Showing posts with label Michelle Chamuel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michelle Chamuel. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

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.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Reality Round-Up: American Idol, The Voice, and Dancing With The Stars-- Is it the Year of the Girl?

We all know what happened this year on American Idol. I know that they talked about a girl winning since one hadn't one since Season 6 when Jordin Sparks took that honor. I must admit that I had no doubts along the way and I wondered whether or not a girl would really win. Having an all female top five though? I never would have thought. Janelle Arthur, Amber Holcomb, Angie Miller, Kree Harrison, and Candice Miller not only proved that they could sing but they made history at the same time. Newly crowned winner Candice will release an album before the summer is over. Kree will visit the Grand Ole Opry in a couple of weeks and take the stage with Idol judge Keith Urban and good friend Kellie Pickler (who just won Dancing with the Stars and is also an Idol alum). Kree says she is hoping to put out an album that she writes and hopes to recruit friend and country newcomer Kacey Musgraves for that effort. Angie has a record deal in the works and says she'll fight to make the album her way. If her song "You Set Me Free" is any judgement of how her album will turn out, I will be waiting to buy it.

Outcome: A woman won! Candice Glover took the crown but one could argue that each woman in the top five was a winner.

On The Voice I was shocked when two more guys were sent home leaving the top eight with seven women and one male act, The Swon Brothers. I hate to say it, but the probability of The Swon Brothers winning and securing a victory for the guys is slim to none. Josiah Hawley of Team Usher and Kris Thomas of Team Shakira were sent home after rather weak performances. The top seven leaves Adam and Blake's Teams intact and Shakira and Usher with only one remaining artist each respectively.

Team Adam is Sara Simmons, Judith Hill, and Amber Carrington
Team Blake is Danielle Bradbery, Holly Tucker, and The Swon Brothers
Team Shakira is Sasha Allen
and Team Usher is Michelle Chamuel

I love the two left on Team Shakira and Team Usher. Sasha Allen is so emotional and she brings everything to every performance, especially that amazing vocal; she does no wrong for me. Michelle Chamuel digs deep on every performance, I have no idea how she does it, but she grows every week, and she's someone I am excited to see on the stage. I think The Swon Brothers are actually my favorite on Team Blake because their performances are so authentic and I feel like there's no one like them in country right now. They make me feel like I'm at a country hoedown. And I love Amber Carrington on Team Adam. she continues to surprise me with her gutsy and confident performances.

Dancing with the Stars had no surprising outcome to me; the first time I saw Kellie Pickler dance, I knew I was looking at the Champion. She took every criticism and she tapped into the emotional part of dancing which is what makes it so great. She wasn't just great at the start of the season, but she grew throughout. I couldn't be happier because she deserved it as did Derek. He did a great job partnering Kellie and being there for her.

16 year old Zendaya! What can I say? She shocked me; I did not expect someone her age to bring the poise and maturity that she brought to the ballroom. Val should be so proud of her because she executed his amazing choreography exactly how it needed to be executed. I loved what Val said on the finale about the fact that Zendaya inspired him and taught him to believe in himself and his dreams again. I think that's a tribute to Zendaya, and in my book, she too is a champion. I was a fan of Kellie before and I always have been every since American Idol, but I didn't know who Zendaya was. I can now say, I will forever be a Zendaya fan.

Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnof took third place and rightfully so. Jacoby's exciting and energetic dancing style became a favorite in the ballroom. How he could go down into a split and right back up again, I will never know. I think what helped Jacoby was Karina's personality, she's such an open and warm dancer. He's going to have a such an awesome touchdown dance this season. I cannot wait to see it.

It's happening by the way, I am going over all the dances this season and picking my favorite ones for the top three and maybe some other honorable mentions. This season was amazing and anyone in the top three could have been a champion.

And just because it has been proven to be the year of the Woman on reality TV--

I bring you two hot songs that shout Women Power!



Zendaya danced to this song for her hip hop number and was amazing.

Katy Perry, where are you? We need you back. I know you wanted a break, but we need more songs like this, and Amber Carrington, will you please sing this on The Voice?




Tuesday, May 7, 2013

The Voice Season 4: The Live Rounds are Finally Here!

Team Adam: Amber Carrington sang Stay by Rihanna-- Amber definitely has a big voice, and she set the bar high being the first performer out. Because this song is so simple, it doesn't work for everyone, but it certainly worked for her. Adam believes Amber is still the biggest surprise of this competition. He felt that she did an incredible job.

Team Usher: Josiah Hawley sang Starlight by Muse-- He sounded terrible in rehearsals, literally sounded like he was screaming the whole time, and his tone was totally off. How is this a stripped down performance by the way? Shakira felt it was his best performance and thought it was honest. Adam said it is a really tough song, but really great; he also mentioned that he grew a lot. Blake felt like the performance was haunting. Usher thinks Josiah is a rock star. Rock on guys, I'm not convinced quite yet.

Team Adam: Sarah Simmons sang Angel by Sara McLachlan-- Now that was haunting. That performance and her vocals literally took my breath away. Blake said that was so amazing, beautiful, and angelic. Usher said she Sarah that he knew came out and it was incredible. Shakira called her performance spectacular, and she didn't disappoint, she delivered. Adam said he has never heard this room so quiet, and he believes it's because they were enamored with her. He thinks she is one of the most incredible singers to listen to that he has ever heard in his life.

Team Usher: Cathia sang I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston-- I need to say that I didn't think it was as bad as some of the judges thought it was. I like the way that she changed the song up to suit her vocal style and her abilities. I think Cathia understood that she wasn't going to come out there and sing Whitney like Whitney. Shakira didn't think it was the right song for her, perhaps too lofty a song. Blake thought that it was pretty good. Usher felt that she could have knocked that song out of the park, and that the performance may not have been as good as it could have been.

Team Adam: Caroline Glaser sang The A Team by Ed Sheeran-- I liked this performance, a little boring, but good. Blake thought that this was a good move for her because he could picture her doing this back in the coffee shop. Usher thought it was a soothing performance, she was relaxed and showed great control. Adam loves her unique sound and feels she should be proud of what she did.

Team Usher: Vedo sang Against All Odds by Phil Collins-- I'm unsure of why Usher chose this song for him. I would have chosen a more contemporary R&B song, perhaps something like Neyo. I felt like Vedo did the best he could do with what he was given. Shakira felt the audience liked it. Adam said one thing I didn't like about you, you're not on my team. Usher was pleased with his performance and feels he's on track for success.

Team Usher: Michelle Chamuel sang True Colors by Cyndi Lauper-- Shakira thought the performance was so authentic. Adam and Usher both thought that she had a breakout moment. Blake used Michelle as an example to his team of what his team members need to do. Michelle may not have the best voice, but she does have such an amazing effect on people when she sings. She gets right to your heart, because she believes so fully in what it is that she's singing about.

Team Adam: Judith Hill sang Feelin' Good by Nine Simone-- Blake called Judith a diva. Usher still wonders why he didn't fight harder for Judith. Adam said there's not much I can say cause everyone loves you. Adam also talked about how effectively Judith is able to convey her personality with her voice. I probably liked this performance best of any Judith performance so far. Some of her performances have been a bit too affected for my liking. I wasn't totally loving her hair style tonight (I usually don't comment on that, but I just felt it was distracting to me).

Who will definitely go through on Team Adam? Sarah and Judith.... I think Adam will choose Amber to go forward and Caroline will be sent home.

Who will definitely go through on Team Usher? Michelle and Vedo.....I think Usher will choose Cathia to go forward and Josiah will go home.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

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




Saturday, April 27, 2013

The Voice Season 4: The Last Round of Battles Sizzles

Team Shakira: Brandon Roush vs. Shawna P. sang Piece of My Heart by Janis Joplin-- This was really Shawna's battle to lose because she was the more experience and seasoned performer. Brandon put up quite the effort, and I give him props for keeping up with her. Shakira calls the battle eagerness vs. experience and she chooses experience meaning Brandon is sent home.
Shakira moves forward with Shawna P.

Team Adam: Duncan Kamakana vs. Sarah Simmons sang Wanted You More by Lady Antebellum-- Blake called Sarah one of his favorite singers in the competition. Usher liked Duncan's confidence, but felt Sarah's voice was incredible. Adam liked Sarah's effortlessness, but praised Duncan's talent. I have to admit, I was hoping someone would steal Duncan, but there was no denying Sarah's raw talent. Her voice and vulnerability were unmatched. She is definitely a threat in this competition.
Adam moves forward with Sarah

Team Usher: Michelle Chamuel vs. Chelsea M. sang Titanium by Sia and David Guetta
Usher moves forward with Michelle Chamuel

Team Adam: Amy Whitcomb vs. Agina Alvarez sang Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar
Adam moves forward with Amy Whitcomb

Team Blake: Justin Rivers vs. The Morgan Twins sang Easy by Rascal Flatts
Blake moves forward with Justin Rivers

Final battle of this season was from Team Shakira:
Cathia vs. Mary Miranda sang Antes de las Seis by Shakira-- Adam thought it was beautiful and said if he had to choose it would be Mary. Blake said he loved it and Cathia blew him away. Usher thought it was rather narcissistic for Shakira to choose her own song, but Shakira explained that she wanted to see how each of them would handle it. Shakira said that Cathia has undeniable vocal ability. Mary has a sweet like cotton candy voice, and ultimately she won because of her signature vocal style and charisma. I loved both of them, and I agree there is definitely something about Mary, but a part of me loved the richness of Cathia's voice. Usher came in with the steal for Cathia at the end because she sold him on the song and provided his team with some versatility.
Shakira moves forward with Mary
Usher stole Cathia

Here's what the teams look like now:

Team Adam:
Amber Carrington
Amy Whitcomb
Judith Hill
Midas Whale
Sarah Simmons
Warren Stone
Caroline Glaser (stolen from Team Blake)
Orlando Dixon (stolen from Team Usher)

Team Blake:
Danielle Bradbery
Grace Askew
Holly Tucker
Justin Rivers
Savannah Berry
The Swon Brothers
Luke Edgemon (stolen from Team Shakira)
Taylor Beckham (stolen from Team Usher)

Team Shakira:
Garrett Gardner
Kris Thomas
Mary Miranda
Monique Abbadie
Shawna P.
Tawnya Reynolds
Karina Iglesias (stolen from Team Adam)
Sasha Allen (stolen from Team Adam)

Team Usher:
Audrey Karrasch
Jess Kellner
Josiah Hawley
Michelle Chamuel
Ryan Innes
Vedo
C. Perkins (stolen from Team Shakira)
Cathia (stolen from Team Shakira)

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

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