Adam chose Jared
John chose KJ
Team Legend: Moses G. singing Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye vs. Lucas West singing New York State of Mind by Billy Joel-- I love how much Moses pours himself into every performance. This was a perfect song choice for him; I felt every note. Lucas's performance was so effortless and such a masterclass in performing and just technically so sound. Adam said the only way to do the song Moses did was exactly how he did it. Lucas, I am still mad you're not on my team. Kelly said Moses you make me so happy. Lucas, if Billy Joel saw this, you made him proud. John said he was impressed with both performances. Moses you radiate light; Lucas you did things that were revelatory, you sing and play the piano and it's so impressive.
John chose Lucas
Team Kelly: Houston Kelly singing Love You Anyway by Luke Combs vs. JW Griffin singing If It Hadn't Been For Love by The Steeldrivers-- Both great voices! I enjoy both of these guys. I think the difference is JW sounds a little old country to me versus Houston has more of a modern country sound. I wish both of them could move forward. Kelly said you're both equally as gifted but one of you is more ready for competition right now. I have to choose JW.
Team Adam: Alexia Jayy singing You Give Good Love by Whitney Houston vs. Bay Simpson singing One Head Light by The Wallflowers-- Alexia sounds so good singing Whitney; she has the vocals chops for this. I loved Bay's song choice and the vibe of the performance was good, just loved it. Kelly said Bay you are so cool and understated; Alexia you are so good, it's like Whitney Houston and Lauryn Hill's voices had a baby. She would choose Alexia. Adam said you are both comfortable in your own skin. Bay, you were incredible today. Adam said you are so unique in your way, you're magic.
Adam chose Alexia
Team Kelly: Abigayle Oakley singing Feather by Sabrina Carpenter vs. Liv Ciara singing Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson-- I loved the arrangement of Liv's performance of Breakaway, it was so unique but equally strong vocally to what Kelly did when she recorded it. I absolutely loved it. Abigayle was equally intriguing. I loved all the high notes throughout. John said he would choose Liv. Adam said he was so lame at 16 compared to Liv; Abigayle you had me feeling and understanding the lyrics. Both of you were great, so I am of no help. Kelly said, Abigayle, what you did was really hard; Liv, you took my song and made it a showstopper. Liv has the edge with me.
Kelly chose Liv
Team Legend: Syd Millevoi singing Tell Me You Love Me by Demi Lovato vs. Natasha Blaine singing Another Sad Love Song by Toni Braxton-- Wow! Syd was phenomenal; she was sounding like Ariana Grande. Her range was incredible and it was effortless like Demi. Natasha, by contrast is very jazzy and reminds me of like a lounge singer. She has a beautiful voice, and it's rare for someone her age and generation to do this style. Adam said Natasha, I heard something in your range, so much improvement. Syd your voice keeps soaring like an eagle. Kelly loved Natasha's style, and Syd, your voice is meant for an arena like this. Adam and Kelly urged Syd to tap into the connection. John said Natasha you understand who you are as a vocalist. Syd, you're so gifted, it's just about making the audience believe you as an artist.
John chose Syd
Team Adam: Jeremy Keith singing Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell vs. Mike Steele singing How You Gonna Act Like That by Tyrese-- Oh my goodness, I loved Mike's performance. He is one of my personal favorites in the competition. He has the heart, soul, and voice to win this. Jeremy gave an amazing performance. Kelly said you're both so good, man I don't know. Jeremy, in my mind, you're the better pure singer. Mike, you have the swag, the intangibles. Kelly said you're screwed. Adam said, I thought they were great and they should both stay.
Adam chose Jeremy
Team Adam: Drew Russell vs. Jared Shoemaker singing Leather and Lace by Don Henley and Stevie Nicks-- This was like a duet, not a battle, and that is the ultimate compliment. John loved the top of Drew's voice and the shred, and he decided that Jared is one of his fave male voices this season. Kelly said you compliment each other and make each other better. Adam said he sang this song with Stevie Nicks to his wife at his wedding. He said, this was so beautiful, thank you guys for doing it right. In rehearsals, it had the potential, and I didn't know if it would come to fruition but it did. You're both just incredible. Kelly emphasized after the fact, that she wished that they could hit a button and be like "pairing". Kelly is right, they would be an amazing duo because they're not likely, and that is what would make them interesting. Adam chose Jared.
Team Kelly: Houston Kelly vs. Tia Durant singing Either Way by Chris Stapleton-- I loved both of them but if I had to choose I think I would chose Houston because of his dynamics and range. Adam said he turned for Tia, but not for Houston. However, he said today he was impressed with Houston's high register and that he would probably choose him. John offered an opposing opinion. Kelly said Jennifer told her she threw her shoe. Kelly loved the intimacy of the performance. I would choose Houston.
Kelly chose Houston
Team Adam: Jeremy Keith vs. Aziz Guerra singing My Cherie Amor by Stevie Wonder-- This was a good battle, they were well matched. John said that was beautiful; he would pick Jeremy. Kelly said she liked them equally, their runs, both great, but different. She loved Aziz's vibrato and she liked how Jeremy would start different phrases. Adam said he was proud of both guys. He said this guy is ready now, and that's why I need to choose Jeremy.
Team Legend: Natasha Blaine vs. Kendra Remedios singing Walk On By by Dionne Warwick-- Have to be honest, did not love this song choice and performance. I would choose Natasha though; I'm just a fan of her voice. John liked Kendra's soulfulness and edge. He said that Natasha was sultry and smooth. John chose Natasha.
Team Kelly: Aaron Lavigne vs. Jonah Mayor singing The First Time by Damiano David-- Okay well first off is that this felt very Broadway for me. I did not love the song choice at all. Had never heard this song before. I would lean toward Jonah, I was just such a fan of his voice in the blinds. Adam said the energy was amazing. John loved the high notes, and said it would be interesting to explore Jonah's opera background. Kelly said they both had pitch issues. She complimented Aaron's range and Jonah's roundness. Kelly chose Jonah.
Lightning Rounds:
Team Legend: Ashley Marina vs. Syd Millevoi singing Love Takes Time by Mariah Carey-- Another song choice I did not care for. It was pretty clear Syd had this in the bag. John chose Syd.
Team Kelly: Abigayle Oakley vs. Julia Golden singing Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac-- This was one of the better song choices tonight. I liked both voices but I LOVE Abigayle's voice. Adam said there is a beautiful quality to her voice especially when she gets into her upper register. John said Abigayle had a nice, round tone, and he said the energy Julia brought felt right. Kelly said they both have magical tones, and she preferred their blinds better (she chose the song....). Kelly chose Abigayle.
My picks: KJ Willis, Ashley Marina, Aziz Guerra, Mikenley Brown, Syd Millevoi, Jared Shoemaker
My previous picks for my team: My picks-- Alexia Jayy, Abigayle Oakley, Jonah Mayor, Bay Simpson, and Jeremy Keith, JW Griffin, Mike Steele, Bijou Belle, and Hunter Jordan
JW Griffin sang Long Haired Country Boy by Charlie Daniels-- I love how JW has that throw back country voice, tried and true, like a George Strait or a Chris Stapleton. Kelly turned first, and before I knew it, it was a triple turn. Adam made his plea being honest and saying he understood that he would not be the obvious choice. He did say he got to know Blake over the years and that they are an explosive combo. Kelly talked about her ability to be a country crossover artist. John asked JW about himself and what he does.
JW chose Kelly
Nicolette Capua sang You Broke Me First by Tate McRae-- The song choice was awesome but she sounded a little flat. No one turned.
Tia Durant sang Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight and the Pips-- Kelly and Adam turned at the same time, I was waiting for John to turn! She was a little pitchy at first but she fixed it.
Tia chose Kelly
Kendra Remedios sang Girl Crush by Little Big Town-- The arrangement of the song was cool. I liked how she did not do it exactly as the original. Adam said there were some issues that kept him from pushing but he said that was irrelevant because John Legend is your coach. Kelly said she loved her tone but she has several country artists on her team. John said he loved the attitude and the crackle in her voice. John chose Kendra
Mike Steele sang For Tonight by Giveon-- Mike is the real deal, "real deal Steele". He has awesome tone, and I love how he interpreted the song. His range was cool too, how he went down low and went into the high. He is bringing back that 90s R&B style. All the coaches quickly turned. John liked the choices he made and felt like his tone was interesting. John said we could have a lot of fun working together. Adam said you suit is fresh. Adam wants to help him grow his upper register. Kelly said I grew up on the artists you mentioned. But she wants to stretch Mike and challenge him to sing songs from artists outside of his wheelhouse.
Mike chose John
Bijou Belle sang Wildflower by Billie Eilish-- Bijou sounded absolutely gorgeous and I think Kelly and John are NUTS for not turning. Kelly said she didn't push cause of the pitch issues. I feel like considering that she is 17, that's natural. Adam turned for her tone and that something special he heard in her voice.
Adam chose Bijou
Jaali Boyd sang No Air by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown-- I loved how she navigated the highs and lows of the song. Kelly and Adam turned. Adam said he felt like that performance was just the beginning for her. Kelly liked how she performed to the audience and promised to challenge her if she picks her as a coach.
Jaali chose Adam
Blaire Elbert sang Wide Rolling Plains by Rosalie Allen-- I liked how the performance started out, and I did like the yodeling but I felt by a certain point, she lost control of the performance. Kelly was the only one to turn. John liked the rasp in her voice. He said you add in the yodeling and you're really interesting. Adam said he was enjoying the performance, but when he heard the yodeling he felt he could not compete. Blaire and Kelly immediately related on both being from Texas. Kelly was so excited to gain Blaire for her team. Only two more spots til her team is full.
Kelly chose Blaire
Adi Arora sang It Will Rain by Bruno Mars-- Song started out strong and soulful. I liked how he did not sing it exactly like Bruno. He did make it his own a little bit and take some creative license. I loved when he went into the falsetto. John and Kelly turned. I was surprised that by the end, Adam did not turn! Adam said ultimately he should not have gotten hung up on the things he did because he has a great voice. John said that he turned way before Kelly and he related to Adi as they both have background in acapella. Kelly felt like what makes Bruno special is the little bit of wild and passion, and she encouraged Adi to make sure he incorporates that.
Adi chose John
Moses G sang Forever Young by Rod Stewart-- Such an interesting song choice, he did actually work to showcase his voice well. I enjoy Moses and his style. Kelly said the only thing that kept her from hitting her button was a little too much vibrato. Adam said he heard some grit, rasp, R&B, rock n' roll, he heard it all.
Adam chose Moses G
Chezzarai sang I'm Every Woman by Chaka Kahn--Oh wow, I hope she kills this performance, I love this song. No one turned. I think what the coaches were suggesting was that maybe the song was too big.
Hunter Jordan sang Let Me Down Easy by Billy Currington-- What I loved the most about that was the emotion in his voice. He is singing from his heart. Adam said you're gonna break the mold and do what no country singer has done, you're gonna choose me as your coach. Kelly asked him what type of music he listens to and related to him and said I would love for you to choose team Kelly. Adam said you had effortless smooth power, that's the sound of a good voice, and that's what goes far on this show. On this triple turn....
Hunter chose Adam
My picks: JW Griffin, Mike Steele, Bijou Belle, and Hunter Jordan
My previous picks for my team: My picks-- Alexia Jayy, Abigayle Oakley, Jonah Mayor, Bay Simpson, and Jeremy Keith
Season 29 of The Voice started this past Monday. First off, I need to tip my hat to last season's winner, Aiden Ross from Team Niall. I didn't blog the last show, I felt like it crept up so quickly. I will be curious to see how this season unfolds. First off, there are some obvious changes-- three coaches instead of four. This season is titled, Season of Champions. The coaches are Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Adam Levine. They will each be bringing back two contestants from their respective teams over the years. Kelly is bringing back Girl Named Tom (Season 21) and Jake Hoot (Season 17). Adam is bringing back Jordan Smith (Season 9) and Javier Colon (the first winner ever on The Voice). John is bringing back Maelyn Jarmon (Season 16) and Renzo (Season 27). There will not be live shows this season which I find strange and Cee Lo Green will be returning in some capacity.
Lucas West sang Benny and the Jets by Elton John-- Loved the confidence in this performance, lots of ease. Adam turned, followed by John. I am surprised that Kelly did not turn on this one. Adam liked how different Lucas is, and John called him soulful, saying that quality made him want Lucas on Team Legend.
Lucas chose John
Alexia Jay sang You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman by Aretha Franklin-- Rightfully the first triple turn of the season. I feel like anyone who can successfully sing this is a technically sound vocalist. John said she is his type of singer and likes her voice and style. Adam said Carole King (songwriter) and Aretha came together on this song as two very different artists and maybe you, flower goddess you are, are meant to have this journey with someone that not everybody would expect. Kelly praised her for choosing such a difficult song. Alexia brought her son onstage and he said that Maroon 5 is his favorite artist.
Alexia chose Adam!
Julia Golden sang Strawberry Wine by Deana Carter-- I felt like she gave a pretty sound performance. At 19, she has some growth ahead of her. Goog song choice. John and Kelly turned. John turned first and said her voice has a lot of heart. Kelly basically made the argument that she should land most country artists in the competition. John played a video of Reba saying he would be a good coach for country artists. Kelly got Reba on the phone to get her endorsement.
Julia chose Kelly.
Abigayle Oakley sang Call Your Girlfriend by Robyn-- I loved the song choice, one of my fave songs. However, I felt like the arrangement could have been better. I do praise her though for originality and being authentic to herself. All three coaches turned right away. Adam said there is something special about her. Kelly compared her to Joni Mitchell and urged her to keep choosing songs people would not expect. John reassured her that there is a lane for singer/ songwriters like her in this competition.
Abigayle chose Kelly
\Landon Price sang Glory by John Legend and Common, no chair turns
Jonah Mayor sang Il Mondo-- Such a captivating performance. I really like Jonah's personality as well. He's the complete package in my opinion. Kelly turned immediately and genuinely seemed excited about Jonah and his performance. Adam turned as well. Kelly went up and hugged Jonah and said he is her favorite performance thus far. Adam joked saying, "Welcome to Team Kelly" (foreshadowing). Adam went up and hugged him too, followed by John (LOL). Adam felt that what Jonah does is singular and there will not be anyone like him in the competition. Jonah did point out to Kelly that he does want to do other things. Adam called him the complete package as a performer and singer.
Jonah chose Kelly
Bay Simpson sang The Waiting by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers-- I like his voice and I think there's potential. He does seem to have music in his bones. In the final moments of the performance, Adam turned. I am really happy he did, cause I look forward to seeing what Bay can do. Adam said I have never really heard someone do a Petty song, well the big ones, but that one said something about you that I really took to. He said he is happy it happened the way it did so he didn't have to fight for him. He said the way you took on the song told me you know Rock n' Roll music.
Adam chose Bay
Liv Ciara sang We Can't Be Friends by Ariana Grande-- Liv was on the show before and came back. She sounds amazing. Clearly she improved a lot and took the notes that they gave her last time. Adam and Kelly turned. Adam thinks she is advanced vocally being that she's so young. Kelly talked about how much she loves that Ariana song and that the way Liv sang the song gave it a different perspective. Adam almost in a way conceded.
Liv chose Kelly
Aaron LaVigne sang Feels Like the First Time by Foreigner-- Aaron has performed on Broadway, you can see he has performance experience on stage. This is a big song. Alright, towards the end, Kelly and John turned. I definitely heard some flaws in the performance, but I feel like he can be fine tuned. Kelly said she could tell that he is passionate about singing, and she pointed out that she turned first. John said by the end of the performance he was impressed and that's why he turned. Aaron talked about how he and John both played Jesus in renditions of Jesus Christ Superstar. They both talked about their connections to Ohio. Adam said you have two great coaches to choose from. You have, Kelly "I picked you first" Clarkson and John "I'm from Ohio" Legend.
Aaron chose Kelly
AJ Robinson sang Watermelon Moonshine by Lainey Wilson-- This is another artist where I see potential. It's interesting that John turned, but I will look forward to what this pairing comes up with in the next round. John turned almost immediately, and Adam and Kelly did not push. John loved his tone, how his voice floats, and the richness.
John chose AJ
Jeremy Keith sang You Are My Lady by Freddie Jackson-- Smooth performance, he sang in the group After 7. That is so cool! This was another "triple turn" as they're calling it this season. John turned first, followed by Adam, and lastly Kelly. John loved his tone. Adam said, John makes the most sense for you. He said you're not a background vocalist anymore. Adam said I have a lot of experience on The Voice. Kelly said but you haven't won a lot. John said what's the point of this? Adam said, see I'm a threat. Kelly said I know I can hand you any song cause of your experience as a background vocalist. Kelly said I think you could win this show. Jeremy said he and his mom listened to John's album, "Get Lifted" a lot. John got on stage and sang Ordinary People with Jeremy.
Jeremy shockingly chose Adam!
My picks-- Alexia, Abigayle, Jonah, Bay, and Jeremy