisa.
Battle goes to: Julio Castillo

Cee Lo stole Terisa Griffin

Dez Duron and Paulina from Christina's Team faced off with the song Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars-- Cee Lo said he would choose Dez because he's the whole package. Adam felt that both contestants had inconsistent performances, but said he'd choose Dez because he's more experienced and Blake echoed that sentiment. I agreed, and so did Christina. Dez moves on; this was easy!
Battle goes to: Dez Duron

Adam decided to pair Benji and Sam James for a You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi duet. Blake felt that Benji had more moments in the performance. Cee Lo felt that Benji had a stronger voice, and explored more. Adam liked Benji's screams but felt there was a lack of control. Adam respected that Sam had his own style and really owned that. Ultimately, he felt Sam was more solid as a singer and chose him. For those who were more Benji fans, why scream when you can sing like Sam?
Battle goes to: Sam James

Next to battle it out was Nicholas David and Todd Kessler from Cee Lo's Team singing the Hall & Oates classic She's Gone-- I have to admit, I wasn't impressed the first time I heard Nicholas David. I thought he was just trying too hard to be different, and now that I see his being different is so authentic, I'm all in. Adam said their voices sound amazing together. Christina complimented Nicholas' definite style and swag. Cee Lo appreciated both of them but chose Nicholas because as Blake said, there is no one in this world like him.
Battle goes to: Nicholas David

Two young women with two big voices, Leila Broussard and Suzanna Choffel of Team Blake sang The Dog Days Are Over by Florence and the Machine-- Christina felt it was beautiful, a great pairing and a great match. Cee Lo felt they both deserved to be there. Adam felt like he was hearing them for the first time. Blake decided on Suzanna saying she is a chameleon. I was torn with this battle because both women were so strong, either one could have moved on in my book.
Battle goes to: Suzanna Choffel

The final battle of this episode was between Team Christina's Joselyn Rivera and Sylvia Yacoub who sang Best Thing I Never Had by Beyonce-- Cee Lo was impressed by Joselyn and felt like he was hearing her for the first time. Adam said he would probably choose Joselyn. Blake felt that they had very different styles from one another. All that being said, Christina liked that Sylvia was fierce and passionate and decided on Sylvia. I personally am a Joselyn fan because I think she has the stronger, better voice.
Battle goes to: Sylvia Yacoub

Adam stole Joselyn Rivera because he believes she can really sing.

Episode two featured a lot of unexpected match ups and a few of those had little air time.

Blake opted for an all country battle with Liz Davis and Nicole Johnson singing Baggage Claim by his wife Miranda Lambert-- To me, Liz Davis seems like she was born to be a country singer. There's something about her that reads like a combination of Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood.  Blake said they are both great country singers, but Nicole lost her breath at times. He chose Liz and said the deciding factor was the experience.
 Battle goes to: Liz Davis

I don't know why he did it cause I love both of these girls but Adam chose Alessandra Guercio and Kayla Nevarez to battle it out with Katy Perry's Wide Awake-- Blake liked Alessandra's raspy sound and Kayla's verbrato. Christina said that they were neck and neck. Cee Lo said he would go with Alessandra because she had a lot of sweet moments throughout the performance and she had that nice rasp in her voice. Adam said that Alessandra should be more confident in herself because she has the talent. For Kayla, Adam said he remembers picking her and her pulling him aside and saying, "let's win this". He picked Kayla because of her confidence. Consequently, Christina said, the can't bear to watch a talented woman like Alessandra doubt herself and be anything less than confident about her abilities. She stole Alessandra from Team Adam and vowed to instill in her more confidence.
Battle goes to: Kayla Nevarez

Christina stole Alessandra Guercio

The battles that were shown so quick that they practically flashed across the screen:

Cee Lo's Team-- Ben Taub vs. Mycle Wastman sang Too Close by Alex Clare
Battle goes to: Mycle Wastman

Adam's Team-- Adanna Duru vs. Michelle Brooks Thompson sang Crazy in Love by Beyonce
Battle goes to: Michelle Brooks Thompson

Christina's Team-- Beat Frequency vs. Laura Vivas sang Poker Face by Lady Gaga
Battle goes to: Laura Vivas

The final battle of this episode was a great one and it was between two very different singers, country rocker Emily Earle and pop singer MacKenzie Bourg of Team Cee Lo. They tackled the duet Good Time by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen-- Adam didn't think the chemistry was as good as he expected it to be. Blake loved both of them and offered comments to both; he said MacKenzie didn't need all those breaks in his voice and that Emily had an authentic country sound. Christina said that MacKenzie had the more entertaining performance. Cee Lo ultimately felt he could do more with MacKenzie and that he has that all American voice. He had a lot of mixed emotions about Emily's performance and had to choose MacKenzie.
Battle goes to: MacKenzie Bourg

The Voice Season 3: Week 2 of Blind Auditions as Impressive as Week 1

Starting off week two was Melanie Martinez who came out not only was a fresh look but a fresh voice. She is different from anyone else that's been on the show so far. I also loved her version of Toxic by Britney Spears; it initially didn't even sound like that song when she started singing it.
Who did she choose? Adam
Would I choose her for my team? I would because she dares to be herself without reservation.

And now came the segment of the show where they showed us some contestants (the next three) who advanced but we didn't see complete performances or judges' remarks, thus making it difficult to decide whether or not we agree with them advancing.

Adrianna Duru sang Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga
Who did she choose? Adam
Would I choose her for my team? Afraid not

Kelly Crapa sang Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift
Who did she choose? Blake
Would I choose her for my team? Out of the three that we hardly got to see, this young lady seemed to have the most potential. I'd like to hear her again, but I am tempted to say "yes".

Paulina sang You Make Me Feel So by Cobra Starship
Who did she choose? Christina
Would I choose her for my team? No, why did Christina choose her? I'm not impressed.

Single father Brian Scartocci put on an impressive show, voice and dance moves included when he performed Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder. It's always a risk to do a Stevie song and Brian certainly did this one justice.
Who did he choose? Adam
Would I choose him for my team? Brian is "wonder"ful, I would absolutely love having him on my team.

Husband and wife duo, Beat Frequency definitely work well together, my issue is that their voices, particularly the wife's, are not strong enough. I give them props for choosing a song as difficult as E.T. by Katy Perry; that is not an easy song to sing.
Who did they choose? Christina
Would I choose them for my team? I want to say yes because I like their passion, but I want to say no because they need too much work.

Country singer Liz Davis came out and absolutely rocked Gretchen Wilson's Here for the Party. I loved her voice and loved her energy on stage, this is one of my favorite performances from the whole season. She's another person who deserved a four chair turn.
Who did she choose? Blake
Would I choose her for my team? I'm here to win, so Liz Davis needs to be on my team.

J.R. Aquino did Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars; I am still debating how good this performance was. There's a part of me that thinks that Bruno Mars is so hot right now that anyone who has the confidence to try it deserves to be in. There was also something that sounded a bit karaoke about this performance.
Who did he choose? CeeLo
Would I choose him for my team? I'd need to hear him again to make a final decision.

It's been a while since I heard a singer who brought the 80s sound back full fledged and that's what Nicholas David did when he sang Ben E. King's Stand by Me for his audition. David sounded like a cross between James Taylor and Aaron Neville. It will be interesting if he gets through the battle rounds if America is going to pick up the phone and vote for him.
Who did he choose? CeeLo
Would I choose him for my team? There's something soothing and peaceful about his voice that leads me to say yes.

Hailing from the famed "Fame" school in Laguardia, New York 17 year old Alessandra Guercio blew the judges away with her take on The Climb by Miley Cyrus. I think Alessandra has such a natural ability that does need some polishing, but the talent is all there. She's the complete package in my opinion, a rare find today. I am expecting a lot from her going forward.
Who did she choose? Adam
Would I choose her for my time? Alessandra is a quick and confident yes for me.

Completely untrained vocally, 16 year old Avery Wilson left the judges speechless when he sang Without You by Usher. This kid has chops and he has the drive, confidence, and eagerness to go all the way in this competition. I was honestly shocked when he said he was only 16 years old; the poise and maturity that he displayed in the performance is definitely something that cannot be bought.
Who did he choose? CeeLo
Would I choose him for my team? "Without" Avery on my team, I don't think I'd fare as well. CeeLo may win the whole thing this year.

Collin McLaughlin made the right decision dropping out of grad school one credit short, at least for the time being. His soothing voice was just perfect on Wild World by Cat Stevens.
Who did he choose? Adam
Would I choose him for my team? I think before I commit, I'd like to hear him again, battle rounds here we come!

Here is another set of three quick performances, none of which I was too convinced about.......

Emily Earle sang Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash
Who did she choose? CeeLo
Would I choose her for my team? No, this version of Ring of Fire sounded a bit dismal.

Ben Taub sang Feelin Good by Michael Buble
Who did he choose? CeeLo
Would I choose him for my team? Only if he doesn't sound like he's trying to copy Michael Buble in every song he sings.

Todd Kessler sang Maggie May by Rod Stewart
Who did he choose? CeeLo
Would I choose him for my team? No, this performance seemed to forced and staged.

Josselyn Rivera tackled a tough song in Kelly Clarkson's Stronger. Anytime you choose a Kelly Clarkson song, it's tough because she has that huge powerful voice, and Josselyn totally lived up to it. I didn't feel the need to draw comparisons because she sounded like herself. I think she has the desire to go further in this competition.
Who did she choose? Christina
Would I choose her for my team? You can never be too short on strong female singers, so that's a yes for me.

Rocker Benji decided to take on rock classic Knockin on Heaven's Door by Guns n' Roses. I liked this performance and there aren't a lot of legit rockers in this competition so far, so Benji could really end up faring well. I loved the control that he showed going from the low notes up to the high notes.
Who did he choose? Adam
Would I choose him for my team? I think I would take a chance and say yes because the first performance was that impressive.

There's a reason that Mycle Wastman was the final performer of the night. He certainly deserved to be the main event because when he opened his mouth and sang the first few bars of Let's Stay Together by Al Green, I knew he was the real deal. Mycle is a true, authentic soul singer, and the fact that he doesn't look the part but completely sounds it is just amazing to me. My money is on CeeLo possibly winning season three of The Voice.
Who did he choose? CeeLo
Would I choose him for my team? Yes, yes, yes!