American Idol Season 14: Did the Right 2 Go Home?

Two weeks ago, the judges used the save on Qaasim Middleton, the question is did they use the save at the right time and on the right person? Based on who went home last Wednesday, I don't think they did. My picks to go home were Daniel Seavey and Maddie Walker. Daniel is a great kid and he does have talent but he is not growing at the rate that his fellow contestants are. Maddie is progressing and she has a great voice, but the personality doesn't match.

This week we ended up losing Maddie and Adanna Duru, who to me, was a front runner in this competition. What Maddie lacked in personality and passion, Adanna made up for, ten fold. Adanna always emoted and sometimes she lost control with her voice, but I think that is more teachable than where Daniel and Maddie were in all of this. 

Daniel was actually the first one to discover that he made it through to next week. He sings You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall & Oates-- I did not love this song choice for him, and I felt like once again his vocals felt short and were weak for me. His voice cracked in a couple of places. He looks good on camera like Keith said, but honestly, I am going to be surprised if he continues to make it through. Harry said that he needs to throw the choreography away. 

Score: 6 out of 10 

Quentin Alexander sang In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins-- I loved this, I found the whole performance very intriguing; there was something quite haunting about it. Keith is right, Questin has so much artistry. Jenn said your cool factor was on 1000, the mood and the drama of it worked. Harry said you dig as deeply as you can into those lyrics, I would like you to switch it up to something uptempo. Keith said killer song choice for you, the weight and majesty of it suited you so well. You have so much artistry Quentin. 

Score: 9 out of 10 

Joey Cook sang Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper-- I felt like the performance was a little bit lazy for me. It was not as good as it usually is, and Joey seemed like she knew it was off. Harry said she seemed to be distracted and holding back. Keith found it to be inconsistent.
Score: 7 out of 10

Tyanna Jones said I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston-- I agree with Harry, I liked the arrangement. It seems to me that Tyanna lost a little bit of her confidence but she sounded great, and I think she would have sounded even better if she wasn't thinking about it so much. Keith said Tyanna takes on the Whitney song really well, he said he felt like she was worried a little bit. Jenn said you aren't gonna be perfect all the time and don't be so in your head. Harry told her to fight for it every time.
Score: 9 out of 10

Jax sang You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi-- Overall, I liked the performance, I felt like she kept true to the theme while also remaining true to herself. It seemed as if she got lost in the middle of the performance but she ended on a strong note. Jenn liked the 80's punk attitude and was reminded of Jax when they first met her. Harry thinks her originality brought her here and her intrigue has kept her here. He liked the beginning and end. Keith warned her not to be afraid to change the arrangement.
Score: 8 out of 10

Nick Fradiani sang Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson-- I love Nick, he's one of my favorite voice in the competition, but he needs to have that breakout performance. Harry said he likes how much humility that Nick has. Keith told him to make sure he is smiling and just calm down. Jenn said she got caught up in the song in the end because he really started singing to them.
Score: 9 out of 10

Clark Beckham sang Every Breath You Take by The Police-- I love the fact that Boy George wanted him to take the song down and he didn't. He stuck to his guns and committed to what he felt was right for him, and he completely nailed it. The performance was touching, the bridge sounded amazing. The judges were all sitting there hanging on every word. Keith said you took me on a journey melodically and emotionally. Jenn said the performance felt really good and it was so beautiful.
Score: 9 out of 10

Qaasim Middleton sang Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer-- I thought this was Qaasim's best vocal to date, so he might stick around. Jenn liked that he was a bit more reserved this week. Harry said your greatest strength is your ability to perform. He said you have to forfeit the performing sometimes in order to give a better vocal. Keith said give us something more vulnerable because your voice has a beautiful quality.
Score: 7 out of 10

Rayvon Owen sang Everybody Want to Rule the World by Tears for Fears-- I liked parts of the performance, but there were some weak spots. The judges called him out and rightfully so. Harry said it was one of his stronger interpretations, but he could do without the default falsetto. I agree, for some reason, Rayvon feels like he has to add it in every week. Jenn tells him to take a risk and go outside his comfort zone because she believes it is the only way he will grow.
Score: 7 out of 10

Daniel, Joey, Qaasim, and Rayvon could be in some trouble on Wednesday. 

The Voice Season 8: The Battles Are Complete

Team Adam: Barry Minniefield singing What You Won't Do for Love by Bobby Caldwell versus Tonya Boyd Cannon singing I Wish by Stevie Wonder-- Both performances were solid, I loved both of them. Barry has such a rich and powerful voice, and Tanya just goes out there with so much conviction every time. Blake felt like they should never be separated, they are already an act. Christina said you both represent similar things, I was feeling every second. Pharrell said Barry I look forward to your performances, you give so much soul, and Tanya, you can't hide the church in there. I can't make a choice.
Should win: Barry, love him
Who Won? Tanya

Team Blake: Brooke Adee singing Electric Feel by MGMT versus Kelsie May singing Tim McGraw by Taylor Swift-- I didn't feel like Kelsie's performance did a very good job of showcasing her range. Brooke's performance was definitely more intriguing for me, and I felt like her vocals were strong. Christina liked Brooke's voice, and she liked that Kelsie's performance was full of emotion. Blake said I want to leave, and Adam said please leave. Pharrell said that Brooke sounded like the b side of a Motown album. Adam said you're evenly matched, but I was very taken by what Brooke was doing.
Should win: Brooke
Who Won? Brooke

Team Christina: India Carney singing Big White Room by Jessie J versus Joe Tolo singing One of Us by Joan Osborne-- I am not familiar with the song India chose. I felt Joe's performance was quite genuine and from the heart. I felt like he did a good job on connecting with the song. As much as I like India, I think I would choose Joe. India's performance was powerful, but I found the song itself a little bit boring. Pharrell said Joe had a breakout moment, and he said India is glowing and he would choose her. Adam called India a beast.
Should win: Joe
Who Won? India

Team Pharrell: Lowell Oakley singing My Girl by The Temptations versus Jacob Rummell singing Life of the Party by Sean Mendes-- I think I actually like Jacob better than Lowell. Blake thought Lowell sounded great, and Jacob you have an incredible voice. Christina thought Jacob's performance was great and she would pick him, she thought Lowell seemed uncomfortable.
Should win: Jacob
Who Won? Lowell

Team Christina: Rob Taylor singing Love and Happiness by Al Green versus Treeva Gibson singing Chasing Pavements by Adele-- I loved Rob, he just has so much soul, it's ridiculous. I liked Treeva but she wasn't confident enough. It seemed like Christina felt similarly to how I felt.
Should win: Rob
Who Won? Rob

Team Adam: Joshua Davis singing The Arms of a Woman by Amos Lee versus Lexi Davila singing Anything Could Happen by Ellie Goulding-- I could not think of anything wrong with Josh's performance. It was heartfelt, and I loved how powerful the vocal was. It was controlled. Lexi absolutely lit up the stage, her voice completely sparkled. Blake is right, it's like something switched and all of a sudden she gained all this confidence. Blake said Josh looks like he is ready to go to the end of this thing. Christina said Josh pulls on your heart strings, and she said she has to commend Adam for coaching her so well. Pharrell said Joshua gave a masterful performance, and he said Lexi performed that song with such accuracy.
Should win: both of them!
Who won? Joshua and Christina please steal! YES!! Christina steals Lexi

The Voice Season 8: Who Returns Home in the Knockouts?

Team Blake: Cody Wickline singing Til My Last Day by Justin Moore versus Corey Kent White singing Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw-- Christina said Corey came out with so much heart, and Cody you poured your heart into your performance as well. Pharrell said Cody I didn't know you had those kinds of runs, and Corey you had such a presence.  Adam said Corey you delivered your vocal in an incredibly passionate way. Blake said Cody has a sound that isn't on the radio. Corey you took what was happening in your real life and dumped it into your song.
Should win: Corey and Cody really
Who won? Corey

Team Adam: Blaze Johnson singing You Found Me by The Fray versus Deanna Johnson singing Listen to Your Heart by Roxette-- I liked Blaze's rich tone, it sounded like he went off pitch somewhere but you could tell that he really felt the meaning of the song. Deanna had pitch issues all the way through as Blake noted. Christina said Blaze had an urgency and an overall strong performance. Adam told Deanna she is running out of reasons not to believe in herself. I would choose Blaze cause he wanted it more.
Should win: Blaze
Who won? Deanna

Team Pharrell: Hannah Kirby singing Bring Me a Higher Love by Steve Winwood versus Caitlin Caporale singing War by Demi Lovato-- I didn't love Hannah's performance, to me, it seemed like she was bordering on shouting. In terms of being the technically better singer, I would go with Cailtin. Blake said, I don't know who I would go with. Christina said Caitlin's performance was very special.
Should win: Caitlin
Who won? Caitlin, but Blake stole back Hannah

The Voice: Season 8's Knockouts Begin

Team Christina: Ashley Morgan singing Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar versus Sonic singing A Woman's Worth by Alicia Keys-- Sonic had a smoother performance; I think I would choose her just based on the fact that I preferred the style and tone. Christina said Ashley has great technical ability. Christina said Sonic takes chances and runs the risk of falling short.
Should win: Sonic
Who won? Sonic

Team Blake: Sarah Potenza singing Wasted Love by Matt McAndrew versus Brian Johnson singing Nothing Ever Hurt Like You by James Morrison-- I love Brian's vocals and his tone is amazingly smooth and strong. I loved this song choice on him, it just sat in the perfect part of his voice. I loved Sarah's grit and breathy vocal, I didn't think anyone could have that combination. Adam said you were equally amazing, and I am leaving it at that because I don't wanna give Blake any help. Adam said Brian is someone who should definitely be in the live shows.
Should win: both of them, amazing
Who won? Sarah.......... can someone please steal Brian! Thank you Adam Levine! You are so smart my friend. :)

Team Adam: Clinton Washington singing Wanted by Hunter Hayes versus Nathan Hermida singing Leave Your Lover by Sam Smith-- Clinton has such a bad ass voice and his range is just off the charts. He emotes so much and so well, and I love his versatility. He should not go home after this. I liked Nathan but there were some pitch issues, and it wasn't as technically good as Clinton's performance. Blake said, Adam your team doesn't suck, they're good. Christina said Clinton I could see your growth, and Nathan I liked your courageousness. Pharrell said both of you have potential.
Should win: Clinton
Who won? Nathan

Team Pharrell: Sawyer Fredericks singing Collide by Howie Day versus Mia Z. singing Hold On I'm Coming by Sam and Dave versus Paul Pfau singing I Don't Need No Doctor by John Mayer-- I didn't love Mia's performance, yes, it was original, but I felt like the song was unrecognizable. I loved the authenticity of Paul's performance, I feel like I would hear that in a really good blues club. Sawyer's performance was little sleepy for me, I am not sure of this song choice for him. Adam said they should start a band together. Blake said he is blown away by Mia's performance. Christina said Sawyer is a genetic genius with his vocal ability.
Should win: Mia and Paul
Who won? Sawyer and Mia

Team Blake: Meghan Linsey singing Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin versus Travis Ewing singing I Don't Wanna Be by Gavin DeGraw-- Meghan blew it out of the box with her performance. Pharrell was on his feet for good reason, I loved it. I felt like Travis gave it his all, but I don't think he was better than Meghan. Pharrell said, Travis I just met you, that awesome; Meghan you sang that song in a way that proves your worthiness. Blake said Travis figures out a way to compete no matter what, and Blake said he is proud to see how far Meghan has come.
Should win: both but Meghan has the edge.
Who won? Meghan

Team Christina: Kimberly Nichole singing If You Love Somebody (Set Them Free) by Sting versus Koryn Hawthorne singing Try by Pink-- I loved Kimberly's performance, it was a soulful vocal with a lot of confidence and she reminded me of Fantasia Barrino. Koryn was great too, her voice was impactful and the performance had so much passion. Adam said Koryn that was the best performance you've given so far. Blake said, Kimberly, you had so much fun, and Koryn, your performance was intense.
Should win: both!
Who won? Kimberly......... but Pharrell stole Koryn

The Top 11 Sing Songs from The Movies on American Idol Season 14

Adanna Duru sang I Love You I Do by Jennifer Hudson from "Dream Girls"-- Jenn said she wanted more real emotion coming from the "you're the perfect man for me". Harry thought everything was good and strong. He said to focus more on the audience, and he feels the connection will be better overall. I liked this performance a lot, Adanna, always puts so much passion into her performance. I hope she sticks around.
Score: 9 out of 10

Daniel Seavey sang Lost Stars by Adam Levine from "Begin Again"-- Oh man, I love Daniel, but that was pitchy all over the place. Jenn thought it was okay, she felt his emotion, but didn't think it was his best performance. Harry said it wasn't strong tonight. Keith said it was a good song choice for him, but he needs to dig in a little more, and not be distracted by the audience.
Score: 6 out of 10

Rayvon Owen sang Stayin Alive by the Bee Gees from "Saturday Night Fever"-- I liked the arrangement of the song, but I felt like falsetto sounded a little weird at times, kinda manic. Harry admired the arrangement, but said how do you remain interesting? He said give yourself some lyrics you can chew on, he said you sing the falsetto notes, but there isn't a lot of substance.
Score: 7 out of 10

Nick Fradiani sang Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins from "Top Gun"-- Nick continues to grow in my opinion, that was a Chris Daughtry-esque performance. Keith said, I feel like you're getting more comfortable up there, and keep going in that direction. Jenn thought it was an improvement, and she thought the song and the tone was perfect for him, she told him to own it more. She said own your hotness. Harry said give yourself a song to be sexy on, I felt like that was the wrong song for you.
Score: 8 out of 10

Joey Cook sang Mad World by Tears for Fears from "Donnie Darko"-- Joey sounded amazing in that performance, it was so focused, serious, and beautiful. Jenn said Joey gave her Sia vibes. Harry said, you always stay in your lane, but you find other ways to show different parts of yourself, amazing job. Keith said, you're such an artist, you always deliver something unusual. I heard something in that song, I have never heard before.
Score: 10 out of 10

Tyanna Jones sang Circle of Life by Elton John from The Lion King-- I didn't like this performance, I am a big Tyanna fan, but this did not sound good, it was also pitchy all over the place. It almost sounded like she couldn't hear over the track. Harry felt she overshot the mark, he said there was some intonation issues, and it sounded like you yelled all the way through. Keith said she has beautiful tone and vibratto, but he said she had serious pitch issues.
Score: 7 out of 10

Quentin Alexander sang You're the One that I Want by Olivia Newton John and John Travolta from Grease-- I thought the ending was a little far fetched, but overall, I liked the way he changed the song. Jenn said it was very haunting and beautiful, it didn't translate as much as you felt it. Harry said you have to think about the pitch, that was horribly out of tune.
Score: 8 out of 10

Maddie Walker sang Let's Hear it for the Boy by Denience Williams from Footloose-- Once again, pitch was all over the place, and I thought it sounded very nasal. Harry said it wasn't very good, and I don't know who you are. Keith said he thought she should have chosen a ballad.
Score: 6 out of 10

Clark Beckham sang Sunday Morning by Maroon 5 from Cheaper by the Dozen 2-- Clark has a beautiful voice, and such artistry. His performance was so genuine, and I really felt that. I liked that he played the guitar because it connected him more to the song. Harry said you put your arrangement on that song and knocked it out of the park. Keith said you're such a good singer. Jenn said it was beautiful and so you and you did something with it that I really loved.
Score: 10 out of 10

Jax sang Grow Old with You by Adam Sandler from The Wedding Singer-- That was a cute performance, it's the first time in a while I have felt any heart whatsoever from her. Keith said I loved you doing that song, I thought it was beautiful. Jenn said I love that this played into the quirkiness of your voice. Harry said you're a high risk high reward kind of performer.
Score: 9 out of 10

Qaasim Middleton sang Come Together for Judges' Save, and I am not sure if I agree with the judges or not, but they saved him nonetheless. I will say, he sounded better than he ever has, but I don't know if this will continue.
Score: 9 out of 10

Who is in trouble for double elimination week? Daniel, Maddie, Rayvon, and Tyanna

The Battles Come to a Close: The Voice Season 8

Team Christina: Jeremy Gaynor versus Rob Taylor sang Animals by Maroon 5-- I genuinely liked both guys. Jeremy has such a rich velvety voice, and Rob has this amazing range while remaining soulful. Adam said he would probably go with Jeremy. I can't choose, they're both so different, I probably wouldn't have paired them up.
Christina chose Rob

Team Pharrell: Noelle Bybee versus Sawyer Fredericks sang Have You Ever Seen the Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revival-- Oh, they're both so sweet, I wish they weren't against each other either. Noelle has a beautiful tone, and Sawyer is such an artist, so interesting. Christina said Noelle's voice was angelic and Sawyer has a special gift. Pharrell said Noelle has grown so much and Sawyer truly supported his partner in this performance.
Pharrell chose Sawyer

Team Christina: Koryn Hawthorne versus Vance Smith sang Love Me Harder by Arianna Grande
Christina chose Koryn

Team Blake: Bay Brooks versus Brooke Adee sang Style by Taylor Swift
Blake chose Brooke

Team Adam: Bren'nea DeBarge versus Lexi Davila sang Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield
Adam chose Lexi

Team Blake: Corey Kent White versus Jacob Rummell sang I Want Crazy by Hunter Hayes-- This was my favorite of the night! I loved both of them. Corey is so cute and has such a cool voice. Jacob has a great range. Pharrell said Jacob your voice is different, and Corey you were strong and consistent. Blake said you both did everything I asked of you. He said this song was really in neither one of their wheelhouses.
Blake chose Corey and I know Pharrell is going to steal Jacob...... YES!

The Voice Season 8: Night Three of The Battles

Team Pharrell: Briar Jonnee versus Caitlin Caporale sang Fallin' by Alicia Keys-- Both girls were pretty evenly matched, but I think in terms of vocal strength and just personal preference, I would go with Caitlin. Blake said I would buy a ticket to this show every day. Christina said, Briar you owned it; Caitlin, I wanted you on my team, but my team was full. Pharrell wasn't sure who to choose and Chistina said, go with your heart.
Pharrell chose Ciatlin

Team Adam: Barry Minniefield versus Jack Gregori sang Feelin' Alright by Joe Cocker-- Barry and Jack brought the power. They both remind me of those old school soul singers. I don't know who I would choose. Blake said both guys did a good job, but he would go with Barry. Christina said it was like watching a conversation with old friends. Barry was soulful and Jack was solid. Pharrell said both of your personalities are so big, Jack I love your tone, and Barry I love your soul. Adam had to go with Barry cause he likes his cool vibe.
Adam chose Barry

Team Chistina: Katelyn Read versus Treeva Gibson sang Addicted to Love by Florence and the Machine-- Adam said style and influence overwhelmed the performance, but he would go with Treeva. Blake said Treeva, you're so good it's crazy; Katelyn is a more developed vocalist and I would go with you. I actually liked both girls, I see what Adam is saying, but they both have just so much raw talent. Christina picked the person she felt had the most potential, and she went with.......
Christina chose Treeva

Team Pharrell: Kimberly Nichole versus Lowell Oakley sang You Ain't Nothing 'bout a Hound Dog by Elvis Presley-- I like both of them! Kimberly is more soulful with some jazz and blues influences, and Lowell was more rock with the blues influences. I loved it, and I do not know who I would choose. Adam said classic voice moment, I don't know who the hell to pick. I lost Lowell, but Kimberly you might have taken this. Blake said Kimberly, I am obsessed with you, you might need a restraining order, but Lowell you occupy a space no one else does. I plead the fifth. Christina said it was my favorite battle so far. Pharrell said, what did I do? Oh no! Pharrell can't choose! Whoever does not get chosen is going to be stolen.
Pharrell chose Lowell ....... Christina stole Kimberly

Team Blake: Brenna Yaeger versus Kelsie May sang Fancy by Reba-- Brenna won this for me. Pharrell said Kelsie you have a strong tone. Adam thought they were very evenly matched. Adam said he would Keslie, but he likes Brenna too.
Blake chose Kelsie

Team Christina: India Carney versus Clinton Washington sang Stay by Rihanna and Mikky Ekko-- Wow, they are both really good. Their runs are so in sync and incredible, I felt every single lyric and note. All four coaches are on their feet, and I have no idea who I would choose. Pharrell said it was technically the best battle this season. Adam said you two were both equals up there. Blake said I got so wrapped up in that, it was so beautiful. Christina said you both have amazing dynamic voices, everything was executed so perfectly. You both showed you have a reason to be here. Whoever does not get chosen needs to be stolen!
Christina chose India
Adam and Pharrell pushed to steal Clinton
Adam said you are extremely confident and I heard that in your voice today. Pharrell said I honestly think you have what it takes to win the show.
Clinton chose Adam

Standouts....... Kimberly and Lowell and India and Clinton..... wow