The Voice Season 29: Let Me Down Easy with These Amazing Blind Auditions

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

The Voice Season 29, Season of Champions: The Blinds Begin with New Twists

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

The Voice Season 28: Team Snoop and Team Niall battle it out for the Playoffs

Team Snoop: Yoshihanna sang And I Am Telling You by Jennifer Holliday-- She left it all out there. Undeniable talent. Niall said, you were just amazing, the way you strutted down there, incredible performance yet again. Michael said when it came to showing why you deserve to be here, you were clutch city. Snoop said you should be making your own records.  

Team Niall: Kirbi sang Bruises by Louis Capaldi-- Wow, this performance is unbelievably provocative and inspiring. I love how she made this her own. Louis would LOVE this so much. Reba said that was so beautiful, everything about your voice was so pure and spiritual. Niall said you don't know how good you are. You have a special gift and you've taken it to another level. 

Team Snoop: Mindy Miller sang I'm Not Ready to Make Nice by The Chicks-- Reba said she is a big fan. Snoop said thanks for always being your best whenever you hit the stage. 

Team Niall: Aiden Ross sang The Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice-- Everything about Aiden is genuine, full, raw, real, and complete. That performance was epic, simply gorgeous. Snoop said you need to be in the finals, Michael and Reba agreed. 

Team Niall: Ava Nat sang Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine-- Her ability to tell a story, she's just such a powerful artist; I have no idea how Niall is going to choose. Every single person should be in the finals. Snoop said Lord have mercy Ava, I was thoroughly impressed, you did an amazing job. Niall said your ability to tell a story is beyond belief. 

Team Snoop: Toni Lorene sand Bust Your Windows by Jasmine Sullivan-- This was a solid performance, great song choice, and so convincing. Niall said I wasn't scared of you til now. Snoop said Toni I have tears of joy. 

Team Niall: Dek of Hearts sang Helplessly Hoping by Crosby, Stills, and Nash-- What a masterful performance this is. These people truly all deserve to go before America for our vote. The way that The Voice set this up is criminal. Having 6 in the finals, we need more like 10. Reba said can you all do that 30 more times. Snoop said there is no one like you. 

Team Snoop: Ralph Edwards sang A Song for You by Donny Hathaway-- Niall said wreck it Ralph is at it again. Michael said you're the voice. Snoop said you brought back the memory of people I lost, it's a pleasure to call you my brother. 

Niall chose Aiden Ross to advance and Snoop chose Ralph Edwards to advance. I am thinking out of this group, America's vote will be Dek of Hearts. Those harmonies were undeniable. 

The Voice Season 28: The Playoffs Open with Teams Michael and Reba

Team Reba: Aaron Nichols sang Beer Never Broke My Heart by Luke Combs-- I could see him on the stage and hear him on the radio right now. This song was so perfect for him. 

Team Michael: Jazz McKenzie sang Don't Stop Believing by Journey-- The coaches were all loving this and I was not a fan. She sounded off in my opinion. Voice did not come through as well as I think they thought it did. I'd send her packing. 

Team Reba: Ryan Mitchell sang Undressed by Sombr-- I dig that he chose Sombr but I think he should have done Back to Friends. He has the store power to move forward but I don't think Reba will choose him outright. He could get voted through by the public. Reba loved what he brought and said she is so proud of him. 

Team Michael: Trinity sang Barracuda by Heart-- Love how she is always bringing a different side or piece of herself. This was risky-- I hope it pays off for her in the best way cause I am a big fan. She has an amazing voice, the last 30 seconds was, wow! Snoop said she just moved up in my book. 

Team Reba: Aubrey Nicole sang Black Velvet by Alannah Myles-- Aubrey has grown in each round. She's a start in my opinion. I loved the sultriness and smokiness in her voice; it reminded me a little bit of Leann Rimes. Reba said, wow! Niall said no doubt you deserve a place in the finale; you showed us another side of you that we haven't seen before. There's something special about you. Reba called her the perfect package. 

Team Michael: Rob Cole sang I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack-- Loved how Rob made the song his own because it's so well known. Reba said he touched her and he took a sweet song and made it better. Snoop said I'm sweet on you, you have superstar potential. 

Team Reba: Peyton Kyle sang Hold Back the River by James Bay-- I loved his confidence and how as he sang he walked up the stage closer. What a phenomenal vocal. Snoop said the way you took your time and worked it. I'd listen to your music. Reba said you give a lot in rehearsals, but you give even more when you get on the stage. 

Team Michael: Max Chambers sang A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke-- I loved it and it was definitely an inspired performance. I wanted a little more. I think I wanted to hear more passion when he says the "back down to my knees". Snoop said, that's the winner of The Voice. 

Michael chose Jazz, she's probably the only person on his team that I would not have picked. So I am really confused, but it was his choice. I would have chosen in order-- Trinity, Rob, Max, Jazz. 

Reba chose Aubrey, anyone she chose would have been a good choice. In order I would have picked Peyton, Aubrey or Aaron, and Ryan. 

The Voice Season 28: The Knockouts Come to an Impressive End

Team Reba: Austin Gilbert sang Eight Second Ride by Jake Owen vs. Peyton Kyle sang I Don't Wanna Be by Gavin DeGraw-- Love Peyton's confidence and swagger on stage, this was a great song choice for him. Austin is awesome too, you can tell he just loves performing and being an artist. I wish both of these guys could move forward. Both strong artists with clear identity. Michael said you both showed up and left nothing, you both nailed it. Snoop said Austin that song was perfect for you. Peyton you're that pop act that can cross over. Niall liked the rock side of Austin, and said he would pick Peyton because he could surprise a lot of people out here, he can sing anything. 
Reba chose Peyton

Team Niall: Dustin Dale Gaspard sang She Talks to Angels by The Black Crows vs. Kirbi sang Hard Fought Hallelujah by Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll-- For me, I am a fan of both but Kirbi wins this for me. She delivered that with such emotion and power. Reba enjoyed both but would go with Kirbi. Michael said what both did was special but Dustin is his guy. Snoop said Dustin you had me enjoying every minute of that. Kribi, that was the perfect song for you, that performance of that record right there, wow. Niall said Dustin you're an artist to your core. Kirbi that was your best performance without a shadow of a doubt.  
Niall chose Kirbi

Team Snoop: Lauren Anderson sang Try by Pink vs. Yoshihanaa sang You're All I Need to Get By by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell-- Wow! Yoshihanaa gave a stunning performance, that's such a classic song and she respected it lyrically. Lauren has continued to grow. Snoop had similar observations that I did for his comments. Snoop gave Yoshihanna the mic drop moment. 

Mic Drop Candidates: Max Chambers, Aaron Nichols, Dek of Hearts, Yoshihanna 

The Voice Season 28: You and I Watching the Knockouts

Team Reba: Cori Kennedy sang You and I by Lady Gaga vs. Aaron Nichols sang Hurricane by Band of Heathens-- Aaron just sounds like he has been doing this his whole life. There's something so deliberate and prolific about him as a performer. I liked Cori's performance, and how animated and personalized she made it. However, I would need to choose Aaron-- talent like his must be heard. He needs to be on the radio right now. Reba said she is so proud of both of them. Reba said she chose Aaron because he knows his lane, he's powerful, and he stays in it. She went as far as to choose him for her mic drop moment. Niall said Aaron could win the whole thing, and commented on what a powerful artist he is. 
Reba chose Aaron

Team Snoop: Carolina Rodriguez sang Love Song by The Cure vs. Mindy Miller sang In Color by Jamey Johnson-- Mindy has a beautiful voice, and stayed true to who she is as an artist. For me, Carolina is the surprise of this. Her performance was so technically good, but also full of emotion, and there was a maturity. It's like she grew up times ten. Carolina would be my choice. Niall said Mindy has such a great tone and so solid, and he said Carolina gave herself such a challenge and took it on. Reba said, Carolina, that sounded like it was from a Bond movie, and Mindy-- Jamie would be so proud of that. Michael appreciated both performances, but selfishly he would choose Carolina for the jazz part of her voice that he heard. 
Snoop chose Mindy 

Team Michael: Teo Ramdel sang It's My Life by Bon Jovi vs. Jazz McKenzie sang Cruisin' by Smokey Robinson-- Okay need to be totally honest both of them butchered two classic songs. This is a case where I wish both could be sent home to save someone else who has gone home undeservedly. Of course, the coaches all loved both of their performances. It seems like Jazz will be the one to move forward. I would have chosen Teo. I like Jazz but something about her performances feels forced. 
Michael chose Jazz

The Voice Season 28: What If I Never Get Over These Knockouts?

Team Reba: Conrad Khalil sang Closer by Neyo vs. Ryan Mitchell sang Zombie by The Cranberries-- I liked Ryan's performance but I think he could have chosen a better song to showcase his rock voice. He should have done like In My Hands by Fuel. Okay, so for me, I am loving Conrad's performance. I'd need to go with him. He told a story with his version of Closer. Michael said he would lean with Ryan. Snoop said both were great and it depends on what you're looking for-- R&B is Conrad and rock/ alternative is Ryan. Niall said Conrad reminds him of all the singers in R&B he listened to growing up. Ryan you have grown immensely. 
Reba chose Ryan 

Team Michael: Rob Cole sang Wondering Why by The Red Clay Strays vs. Marty O'Reilly sang The Letter by Joe Cocker-- Loved Rob's performance, that was so strong yet gentle. I think Rob could win The Voice. Marty's voice has all the growl and rasp. Like Zac Brown said, it sounds like he sings from a place of pain. Snoop said ain't nothing but the dog in you. Rob, the way you started on the piano, you're a superstar. Niall said neither one of them should be going home. Reba said Marty channeled Joe.
Michael chose Rob 

Lightning Round: 

Team Michael: Trinity sang I'm Your Baby Tonight by Whitney Houston vs. Jack Austin sang -- Michael chose Trinity

Team Niall: Dek of Hearts sang What If I Never Get Over You by Lady A vs. Kayleigh Clark sang Blue by Leann Rimes--  Wow! Dek of Hearts was so good, I loved the dynamics in their performance and the harmonies. Kayleigh's performance was so inspired, and I love how she made Blue her own. Snoop said Dek of Hearts when you all sing together, magic. He loved Kayleigh's yodeling. Niall said Kayleigh, you took all of Joe's notes, and Dek of Hearts it's so rare that all people in the group can sing.  
Niall chose Dek of Hearts and used his Mic Drop on them