The Voice Season Six: Shakira and Adam pick their teams

Team Shakira:

Kristen Merlin sang Two Black Cadillacs by Carrie Underwood-- Unreal vocal, and a standing ovation from Adam and Shakira. Adam felt like she broke through and became a serious contender, you're at the top of your game, your best, and one of the best of the season. Blake said it was as flawless as a live performance can be. Usher said she is consistent and one of the best voices in the competition. I loved this, it was as good as Miss Carrie herself singing it. Adam and Usher told Shakira she has to keep Kristen.

Deja Hall sang Battlefield by Jordin Sparks-- I wanted the vocal to be a little more aggressive. She needed to dirty it up a little bit, she was trying to make it sound perfect and it lost some of its grit. Blake said she came out of her shell a bit. Usher said she has grown so much. Shakira felt like she was finally believing in herself.

Tess Boyer sang Human by Christina Perri-- Tess is nothing short of amazing; I hope she keeps going in this competition. She kind of reminds of someone like Will Champlin, just the way she keeps battling back, it's just so cool, and she has that type of work ethic where she refuses to give up, she keeps raising the bar. Adam said if you win this, I will look like a ding dong for being the only person on the coaching panel to not coach you. Adam called Blake and Usher total morons for letting her go. Usher called her superhuman for the way she holds notes, and talked about the realness to her voice. Blake said she took something hard and made it seem easy. Shakira called her a little miracle and even in her low voice, her voice filled the room completely.

Patrick Thomson sang Trouble by Ray LaMontagne-- This was my favorite performance by Patrick, and I do think he connected with the song. Usher said he didn't understand who Patrick was until now. Blake said Adam looks dumb now for letting him go. Shakira said you just had that moment where everyone sees what you're capable of; your voice was right on the money.

Dani Moz sang Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga-- Awesome stripped down performance. I really had the opportunity to hear Dani's vocals and her artistry. She was clearly connected to the song. Adam said emotions are good, it was really great, and Shakira is a loony if she doesn't keep you moving forward. Blake said you were completely connected to the song and you're a game changer. Usher said you're extremely passionate, and it wasn't flawless but your emotion brought me closer to you. Shakira said Dani made her listen to that Gaga song and she thinks if Gaga is watching, she'd be proud.

Prediction: Kristen, Tess, and Dani

Shakira's final three: wow, well my prediction was 100% right, and you don't have to believe it but I did choose the three moving forward-- Tess, Kristen, and Dani

Team Adam:

Delvin Choice sang Let's Stay Together by Al Green-- Delvin has that voice that is capable of just about anything. What he has is pure unbounded talent; I can't wait to see what the next round brings for Delvin. The runs and just the overall smooth quality to his voice is incredible. Blake said you have grown leaps and bounds. Usher said there is nothing you can't do. Shakira said it was delicious. Adam said you have solidified that we're the team to beat this year.

Jake Barker sang She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5-- I enjoyed Jake's performance, his falsetto is pretty awesome, and while Usher thinks he sounds a little like Justin Timberlake, I also think he sounds a little like Adam Levine. It's hard to believe he doesn't have a lot of singing experience. Blake said you have such a strong falsetto; I feel for Adam, he has some tough decisions coming up. Usher said your growth is impressive and I hope you make it through. Shakira said you have a vulnerable, sweet voice, and it worked. Adam said Jake is a natural.

Kat Perkins sang Open Arms by Journey-- I loved Kat's performance, I didn't love the song for her. It seemed a little bit 80's for me, It was like she didn't make the song modern. The coaches seemed to really love this performance though. Shakira said she made it seem effortless. Blake said open arms my ass, open lungs. He said it sounded like Kat's song, I have no criticism. Adam said those are really challenging songs, and there is nothing to criticize.

Morgan Wallen sang Stay by Florida Georgia Line-- Honest performance from Morgan! I liked the song choice. I wonder if he will make it through though only because there are so many strong singers on Adam's team. Unfortunately, I think he is going to be left behind. He does have a good country voice though, there is no doubt. Usher said he should be singing country music, and he is happy he is still in this. Blake said I hear a lot of Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots in his voice.

Christina Grimmie sang I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz-- I think Christina Grimmie was the best performance of the night. I think she is the shoe in for Team Adam. What an amazing vocal full of emotion and strength. Blake said Adam that is the best singer on your team. How does such a big voice come out of such a little person? Usher said you're like baby Celine Dion. Adam said Blake said I am little too, and Usher said, no, he said parts of you are little. Adam said I haven't had any complaints. Shakira said it was perfect, I loved that you sang a song that was sung by a male, and made it your own.

Prediction: Christina, Jake, and Delvin

Adam's final three: Christina, Delvin, and Kat

The Voice Season 6: Round 2 of the Battles, Part 2 and 3

Part 2:

Team Blake: Sisaundra Lewis vs. Biff Gore sang It's a Man's Man's Man's World by James Brown-- All things considered this was a fairly matched battle. Sisaundra brings the sick vocal and Biff brings the entertainment factor. What it came down to for Blake was those killer vocals.
Blake chose Sisaundra

Team Shakira: Dendyl vs. Deja Hall sang Say Something by a Great Big World and Christina Aguilera-- My favorite in this was Deja; I think she is so talented and poised for someone her age. Adam brought up Deja's rich tone. Blake liked Deja's innocence but admired Ddendyl's artistry. Usher felt like going with Deja was right because she has so much room to grow.
Shakira chose Deja

Team Shakira: Emily B vs Kristen Merlin sang I Can Love You Better by Dixie Chicks-- Kristen Merlin wins the Battle

Team Usher: Stevie Jo vs. Morgan Wallen sang Story of My Life by One Direction-- Usher said, Morgan, I didn't know you had a falsetto, and he said Stevie Jo has this amazing ability to sing tricky melodies. I enjoyed both singers, and I liked how they turned a straight pop song into a ballad.
Usher chose Stevie Jo and Adam stole Morgan


Part 3:

Team Shakira: Clarissa Serna vs Dani Moz sang Perfect by Pink-- Maybe it's cause they were first out of the gate tonight but I wasn't all that impressed with either one. Dani won! Yay!
Shakira chose Dani

Team Adam: Dawn & Hawkes vs. Kat Perkins sang Suddenly I See by K.T. Tunstall-- Blake felt like Dawn & Hawkes were backing Kat up. Usher jumped on the Kat bandwagon as well. Dawn & Hawkes sounded as one and Kat stood out, Shakira said. Adam said Kat is one of the most underrated singers in this competition. I didn't think Kat was all that great, I would have picked Dawn & Hawkes.
Adam chose Kat

Team Usher: Melissa Jimenez vs. Music Box sang Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys-- I thought both artists were quite strong, I preferred Melissa's style a little bit more, so I lean more towards her. Unsure what Shakira was talking about when she was talking about many weak moments in the performance. Adam said they both had good moments but Melissa perhaps had more good moments. Blake said Melissa is a smooth singer, but he is still curious about Music Box and for that reason would go with her. Usher said because he is looking forward to teaching her, he picks Melissa.
Usher chose Melissa

Team Blake: Kaleigh Glanton vs. Ryan Whyte Maloney sang Easy by Rascal Flatts and Natasha Bedingfield-- Usher said he felt the challenge of the song but felt that Kaleigh and Ryan were supportive of one another. Blake was impressed with both of them. He decided he needed to go with overall consistency and chose Ryan. I agree; he's conquered some tough songs. Kaleigh allowed her nerves to get the best of her. She actually sounded better during rehearsals than she did on the stage. I agree with Usher's comment in that Easy is a tough song to sing.
Blake chose Ryan

 Team Adam: Brittnee Camelle vs. Jake Barker sang Climax by Usher-- That was my fave battle of the night. I thought that they took a huge risk singing that song, it's really high, and they both pulled it off. Blake felt like Jake had the edge. Usher said it was one of his most risky songs, and he thought that they both gave great performances. Shakira said Jake embraced the challenge and she would give it to him. Adam said Brittnee had some unbelievable notes in there, and he said Jake sounds like he has been singing his whole life.
Adam chose Jake

Team Usher: Madilyn Paige vs. Bria Kelly sang I'll Stand by You by The Pretenders-- I liked both of them. Seems they can both use some work. Adam said he was left wanting more, and I agree with that. Blake echoed a similar thought. Usher believes they both need a learning experience moving forward.
Usher chose Bria and yes, Blake stole Madilyn

The Voice Season Six: The Second Weeks of Battles Roll On

Team Adam: Austin Ellis vs. Josh Kaufman sang Happy By Pharrell-- Both of these guys brought their "a" game. They were so tight vocally and their charm was able to win over the entire audience, and they had a camaraderie that was obvious on stage. Blake thought there was so much energy on stage. He felt Adam was solid, and he couldn't keep up with Josh. Usher said he would give it to Josh but says Austin has talent. Shakira called it one of the best battles, and thought they were both great singers and won over the audience. Adam said he was proud of both of them and they are equally good singers.
Who should win? Josh but Austin should get a steal
Adam chose Josh
(Usher why didn't you steal Austin?)

Team Blake: Alaska & Madi vs. Audra McLaughlin sang When Will I Be Loved by Linda Ronstadt-- Audra was cracking a lot in the higher notes and in the breaks; it was a little wobbly. I enjoyed the harmonies of the duo and I would choose them. Adam said he was upset cause he had to watch that performance and he has no steal left. He said he would have picked whoever didn't get picked. Usher and Shakira both seemed indifferent, and foolishly didn't use their steal. Adam told Usher he was a fool for not picking them. He said he would have picked Audra had Blake not picked her (whatevs, you wouldn't have).
Who should win? Alaska & Madi
Blake chose Audra

Team Shakira: Deja Hall vs. Music Box sang Eternal Flame by The Bangles-- Overall, I didn't think this song suited these ladies, but I would tend to go with Deja because she is so young and therefore has so much potential. Adam felt similarly. Blake said Deja has power but Music Box stands out and has a different sound than most. Usher said Deja is far beyond her age in voice, and said both of them will go far. Shakira called Music Box's tone, but felt she needed to focus on being vulnerable. She said Deja displayed power.
Who should win? Deja
Shakira chose Deja.... Usher stole Music Box (really Usher?, the steals have been kind of weird this season)

Team Usher: Madilyn Paige vs. Tanner James sang Everything Has Changed by Taylor Swift-- I liked both of them, they were so good. They were believable, I believed that they were in love during that performance. It was also pure and innocent not only in portrayal but in voice. Adam said it was cute overload and it was so romantic, sweet, and sincere. Blake found both of them adorable. Usher called Tanner a heartthrob, and he felt Madilyn arrived. You supported each other but took the liberty to go outside your comfort zones and you let your personalities come out.
Who should win? I can't choose I genuinely liked both of them.
Usher chose Madilyn

Team Adam: Dawn & Hawkes vs. Josh Murley sang Stuck in the Middle with You by Steelers Wheel-- I loved it, it sounded like they were having a jam session. It was cool, but it was tough to hear each of them as individuals, I would find it difficult to choose someone. Usher was glued to the performance, so much so that he was waiting for their individuality to come out. Shakira said this group made her feel like having a beer. She called it a feel good performance.
Who should win? Unsure, but I loved Dawn & Hawkes' blind audition so much, everything they do seems magical.
Adam chose Dawn & Hawkes.... at the very last second as Josh was walking out Shakira stole him

Team Usher: Bria Kelly vs. Tess Boyer sang Take Another Piece of My Heart by Janis Joplin-- This was a strong battle from both of these ladies. I knew that Bria was going to pull through but to have Tess rise to the occasion was amazing. Tess deserves to get a steal. Adam said he is terrified of Team Usher because of Bria, she was his big loss. He did say that he wasn't a fan of Tess before but he is now. Blake felt that Tess took this battle. Usher said something special happened with Tess tonight.
Who should win? Bria
Usher chose Bria, and Blake stole Tess

Cannot wait until the last night of Battles tomorrow! Until then........

The Voice Blind Auditions Season Six: Night Two

Night two of the blind auditions Season 6 continues.... I have put videos for my favorites of the night.

**4 Chair Turn** Delvin Choice sang A Song for You by Donny Hathaway-- Blake, Adam, and Shakira turned around immediately. Usher waited until absolutely the last minute to turn around, and I am sure glad he did. Delvin deserved a four chair turn. Adam and Shakira actually stood up during his performance. Delvin's voice is so full and rich and amazing, and I am hoping that he picks Adam cause Adam steered him in the right direction back in season five when he told him that he had to pick a different song, at the time he picked Closer by Neyo.
Delvin chooses Adam



Madilyn Paige sang Titanium by David Guetta and Sia-- Usher turns, then Shakira. Madilyn's voice is so pure but so big, and she's only 16. Madilyn said she picked Usher because he would help her get to where she needs to be and he would stand by her all the way.
Madilyn chooses Usher

Noah Lis sang Me and Mrs. Jones-- I actually thought no one was going to turn around, but Adam and Blake turned around at the last minute. Adam and Blake battled it out and where Adam thought Noah needed to refine his vocals, Blake thought he needed to dirty it up a little bit. Blake also discussed his love for crooners and Dean Martin. I am with Blake on this, Noah was trying to make the performance too perfect.
Noah chooses Blake

Keith Shuskie sang Somewhere Only We Know by Keane-- No one turned around. I liked Keith's personality, but the vocals were a little bit sloppy. Usher asked him who his musical influences are and he cited Queen. You could hear that in his vocal, and I hope he does come back like Usher suggested.

Deja Hall sang True Colors by Cyndi Lauper-- Blake and Shakira turned at the same time near the beginning and Usher turned at the end. She's only 16! I definitely thought she was older. She has great control in her voice. Blake said she could win this whole show, but not with Usher or Shakira. Blake also exclaims that he wants to adopt Deja. Usher said she was courageous for choosing that song. Despite all that.....
Deja chooses Shakira

**4 Chair Turn** Cary Laine sang Better Dig Two by The Band Perry-- I loved Cary; the grit in her voice is simply awesome. The song suited her so well too, it wasn't just about her vocals, but her attitude. Adam turned for her first and it was almost immediately, followed by Blake and Shakira, and lastly Usher. She deserved the four chair turn. Adam leads her to his chair and has her sit down. The judges proceed to fight over her. I think Usher is convinced she is going to choose Blake and therefore he kind of gives up, but Adam doesn't. Shakira barely even fights for her. Her son thinks she is going to choose Blake. Am I the only person who thinks she is going to choose Adam?
Cary chooses Adam