The Voice Season 30: I'll Be Loving These Battles Always

Team Queen: Brandon Diaz vs. Bryan Jaymes sang As by Stevie Wonder-- This is one of my fave ever battles. I loved how they made this performance and song their own but honored the complex simplicity of the original. The voices were amazing together. They held space for each other but it was a true battle. I can't choose a winner. Riley liked how they were having fun, and were different. Kelly said y'all should be a duo, that was sexy. Adam agreed, "that was sexy, I said it". Kelly said she can't choose. Adam said Brandon your comprehension of the song benefitted you the most, but Bryan you came in and did some runs and sounded like Stevie. Queen said no one can help me. She said I had to give you something you could chew on, the harmonies were, wow. She said there's no way either one of you should go home tonight. Queen chose Bryan. Adam stole Brandon. Wow! That was a massive power play for Adam! 

Team Riley: Harmony McKee vs. Allie Rae sang Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers-- Both ladies have great voices, but there is something nostalgic about Allie Rae. I love the smokiness of her voice. Kelly said Harmony your voice fills the room. Allie, you have a really rad style, I'd lean towards you. Adam said Allie, I had some temporary brain issue and didn't turn for you. She said it's okay I will love you, and he said I love you too. I'd lean towards Allie Rae. Riley felt the battle was really neck in neck. He chose Allie Rae

Team Adam: Owen Uffens vs. Wade Turner sang Dive by Ed Sheeran-- Wade and Owen could not be more different. I agree that Wade is more polished but there is something about Owen that draws you in. His personality and heart is very much on his sleeve. Queen said you have such different voices. She likes Owen's falsetto, and she said Wade went there. Kelly said Wade you were always on, she said, Owen I like when your voice breaks just a tiny bit. She said, I would go with Owen.  Riley felt both of them took vocal risks but he would pick Wade. Adam said, Wade you have more technical prowess. Owen, you did something I did, I forgot lyrics to a song that I listened to 6,000 times. Adam chose Owen. 

Team Kelly: Kyle Davis vs. Matthew Chu sang Take Me Home by Phil Collins-- This is an interesting battle because stylistically they are so different. Kyle feels so throwback and Matthew feels current. I enjoyed them both, and I actually find it hard to choose. Adam said he was proud of Matthew. Kelly said Kyle you have a special sauce, Matthew you're a beast and it felt heartfelt. You're both believable for me. Kelly chose Kyle. 

Team Adam: Julia Clark vs. Amanda Mikkel sang I Can't Help (Falling in Love With You) by Elvis Presley-- Julia's voice is soft and gorgeous. Amanda has so much power and feeling behind her vocals. This song was such a beautiful choice for both of them. Queen said beautiful job thank you. Riley said, Amanda there is nothing you can't do, Julia something drew me in about your voice. Kelly said Julia your presence and your tone, Amanda when I heard you sing Moon River, I was like I can't wait to hear you. Adam could hear their nerves, ane he chose Amanda to move forward. I think her blind audition was so undeniably amazing that they had to move her forward. 

Team Kelly: Brianna Cameron vs. Saade sang Mercy by Duffy--  Love and performance and appreciate what they both put into it. For me, I am obsessed with Brianna's energy. She's amazing! I would definitely pick Brianna but props to Saade for doing something out of comfort zone. Adam said it's bonkers what you can do at age 13 Brianna. He said Saade recovered nicely after a stumble. He would pick Brianna. Queen said Brianna performed with so much depth, she liked Saade's emotion. Riley said Saade if you make a mistake, make it at 100 miles per hour, and you did. Kelly chose Brianna. 

The Voice Season 30: Night 5 of the Blinds and I Pull Up in a Yukon

Night 5:

Brandon Diaz sang Drink You Away by Justin Timberlake-- Amazing song choice, tight vocals, and originality, love him. Kelly and Queen turned. I am disappointed that Adam didn't. I expected Riley not to turn. Kelly said vocally you're insane. You're talented and soulful. Adam said I made a mistake. His wife Jackie Foster was on Team Kelly and Team Adam. Queen said he feels my strength and wants to be on my team. Brandon chose Queen cause she turned first. 

Marilyn Hucek sang La Tortura by Shakira-- I loved the song choice and I loved the performance. Queen and Adam turned. Kelly said she didn't turn cause she kinda sounded like Shakira. Adam said I am a fan, Shakira is a difficult artist to cover, that was a breath of fresh air. He mentioned her power and connection. Queen said I loved how you did the passion your way. Marilyn chose Adam, I had a feeling she was going to choose him. 

Keiyana Osmond sang Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer-- She really took the song in a different direction and it seemed to intrigue Riley. He liked that she sang in her lower register. He was the only one to turn so she is on Team Riley. 

Dakota Cohen sang Changes by Black Sabbath-- That was an interesting performance, I'm intrigued and want to hear more. Adam said the song choice said so much for me. Kelly loved the rasp in her voice. Adam brought up Miley's voice and she was excited about that. Dakota met Adam at a restaurant in Montecito. Dakota chose Adam. 

Luke Cope sang Burning House by Cam-- Wow! That was raw and authentic. I was digging that. Riley said you nailed that at the end for me. There were some tempo issues. Kelly said I loved the emotion. Adam said when I listen to people, there's the technical side of me that wants to hear things in the perfect pocket. Adam said you really grabbed ahold of the other side of me, the emotion. What you do at the core is extremely unique and special, and I believe you have that in spades. Queen said you brought me where I needed to go. She said I want to feel moved and you moved me. Luke chose Queen.

Nina Howland sang Love Me Like a Man by Bonnie Raitt-- Nina is honestly one of my fave auditions ever. Her performance was absolute fire. I loved the song, she is a technically flawless vocal. Kelly turned first, then Queen, Riley, and Adam turned right at the end. Kelly says that is her fave Bonnie Raitt song and she makes her pitch for Nina. Adam says she has a big and beautiful voice and he was won with people like that. He tells her to choose Team Adam. Queen says she believed Nina. Nina chose Kelly. 

Luke Curran sang Operator (That's Not the Way it Feels) by Jim Croce-- I see Luke as a country/ rock artist. His voice has an ease to it. Catchy song choice! Riley turned and then Adam. Adam said I love your voice and that you chose that song. Adam said what you are doing is not pure country, there is some folk, Riley said he turned first, I love storytelling and you told a story. Luke said I'm a day one voice fan, so I gotta go with Adam. 

Matthew Chu sang Home by Chris Daughtry-- Alright, I thought there were some issues throughout the performance but I think he will benefit by Kelly's coaching. Kelly said I have covered that song and it's a rangey song. The fact that you were bold enough to do it made me turn. Matthew is on Team Kelly. 

Raymn sang Yukon by Justin Bieber-- no one turned. I love his vibe. Obsessed. Kelly, Queen, and Adam all said that they regretted not turning. 

Brandy Neelly sang Lesson in Leavin' Jo Dee Messina-- I have to be honest, I did not love the song. The performance was pretty good. Riley said you sounded unique, the best you can be is different. Queen you said can rock a song like that, your energy is on point. Adam said stand out on Queen's team, rather than the country gauntlet that is Riley's team. I know, you made him a cake but that was a waste of time. Brandy chose Riley. 

Phinley McKee sang Way Down We Go by Kaleo-- No one turned. Kelly said the tone in your voice is incredible. Adam said don't stop, please come back. I agree, he was so good, someone should have turned. Kelly said this was on us. And Adam said we suck.

Kayleigh Mathews sang When I Call Your Name by Vince Gill-- Her voice is beautiful and I believe everything she is singing. Adam was the first to turn. He said I should temper my expectations. He said this show is my world and I'd be honored to be your coach. Queen said I turned because you deserved to have four chairs turn for you. Riley said I loved every bit of that and Vince Gill, you have big shoes to fill. I'd enjoy working with you and I think we could do something great. Kelly said I did a duet with Vince Gill. I come back to the show for voices like yours. Kayleigh chose Queen. 

My picks: 

Brandon Diaz

Marilyn Hucek

Nina Howland

Luke Curran

 

America Idol 2018: The Top 24 Compete for the Top 14, First Half

Dominique sang Ain't Nobody by Chaka Kahn-- I was initially bored with this performance, but he really turned up the energy and the funk. His vocals were, no question, on point. He really brought it. Katy said WOW, backwards and forwards. Lionel said there's the opening act and there's the star attraction and you are the star attraction. Luke said you showed a different side of yourself tonight.

Layla Spring sang A Broken Wing by Martina McBride-- I think the song was too old for her. I would have preferred for her to pick something more fun and more her age. One thing I notice a lot about her is that she looks and acts a lot older than she is. Katy is impressed with her growth and Luke says her personality is infectious. That is certainly an accurate comment from Luke. She reminds me a lot of Kellie Pickler.

Catie Turner sang Call Me by Blondie-- Bobby told her to pick songs that leave an impression on people. I think the song was a good fit for her, and I liked how she had fun with it. There were pitch issues at certain points. The judges certainly seemed to be enjoying it as they were all up on their feet. Luke said I couldn't quit watching you. Lionel said you make people believe in who you are, you did a great job.

Dennis Lorenzo sang Rude by Magik-- I liked that he didn't play up the reggae part of the song and made it his own. I would have liked something that showed his vocal abilities more cause he's so talented. Katy thought he did play up the reggae part. She said this was not a song that would show your vocal talent. Lionel basically said the same. Luke said I love your stage presence, I believe you're a natural star.

Michelle Susset sang If I Were a Boy by Beyonce-- There were some pitch issues to be totally honest. Michelle, to me, is the biggest star in this competition, I see her being a triple threat like J. Lo. I loved how she made this song her own, forgot all about the Beyonce version and I love how she brought her culture into it. Lionel said she came out and had great stage presence. Katy said her being able to sing in Spanish is her ace . Luke said you have a unique tone in her voice.

Michael J. Woodard sang Golden Slumbers by The Beatles-- Michael is heaven sent, he was clearly meant to be here. I love that he is so well rounded stylistically and vocally, it's pretty amazing. Luke said what I love about you is you let all your emotions show. Katy said you're so chosen, you are meant to be here. Lionel said you're spectacular in terms of showing your ability and the quality of what you're giving us is so special.

Trevor McBane sang Way Down We Go by Kaleo-- I love the dirt in his voice, the gravel, and the rasp. This song really suits him. He seemed to be very connected with the song, there was a lot of emotion coming from him. Luke said you're making us believe, but release those reigns and turn the horses loose. 

Jonny Brenns sang Georgia by Vance Joy-- I have loved Jonny since I first saw him in the auditions. This was a great performance, once again, very connected to the song, lots of emotion. The range was good, I liked his falsetto. Lionel said it went from the shy guy to the sexy guy. He said that Jonny reminds him of himself. Katy said your song choice was so dead on and perfect. Luke said you're a big star but you don't all the way know it yet. You have such a smooth voice.

Kay Kay sang Love on the Brain by Rihanna-- Great song choice, it was pitchy at points, but for the most part, she turned in a strong performance. Luke said you were just born as a star, and you look like a star. Katy said tonight the full package finally arrived.

Brandon Diaz sang Hello by Lionel Ritchie-- That was a tough song choice, but I am not sure if he pulled it off or not. The ending was very convincing but overall there were some pitch issues. Katy said you're so brave. She said it was a blessing and a curse, and he landed somewhere in the middle. Lionel said he was nervous for him while he was singing.

Gabby Barrett sang My Church by Maren Morris-- I loved the personality and attitude she gave on stage. This was such an awesome choice on song, loved this. Lionel said I have never in my life watched a person get the end of the song and blow me away. Give me a little more personality half way through, continue on your journey. Katy said that was super cool, it went from 0-100 real quick. Luke said we're looking for the shine, the sparkle, and the it factor.

Cade Foehner sang All Along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix-- This was the most authentic performance of the night. Cade is a total star. He dared to go with Hendrix and he lived up to it. WOW! Katy said you sure are a minister and you can preach to me anytime you want. Luke said Cade we love you buddy. Katy said whether America chooses you or not, you're a star, keep shining honey. Lionel said you bring the attitude and the personality, you bring it all.

My predictions---

Who is moving forward? (7 people)

Cade Foehner
Gabby Barrett
Dominique
Michelle Susset
Michael J. Woodard
Jonny Brenns
toss up between Dennis Lorenzo and Catie Turner

Who is going home? (5 people)

Brandon Diaz
Layla Spring
Trevor McBane
Kay Kay
toss up between Dennis Lorenzo and Catie Turner