The Voice Season 27: These Battles Have No Ceilings

Team Kelsea: Iris Herrera vs. Simone Marijic sang Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine-- I like both of these ladies, I think I'd lean towards Simone. The song was stunning first of all, and complimented them both beautifully. Michael complimented Iris's grit and Simone's lilt. He loved their harmonies. John loved how Simone navigated the song,  and he thought Iris's tone was glorious, he said you carry yourself with the presence of a star, stay that way, because it's compelling. Adam said it's funny I did not turn for either one of you and hearing that performance, I regret it. It is a testament to Kelsea and both of you. He said he'd choose Iris because of tone. Kelsea chose Iris and Michael stole Simone. 

Team Buble: Divighn vs. Dmitrius Graham sang Leave the Door Open by Silk Sonic-- I was expecting not to like this because Bruno Mars is such a voice and performer. I liked both of them though and felt they proved their worth. I could see either one moving forward. John gave the edge and polish too Divighn. Adam felt that it was a dead heat and did not know who to pick. Michael thanked them for tenacity and putting in the work. He said I can see that you guys both want it.  Michael chose Divighn. 

Team Adam: Trevon Dawson vs. Tayler Kae sang I'm With You by Avril Levigne-- Okay, interesting song choice, I did not think I would like it. I also felt it would be way outside of Trevon's wheelhouse as a country singer, but he made it his own and it really highlighted this complimentary part of his voice. Kelsea and Michael said that they would pick Trevon, John said he would pick Tyler. Adam chose Trevon, he was the last artist Adam chose for his team this season and I think having a country artist is appealing to him. 

Team Legend: Jay Ammo vs. Renzo sang Is This Love by Bob Marley-- I actually enjoyed both artists. Jay has great tone, his voice is pleasing to the ear. Renzo has a great energy to his voice. The coaches were mainly choosing Renzo over Jay. I didn't see a clear winner here. It will be interesting to see what happens in the knockouts. Solid song choice, John chose Renzo because he seemed the popular choice here. 

Skip.... Team Buble: Adam David vs. Ricardo Moreno sang Home by Michael Buble--  Michael chose Adam, and this battle did not come together til the end. 

Montaged battles.....

Team Legend: Jacquelyn George vs. Jordan Allen sang Islands in the Stream by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, John chose Jacquelyn

Team Kelsea: Jessica Manalo vs. Dan Kieran sang Good Luck Babe by Chappell Roan, Kelsea chose Dan

Team Kelsea: Paige Mackenzie vs. Robert Hunter sang Lies, Lies, Lies by Morgan Wallen, Kelsea chose Paige

Team Adam: Tinika Wyatt vs. Conor James sang How Deep is Your Love by The Bee Gees-- Loved both of them, I guess I wish that they had a different song, because the potential of these two vocalists is huge. Tinika is experienced and Connor is eager. Kelsea said they sing from joy. John said he is happy that Tinika is here, but he would choose Conor. Adam believes Conor could go all the way. Adam chooses Conor and Kelsea stole Tinika. 

The Voice Season 27: These Battles Were "Made For Me"

Team Legend: Ari Camille vs. Bryson Battle sang Made for Me by Muni Long-- Wow! Wow! Wow! This is one of my favorite battles ever. What Bryson did with his voice, the way the song was building and building, I loved it. The dynamics were amazing and he and Ari were equally effective in telling this story. Ari has something special about her, the way she emotes-- we all feel her. They pushed each other in the best way possible. I love both of them and hope they both move forward. Adam said Bryson you are as spectacular now as you were in the blinds. You can't sing better than that. Ari who you are as a character and person were just as present. Kelsea said you both have these big, bold voices that demand attention, you didn't outsing each other, you held space for each other. Michael said Ari it's a joy to watch you, you're flawless, he said Bryson I see so much of myself in you, I'm just kidding. You're both geniuses. John said Ari I see so much star potential in you. Bryson everyone's jaw is on the floor seeing what you do with your voice. Both you are immensely talented and have bright futures. John chose Bryson and Adam and Kelsea stole Ari. Ari chose Adam. 

Team Adam: Hayden Grove vs. Lucia Flores Wiseman sang My Funny Valentine-- Lucia is just different, and I agree with Michael, she does remind me of Lady Gaga. Hayden should definitely singing the standards. Kelsea tells Hayden that she can hear that he has studied his genre. Lucia your voice is lived in. Michael said there is something so deep within the tapestry of this poetry, you both told a story tonight. Hayden you sounded beautiful, Lucia you sound like Lady Gaga, you're a bit of a chameleon. Adam said there is so much diversity in the way you sound. You're both old souls though. Adam chose Lucia. 

Montaged Performance..... 

Team Adam: Grace Miller Moody vs. Tori Templet sang Use Somebody by Kings of Leon-- Adam chose Grace. (side note, kind of a bizarre song choice)

Team Kelsea: Alanna Lynise vs. Brook Wood sang Angels Like You by Miley Cyrus-- Was not crazy about this performance. Song choice did not feel right and no one really stood out. I slightly preferred Alanna over Brook who I feel may have over-sang on the performance. Michael thought Brook won the battle. John prefers Alanna's tone but thought Brook gave the better performance. Kelsea preferred the nuance in Alanna's voice and chose her. 

Team Buble: Barry Jean Fontenot vs. Kaiya Hamilton sang Cry to Me by Solomon Burke-- They were both great. John said Barry your range is remarkable, Kaiya, your tone is rich, soulful, and sweet. I'd choose Kaiya. Adam said Barry, you're this warm energy. You have a beautiful gift in your tone. Kaiya I am shocked only two people turned for you, you're incredible. I'd choose Kaiya, but Barry I want you to unlock your full potential. Kelsea, Barry your soul is beautiful and she should be protected and realized and believed in at all costs. Kaiya you were intentional, you connect your voice to your body. Michael picked Kaiya but saved Barry. Kelsea tried to steal but he stayed with Michael. 

Another montaged performance..... 

Team Buble: Kameron Jaso vs. Nami Soleil sang You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall & Oates-- Michael chose Kameron. 

Team Buble: Aaron Rizzo vs. Carlos Santiago sang Gravity by John Mayer-- Michael chose Carlos. 

Team Legend: Antonio Ramsey vs. BD.ii sang Just Friends by Musiq Soulchild-- Enjoyed both of them. Antonio has such positive energy and I like how into the performance he was. He walks a fine line of overdoing it and/ or pushing too hard. BD is just cool. I love his tone and he reminds me of throw back R&B. Adam said BD Kelsea blocked me when I tried to pick you, and it sucks cause you're a mega talent. Antonio I remember you from the blinds. You're both great. If I had to choose I'd pick my guy BD. Kelsea thought they were both consistent and cool. She stands by blocking Adam. Michael said if I am looking at what it takes to win this thing, I'm going with BD. John liked Antonio's charisma and energy and thought it was his best performance of the song. He said BD, you were understated but in a cool way, it was swaggy. You're charismatic, and it works well for me. John chose BD. 

Team Kelsea: Hailey Wright vs. Jaelen Johnston sang Neon Moon by Brooks and Dunn-- I enjoyed both artists, there were some pitch issues for both of them at times. It might have been the song and just the range. I can see both of them being country stars. Michael talked about Jaelen's baritone and found the performance to be romantic. John liked the richness in Jaelen's voice. He loved the yodel and heart in Hailey's voice. Adam said Hailey you cut in a way that Jaelen couldn't. None of the coaches could choose! Kelsea said you both made country music proud. She said Jaelen, you sing like you had your heart broken, I'll kill her, but that's a good thing. Hailey you sing like you've lived so much life. My favorite country singers sing the way both of you do. Kelsea chose Jaelen and saved Hailey. 

The Voice Season 27: "Creep"-ing through the Battles

Team Adam: Britton Moore vs Darius J sang Creep by Radiohead-- I thought this was going to be a bore! It was interesting and it was true enough to the original, but altered ever so slightly to fit the style of the artists. Kelsea felt that they could both be in the finals. She couldn't choose one over there. Michael compared Darius to a less sweary Gordan Ramsay, someone who loves who he is cooking for. He said, Britton, you hit that top note. I was like who is Adam gonna choose. Both he and Kelsea hinted at stealing the one Adam didn't choose. John called Darius a "presence" and said Britton's voice is so "connected and powerful". He would choose Britton. Adam spoke of how much the two had improved since rehearsals.  Adam chose Britton, Kelsea and Michael stole Darius but Adam saved him. 

Team Legend: Kolby Cordell vs Pablo Herrera sang Tacones Rojo by John Legend and Sebastian Yatra-- Both great artists, but Kolby won this one for me. I loved his soulfulness. This was a little out of the box for him and he aced it. Kelsea said Kolby's voice is like a warm hug and she would go with him. Adam calls Kolby "bad". Michael says what Pablo did was difficult, and he compares Kolby's voice to John's. John chose Kolby, he was impressed with his ability to sing a song not in his wheelhouse. 

Team Buble: Braxton Garza vs Jadyn Cree sang Danny's Song by Loggins & Messina-- Not crazy about this song choice at all. It just sounds dated and old fashioned. Nothing against Jayden, I think Braxton gave the better performance. I liked both contestants. The coaches complimented both contestants. Michael believes Jayden could win the competition, and of course chooses her, sending Braxton home. I am surprised no one stole him but I think he was the victim of poor song selection. 

Team Kelsea: Angie Rey vs Tatum Scott sang Girl by Maren Morris-- Love both of these girls. I think either one of them could move forward. Angie was a one chair turn and Tatum was a two chair turn. Michael said that they are what this show is all about. Kelsea said Angie is the biggest surprise on her team, her dark horse. Kelsea chose Angie and John stole Tatum. He said he really wanted her in the Blind Auditions. 

Team Adam: Fran Posla vs Ethan Eckenroad sang July by Noah Cyrus and Leon Bridges-- LOVED the song choice. Fran was definitely the stronger voice and presence throughout but when Ethan shone, he shone bright. He's very different. The second half of the performance was so strong, the dynamics were sharp and I loved the way they ended the song. Michael called it his fave battle of the day. He would pick Ethan. John said he would pick Fran. Adam picked Ethan.

Team Legend: Nell Simmons vs Olivia Kuper Harris sang Feel Like Making Love by Roberta Flack-- Okay, I loved both of these ladies and I honestly feel like both should advance. The song itself was a little dated for me, I think John could have chosen something more well known or current but they are both such strong singers that they overcame that. Adam said both are so strong and called Nell a revelation and said both need to advance. Kelsea said both found their "sexy power". Michael felt transported to another era. He felt Nell had the tougher job and would pick her. John chose Olivia. Adam stole her, but John saved her. Adam said he should have turned for her in the blinds, and she was overlooked but he won't let that happen again. Nell said John broke her heart but she is giving him one more chance and stayed with John.  

The Voice Season 27: No Issues Here, The Blinds are a Wrap

Jay Ammo sang The A Team by Ed Sheeran-- I did not think I was going to like this but stylistically he made it his own. It turned into a four chair turn. Jay chose Team Legend. 

Brook Wood sang Save Me by Jelly Roll-- Brook sounded inspired. I loved her song choice, she reminded me a little bit of Reba which is never a bad thing. John turned early and Kelsea turned at the very end. Brook chose Kelsea

Adam David sang Baby I Love Your Way by Peter Frampton-- Interesting song choice, I enjoyed the spin he put on it. Michael is the only one that turned and called him a character voice and said you are perfect. Adam said he wanted to hear more range. Adam is on Team Buble

Simone Marijic sang Favorite Crime by Olivia Rodrigo-- I loved the start of the performance, the middle was a little weak. Kelsea hit almost right away and Michael turned almost at the end. Kelsea called the performance ambitious. Simone ended up picking Kelsea. 

Pablo Herrera sang Jealous by Labrynth-- Not crazy about the song, but Pablo has a good voice for sure. Everyone turned except Adam. Kelsea said he gave the song a different vibe, I agree, it was soulful. John liked his storytelling ability. Michael says he can sing anything. Pablo chose John. Team Legend is full. 

Tori Templet sang Lover by Taylor Swift-- I think she has a unique tone like Michael was talking about. She is pitchy though navigating through the song. I think it was the wrong song choice for her ultimately. I would like to see her sing something that highlights her strengths. Adam and Michael turned. Michael said he would love to see her sing some jazz songs. Tori chose Team Adam. 

Alanna Lynise sang Issues by Julia Michaels-- She showed me an entirely new perspective on this song. I am not a fan of this song, but I am a fan of her singing this song and I like the song now. John could not turn because his team is full but the other coaches did turn. Michael called out Adam for saying every artist is his favorite. Kelsea talked about her inexperience. Alanna surprisingly chose Kelsea. Kelsea's team is full. 

Skip..... Naomi Soleil sang Stars by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals-- there was too much gasping for air and sliding into the notes. Potential but not great. Kelsea and Michael turned. She chose Team Buble. Michael's team is full. 

Skip.... Trevor Dawson sang Religiously-- Hmm I am going to give him a pass but I don't think he's going to go far. He was really pitchy. Adam is the only one with a spot left so Adam turned and filled his team. 

 

The Voice Season 27: The Blinds Are Never Too Much

Skip.... Colby Kordell sang Never Too Much by Luther Vandross-- I kept waiting for him to take this to the next level, but it never happened. Michael and John turned and unsurprisingly he chose John

Skip... Hailey Wright sang Before the Next Teardrop Falls-- Too old fashioned and underwhelming for me. Michael and Kelsea turned and she chose Kelsea. 

Fran Posla sang What the World Needs Now-- I enjoyed her uniqueness, she made cool choices with such a well know and traditional song. Michael said she sounds like Zoey Deschanel, and he mentioned that she was a little off pitch at times; she said she totally felt it and he said you're good. John said she sounds like his friend Corinne Bailey Rae, she enjoys artists like that and she also mentioned Allen Stone. Adam talked about her vibrato. Fran chose Adam. 

Dimitrius Graham sang Get You by Daniel Caesar-- Dimitrius was on American Idol Season 17 and made it to the Top 10. I am glad he came over to The Voice because I love his voice and he is talented. Right away, I love his song choice, it really showcases his vocals. The falsetto is hot. He shares that high school choir saved his life and he can sing classical music as well. Kelsea turned first and Michael turned right before it was over. Michael said what he does is very spiritual and he's a romantic and sexy singer. Kelsea liked how special his voice was, how he started up high and went down low. Dimitrius said Kelsea is beautiful, but he chose Michael. 

Olivia Kuper Harris sang Dream a Little Dream of Me by Doris Day-- She has an interesting sound, Adam turned first, then John, and Kelsea. I agree with Michael, I am not totally sure of her style or what she is trying to do. I wanted more power too. Olivia has been in music for a long time and has recently sang backup vocals for Teddy Swims. She chose John. 

Kaiya Hamilton sang ICU by Coco Jones-- This one here surprised me. I did not expect to her to be as good as she is! I loved the song choice, I loved her soulfulness. Michael and Kelsea turned and Kaiya chose Kelsea. 

Montaged Performances.... 

Aaron Rizzo sang Drop of Jupiter by Train and went to Team Buble

Kameron Jaso sang This Town by Niall Horan and went to Team Buble 

Nell Simmons sang Love Hangover and went to Team Legend

Skip.... Antonio Ramsey sang Every Little Step by Bobby Brown-- I love the song and no one turned, and rightfully so, the performance lacked energy and flair. John used his Coach's Replay however, so he went to Team Legend. 

Skip.... Robert Hunter sang Til You Can't by Cody Johnson-- There were pitch issues and the performance was lackluster at best. Kelsea and Michael turned. Robert chose Kelsea. 

Saved the best for last on this night... 

Lucia Flores Wiseman sang La Llorona by Angela Aguilar-- LOVED this performance. Lucia is so authentic. This was a well deserved four chair turn. The coaches were fighting it out for this one. Kelsea said the song made her teary. John said the song sounded like Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin but in Spanish. Adam said she sounded different like a Brandi Carisle. Michael made his pitch in Spanish, he said if you don't pick me, I am gonna listen every week and thank you for lifting this whole place up. Lucia chose Adam. 

  

The Voice Season 27: I Feel Good Watching the Blinds

Here are my thoughts on this week's round of the blinds.... 

Divighn sang I Feel Good by James Brown-- Talented singer for sure. I want to see him show more of who he is as an artist. The performance seemed a little karaoke. Kelsea and Michael turned. Divign picked Team Buble. 

Skip.... Jacquelyn George sang I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston-- killer song, but she did not have the enunciation and vocal chops for this one. Adam and John turned and she chose John. 

I am on the fence in regard to Tinika Wyatt. She sang Sorry Not Sorry by Demi Lovato-- I thought it was a great performance but I wonder if she can navigate through this competition and grow. No one turned but Adam used his Coach's Replay. 

Page Mackenzie sang Hell on Heels by Pistol Annies-- Absolutely loved the song choice, she's good, we need a good female country rocked in this competition. Kelsea and Michael turned. Not surprisingly, she chose Kelsea. 

Conor James sang Say A Little Prayer by Dionne Warwick-- WOW! First off didn't know he is from Bridgewater, MA, shout out! Second his voice is phenomenal. I loved the performance, and I loved how he made it his own and was so confident. John and Michael turned right off the bat, then Kelsea, and then Adam. John asked him about where he is from and what he does. He talked about musical theater and playing piano which John said is just like him. Michael said he would love to work with just to have fun and experience him. Kelsea said I am obsessed with you, you're so in your body. Adam said you're a true testament to true originality is blind. There's a characteristic and spirit to what people who I have won with have and I think you can win this thing. You can win this show and I want you bad on my team.  Conor said he had an idea who he would pick coming in if everyone turned and he went with that choice and it was Adam. 

Another one I am on the fence about, Jessica Manalo sang Unholy by Sam Smith-- I love the way she flipped this song, the interpretation is ingenious but is she like a "one hit wonder"? Can she duplicate this? Will all her performances be this original? Michael and Kelsea turned. Kelsea made a girl power pitch and Jessica chose Kelsea.

Barry Fontenot sang I Wish it Would Rain by The Temptations-- Michael was the only one who turned and he may have picked up a dark horse in this competition. He has a great sound, similar to Teddy Swims, could be someone who sings classic Motown or R&B or top 40. 

Tyler Kae sang Girls Just Want to Have Fun-- I was a skeptic on this one but she was impressive as heck! I am normally not a fan of someone singing this song in a competition but she made it her own, it was melodic and different, pretty even. Adam quickly turned and blocked Kelsea who followed behind and Tyler is on Team Adam. 

BDii sang Adorn by Miguel-- Rightful four chair turn. This performance was technically skilled, sexy, and confident. Michael turned first, followed by Kelsea who blocked Adam who turned next, John turned last. The mistake Kelsea made is that she blocked the wrong person. I knew he would pick John and he did. 

The Voice Season 27: Forgive My Northern Attitude, It's the Blinds

Season 27 of The Voice started last week. Michael Buble returned for his second season, John Legend returned from a brief hiatus. Kelsea Ballerini joined the show as a new coach and OG coach Adam Levine returned. 

I was underwhelmed by the premiere. There were many contestants that I did not think were that great, four chair turn worthy, not worthy of a turn at all that got a turn. It was interesting to me. 

I'm going to skip over the ones I wasn't impressed with. 

Skip... Grace Miller Moody sang Sunday Morning by Maroon Five-- shocking four chair turn, Grace picks Adam

Renzo sang Simple Man by Lynard Skynard-- Remember Dennis Lorenzo from American Idol Top 10 Season 16? He has a pure voice, this did not show off his falsetto which is perhaps the best part of his voice, but his purity gets him on the show. John blocks Adam. All the guys turn, and Renzo picks John Legend. 

Iris Herrera sang You Are My Sunshine-- Seemed like an odd choice but she got three chairs, everyone except Adam. I like how she gave it like a country / folk vibe. She has a nice personal connection to the song and she chose Kelsea. 

Jadyn Cree is Bryan Olesen's daughter (he was a finalist two seasons ago), she sang Into You by Paramore-- Michael and Kelsea turned and she picked Michael. I like Jadyn's voice, she has a Hayley Williams and Amy Lee vibe to her. I would love to see her do some rock songs, and I think she can go far in the competition. 

Skip.... Darius J sang Caught Up by Usher, he choice team Adam. 

Skip.... Angie Rey sang Penthouse by Kelsea Ballerini, only Kelsea turned. 

Skip.... Carlos Santiago sang Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx, Adam and Michael turned and Carlos chose Team Buble. 

Skip....  Dan Kiernan sang High Hopes by Panic at the Disco, John and Michael turned and Kelsea used  her coach's replay, and Dan chose Kelsea. 

Ethan Eckenroad sang Northern Attitude by Noah Kahan-- Adam said it would be a tragedy if you weren't on my team. This was a four chair turn that was a deserved four chair turn. John loved his poise and soulfulness. Michael called him "good music". Ethan chose Adam! 

Same thing with Week 2 of Blinds... I am going to skip performances that were underwhelming to me. 

Skip.... Tatum Scott sang Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo-- I wasn't crazy about the way she changed up the song. Kelsea and John turned and Tatum picked Kelsea. 

Bryson Battle sang A Song For You by Donny Hathaway-- He's only 21! Kelsea said you were just singing from your soul. This was a well deserved four chair turn. Michael loved his voice and said he sings that song, and wishes he could sing it like him. Adam said it's incredible what you do. Adam said it will be about song selection. John said I was the first to turn. He said that he made the song feel new, fresh, and exciting. Bryson chose Team Legend. 

Skip.... Jordan Allen sang Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Seeger-- John and Michel turned and Jordan chose John. 

Hayden Grove sang Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin-- Hayden has such a great voice. I loved the technical lesson that Michael gave showing how the standards singers don't use vibrato in their voices. I am so happy Adam turned and that Michael is offering to help them. 

Jaelen Johnston sang Where the Wild Things Are by Luke Combs-- Great voice, he reminds me of like Kane Brown. I was hoping that Adam would turn and he would choose Adam or even Michael because those pairings are unexpected and I think they could help him. Both of them turned, but Kelsea did too, and unsurprisingly he went with Kelsea. 

Ricardo Moreno sang Put Your Head on My Shoulder by Paul Anka-- I appreciated Ricardo's musicality and the fact that he sang a "standard". The coaches discussed quite a bit, but no one turned. Michael used his coach's replay on Ricardo. 

Ari Camille sang I Wanna Be Down by Brandy-- jury is out on her, I almost skipped, she might end up being interesting, we'll have to see. John and Michael turned. Of course she chose John. 

Braxton Garza sang Pretty Little Poison by Warren Zeiders-- Absolutely love his sound! He has that country rocker vibe which the coaches clearly recognized. Kelsea told Adam and Michael not to turn but then took her time turning so Michael blocked her. Braxton is on Team Buble. 

Britton Moore sang Yellow by Coldplay-- Wow he is good, well deserved four chair turn, not many of those, but this one, well deserved. Adam turned first and was the only one who did not pull any gimmicks. Britton chose him, and with good reason, this is a match made in heaven. 

The ones I featured videos for are the ones I feel confident about in terms of their success on the show.