The Voice Season 4: And Now We're Down to 6

So who was surprised about this week's two departures from The Voice? Tuesday night, Judith Hill and Sarah Simmons, two front runners were eliminated from Team Adam leaving him with his only artist, petite powerhouse Amber Carrington. I honestly have to tell everyone right now that I was not surprised with the elimination of Judith or Sarah. Over the past couple of weeks, I have become disinterested in Judith's performances, almost to the point of boredom. Sarah's song choice this week, whether it was Adam's choice  or hers was the wrong. Gotye's Somebody that I Used to Know just lacked not only the energy that I am used to hearing from her, but she didn't connect emotionally like she usually does.

The only team that remains intact is Team Blake with Holly Tucker, Danielle Bradbery, and The Swon Brothers. If I had to choose my favorite of those three, I think The Swon Brothers win on creativity, authenticity, and talent. My top four is Michelle Chamuel, Sasha Allen, Amber Carrington, and The Swon Brothers.

By far the most breathtaking performance this week was Amber's rendition of Skyfall by Adele. Her voice was haunting, angelic, and strong. The performance quality was so much higher in comparison to several other artists.

Michelle once again gave it everything she had, this week the song was Grenade by Bruno Mars which was right in her wheelhouse.

Sasha took a big risk singing Without You by Usher, and this time, the risk paid off.

The Swon Brothers could go to Nashville and record an album right now; they're that ready. Their harmonies in Seven Bridges Road were unbelievable.  

Next week the top six will perform and we will be left with our four finalists by this time next week. I cannot wait to see if things turn out as I predicted.

The Voice Season 4: Live Rounds-- Team Shakira and Team Blake Take the Stage

Team Shakira: Garrett Garnder sang Imagine by John Lennon-- Coach Shakira said she was very proud of him, and feel that he is such a real artist. She said Garrett has worked so hard and had so much determination. I like Garrett, but for some reason, I felt like this song was a little to ambitious for him. He slid into a lot of the notes instead of hitting them head on, whether or not that was intentional, I am unsure.

Team Blake: Holly Tucker sang How Do I Live by LeAnn Rimes-- Holly is a front runner in this competition to me. She make such great choices for herself vocally, and it always ends up highlighting these wonderful parts of her voice. Usher felt that she had great attack on the song. Shakira loved her falsetto at the end. Adam said Holly looked beautiful, and sounded great.

Team Shakira: Kris Thomas sang When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars-- I didn't love the arrangement at the end, but I ultimately love Kris' vibe and overall the performance was good. Adam felt Kris was nervous, but felt he clearly had a great voice. Usher pointed out the great control Kris has in his voice. Shakira said not only does Kris have great talent and a great voice, but he is also a great person.

Team Blake: The Swon Brothers sang Fishin' in the Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band-- I wasn't too familiar with the song, but I think they made it sound like their own. It had a very professional sound and feel, probably because they're so in sync. Shakira like that she can't sit back and enjoy them. Adam said he didn't know the song, but fantastic job. Blake thought it was so great, tight harmonies, etc.

Team Shakira: Karina Iglesias sang Let's Stay Together by Al Green-- I didn't like the way that this performance/ arrangement started out in super slow mode. Karina does have the vocals but I question whether or not that performance had everything. Adam regretted giving Karina up. Shakira loved her sassy-ness and lungs and felt that she gave her everything she needed.

Team Blake: Justin Rivers sang Meet in the Middle by Diamond Rio-- I thought Justin's voice was absolutely rocking tonight, his vocals were on point and the only thing I didn't like was the song. Usher thought it was cool. Shakira used the word vibe for probably the third time tonight. Adam thought that he owned the performance, said Justin is a huge surprise, and that he is a fan.

Team Blake: Danielle Bradbery sang Maybe it was Memphis by Pam Tillis-- I actually felt that this song fit Danielle like a glove, and her vocals are natural and seamless. Usher said that she looked so comfortable on the stage. Shakira said I just have one thing to say like Blake Shelton always says, "holy crap". Adam said she is one of the ones to beat in this competition, it's terrifying cause you're only 16. Blake said she took the song and made it important again.

Team Shakira: Sasha Allen sang Oh Darlin' by The Beatles-- Sasha is amazing, she is my personal favorite, and I think she grows every week. Adam said you can still win this thing, it doesn't matter what team you're on. Blake said, Adam gave her up, and everyone who just saw that fell in love with you. Usher said, you gave her up? Usher said he is happy she's here and likes her outfit. Shakira said we signed up for this, you have one of the best voices I have heard in my life.

Who will definitely go through on Team Blake? Holly Tucker and The Swon Brothers.... I think Blake will choose I have no idea Justin Rivers or Danielle Bradbery to go forward.

Who will definitely go through on Team Shakira? Sasha Allen and Garrett Gardner.... I think Shakira will choose Kris Thomas to go forward and Karina Iglesias will go home.

The Voice Season 4: The Knockout Rounds Team Blake and Team Usher

Team Blake: Savannah Berry singing As Long As You Love Me by Justin Bieber vs. Justin Rivers singing The Climb by Miley Cyrus-- I was honestly impressed with Justin and I would give it to him. I am surprised because I went into it thinking I would choose Savannah. It seemed like after all the judges' comments that they would all choose Justin, but it's Blakes' opinion that matters, and he actually went with Justin! Good for him, that last note was spectacular, and I think Blake is right, he's gonna bring it in the live shows.
The knockout goes to: Justin

Team Usher: Josiah Hawley singing Back to Black by Amy Winehouse vs. Jess Kellner singing You Give Me Something by James Morrison-- Adam felt that they should have done each others songs; I was thinking about that, and I actually agree, that would have sounded wonderful. Blake thought Josiah needed to loosen up, and he thought Jess was soulful. Usher said it's been incredible working with you Josiah, and that's why I want to continue working with you. I actually am surprised by this, I thought Jess was going to win because her voice is just so full and beautiful. There is something about Josiah but I didn't feel he showed the bad boy part of himself in the song.
The knockout goes to: Josiah

Team Blake: Holly Tucker singing Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw vs. Luke Edgemon singing Teenage Dream by Katy Perry-- I love both of these singers and both of these song choices for them; I really do not like that they're facing each other (sad face).Holly definitely has pipes and I feel like no matter what she has a future. Luke is special, his rendition of Teenage Dream was smooth and flat out sexy, loved the way he reinvented the song. Usher said Holly gave a stellar performance, and he thought it was tough for Luke to transform Teenage Dream. Shakira and Adam said that they totally got it. Adam said you have a crazy, killer voice with limitless potential. Blake tried to argue that Like didn't do enough range wise, I don't think it's about holding a note, it's about originality and the whole package. I'm with Adam on this, Blake's an idiot.
The knockout goes to: Holly

Team Usher: Audrey Karrasch singing How to Live by Lil Wayne vs. Michelle Chamuel singing Raise Your Glass by Pink!-- I feel like Audrey struggled a little on the higher notes. Michelle is a true performer and I loved her performance. Shakira chose Michelle and loved her performance quality. Adam liked the pocket for Audrey's voice but felt it fell off a couple of times, and thought Michelle was the type of artist he'd like to see more of. Blake felt similarly to Adam. Usher liked how Audrey made a rap record a pop record, and he enjoyed Michelle's performance.
The knockout goes to: Michelle

Team Blake: Danielle Bradbery singing Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood vs. Taylor Beckham singing Russian Roulette by Rihanna-- Usher felt that Danielle took that battle with her control. Shakira said Danielle never seems nervous. Adam thought Taylor didn't seem confident enough but it was a good performance. Blake said Taylor is amazing and did better in rehearsal. This was a kind of boring knockout round as far as I was concerned. I think Danielle won hands down.
The knockout goes to: Danielle

Team Usher: C. Perkins singing She Ain't You by Chris Brown vs. Vedo singing Everything I Do I Do It For You by Bryan Adams--  C. is a great performer, he has charisma, and he got the crowd pumped up; loved the vocals I heard, just wish he had done more with the song. Vedo delivered a full of grace and restraint performance, just lovely. Adam felt that this was Vedo's moment. Blake and Adam both commented on what C. did with the crowd and how he got them to warm up to him. Usher felt that Vedo's mom was watching him from heaven. He said C. is full of energy and waiting to burst out.
The knockout goes to: Vedo

Team Blake: Grace Askew singing I Can't Stand the Rain by Tina Turner vs. The Swon Brothers singing Drift Away by John Henry Kurtz-- Usher thinks Grace is a unique talent, and felt The Swon Brothers moved the audience, and gave it to them because of how they carried it. Shakira felt Blake should go with Grace. Adam enjoyed The Swon Brothers performance and feel that they know their place in the duo. I like how interesting Grace is, to me, no offense, I was a little bit bored with The Swon Brothers performance. Just as a side note, I feel like Blake is limiting himself and the versatility of his team but choosing all country singers. I am much more interested in some of the other teams at this stage in the competition as a result of that and some of those teams have country singers on them.
The knockout goes to: The Swon Brothers

Team Usher: Cathia singing Mr. Know it All by Kelly Clarkson vs. Ryan Innes singing I Don't Wanna Be by Gavin DeGraw-- Cathia impressed me and continues to grow, Ryan was off key at several points, and therefore, I felt like I'd give it to Cathia. Adam felt that he didn't hear the grit in Ryan's voice. Blake said he was more impressed with Cathia as did Shakira who said this would be a toughie one for Usher. Usher ended up going with Cathia; she deserved it. Usher felt the performance was too much of a departure from who he was.
The knockout goes to: Cathia

The Voice Season 4: The Battle Rounds Begin

A special mention to my special city: Boston! I love you, and whoever did this picked on the wrong city for sure. We're strong, resilient, and we refuse to be victims. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was affected by this tragedy. 4.15.13-- We will always remember.

AGREE! Team Shakira: Garrett Gardner vs. J'Sun sang How You Like Me Now by The Heavy-- I thought this was a really odd song choice. I actually liked Garrett in this; it suited him more, and he performed better. Shakira ended up opting for Garrett; the grit in his voice did it.
Shakira moves forward with Garrett

AGREE! Team Blake: Holly Tucker vs. Michelle Raitzin sang Blown Away by Carrie Underwood-- Loved the way both ladies attacked this song with such fierceness. I liked how they harmonized. I personally enjoyed Holly more, but I could totally see both of them moving forward in this competition. Michelle started to lose her breath as Blake mentioned and he decided to go with country singer Holly.
Blake moves forward with Holly

AGREE! Team Usher: Jess Kellner vs. Taylor Beckham sang You Know I'm No Good by Amy Winehouse-- Jess is the stronger singer in my opinion. Taylor has a great quirkiness and character in her voice. If I had to move forward with someone, it would be Jess. I noticed Taylor did a lot of screaming in the song. Usher ended up picking Jess; I think it's because she listened to him in rehearsals more than Taylor did. He was pretty hard on both of them saying that neither one of them 100% lit it on fire. Blake stole Taylor saying, "I like Taylor".
Usher moves forward with Jess
Blake stole Taylor

AGREE but DISAGREE! Team Adam: Amber Carrington vs. Sasha Allen sang Try by Pink-- Oh no! I love both of them, I'm not sure who I would pick, but I believe both of them should move forward. Amber impressed me because I didn't expect her to keep up with Sasha but she did. Both ladies were stellar. Surprisingly, Adam decided to move forward with Amber. Not to worry Sasha, everyone turned around for you in the Blind Auditions, and Shakira and Usher opted to try and steal her. Sasha chose Team Shakira which not only surprised me but it shocked Usher as well. He said he was dumbfounded.
Adam moves forward with Amber
Shakira stole Sasha

DISAGREE! Team Blake: Christian Porter vs. The Swon Brothers sang I Won't Back Down by Tom Petty-- Christian has lots of conviction and confidence when he sings, so do The Swon Brothers. This is another tough choice because I like both acts. I actually think that they should form a trio. Ultimately, for me, Christian was stronger, but Blake actually chose The Swon Brothers. I was surprised about this, but more so, I was surprised that no one stole Christian. This was a big mistake!
Blake moves forward with The Swon Brothers

AGREE! Team Adam: Judith Hill vs. Karina Iglesias sang It's a Man's Man's Man's World by James Brown-- Karina is over singing a little bit. I loved Judith because her vocal nuances were so deliberate. She is so special because she feels every single note when she sings. I can see Karina moving on too only because she kept up with Judith, but I would be shocked if Adam didn't choose Judith. This battle received a standing ovation from all four judges. Adam said he believes it was the best battle in The Voice history. He had a hard time choosing but picked Judith. Shakira used her final steal for Karina who she regretted not turning around for in the Blind Auditions.
Adam moves forward with Judith
Shakira stole Karina

The Voice Blind Auditions: Season 4, Night 3

The Swon Brothers sang American Girl by Tom Petty-- Blake says he's an Okie just like them (they're all from Oklahoma). Usher thinks he can help them get to where they need to be. Shakira hopes to give them a fresh perspective. What I loved was the rawness and realness in their voices. The guys ended up choosing Blake.
Team Blake

Taylor Beckham sang I'm Goin Down by Mary J. Blige-- Usher and Shakira both turn around. Taylor is only 17! She has soul, but she is nervous and sounds like a kid and that comes across. Shakira tries to relate to her by saying she was a gymnast like Taylor used to be. Adam actually tries to sell Usher as her coach, and ultimately she chooses him. To me, I think Taylor has the goods, but is she a little too young? Perhaps.
Team Usher

Sam Alves sang Feelin' Good by Nina Simone or Michael Buble--  Okay now, so I didn't love this young man. That being said, the judges have chosen other people this year and in years past that are not as good as this guy was. Sam said that everything happens for a reason and he fully believes that. No one turning around was a surprise to me; I think a couple of them regretted it when he sang the last note.

Karina Iglesias sang I'm the Only One by Melissa Etheridge-- Adam and Blake kept going  back and forth deciding whether or not to push the button and they kept daring each other. Finally, at the very last moment, they both pushed the button. Shakira regretted not pushing the button. Blake said as she sang, it was like she kept pushing the gas pedal. Karina says that as long as she has been watching the show, she's been wanting to say, I'm picking Team Adam. Adam is happy he has Karina on his team because he is a bad ass singer.
Team Adam

Garrett Gardner sang Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes-- I definitely feel that Garrett improved over the last time he was here. That was a much better song choice for him but that was a bit screamy. He pushed too much at the end. I do think he took Blake's criticism and really worked on his craft. Adam said he was overjoyed that he made it and is on someone's team. Shakira was the only one who turned around, and remembered him from last year and wanted Garrett on her team.
Team Shakira

Flash Rounds:
J'Sun, an R&B singer ends up on Shakira’s team
Duncan is a Hawaiian folks singer who makes it on Team Adam
Chelsea M. lands on Usher’s team

4 Chair Turn! Holly Tucker sang To Make You Feel My Love-- Adam immediately turned his chair, followed by Shakira, Usher, and Blake. Usher gave her a standing ovation. Holly says she has always wanted to be a country singer. Adam said you're so good that you blow any genre out of the water; I want to work with you really badly. Usher said he wants to nurture her talent. Shakira loved the honesty of her performance and said that if she feels adventurous to pick her. Blake said he turned around last because he initially couldn't hear her cause Usher was talking. Holly ends up going with her country connection, and choose Blake. Holly has a really smooth voice, and her personality is so honest.
Team Blake

And now we bring you a montage of people who didn't make the show.....

Let's move on......

Landon Medvec sang You Give Me Something by James Morrison-- He sounds too much like James Morrison; he needs to develop his sound more and come back. There was also a little too much rasp. Blake and Usher thought that Landon sounded like a girl. Shakira thought he was in control and loved his choice of song. Adam said that sometimes it sounded like him doing an impression of James.
No one chose him either.

Michelle Chamuel sang I Kissed a Girl by Katy Perry-- Adam turned, then Shakira, wait a while, and then Usher turns around too. Her voice is different and her character is compelling. Shakira thought Michelle was spectacular and fierce and compared it to her beginnings. Michelle said I have a question for the three amazing humans who pushed their buttons and Blake said what about me? Usher said, what it is is that you're not a human. Usher said he wants to know what kind of music she would like to be known for? She said electronic pop. I actually do like the pairing of her with Usher. Michelle was really gracious and thanked all the judges and the ones who turned around.
Team Usher

Julie Roberts sang God Gave Me You by Blake Shelton-- She previously had a record deal and lost it after the flood in Nashville. I didn't feel she was connected to the song as she sang it. I understand why no one turned around; there was nothing that compelled them to. Blake feels bad that he didn't turn around, but there are a lot of things Julie could stand to work on.

4 Chair Turn! Monique Abbadie sang Loca by Shakira-- Monique was a regular on Sabado Gigante, and she just has so much good energy and happiness when she sings. Usher said she rocked. Adam said the rhythmic sensibility is so on money. Blake said I hit my button first, but she's picking Shakira. Shakira liked the aggression she took on the verses. The guys actually want her to pick Shakira. Monique says Usher is good looking. She chooses her Idol, Shakira!
Team Shakira

4 Chair Turn! Warren Stone sings Colder Weather by The Zac Brown Band-- Love this guys story, he is a divorced dad and firefighter with the great ability to tell a story with his voice. Adam turns right away, then Usher and Shakira, and lastly Blake. Adam is so ignited by what he's done and knows he is going to be a great country star. Blake said country is a hard community to break into. Shakira believes she can mentor him, because talent is talent. Adam asks him to be adventurous, and take a chance with him. Everyone is shocked when Warren picks Adam.
Team Adam