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.

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?

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 Adam and Team Shakira

Team Adam: Amber Carrington singing I'm With You by Avril Lavigne vs. Midas Whale singing Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder-- I am loving Amber (as a side note, Adam is all dressed up tonight!), I love her style and her voice. I like Midas Whale and their originality, but I didn't think that this was the right song for them, it was too much of a stretch. Blake said I like Amber as much as I can't stand Adam. Usher liked the "midas" touch. Shakira thinks Amber poses a great threat to her remaining members. Adam sees Amber grow and says Midas Whale blows him away every time. 

The knockout goes to: Amber

Team Shakira: Garrett Gardner singing Too Close by Alex Clare vs. Tawnya Reynolds singing Hell on Heels by Pistol Annies-- Both artists are playing their guitars in this knockout. I actually liked both of them, not an easy choice at all. Garrett has improved. I really liked Tawnya, I loved the control in her voice and the inflections. Adam felt that Garrett has improved greatly. Blake liked Tawnya's song choice, but didn't like the yodels. Shakira defends the yodels and says she added them; I liked them too. Usher actually compliments the yodels and says that not many people know how to control their voice in that way. Shakira says Tawnya was bad ass, and Garrett has grown as an artist. 

The knockout goes to: Garrett

Team Adam: Amy Whitcomb singing House of the Rising Sun by Animals vs. Caroline Glaser singing Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men-- Amy shines in a few places, but overall, I find her performance really pitchy. To me, she sounded better when she rehearsed with Adam. I disliked Caroline's song choice, the song did nothing for her, and she too was pitchy. Whoever gets picked has a lot of work to do. Blake felt Amy took a chance. Caroline was more consistent. Usher thought Caroline was shaky, and would give the knockout to Amy. Adam picked them cause they were opposites, and commented that they did better in rehearsals. 

The knockout goes to: Caroline

Team Shakira: Kris Thomas singing What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong vs. Mary Miranda singing Every Breath You Take by The Police-- Oh no, Kris was really pitchy; this is someone who has an incredible voice, but I feel like he pushed it too much. Mary seems a little confused with the tempo of the song, she was going between slow and fast. Blake and Usher agree that they find it difficult who to pick. Usher was impressed with Kris' voice, he felt Mary's personality was missing from this performance. 

The knockout goes to: Kris

Team Adam: Judith Hill singing Always on my Mind by Willie Nelson vs. Orlando Dixon singing All My Life by KC & JoJo-- I liked both performances, I felt that both of them were dialed in with their heart and soul; emotionally, both of them were there. I know everyone would pick Judith, but honestly, did these two need to be against each other as this stage? They were both so good. Blake said he would go with Judith because he couldn't find anything wrong with her performance. Usher thought Orlando had a great performance, but Judith had an incredible performance. Shakira said no lie how good Judith is, but Orlando has improved overall. Adam said he is proud of Orlando because of everything he has been through and cause he's a great guy; Judith's choice juxtaposes who she is and he felt it was amazing. 

The knockout goes to: Judith

Team Shakira: Karina Iglesias singing Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz vs. Monique Abbadie singing Power of Love by Celine Dion-- I loved Karina's song choice, and I did not like Monique's song choice at all. Monique was pitchy, but Karina didn't show a lot of stuff with this song. Usher was entertained by Karina's performance. Blake thought Monique showed more versatility. Shakira thought Monique showed a lot of vocal strength in her performance, and that Karina needs to be careful not to become a caricature, but she has a ton of potential. Shakira picked Karina for her confidence. 

The knockout goes to: Karina 

Team Adam: Warren Stone singing I Just Died in Your Arms by Cutting Crew vs. Sarah Simmons singing Wild Horses by  Rolling Stones-- Warren's performance was pretty unreal; I loved the way he changed up this song and made it his own. Sarah's voice was angelic. I loved both of them genuinely. Blake said it was the best he heard Warren sing, and Sarah lit the place on fire. Usher though Warren had it won, but Sarah blew him away. Shakira would give the knockout to Sarah. I could tell Adam genuinely liked both of them, and had a hard time choosing. 

The knockout goes to: Sarah

Team Shakira: Sasha Allen singing At Last by Etta James vs. Shawna P. singing Maybe I'm Amazed by Paul McCartney--  This was a real battle, both of these women were so good, I was wishing both of them could move on. If I had to choose though, Sasha's emotion and vocals proved to be legit. Adam said Sasha was incredible, and Shawna had the grit for this song; he'd pick Sasha. Blake thought it was the best knockout ever, and said Sasha is a front runner. Usher said he wishes that he had fought harder for Sasha. Shakira said Sasha was shining, and she thinks Shawna is already great and loves her as a person. 

The knockout goes to: Sasha

Tomorrow-- Team Blake and Team Usher......

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 5

Jeff Lewis sang U Got it Bad by Usher-- I actually like the way Jeff flipped this song and I liked that he was playing the guitar, it really personalized it. The judges waited til the very end to turn, but Usher, then Blake, and Shakira (sneaked in at the end), all turned. Blake says he detected a hint of country, and he'd love to have him on team Blake. Shakira said she could help him polish his performance. Usher says he'd like to change his life. Jeff ends up choosing Usher, he grew up listening to him.
Team Usher

Shawna P. sang She Talks to Angels by The Black Crowes-- Shawna has a great rock voice, and it's clear that she's been doing this for a while. Shakira and Adam turn. Shakira and Adam both want what she has in her voice. Adam said she has a Janis Joplin voice, but felt she needed more control. He thinks her voice needs to be on the show. Shawna wants Shakira to teach her how to dance. Adam emphasizes that like Shakira, he is a rock singer.
Team Shakira

Caroline Glaser sang Tiny Dancer by Elton John-- I like her voice, undeniably. That being said, she sounds like several other females who have been on The Voice before. Blake thought that there was so much artistry in her being that she is so young. Shakira thought her voice sounded angelic. Blake knew she sounded like a songwriter. I think that caught Caroline and I think that's why she picked Blake. Shakira is wrong about the fact that there hasn't been someone who sounded like her before. There is someone who sounds like her every year, no offense.
Team Blake

Cameron sang As Long As You Love Me by Justin Bieber-- No one turned around.

Michael Austin sang Someone Like You By Keith Urban-- Blake and Usher have a discussion while he is singing and agree that he's pitchy. He is. It's kind of weird that Adam and Shakira turned so quickly. Michael does seem sure of himself and who he wants to be as an artist as Adam said. Michael ended up choosing Adam.
Team Adam

4 Chair Turn! Sasha Allen sang Not Ready to Make Nice by The Dixie Chicks-- Sasha is talented because I noticed that as I was listening to her I wasn't just hearing her beautiful voice, but I was hearing a story as well. This is someone who potentially could go far, and there's only a handful of contestants who could this year. Adam said that this show has changed his life because he was a cynic before. He said she is magic and wants to be involved in developing her gift. Blake says they're meant to be together. Usher said she made an impression. Shakira believes she's the only one who fully understands Sasha's talent. Sasha thanks all of them and chooses Adam.
Team Adam

Jamila Thompson goes to Team Usher
Amy Whitcomb goes to Team Adam,
Justin Rivers goes to Team Blake, as does Michelle Rietzen

Mary Miranda sang Como La Flor be Selena-- I was impressed with the quality of her performance at the age of 17. She does have a good voice. Blake said he couldn't understand her, but it doesn't matter. Usher heard lots of potential in her voice and he says he loves Bachata. Shakira says, let me talk to my girl. Most obviously, Mary chooses Shakira.
Team Shakira

Grace Askew sang These Boots Are Made for Walking by Nancy Sinatra-- Wow, Blake didn't waste any time. Her voice is so retro, and I love the phrasing and odd inflections in her voice. Her style seems not to be limited to just country and blues but rock as well. Blake said he's really excited about her. Blake thinks that they could make history on the show and if she chooses Shakira, she will be history. Shakira likes her personality and demeanor. Grace said she's a country girl at heart and picked Blake.
Team Blake

Jane Smith sang You've Got the Love by Florence and the Machine, but didn't make the cut.

4 Chair Turn! Ryan Innes sang Gravity by John Mayer-- He said the first word and Adam was turned already, followed by Blake. Usher and Shakira turned around after hearing a little bit more. Ryan has a masculine voice, lots of rasp, nice falsetto, and tons of soul. Blake said Ryan's got soul, and he felt energized. The room came alive. Shakira enjoyed the performance, felt like she was floating, and liked his confidence. Usher said his voice is packed with soul and substance, and it shook the entire room. He said he is here to win. Adam said his turn was lightning quick, and he's dying to be a part of his career, and was so blown away by him. Ryan said because he sings soul music, he is picking Usher.
Team Usher