The Voice Season 25: Amazed by the Top 9!

Team Reba: Josh Sanders sang White Horse by Chris Stapleton-- What an awesome performance for Josh. I love this song for him. I can see him recording this right now. Josh is interesting in some of the other contestants in that he has been on an upward trajectory in this competition for a few weeks now. He keeps getting better. John loved that he showed a different side of himself and that he is a force to be reckoned with. Reba said it was wonderful and drew the audience in. 

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo sang Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper-- I don't know what it is, but Madison keeps reminding me of Selena in every amazing way possible. She sounded so dreamy and strong. Her vocal was confident and emotional. Chance said he was blown away, she has a unique tone, and she has such a future ahead of her. He mentioned that her vocals sound like 90s Disney soundtracks which is pretty cool. Dan said you keep getting better and better, Chance leaned over to me and said she is so fire. Shay said she radiates light and is someone he would want his kids to look up to. 

Bryan, Maddi, and Nathan sang Just Like Heaven by The Cure-- This song really suited Bryan the best, but I felt like the other artists made the best of it.  

Team Chance: Serenity Arce sang We Can't Be Friends by Ariana Grande-- I loved this. I thought the song was a great choice for Serenity. It felt like she related, and really felt the song. It was contemporary and very much in line with the type of record I could see Serenity making. Reba said she sang beautifully and Chance was proud of her and liked how the song highlighted her voice. 

Tae, Karen, and Josh sang Forever Young by Rod Stewart-- I think this was my fave trio, they sounded great together and complimented each other. 

Team Chance: Maddi Jane sang Greedy by Tate McRae-- What I enjoy about Maddi is her versatility, she can literally sing just about anything and any genre. I love this song and it was a great performance. I don't know how it stands up against everyone else in the competition but I sure do enjoy listening to her and watching her. Chance said it was a Grammy level performance to him. 

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding-- This guy does it every time. He is such a throwback and so true to who he is as an artist. I loved this from start to finish. He is the complete package, such an entertainer, and everyone was on their feet. John said that was incredible, the journey you took us on, the crowd went crazy. 

Madison, Asher, and Serenity sang Fix You by Coldplay-- This was so angelic and soothing. I loved their vocals. 

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen sang Against All Odds by Phil Collins-- Good song choice for Bryan. I liked this so much better than last week. Bryan took his time and it seemed that the song had meaning for him.  John loved the performance said he felt Bryan connected with the song. He said he approached each note with patience. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang Stay by Sugarland-- Beautiful song choice for Karen and beautiful vocal. I thought it would be old fashioned but instead it was beautiful. Dan and Shay said it was unbelievable and felt that she wore her heart on her sleeve with that performance.  

Team Reba: Asher Havon sang Irreplaceable by Beyonce-- This is so amazing! He did this song in his own style and it was an anthem!!! I just smiled and had some tears at the end, Asher is awesome, I love his confidence and who he is. John said my dad texted me this week and said Asher is the voice. You are the best vocalist in this competition. Reba said you floored me, I am so proud of you, thank you for shining for God, you did such a great job. 

Team Dan and Shay: Tae Lewis sang Amazed by Lonestar-- Another great song choice tonight. This is such a good song for Tae. I liked the small changes he made to make it his own but he kept that strong and recognizable melody. Dan felt his performance was iconic, and called it incredible. Shay said how do you not love Tae Lewis, you have fought for your success on this show. Nashville is proud of you and we're proud of you forever. 

Top 5 Prediction (in more particular order)

Team Reba: Asher Havon

Team Legend: Nathan Chester

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo

Team Chance: Serenity Arce

Final spot is such a toss up between Team Dan and Shay Karen Waldrup and Team Reba Josh Sanders 

American Idol: Did Dance Tunes and the Adele Songbook Impress?

The answer is, only about half way. The dance tunes were not great. Out of seven performances, only three of them were really memorable. Adele's Songbook faired a little bit better. 

Jack Blocker performed Long Tall Sally by Little Richard, it was such an authentically Jack performance.

 

Will Moseley's performance of Give Me Three Steps by Lynard Skynard was a win. I love how he continues to stay true to who he is as an artist. 

Lastly, I loved Emmy Russell singing Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon. She slightly changed up the song and made it her own. 

The Adela Songbook impressed me-- 

I did not think I would enjoy Jack performing One and Only, but it was amazing. It was practically a perfect song choice for him. 

Emmy Russell did Water Under the Bridge which is one of my fave Adele songs. She is comfortable and intentional with her performance. 

Triston Harper displayed so much maturity with his performance of Easy on Me. I loved how he connected with the song and made it his own. 

Lastly, I need to shout out Abi Carter's performance of Hello. When she gets it right, she gets it right. 

Julia and McKenna were sent home. 

Jack, Will, Triston, Abi, and Emmy remain! What an amazingly solid top five, this is anyone's competition to win. 

The Voice Season 25: Happier than ever watching the top 12 in the lives...

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen sang Don't Stop Me Now by Queen-- Good song choice in theory for Bryan but it felt too big for him at times, almost like it got away from him. The coaches were all positive with their feedback though saying that they felt like he was opening an award show. 

Team Dan and Shay: Tae Lewis sang 19 You and Me by Dan and Shay-- Tae has such a great voice and basically sounds good with anything he chooses. Reba is thrilled he is still in the competition and says how much he deserves to be here. Dan and Shay tell him to soak in the moment. 

Team Chance: Maddi Jane sang Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish-- I love Maddi's range and I continue to be a fan of her. I am unsure whether this was the right song choice for her. John says she has been a star since the beginning and made the song her own. Chance says he is proud of her. 

Team Reba: L Rodgers sang Up to the Mountain by Patty Griffin-- This is a perfect song choice for L. Something I love about her is how she feels the music and lyrics. Dan and Shay said she looks and sounds beautiful. Reba said that when L sings she really feels it and that's because she feels it first. 

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo sang Yesterday by The Beatles-- What a heartfelt and genuine performance by Madison, this was such a beautiful choice that showcased her vocal. Hopefully the audience will connect with her performance and vote her through. Shay said he was so proud oh her, and he said when you sing, I feel something. It's not just your voice, but your spirit, your soul, your joy, and I am so glad that we get to be a part of it. 

Team Reba: Asher HaVon sang I'll Make Love to You by Boyz II Men-- I loved this performance by Asher! I loved his runs and how he kept the melody of the song but at points put his own spin on it. I also enjoy how he continually changes up his look. This was the first real and complete performance of the night. All the coaches were on their feet. Chance said yea man that was crazy, if anyone out of Team Chance should win, it's you, you're an incredibly talented vocalist. Reba said the Lord put you on this Earth to sing, thank you to God for letting you be here with us for this time. 

Team Legend: Zoe Levert sang Stick Season by Noah Kahan-- I thought this was such a great performance. This Noah Kahan song is exactly her jive, exactly what she should be singing and represents who she is as an artist. Dan said he was honored that Zoe used their song for her wedding. They loved her performance and thought that she was spot on and in the pocket. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack-- I like how Karen is showing her artistry by playing the guitar and singing. The song choice and delivery was a little bit old fashioned for me but I do think she could have a career in country music right now. Reba said I am so happy for you, you did a wonderful job, and you sounded spectacular. Shay said younger you would have sang this song to you. I am so proud of you. 

Team Chance: Serenity Arce sang Traitor by Olivia Rodrigo-- I agree with Chance, I think what makes Serenity so special is the way she connects with every song. This performance was no exception. The whole thing was amazing. Dan said that was sick, so powerful, I can't believe you're only 17, that blows my mind. Chance said you make the stage your own every time, your performances are heartfelt and intentional. 

Team Chance: Nadege sang He Loves Me by Jill Scott-- One of my favorite performances of the night. This was raw, sultry, real. I literally loved everything about that. It was mesmerizing. She feels similar to how the singer Sade felt in the 80s and 90s. John said this was a perfect song for you; this is you. Chance said you have had so many great performances, this was right up your alley. 

Team Reba: Josh Sanders sang Angels by Thomas Rhett-- That was such a great song choice for Josh. I feel like he connected to that song and as a result I really did too. Shay said I am going to cry, that was unbelievable. You have been only you since the beginning of this competition. Reba said that touched my heart. I love that relationship you have. You sold that song with your heart. 

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson-- This is another complete performance. I don't think this guy has made one misstep in this competition. He is amazing. I feel like he is one of those people who you cannot wait to see him and see what he does. John said they love him too much, the crowd is so loud I can't talk. He said you had such a clarity, who you wanted to be. You sing amazing and you perform amazing, you're such a pleasure. 

My Predictions: Bryan, Maddi, and Karen are your bottom three. 

American Idol: We're Down to 7

This is the week where the judges each choose a song for the contestants and the contestants pick which song they want to sing. Katy Perry won the night, I have to admit she is great at choosing songs suited to the contestants strengths. 

Here are my highlights-- 

The tribute to Mandisa by Melinda Doolittle, Danny Gokey, and Colton Dixon was amazing. They sang a song called Shackles that Mandisa has performed many times. It was so beautiful to see how her spirit will live on and how so many people from the American Idol community looked up to her. 

Will Moseley sang Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash-- this was the perfect choice for him. He sounds like he's been doing this forever. This is totally his wheelhouse and the type of music he should be recording. 

Kaibrienne really connected with her song choice, Traitor by Olivia Rodrigo, she was a little pitchy but I think that's the breathiness of her voice. The emotion was all there so I would say she "won" this week. She brought it all back and together by the end. 

McKenna missed this week with her song choice and her performance, I didn't love this. The song was not even notable for me. 

Jack Blocker sang You Are Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson, good song choice for Jack but I found his performance a little bit boring. There wasn't anything memorable about it. 

Abi Carter was probably my favorite performance of the night with Bring Me to Life by Evanescence-- This was so passionate and dramatic. She was a total pro up there and brought this performance to life. 

Julia Gagnon sang Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland-- this was the right choice for her at the right time, she totally needed this. I have not been a big fan of hers in general, she should have gone home weeks ago, but this was a strong performance. I am happy for her and hope she can turn it around. 

Triston Harper sang Sand in my Boots by Morgan Wallen-- I did not love this choice for him, but I love Triston, he has so much confidence and he has remained true to himself throughout this competition and that says a lot with him being so young. He is in such a good place right now. 

Emmy Russell sang Coal Miner's Daughter by her grandmother Loretta Lynn-- Emmy was my other fave performance of the night. This was stunning, she sang it in a completely different way than her grandmother did, and it completely worked and spoke to who she is as an artist.  I could not have loved this more. 

At the end of the night it was Kaibrienne who was sent home. It came down to her and McKenna and the judges chose McKenna to move forward. I think McKenna and Jack should have been the bottom two. 

The Voice Season 25: Reba and Chance Pick their Playoff Teams

Team Reba: Josh Sanders sang Black Water by the Doobie Brothers-- Josh turned in a good performance, but I wasn't moved. I don't know if he did enough to advance to the live shows. I felt like the song choice did not highlight his vocal strengths. John said he killed it and is seeing new sides of him. Reba felt like it was his best performance. Chance and Dan and Shay called out his consistency. 

Team Chance: Nadege sang Clocks by Coldplay-- Reba said her tone is warm and rich like a cashmere sweater. Chance called it one of the best performances on the show and said it felt like a spiritual experience. Gorgeous and angelic vocal by Nadege, I loved this! 

Team Reba: Justin and Jeremy Garcia sang Castle on a Hill by Ed Sheeran-- I did not understand these two at first when they came on this show, but this performance was stellar, I found myself really wanting them to advance to the lives. They deserve amazing things going forward.  Dan and Shay called it magical. John felt it was the tightest they have sounded. Reba said it was much better than rehearsals. 

Team Chance: Kyle Schuesler sang Something in the Orange-- Julia on American Idol sang this, it did nothing for her voice to show her dynamics and the same thing is happening to Kyle. If you don't stand out, you won't move to lives most likely. A shame cause he is such an artist.  Reba enjoyed it and said it made her feel comfortable and relaxed. Dan and Shay said he made it his version. 

Team Reba: Jackie Romeo sang The Story by Brandi Carlile-- This performance was so genuine and beautiful. Jackie is an artist who feels every performance with her heart. Chance said she brought up the energy of the room. John said she was the most complete package so far. Reba said she sings like an angel. 

Team Chance: Serenity Arce sang Lose You to Love Me by Selena Gomez-- I love Serenity, I was not crazy about this song choice for her. She had all the attitude and she sold the song, but the song from a dynamics standpoint doesn't really go anywhere. This girl is a contender though. Dan and Shay felt convinced with her performance. Chance felt she made an emphatic statement. Reba thought she checked every box. 

Team Reba: L Rodgers sang All I Know So Far by Pink-- L has such a gift for emoting and telling a story. This was a beautiful song choice for her. Shay said every moment up there is the most important in your life, you're so passionate. John said we see who you are. Reba said you tell a story with your face and actions. 

Team Chance: Rletto sang Holy by Justin Bieber and Chance the Rapper-- Love how Rletto continues to be so true to himself and his artistry. This was such a cool song choice for him, I loved that he kept certain parts the same cause they're sacred. There were parts were he made it his own and it was tasteful. Shay said it is always something different from you, but always you. He said he deserves to be in the lives. 

Team Reba: Asher HaVon sang Titanium by David Guetta and Sia-- Anthony Ramos said Asher's voice is a whirlwind. Asher is amazing! He literally deserves to win this whole damn thing. Shay said this felt like a Grammy moment. Dan felt like he could win this whole thing. John said certain things about you remind me of Whitney Houston. That was divine. Chance said it's cool to watch someone on their way, it's like we forget you're in this competition. Reba said you command the stage so well. The song was great for you, I hope you feel great about it, and to hear my fellow coaches talk about you like that, I am so proud. 

Team Chance: Maddi Jane sang Stay by Rihanna-- Maddi was theatrical, strong, emotional, and she rose to the occasion at the right time. I loved how I felt like I was seeing her for the first time. This was beautiful. Shay said you're not a gem, you're a straight diamond. John said every note felt intentional, this was a masterclass. Chance said I am so proud of you, it's beautiful to see you be yourself every week. I love your cool confidence. 

My Predictions: 
Team Reba: Asher, L Rodgers, Justin and Jeremy
Team Chance: Maddi, Rletto, Serenity

Their Picks:
Team Chance: Serenity, Maddi, Nadege
Team Reba: Asher, Josh, L Rodgers 

4 out of 6, not bad. 

American Idol Update: Now There Are 10

 Great nights of mentoring with both Gene Simmons from KISS and Meghan Trainor. There were a handful of special performances from the night. I am just going to speak about the highlights. 

Will Moseley sang Starting Over by Chris Stapleton-- Every performance from Will feels like you're at his concert and this was no exception. 

Mia Matthews sang Over You by Miranda Lambert-- This was a perfect song choice from her. She delivered the vocals, the artistry, and the emotion. This was a special moment where she could easily measure up to the other heavy hitter females in this competition-- McKenna, Abi, and Emmy. 

Roman Collins sang Roar by Katy Perry-- This was so good! I am so disappointed that he did not advance in the competition. It's truly special how he is making gospel music so front, center, and contemporary. I hope Katy does do this version next time she goes out on tour. 

Jack Blocker sang Blinding Lights by The Weeknd-- He totally gives me Phillip Phillips vibes. I LOVE his version of this song. I love how Jack stays so true to himself. He is unapologetic and I love that. 

The Top 10

Abi Carter
McKenna Faith Reinholt
Will Moseley
Kayko
Kaibrienne
Mia Matthews
Jack Blocker
Emmy Russell
Triston Harper
Julia Gagnon

Going Home 

Roman Collins
Jayna Elise

The Voice Season 25: John and Dan and Shay Pick Their Playoff Teams

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang Oh Darling! by The Beatles-- Reba says he had her at the beginning. Chance loved his choreography and tone. Dan and Shay said it was his best performance. John agreed and liked his conviction. Wow! Everyone was on their feet, for me, that was a masterclass performance. Nathan is a force to be reckoned with. He has so much passion and you can tell he really wants this. This performance was EVERYTHING!

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang Heart Like a Truck by Lainey Wilson-- Reba said she wanted Karen on her team. Chance loves how she interacts with the crowd and her confidence. Dan and Shay are proud of how she has progressed. There is no denying Karen's voice. I think she has experienced more growth than the majority of the contestants on the show this season. 

Team Legend: Kamalei Kawa'a sang No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley-- Reba loves how he conveys strength in his singing. John likes how he is honoring Bob Marley's legacy. I wish John had pushed Kamalei to diversify his song selection more. I think he has a good voice but I feel like I have heard him sing all the same type of song. 

Team Dan and Shay: Anya True sang All Too Well by Taylor Swift-- John says it felt like the right song for her and he found her performance compelling. Dan and Shay said it was their fave Anya performance. 

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen sang Africa by Toto-- John said he was glad that he used his playoff pass on Bryan cause he deserved it. He said he felt like he was at Bryan's concert. Reba called him the perfect package. Chance said he is 100% a rockstar. 

Team Dan and Shay: Olivia Rubini sang I'll Stand by You by The Pretenders-- John said Olivia you are always such a wonderful singer. You were trying to find some rock and roll in your voice but it wasn't the right place for this song. I agree with John, I didn't like how she put those random high parts in there. 

Team Legend: Mafe sang Someone Like You by Adele-- Chance said I think she should go to the lives. Shay said you're an amazing singer and should definitely go to the lives. Shay didn't like the melodic changes she made; John disagreed. Great song choice for Mafe! I loved this, she also gets into a place where she does similar song but she is special enough. 

Team Day and Shay: Tae Lewis sang Runnin' Outta Moonlight by Randy Hauser-- I thought this performance was good. I think Tae is someone you can count on to always deliver a consistent performance. Chance said he would put Tae on his playoff team. Reba said that everyone wants to hear what Tae is going to do next. Dan and Shay felt he delivered. 

Team Legend: Zoe Levert sang Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls-- Chance said it was his favorite performance. Chance said she is so captivating. Dan has loved every performance she has done. Reba said girl toy brought, your voice, your stage presence, your look, absolutely beautiful. John you gotta take her to the lives. John said Zoe is becoming a star before our eyes. She's contender for me, she's unique, she's true to herself. I love Zoe. 

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo sang Landslide by Fleetwood Mac-- Reba said I love your voice, you gave me chills. Chance said I want a copy of that performance, I want to listen to it again. John said what you did up there felt so easy. Shay said I could talk about you all night. I loved that! I was definitely getting Selena vibes but she is also all her own. That was so touching and heartfelt. 

My picks for John: Nathan, Mafe, and Zoe 

My picks for Dan and Shay: Karen, Tae, and Madison

UPDATE: 

The only one I got wrong.... I picked Mafe, John picked Bryan who I do think it actually talented. The rest I got totally right, 5/6!