Reality Recaps: The Finale of The Voice and The Last Night of Competition on The X Factor

I loved how both The Voice and The X Factor chose to open their final performances shows with tributes to the Sandy Hook School Victims and their families. Both performances were extremely touching and seriously brought tears to my eyes. On The Voice the mentors and the top 20 sang Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah.

On The X Factor, Simon Cowell gave a brief message before the top 12 performed You Are Not Alone by Michael Jackson.

Let's discuss The Voice.......

I do not agree with Cassadee Pope winning; I like her and nothing against her but her voice was not as strong and consistent throughout this season as Nicholas and Terry's voices were. Nick, to me, grew leaps and bounds from the beginning. I am a fan now; he's Marvin Gaye and Barry White, his voice is soul music. He's committed to every performance, and his passion is so evident. Terry is someone that, the moment I heard him sing Baba O' Riley by The Who on The Blind Auditions, I knew we had found our winner. He's my winner, and not just because of his voice, but because of his spirit. Terry knows he's good, but he is humble, and let's face it, authentic rock voices don't come around all the time. Terry is a diamond in the rough, I didn't vote for the wrong person in him. The public chose the wrong member of Team Blake.

Back to The X Factor:

A song they sang before:

Carly Rose Sonenclar sang Feeling Good by Nina Simone (Michael Buble)-- She sang this on her first audition. Simon felt she sang it better the second time around. Britney seemed pretty confident that Carly has this competition in the bag. I liked this performance, but it was a bit too stylized for me.

Tate Stevens sang Everything Goes by  Randy Houser-- Demi felt that he turned it into a stadium performance, and that's what made it different this time than last time. Simon agreed with Demi and talked about how authentic Tate is and how he's maintained his integrity throughout. He congratulated L.A., and said this was an unlikely pairing, but you've done a really good job with him. I couldn't agree more; Tate deserves this, he deserves to be a star.

Fifth Harmony sang Anything Could Happen by Ellie Goulding-- L.A. said you were the underdogs and you are the ones to beat. Brit thought it was the right song choice. Demi feels they've worked hard and deserve to have people call for them. Simon likes the fact that they are the underdogs; I like it too. You know what I like even more? I like when the underdog wins.

Duets:

Carly Rose Sonenclar sang How Do I Live with Leann Rimes-- Out of the three duets, this was the weakest unfortunately.

Tate Stevens sang Pontoon with Little Big Town-- Tate looked and sounded like a natural.

Fifth Harmony sang Give Your Heart a Break with Demi Lovato-- Simon called it pop perfection.

New Song:

Carly Rose Sonenclar sang Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley-- L.A. questioned whether or not this was a $5 million performance. Simon said she looked great and sounded beautiful. Britney said that song alone was worth $5 million, get out your check book Simon. Sorry Brit, but for me, I was bored at the beginning and middle, it did liven up at the end, and I will give her that.

Tate Stevens sang Tomorrow by Chris Young-- Demi said she is sad that this is the last time she is going to hear him and that he's so talented. Simon said Tate has represented this category so well and that he has a feeling that a year from now, we'll be hearing about Tate's record sales. L.A. said he's always proud of him. I thought this was a great performance, he's definitely in this to the end.

Fifth Harmony sang Let it Be by The Beatles-- L.A. called it a beautiful performance, and said they did the song justice. Brit felt they've come a long way. Demi is proud of how they've evolved and grown. Simon said they deserve to be here, and I completely agree. That final performance blew me away.

Who is your pick to win The X Factor?  Mine is Tate or Fifth Harmony

Do you agree with Cassadee Pope winning The Voice? Will you miss Christina and Cee Lo? Or not given it any thought yet?

Reality Recap: The X Factor and The Voice

Contestant's Choice

Tate Stevens sang Bonfire by Craig Morgan-- He performed it well, but I didn't care for the song. Britney didn't think it was his best, Demi disagreed. I kind of agree with both of them because I did not think it was the right song for him, but he did a good job with it. L.A. said it was the most fun he has had since doing the show.

Carly Rose Sonenclar sang Your Song by Elton John-- L.A. thought she did things with the song that have never been done before. Demi thought it was predictable, but loved the R&B side of her voice. Simon said it was a beautiful version of a fantastic song, but not her best performance. I agree with all the judges, but again, didn't think it was necessarily the best song for her.

Emblem3 sang Baby I Love Your Way by Peter Frampton-- L.A. loved the song and saw them as recording artist for the first time. Britney thinks they've grown so much throughout the show. Demi praised it as well and compared it to their first audition and Simon agreed with Demi. I like how their personality showed in the song, but again, didn't like the song choice.

Fifth Harmony sang Anything Could Happen by Ellie Goulding-- Their performance of Anytime You Need A Friend was one of my favorite performances of this season, top three for sure. I love them. L.A. called it their best vocal performance, inventive, and he said he was proud of them. Britney loved everything about it, and called it magical and full of girl power. Demi said that they pulled out that sparkle that they needed. Simon agreed that "anything could happen," and I do too.

 The Song I Need to get into the Finals

Tate Stevens sang Fall by Clay Walker-- Demi said he deserves all these good things and he is so talented. Simon liked the song choice, and said he has as much likelihood of going back to his old job as he does of flying to the moon tomorrow night. L.A. loves Tate for his consistency, and wished him the best of luck. This was a great song choice as Simon said, I remembered a woman singing this song, and was reminded that Kimberley Locke from American Idol had a number one on the American Dance Charts with this song.

Carly Rose Sonenclar sang Imagine by John Lennon-- L.A. liked her artistic capability and the fact that she played the piano. Demi thought it was amazing and she took a risk. Simon said there was too much going on and it made a beautiful song fussy. He said he didn't like the arrangement and said it was overcomplicated. Britney feels she should be competing with the biggest stars in the world. I actually agree with Simon, and another which he said that was really smart--- she sang those big notes, but the song didn't need that.

Emblem3 sang Hey Jude by The Beatles-- This is an awesome song choice by Simon, ingenious! It totally paid off too; unbelievable performance. L.A. said I thought this was presumptuous and I was going to tear you to shreds for thinking you are teen heartthrobs like The Beatles and you are. Britney told them to take a bow. Simon said you guys have steel in your eyes and nailed it on both songs; you were fantastic.

Fifth Harmony sang Impossible by Shontelle-- Amazing, I could see them putting so much passion into their vocals and the performance. L.A. found their song choice lazy. I totally do not agree with L.A. Britney said she would be surprised if they are in it next week. Demi said there aren't a lot of people supporting them so their fans need to support them. Simon said I hope and pray America gets behind you because I know you were one of the strongest acts tonight.

I loved both groups, I kind of hope one of the solo artists is going home. I don't think Carly Rose had as strong a night as everyone thinks.

Just wanted to comment that regardless of Trevin Hunte being voted off The Voice, I think he has quite the future ahead of him. The best on performance night was Terry McDermott's Let It Be; that guy can sing. He joins Cassadee Pope and Nicholas David in the finals.

The X Factor Season 2: My picks for the live shows

Season 2 of The X Factor has been a pleasant surprise, meaning, yes, it's far different than Season 1. I love both new judges, Demi Lovato and Britney Spears clearly came to play; they both did their homework and have proven themselves not only competent, but intelligent. As for the talent, it's been wonderful; there are so many unique performers who have such special qualities about them. After several weeks of auditions, the field was narrowed down to 24, and the contestants were separated into four categories and sent to the home of the judge who would mentor their respective category.

The categories were: Teens mentored by Britney Spears, Young Adults mentored by Demi Lovato, Over 25s mentored by L.A. Reid, and Groups mentored by Simon Cowell.

Click HERE for the remaining contestants! 

Here are my picks--

The Teens:

Arin Ray
Beatrice Miller
Carly Rose Sonenclar
Diamond White

The Young Adults:

Cece Frey
Jennel Garcia
Willie Jones

last spot is between Paige Thomas and Jillian Jensen

The Over 25s:

David Correy
Jason Brock
Tate Stevens
Vino Alan

The Groups:

Emblem3
Lylas
Lyric145
Playback

You can watch the videos of their judge's homes performances here and here, and please, let me know who your picks are for the live shows.

My Top Songs of 2011: Why Did I Choose Them, Part 2

Wow, well I am annoyed, I saved half of this and somehow it erased and I had to start all over again.

Bruno Mars had a break out year when he collaborated with B.O.B. on Nothin on You, but he confirmed his credibility as an artist with Grenade. At the Grammy Awards last year, he showed a lot of seasoned pros how it's done with his performance of the very song that landed him atop many of the year end charts. The song is also up for some serious awards at this year's Grammys, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

Charts:
#1 US Billboard Hot 100
#11 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)
#3 US Adult Pop Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Pop Songs (Billboard)

Fave line from the song:

Black, black, black and blue
Beat me 'til I'm numb
Tell the devil I said "Hey" when you get back to where you're from
Mad woman, bad woman
That's just what you are
Yeah, you smile in my face then rip the brakes out my car



I was a fan of Drake before Best I Ever Had was officially released a single, his cool swagger, his quiet but strong personality, his confidence, it all told a story for me. Finally, there was a rap artist without all the drama, so different from the stereotype; Drake was born. There was so much hype before the release of his debut album Thank Me Later, and he lived up the type, much like label mate Nicki Minaj (more on her later). So, one can only imagine the hype for his follow up, Take Care. Drake did not disappoint once again and released the single Headlines. Headlines was simple in nature, a song about what else, Drake's fame! Drake was quick to say it is not the best single on the album, but it is the song of the moment, and it is a song with a clear message. Amen to that.

Charts:
#2 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
#17 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Rap Songs (Billboard)



Being that last year they made it official and are now husband and wife, it's only fitting that Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton just so happen to be back to back on my favorite songs list. I promise I didn't do it on purpose, I noticed it after I made my list and put all the songs into alphabetical order. Both had breakout years, she with the albums Revolution and Four and he with Red River Blue. Miranda Lambert has the personality of a spitfire. I admire her tenacity and toughness, she's the woman everyone wants to have as a friend and she's the woman every guy wants to be with. She's strong and last year was the year of her life, she won multiple awards at the CMA's and ACM's, and she looks to make it another banner year with the Grammy nominations she has lined up. Miranda talks about who she is in her hit Heart Like Mine, a song I hold close to my heart. Blake became a judge on the hit NBC reality series The Voice, and 2011 launched him to super stardom with the song Honey Bee. Honey Bee is a timeless song with lyrics that are fun, but also very real and honest. Much like his wife, Blake also took home loads of CMA's and ACM's this past year. I cannot even imagine what 2012 is going to bring for this country couple.

Charts:

Hers:
#1 US Country Songs (Billboard)
#44 US Billboard Hot 100

His:
#13 US Billboard Hot 100
#1 US Country Songs (Billboard)

Fave line from the song:

Hers:
I ain’t the kind you take home to mama
I ain’t the kind to wear no ring
Somehow I always get stronger
When I’m on my second drink

His:
If you’ll be my soft and sweet
I’ll be your strong and steady
You be my glass of wine
I’ll be your shot of whiskey
You be my sunny day
I’ll be your shade tree
You be my honeysuckle
I’ll be your honey bee

Honey Bee - Blake Shelton - Blake Shelton Videos

How To Love showed me a completely new and different side of Lil Wayne. The song has a powerful message, it's about loving yourself, making something of yourself; rumor has it that the idea for the video was all Wayne. The song was also a big crossover hit for Wayne making it onto the pop billboards as well.

Charts:
#5 US Billboard Hot 100
#2 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
#9 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
#2 US Rap Songs (Billboard)

Fave line from the song:

See I just want you to know that you deserve the best
You're beautiful, you're beautiful



How long was it that we all waited for Dr. Dre to make a come back? I don't even remember now, but it was long enough, and it was well worth the wait. Not only was I Need a Doctor one of the best rap singles of the year, but it was genius to have Eminem and Skylar Grey as guests on the track. The video is exciting, explosive, and reflects on the career of a rap legend. It is my pick for Rap/ Sung Collaboration of the year at this year's Grammys (truth be told I want it to be a tie with this song, and DJ Khaled's I'm on One ;-)).

Charts:
#4 US Billboard Hot 100
#19 US Pop Songs (Billboard)
#24 US Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles (Billboard)
#16 US Rap Songs (Billboard)

Fave line from the song:

You saved my life now maybe it's my turn to save yours
But I can never repay you what you did for me is way more
But I ain't giving up faith
And you ain't giving up on me



Britney Spears confirmed her return to the pop princess throne when she released her seventh studio album Femme Fatale. Femme Fatale was deemed a dance album, but critics also proclaimed it as an album that returned Spears to top form, she had returned to her roots, and what made her famous in the first place. No song made that statement more true than I Wanna Go, a fun upbeat dance song with an infectious hook. The video was pure delight, a hidden message from Britney to what she thinks about the media. Some critics even went as far as saying that it is her best single ever! She was snubbed at this year's Grammys which, I must admit, I am not happy about.

Charts:
#7 US Billboard Hot 100
#1 US Hot Dance Club Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Pop Songs (Billboard)

Fave line from the song:

Be A Little Inappropriate
Cause I Know That Everybody’s Thinkin' It
When The Lights Out



The first time I heard I'm On One, I was in my car, and I heard Drake's voice, and the beat was ridiculously infectious. I listened to the song all the way through and then heard Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne and the D.J. started talking about how the track was produced by D.J. Khaled. At that moment, I thought to myself, wow, this guy is gonna blow up, and I texted my friend who is a huge music fan and the rest is history. I blinked and it went all the way to number on the Billboard Rap charts. The song is just good, the verses are so lyrically solid, the song just makes you smile if you understand rap music because there is something about it that is so swag.

Charts:
#10 US Billboard Hot 100
#1 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)
#1 US Rap Songs (Billboard)
#35 US Pop Songs (Billboard)

Fave line from the song:

But get it while you here boy
Cause all that hype don’t feel the same next year boy
Yeah and I’ll be right here in my spot with a little more cash than I already got
Trippin off you cause you had your shot

and

All I care about is money and the city that I’m from
I’ma sip until I feel it, I’ma smoke it till it’s done



One of the most underrated singles of the year, It Girl sung and co written by Jason Derulo technically should have been bigger than his first single Whatcha Say. I am still holding onto hope that at some point this year, it will pick up more radio air play. The lyrics are sweet and the song is exactly the type that anyone could sing along to. Best of all is the message and what the song is about, Derulo says, this song is about him finding the girl of his dreams. I bet a lot of ladies are wishing it was them.

Charts:
#17 US Billboard Hot 100
#6 US Hot Dance Club Songs
#10 US Pop Songs

Fave line from the song:

You could be my it girl
Baby you're the sh*t girl
Lovin' you could be a crime
Crazy how we fit girl
This is it girl
Give me 25 to life
I just wanna rock all night long
And put you in the middle of my spotlight
You could be my it girl
You're my biggest hit girl



If there's one thing Bruno Mars knows how to do, it's write a song full of emotion; he accomplished that perfectly when he co wrote It Will Rain for Twilight's Soundtrack. The song is a sweeping heartfelt ballad that's just as dramatic as the movie it accompanies, but it also stands on it's own. It Will Rain has timeless lyrics and Mars's vocals are on point as always. Mars says that he began writing the song when he was on tour, but he never finished it, seeing the Twilight movie inspired him to finish the song. Ii cannot wait to see what's coming up for him; I've been most impressed so far.

Charts:
#3 US Billboard Hot 100

Fave line from the song:

Cause there'll be no sunlight
if I lose you, baby
There'll be no clear skies
if I lose you, baby
Just like the clouds,
my eyes will do the same if you walk away
Everyday, it will rain,
rain, rain

My Top Songs of 2011

For the past few years I have been creating a list of my favorite and most memorable songs of the past year. I am a bit late this year in creating that list, or rather, in sharing it with you. As I mentioned before, this past year was a real struggle for me, and music was there for me always. Music gave me great joy, it made me smile, it comforted me when I was sad or contemplating my next step.

Overall, this was the year of the Ladies, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, and Adele all appear on this list more than once.

Some newcomers had breakout years, Hot Chelle Rae, Breathe Carolina, The Band Perry, J. Cole, and LMFAO; they burst onto the scene and proved to be contenders.

Here's the list, and check back as I tell you why I chose the songs I chose (they're in alphabetical order):

All of the Lights-- Kanye West featuring Rihanna
Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not-- Thompson Square
Blackout-- Breathe Carolina
Call Your Girlfriend-- Robyn
Cheers (Drink to That)-- Rihanna
Colder Weather-- Zac Brown Band
Dirt Road Anthem-- Jason Aldean
Don't Wanna Go Home-- Jason Derulo
Don't You Wanna Stay-- Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson
The Edge of Glory-- Lady Gaga
Grenade-- Bruno Mars
Headlines-- Drake
Heart Like Mine-- Miranda Lambert
Honey Bee-- Blake Shelton
How to Love-- Lil Wayne
I Need a Doctor-- Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Skyler Grey
I Wanna Go-- Britney Spears
I'm On One-- DJ Khaled, Drake, Rick Ross, and Lil Wayne
It Girl-- Jason Derulo
It Will Rain-- Bruno Mars
Just a Kiss-- Lady Antebellum
Love on Top-- Beyonce
Made in America-- Toby Keith
Marry the Night-- Lady Gaga
Moment for Life-- Nicki Minaj and Drake
Moves Like Jagger-- Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera
Mr. Know it All-- Kelly Clarkson
On the Floor-- Jeniffer Lopez featuring Pitbull
Party Rock Anthem-- LMFAO
Rolling in the Deep-- Adele
She Ain't You-- Chris Brown
Someone Like You-- Adele
Super Bass-- Nicki Minaj
Til the World Ends-- Britney Spears
Tonight Tonight-- Hot Chelle Rae
We Found Love-- Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
Without You-- David Guetta featuring Usher
Work Out-- J. Cole
You Da One-- Rihanna
You Lie-- The Band Perry

I would love to hear your thoughts.... what were your favorite songs of the year, who impressed you?

Beyonce's Surprise Announcement at the VMA's, oh, and The Winners!

Beyonce was glowing in an orangey-red Lanvin Fall dress with great jewelry to compliment it. With Jay-Z and Kanye West going on tour together for "Watch the Throne", will Queen Bey tour with "4" or will that time come after she gives birth?


My favorite moment at last night's VMAs came with Beyonce's public announcement that she was indeed with child. I was so happy for her, and to see the joy shared by so many of her peers was a wonderful vision. Beyonce looked radiant and rocked the stage as she always does, this time singing her new single "Love on Top" penned by Knowles herself, The Dream, and Shea Taylor. The hint came at the beginning of her performance when Beyonce told everyone to "feel the love that's growing inside of me". At the end of the performance she unbuttoned her sparkly pink jacket and she rubbed her growing belly. Goal oriented as she is, Beyonce had told reporters many times that she hoped to have a child by 30, the talented 29 year old will turn 30 on Sept. 4th.

MTV news reported that backstage Beyonce said, "I'm free!" to one of the well-wishers, indicating that she and Jay are thrilled to not have to keep such a big secret any longer. "We're all free!" she said to the group. Beyonce and a possible baby has been speculated several times by the media. She even told Cynthia McFadden earlier this year that she felt when the time really did come that she was pregnant no one would care because it had been falsely reported so many times. Beyonce is so classy though and she truly found the perfect way to make the announcement to everyone. Congratulations to Beyonce and Jay-Z!

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Beyoncé

The Winners for the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards:

Video Of the Year: Katy Perry, "Fireworks"

Video with a Message: Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"

Best New Artist Video: Tyler the Creator, "Yonkers"

Best Pop Video: Britney Spears, "Til the World Ends"

Best Rock Video: Foo Fighters, "Walk"

Best Hip Hop Video: Nicki Minaj, "Super Bass"

Best Famale Video: Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"

Best Male Video: Justin Bieber, "U Smile"

Best Collaboration Video: Katy Perry featuring Kanye West, "ET"

Best Art Direction in a Video: Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"

Best Choreography in a Video: Beyonce, "Run the World (Girls)"

Best Cinematography in a Video: Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"

Best Direction in a Video: Beastie Boys, "Make Some Noise"

Best Editing in a Video: Adele, "Rolling in the Deep"

Best Special Effects in a Video: Katy Perry featuring Kanye West, "ET"

This year was the year of the ladies at the VMA's with women winning 11 out of the 15 categories! Six women won these 11 awards: Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Adele, Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, and Beyonce, each one has released a successful album this year or last year. It makes me extra proud because each one of them is so talented and has worked so hard for their success. Congratulations to all the nominees and all the winners! Thanks for making 2011 an unforgettable year in music.