The Voice Season 7: Disappointing Night for Team Gwen and Team Pharrell

From Team Gwen: Ryan Sill sang I Lived by One Republic-- Adam says Ryan has always been one of his favorites. Pharrell enjoyed watching Ryan come out of his shell. Gwen said she feels so emotional about him as an artist. I like Ryan because he clearly wants to be there and he shows it every week. You can't ask for more than that. He is positive, and every week he grows and becomes better.

From Team Pharrell: Jean Kelley sang Piano in the Dark by Brenda Russell-- Gwen and Adam both mentioned how dramatic and theatrical it was. Pharrell tried to be positive because Jean is on his team. This performance was a mess for me, it was way too over the top. I also think that the song choice was wrong for her. It sounded like she was pushing all the way through the performance. She may have just bought her ticket home. 

From Team Pharrell: Elyjuh Rene sang Latch by Disclosure featuring Sam Smith-- Gwen loves how in control he is.  I love all the different things that Elyjuh did with the melody. He hit the high note and then the band kicked in and he came alive, it was full force. I've always loved his ad libs because they seem so natural. Adam says it's unbelievable how good that was and he calls Elyjuh and front Sy flat performance for me. I am unsure why this song was chosen for her. Blake feels like she grew as a singer and in the performance. Gwen says you're so adorable which means she did not do very well.

From Team Pharrell: Luke Wade sang Let's Get it On by Marvin Gaye-- Strongest Team Pharrell performance of the night. This was a great song choice for Luke, but then again, he sounds amazing in almost every song he sings. I loved the timing throughout the performance, the injections of soul were amazing. Gwen thought Luke was incredible. Adam called him ridiculous. Blake told Luke that he chased the melody of that song like a cat and mouse game. He said that some people in the audience got it on.

From Team Gwen: Anita Antoinette sang All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor-- I enjoyed that Anita brought a different flavor to the song and she continues to be a strong and confident performer despite the fact that she struggled with this. Adam liked how confident she continues to be. Blake said that she owned the moment. Gwen loves her natural personality.

From Team Pharrell: DaNica Shirey sang Help Me by Joni Mitchell-- I didn't get song choice for DaNica. However, I do believe she has one of the best voices in the competition. Adam says she turned Joni Mitchell into Chaka Khan. Blake noticed her amazing breath control. Pharrell said she showed the world what she can do with her voice.

From Team Pharrell: Sugar Joans sang I Say a Little Prayer by Aretha Franklin-- I love Sugar and I love her voice. Unfortunately, with this performance, there were a lot of points where she sounded like she was screaming. I love that song but she almost went sharp singing it. Gwen called it church. Blake called it the best performance of the night. Pharrell is so proud of her and felt every moment.

From Team Gwen: Ricky Manning sang Lay Me Down by Sam Smith-- I agree with Adam, I think that at this point in the competition, Ricky is the most improved. I do think this song was a little bit of a reach, that being said, he pulled it off with passion. Blake thought his voice was in control, and he called it a solid and beautiful performance. Pharrell said he deserves his place on the show.

From Team Gwen: Taylor John Williams sang Stuck in the Middle with You by Stealers Wheel-- This young man is the real deal. I loved how he completely reinvented a song that I actually found annoying, until I heard his version. The song had a bluesy feel and his vocal was extremely smooth. Adam liked the way he changed up the song and able to show his artistry. Blake thought that the half time thing he did really worked.

My predictions on who I think it going forward.

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Team Gwen:
Top 2: Anita Antoinette and Taylor John Williams
Gwen will save-- this is a toss up between Ryan Sill and Ricky Manning

Team Pharrell:
Top 2: Luke Wade and Elyjuh Rene
Pharrell will save-- DaNica Shirey

The Voice Season 7: The Knockouts Provide Some Knock Out Performances

Team Gwen's Bryana Salaz singing Heart Attack by Demi Lovato versus Sugar Jones singing Love on Top by Beyonce-- Bryana took Taylor's notes well and allowed the performance to be understated til the end. Then she belted it at the end and it sounded amazing. Sugar sounded so on point throughout the entire performance and Love on Top is not by any means an easy song to sing. The key change was seamless. I was surprised because Gwen ended up choosing Bryana because of how she grew in the competition. Pharrell lives up to his promise and stole Sugar. Pharrell, I agree with you my friend, she's old school soul.
My opinion: Sugar with a steal for Bryana
Winner: Bryana with Pharrell stealing Sugar

Team Blake's James David Carter singing You've Got a Friend by James Taylor versus Grffin singing As Long As You Love Me by Justin Bieber-- I liked Griffin singing this song but I expected him to do even more with it than he did (even though he did more than Bieber). I expected him to pull out a big note and he didn't. Like Blake, I was skeptical of James' choice but he proved to me that he could take a classic song and bring it to the present. Gwen called James' performance believable and said it gave her goosebumps. Adam said Griffin's performance was a man's version of that song. Blake said he was wrong about doubting James on choosing that song.
My opinion: James
Winner: James

Team Pharrell's Danica Shirley singing Saving All My Love For You by Whitney Houston versus Katriz Trinidad singing Superwoman by Alicia Keys-- Taylor said Danica's insecurity fuels her talent. Taylor said Katriz's voice is effortless and powerful. Blake said Katriz you stepped up and Danica, you are a perfect singer. Pharrell said Katriz has grown in every performance, and Danica, you're like a unicorn, you've had an incredible transformation.
My opinion: Danica broke through and Adam thinks she has a chance of winning
Winner: Danica

Team Adam's Damien singing How Do I Live by Leann Rimes versus Toia Jones singing Crazy in Love by Beyonce-- Taylor said Damien really got her and he is so vulnerable and so strong. Taylor said play on the "crazy" part of the song. Wow, Damien's performance was so genuine and heartfelt. I absolutely loved how he breathed so much R&B influence into the song, almost personalizing it to himself. Toia's runs were amazing, and she just full out performed the song. Blake, Pharrell, and Gwen said they would go with Toia. Adam said that both of them made great song choices and were fantastic.
My opinion: Damien with a steal for Toia
Winner: Damien (no steal for Toia :-( )

Team Blake's Jessie Pitts singing Your Song by Elton John (Ellie Goulding version) versus Tanner Linford singing Calling All Angels by Train-- Jessie had such a beautiful performance. Tanner is impressive for a young man his age, but Jessie's purity in vocal makes her my choice. Pharrell said both of them have bright futures but he would give it to Jessie. Gwen thought Tanner gave a great performance, and Jessie was off the charts. Adam said Jessie is only going to get better. Blake said Tanner you're a good singer and a presence, I'm proud of you. Jessie you sound like you've already been produced when you sing into the microphone.
My opinion: Jessie
Winner: Jessie

Team Pharrell's Luke Wade Rich Girl by Hall & Oates singing versus Taylor Phelan singing Rather Be by Clean Bandit-- Taylor said I want to hear Luke on the radio, I want to buy his album, I can't even describe his tone to you. T-Swift urged Taylor to put down the guitar and he performed much better. Wowza! Luke's performance was so kick--ass! I loved every single moment, there was so much soul and Luke's signature was all over the performance. I love Taylor's song choice and I do like how he put his own spin on a song that is popular right now. I enjoyed both performances, I give the edge to Luke but I think Taylor is going to get stolen. Adam said I don't think there's a winner, it's apples and oranges and you two are the best apples and oranges this show has.
My opinion: edge to Luke, Taylor gets stolen
Winner: Luke, and there's a 3 way steal for Taylor. Taylor chose Adam because he has wanted to get him on his team every single round.

The Final Battles of Season 7.... Bring on the Knockouts

First battle of the night was Team Pharrell's Brittany Butler versus Ricky Manning singing On Broadway by George Benson-- I felt like this was one of the most awful song choices that they have ever had during a battle round. Pharrell ended up choosing Ricky because he connected with the song more. 
My opinion: Don't care
Winner: Ricky Manning 

Team Blakes's Kensington Moore versus Reagan James singing Team by Lorde-- This was a battle that I loved. I loved Reagan, she sounded amazing. Gwen liked Kensington's dynamics and thought Reagan was even better than before. Adam liked how Kensington's voice cut and felt like Reagan acted like a popstar. 
My opinion: Reagan James
Winner: Reagan James

*Montaged Battles*
Winner: Anita Antoinette from Team Gwen
Winner: Bryana Salaz from Team Gwen
Winner: Allison Bray from Team Blake

Team Adam's Beth Spangler versus Mia Pfirrman singing I Turn to You by Christina Aguilera-- Blake said that they were both divas. He loved Mia's raspyness and liked the country in Beth's heart. Blake would go with Mia and Pharrell would go with Beth. Adam felt they both delivered on a tough Christina Aguilera song. Gwen Stafani ended up stealing Beth as she hugged her goodbye. 

My opinion: can both move on?
Winner: Mia and Gwen stole Beth with the final steal of the battle rounds. 

The Voice Season 7 Begins Tonight!

Luke Wade sang That's How Strong My Love Is-- Wow, this was a four chair turn? I was not feeling him that much, but way to go to Pharrell. He scored the first contestant.
Team Pharrell

Clara Hong sang Chuck E's in Love-- Again, wasn't wowed with this contestant either but Adam, Gwen, and Pharrell all turned around. Adam spoke in Korean and wrote a poem for her. Pharrell called her voice silk. Ooohhh good luck with this one Adam.
Team Adam

Bryana Salaz sang Problem by Ariana Grande-- This was pitchy all over the place, I am glad you're excited Gwen cause I am not.
Team Gwen

Dennis Bell sang She Used to Be Mine-- I am puzzled, this was the best contestant so far, and no one turned around for him, but turned around for all the other people above. Blake said he had a true country sound. Adam said he felt his pain through his voice.

Damien sang It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday-- Now this guy deserved the four chair turn, amazing. I love this song and loved how emotional he was as he sang. Can you tell this is the first person I am genuinely excited about this season. Gwen gave Damien an embrace as he broke down. Pharrell said he deserved the four chairs. Damien said he chose Adam cause he seemed the most sincere.
Team Adam

Allison Bray sang Merry Go Round-- three out of four (minus Pharrell), and Adam is on his feet. Blake gave her good advice last season to come back and work on her pitch. He said she was a breath of fresh air and she was great, most excited he has been in a long time. Pharrell endorsed Blake. Adam said stay in your lane and let me drive for a little bit. I liked this girl, she sounded almost like a country rocker. She would be really good with Blake. Allison said she came back for Blake, and now she got him.
Team Blake

Megg sang Celebrity Skin-- She has a husky voice, and no one turned around. She actually conjured up Gwen Stefani a little bit. Blake found it dramatic and thought some words needed to be more enunciated. Pharrell thought her pitch was spot on. Gwen liked the aggressiveness in her voice and said that's a tough quality for a woman to have in her voice. Megg confessed that Gwen is one of her biggest inspirations and Pharrell said come back, try again, and Gwen will have you on her team.

Taylor John Williams sang Heartless-- Loved this performance, I can tell that he is an artist and not just a singer. Taylor said he loves lyrics and songwriting. Gwen said she needs to write a new album and being around him could inspire her. Adam said he turned around way before everyone else. Gwen said she is so moved and was so in the moment that that's why she didn't turn around until later. Pharrell said Adam understands your voice, but Gwen understands his future. He said he picked Gwen cause she understood him. Final question-- why didn't Blake and Pharrell turn around?
Team Gwen

Elyjuh Rene sang XO-- Adam turned right away and then Pharrell. I love the purity in his voice and how he added his own little flares and embellishments to the vocal. This was a pleasure to listen to. Adam said he sang with such joy and passion, it was blissful. Pharrell called him anointed. Blake said no one is more competitive than Adam, perhaps a vote of confidence. Elyjuh chose Pharrell, wow, I would have gone with Adam.
Team Pharrell

Bianca Espinal sang Foolish Games-- Disappointing that no one turned around, but I think it was the wrong song for her. Pharrell said what you didn't feel, we didn't feel.

James David Carter sang Nobody Knows-- A well deserved four chair turn. This guy is a the real deal. I really hope Blake gets him cause I think that they could be good together. Standing ovation from all four judges. Pharrell said there wasn't a nervous second in that performance. Gwen said there is no one on my team like you, and Blake is going to have all country singers on his team and then he's going to knock them out one by one. Blake said it was the best country audition he has ever heard. Adam said you can win this thing no problem. James said he had to go with this gut, Blake Shelton.
Team Blake