The Best Dressed @ The Oscars 2019 Edition

Regina King not only won Best Supporting Actress, but she looked unbelievable in a white Oscar de la Renta gown with a slit up the leg. The jewelry was simple and she looked angelic.

Brie Larson, Oscar winner in 2016 for Best Actress in Room and upcoming star of Captain Marvel was statuesque in high necked silver Celine gown with a slit. 

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez have become one of the couples to watch at award shows. At the Oscar's J. Lo looked stunning in a long sleeved, high necked, silver Tom Ford dress with a slit. Metallics were popular at the Award's show this year. J. Lo always makes great fashion choices and this year was no exception. 

It was a big night for Lady Gaga who was up for Best Actress and Best Song, the latter of which she won. I have really enjoyed watching her style evolve over the past few years. She definitely turned heads at this year's Oscar Show opting for a solid black Alexander McQueen gown complete with long gloves and Tiffany jewels. She really looked like a princess. 

Amy Adams' Oscar dress was a gorgeous pastel and gold Versace bustier gown. The dress was simple and sexy without being overt. She never fails to make strong fashion choices for herself, she always looks well put together. Amy accessorized with Cartier jewels.

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The Voice Season 16: Night Two of The Blinds Are Closer to Fine

Dominic Haynes sang River by Leon Bridges-- Dominic is special!  His voice was so magical, it's almost like the music took hold of him. Adam turned immediately and then John who Adam blocked. Blake turned at the end. Adam said I think you might be my favorite singer in all 16 seasons of the show. Your voice is raw. Blake said every muscle in your body is creating that sound, you can separate yourself from anyone on the radio and everyone on this show. Kelly said he was very Ray LaMontagne. Adam jumped back in and said he knew after 4 seconds that he was hearing something special.
Dominic chose Adam

Savannah Brister sang Don't You Worry Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder-- John is totally right, it is crazy to me that Savannah is only 17. She is mature beyond her years and makes decisive choices when she sings. John turned quickly, he loved the energy and loved the performance. He liked the musical choices she made with the song. Kelly said I would love you to come to my team Savannah.
Savannah chose John

The Bundys sang Closer to Fine by The Indigo Girls-- It's a Voice first, a trio! Kelly and Blake are the only ones that turn. Kelly says one of her fave things about singing is singing harmonies. Blake is excited at the prospect of being the first coach for a trio on the show. He basically begs them to choose him.
The Bundys chose Kelly

Klea Olson sang No Roots by Alice Merton-- Her voice reminds me a little bit of Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine, a little Shakira too. She has a good range with her voice, but I don't know that this song was right for her. John said everyone was close in turning but you just weren't all the way there. Adam said if she came back she would do well. No one turned but she got chosen for the comeback stage.

Hannah Kay sang Coal Miner's Daughter by Loretta Lynn-- Hannah is authentic country. Blake said you can be that genuine country singer. Kelly loves her authentic country style. Hannah admits to singing Since You Been Gone forever in her bedroom but then she says that she has had a crush on Blake forever.
Hannah chose Blake

Julian King sang All Time Low by Jon Bellion-- Julian is interesting, and there is no doubt I want to hear more from him. I want to see his song choices going forward. I actually liked his version of the song more than the original. Adam turned and John blocked him, but John was the only other coach who turned so he automatically landed Julian.
John chose Julian

My predictions---

Domenic will go far in this, and Hannah could be a surprise in this competition.

The Voice Season 16: Night 1 Blinds Have My Attention

Gyth Rigdon sang Drift Away by Dobie Gray-- John got blocked immediately. He, Blake, and Kelly turned. John turned around because he gave so much energy and his voice sounded so clear. Kelly asked if he wants to do country, and he said that country is his roots but he has a lot of soul as well. Blake blocked John.
Gyth chose Blake

Maelyn Jarmon sang Fields of Gold by Sting-- 4 chair turn! Interesting rendition of the song, and she reminds me so much of Paula Cole! Blake said he was moved to hear Maelyn sing. Kelly connected with her and said she has such a God given gift, and she did that song in such a special way. John said what she did was magic, we don't have to think about it, we just feel it. Adam said you kinda have it all, you voice is seasoned but vulnerable.
Maelyn chose John

Karen Galera sang Mi Corazoncito by Aventura-- She has a beautiful sound, very similar to Selena. Kelly turned immediately, and then John turned. Kelly said don't let the Texas thing sway you in any way because Karen is also from Texas. Kelly said I long for people like you; you're so special.
Karen chose Kelly

Trey Rose sang Wake Me Up by Avicii-- Trey said he is originally from Oklahoma. I will say, that Avicii song is wicked hard to sing, and he made it seem easy. For that, he is as Adam said, a vocal beast. Adam and Blake turned. Adam said I can tell you are very energetic, and I think you could win this thing. Blake said I am glad that Adam recognizes that we could win this thing.
Adam chose Trey

Kim Cherry sang No Scrubs by TLC-- I love Kim's attitude, she has so much sass when she sings. When she started rapping I loved it even more. Omg! Kelly turned and Blake got in at the last minute. Adam said, thank you for doing that. John was like, she's white! Kelly said you have pitch, tone, and you're amazing. Blake said Kim, what the hell are you thinking? You're fearless. Rapping is my thing. Blake said we're gonna tweet, and Hoda and Kathie Lee are gonna talk about it.
Kim chose Blake

AJ Ryan sang Love Runs Out by OneRepublic-- No one turned! John said the high notes were great but the low ones scared them. He said it's about choosing the right song. AJ said I should have sang one of your songs John. John said which one would you sing, sing some for us. AJ sang some of All of Me.

Rizzi Myers sang Breathin' by Ariana Grande-- Rizzi's voice is effervescent. She is strong but breathy. I absolutely love her voice, it's stunning. Her story is that she is from Nashville, has two kids, and was a song writer for a long time. A producer urged her to get onstage. Kelly and John turned, and Kelly blocked John. Rizzi is a HUGE Kelly Clarkson fan.
Rizzi chose Kelly

Lisa Ramey sang Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon-- Lisa returned from two seasons ago. I still wasn't feeling it. She seemed to be performing rather than connecting with the song. John Legend was the lone chair turner. Kelly and Adam praised Lisa for returning and said she deserves to be on the show. John said he loved her personality and her look and said that they totally match her voice.
John chose Lisa

Jimmy Mowery sang Attention by Charlie Puth-- I loved his voice! Fire! He has an awesome voice when he sings full, I think he was just nervous, and that made him pitchy at times. Adam turned almost immediately. John turned towards the end. Adam said your voice at its best can be one of the best in the competition. Blake said John is right, your voice is so dope. John said he needed the head voice because that is what sells the song.
Jimmy chose Adam

Lil Joy sang Cool by Gwen Stefani-- Lil has a beautiful voice. Kelly is right, her talent is similar to Gwen's in that she is really good at making these intimate moments on a stage. Kelly was trying to tell Blake that it was Gwen's song Lil was singing, but he already knew. Blake said I hit my button cause of your voice. I can't wait for Gwen to hear this, she is gonna flip out.
Blake chose Lil

Nathan and Chesi sang Waymore's Blues by Waylon Jennings-- The coaches all look like they want to turn at one point or another. I think they are really good together. I am actually surprised that no one turned but I hope that they get chosen for the comeback stage.

Matthew Johnson sang I Smile by Kirk Franklin-- 4 chair turn! I think everyone was immediately drawn to Matthew's personality. His voice was big and full. John said I grew up in the church. Adam threw a sneaker up on stage as an ode to J. Hud. Adam said everyone felt that. Blake said I would be a great coach and I would be honored. Kelly said I am a fan and that was so joyful.
Matthew chose John

Who to watch-- my predictions--
Rizzi is naturally talented, Jimmy has amazing potential.

The Year in Music: 2018 in Review

I have been meaning to put this together forever. I had a list of songs and artists running through my head for a very long time but I didn't do anything with it.

There were definitely artists that had a HUGE year in 2018 and over and over again did not hesitate to make it to the top of the charts-- Ariana Grande, Post Malone, Drake, and newcomer Dua Lipa. Newcomers Bazzi, Ella Mai, and Khalid had break out years in 2018.

Here is my playlist for 2018 (in alphabetical order)--

Arms Around You by XXX Tentacion, Lil Pump, Maluma, and Swae Lee
Beautiful by Bazzi featuring Camila Cabello
Better by Khalid
Better Now by Post Malone
Boo'd Up by Ella Mai
Breathin' by Ariana Grande
Don't Go Breakin' My Heart by Backstreet Boys
Electricity by Silk City featuring Dua Lipa
Fall in Line by Christina Aguilera featuring Demi Lovato
Girls Like You by Maroon 5
God is a Woman by Ariana Grande
God's Plan by Drake
Jackie Chan-- Tiesto and Dzeko featuring Preme and Post Malone
Love Lies by Khalid and Normani
Mia by Bad Bunny and Drake
The Middle by Zedd featuring Maren Morris
Never Be the Same by Camila Cabello
Nice for What by Drake
Nothing Breaks Like a Heart by Mark Ronson featuring Miley Cyrus
One Kiss by Calvin Harris featuring Dua Lipa
Pray for Me by Kendrick Lamar and The Weeknd
Promises by Calvin Harris featuring Sam Smith
Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
Thank U Next by Ariana Grande
Turnin' Me On by Blake Shelton
Want You Back by 5 Seconds of Summer
Without Me by Halsey

Thought of a song that didn't make the list and should have? Drop your comments below!

The Voice Season 15: The Finale Brings Me Home

Team Blake: Chris Kroeze sang Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd-- I loved this performance! This is the song that I have been wanting him to do all season and he did not disappoint. The coaches were all on their feet and I think each of them brought up his rad guitar playing skills.

Team Kelly: Chevel Shepherd sang It's A Little Too Late by Tanya Tucker-- Adam said he has always thought that she has a special and classic voice.

Team Blake: Kirk Jay sang Defenseless-- J Hud said you belong in this industry. I want to buy every album. Blake said Kirk I love you dude. The most important thing I heard from Jennifer is that you made her a country fan. Kirk is the real deal. I totally agree, he has a special voice.

Team Jennifer: Kennedy Holmes sang Love is Free-- The song was really cool, it seemed a little old for someone so young, but she sounded great. Kelly said she loved the 90s vibe. J Hud liked that she came into her own as an artist.

Blake and Kirk sang You Look So Good in Love by George Strait

Jennifer and Kennedy sang Home from The Wiz

Team Blake: Chris sang Human-- Many called it the performance of the night and the perfect song for him. Chris has been the most streamed artist numerous times this season on the voice and performances like that prove why.

Kelly and Chevel sang Rockin with the Rhythm of the Rain by the Judds

Blake and Chris sang Two More Bottles of Wine by Emmylou Harris

Team Blake: Kirk sang I Won't Let Go by Rascal Flatts-- Adam said your voice stands out and that is one of the most valuable things as a singer. Blake said I believe in my heart that you are going to change country music. I personally am obsessed with that song, and love it. It is tough to sing and he navigated it perfectly.

Team Kelly: Chevel sang Broken Hearts-- Adam said he cannot believe how young Chevel is. Kelly was crying because she was so touched by Chevel's performance.

Team Jennifer: Kennedy sang Confident by Demi Lovato-- Jennifer said Kennedy just turned 14, you were a true professional . I thought Beyonce was up there. This was a performance that I like to call an exclamation point performance.

Performances of the night-- Home the duet between Kennedy and J. Hud, Chris Kroeze singing Human, Kirk singing I Won't Let Go by his Idols Rascal Flatts, and Chevel Shepherd singing some Tanya Tucker.

I think Chris is a safe bet to win, but I could honestly see any of the country artists taking this. I think Kennedy finishes in 4th place.

The Voice Season 15: The Top 8 Are a Vision

Team Kelly: Sarah Grace sang Sign of the Times by Harry Styles-- Not my favorite song but well thought out. It was a solid vocal, I don't think it was her best performance, so whether or not she will make it to the finals is based on how things go for the remainder of the night. Kelly emphasized how young Sarah is.

Duet with Reagan and Kennedy

Team Jennifer: MaKenzie Thomas sang Vision of Love by Mariah Carey-- Kelly said I cannot stand it, you are so good. She said this show is called The Voice and that performance is what this is all about. Blake said that is one of the best performances I have ever seen. J Hud said you are a coach's dream. MaKenzie has been by far the most consistent contestant this season. If there is such thing as a shoe in for the Finale, it must be her. The vocals are in a different class than everyone else.

Duet with Chevel and Kirk

Team Kelly: Kymberli Joye sang Never Alone by Tori Kelly-- Jennifer said I felt like I was at a gospel musical concert. Kelly said I love you, and I think you are so talented. I was inspired by Kymberli's performance. Her vocals were so genuine.

Team Blake: Chris Kroeze sang Can't You See by The Marshall Tucker Band-- Kelly said Chris is a storyteller and so nostalgic. You represent an important part of music which is nostalgia. Blake said thank you for giving the beer drinking, back road driving viewers someone to route for. I notice that they are not going to Adam at all tonight. Chris has been a favorite of mine since the beginning and I do hope that he makes it to the finale because I agree with Kelly in terms of what he represents.

Duet with MaKenzie and Kymberli

Team Jennifer: Kennedy Holmes sang This Is Me from The Greatest Showman-- This song was so appropriate for her. She was shining throughout the performance. Jennifer talked about just how proud she is of Kennedy.

Team Adam: Reagan Strange sang You Are the Reason by Calum Scott-- Blake said I always love your performances. Yours tonight was a breath of fresh air. Adam said she commanded the stage and he said I believe in you. It's been an honor being your coach. It was a nice performance, with that being said, I have questions about why she couldn't sing last week.

Duet with Sarah and Chris

Team Kelly: Chevel Shepherd sang Blue by LeAnn Rimes-- Chevel is another contestant on the show who has a certain nostalgia about her. She did LeAnn's song so perfectly, it's a deceptively hard song to sing and she did it justice. Kelly said you are pure country and you're the kind of country that I love. You are so talented.

Team Blake: Kirk Jay sang I Swear by John Michael Montgomery--J Hud said I am your biggest fan. One of the things I will miss most when this is over is hearing you sing.  Adam praised his "identifiability" in terms of the uniqueness of his voice. Blake reiterated how proud he is of Kirk. It's really cool watching Kirk sing every week because you know when he gets up on stage that he is doing something that is different.

My Final Four (in no particular order)--- Kirk, Chris, MaKenzie, and Kymberli

The Voice Season 15: The Top 10 Are What I Like

Team Jennifer: Kennedy Holmes sang Me Too by Meghan Trainor-- All the coaches were on their feet. She was incredible, her vocals were on point; she's the total package. Kelly said the moonwalk was crazy, singing this was a great move for you tonight. Adam said if that's 13, I sucked at being 13. J Hud said you never disappoint.

Team Adam: Reagan Strange sang Cry by Faith Hill-- Reagan is special, that song covers a lot of ground vocally and she sang it so effortlessly. Blake said I wanna cry since you didn't pick me as your coach, I'm still upset about that. That's a hard song to sing. Kelly said what I love about you most is how you express emotion. Adam said she raised the song a half step higher than the original. When you get up there and sing, you command the attention of everyone in the room, I am nothing but proud of you.

Team Kelly: Sarah Grace sang Amazing Grace-- At first I wasn't feeling this version, but I thought she did a great job of keeping with the meaning of the song, but totally flipping it. It was so smoldering and bluesy. Jennifer said this showed your confidence to be able to take something like that and make it your own. Kelly said it is her favorite version of Amazing Grace.

Team Kelly: Kymberli Joye sang Oceans by Hillsong United-- That song was so beautiful. She moved me with that performance. Blake said I feel like that is your most powerful performance so far. You were finally able to reign in everything and give us a controlled, tasteful performance. Jennifer said there is nothing you can't sing. Kelly said your capability to touch other people is insane.

Team Blake: Chris Kroeze sang Callin' Baton Rouge by The Oak Ridge Boys-- I love Chris's authenticity. He performs with such love for what he does. Blake said he is proud of him as a coach and as a fellow country singer and musician.

Team Blake: Dave Fenley sang When You Say Nothing at All by Alison Krauss-- I liked the statement that Blake made when he said Dave has paid his dues. That's very clear. I didn't love this song for him, but Blake said it was different than anything he has done before.

Team Adam: DeAndre Nico sang That's What I Like by Bruno Mars-- To me, this is much more in DeAndre's wheelhouse than anything he has sang in the past. This suited his voice and style so much. J Hud said you sang that song down, you showed a more performance side of yourself. Kelly said I loved how you ended the song, you left them wanting more. Adam said it's so special to be here and experience that, you stepped it up.

Team Kelly: Chevel Shepherd sang You're Looking at Country by Loretta Lynn-- This song was old school but Chevel managed to pull it off. Blake said, Chevel you found a way to make the song even more country than it was originally. J Hud said you're adorable and I love every single thing you say and do. Adam said you're so cute and so talented, I can't stand it. Kelly said I am so blessed that you picked me, I can't wait to hear your record.

Team Blake: Kirk Jay sang Tomorrow by Chris Young-- Great song choice for him! I completely agree with all the coaches comments. This was so unique. J Hud and Blake were on their feet. J Hud said I am your co-coach, this boy needs to make a country album. Adam said I am a big fan of yours as well. It feels like when you perform, something new is happening for country music, I am transfixed by what you do.

Team Jennifer: MaKenzie Thomas sang Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion-- This MaKenzie can sing! Wow, she did Celine proud! I loved this. Jennifer compared her to all the powerful female singers out there.

Tough call on who is going home tomorrow night!