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 

The Voice Season 25: The Last of the Battles and My Top 10!

Team Reba: Elyscia Jefferson versus Ashley Bryant sang If I Were a Boy by Beyonce-- Wow Elyscia was giving me Brandy vibes. Chance said Ashley you surprised me. Elyscia you exude star quality the way you carry yourself. Dan and Shay said Elyscia you had so much control. John said Elyscia you have cool stylistic choices, people need to see you and hear you. Ashley you sang that song, it was brilliant, it was beautiful. I actually think Ashley gave the best vocal performance of this song. Reba said Ashley, high praise from John Legend. Elyscia you did great tonight as well. Reba chose Ashley. 

Team Legend: Mafe versus Rivers Grayson sang You've Got a Friend by James Taylor-- Wow, what a gorgeous rendition of this song. They both sounded amazing. Chance said Rivers I like your tone. Mafe you have such a strong identity as a singer, you know who you are. Shay said Rivers your voice is so present. Mafe your range is everywhere. If I had to choose one, I'd choose Mafe. John said Rivers what you did was so amazing, you were low and quiet yet resonating. Mafe those runs you do are tight, modern, and interesting. John chose Mafe. 

Montaged: 

Team Dan and Shay: Anya True versus AJ Harvey sang Half of my Heart by John Mayer-- Love the song choice. Dan and Shay loved Anya's growth, and they loved how AJ stepped up. Dan and Shay chose Anya. 

Team Chance: Rletto versus Val T Webb sang Saving All My Love for You by Whitney Houston-- Wow! Wow, Wow! That was amazing. Dan called the performance iconic. Shay said Rletto you have the signature tone. I can't wait to buy your records, that was timeless. John said Rletto you have such character and vibe. Val your voice is pure and beautiful. Reba said Val, you reminded us why you got a four chair turn. Chance said Rletto you showed out, Val you are a generational talent. Chance chose Rletto. John stole Val. 

My Top 10 (in no particular order) 

Serenity Arce

Anya True

Jackie Romeo

Asher HaVon

Tae Lewis 

Bryan Olesen

Madison Curbelo

Mafe 

Alyssa Crosby

The Voice Season 25: A Million Reasons to Watch The Battles

Team Dan and Shay: Justin and Jeremy Garcia versus Frank Garcia sang A Million Reasons by Lady Gaga-- Wow I really loved how their voices blended and complimented each other. The dynamics were impressive as well. This was a cool arrangement on Lady Gaga's song. The coaches were on their feet. John said Justin and Jeremy you guys are in sync and Frank your voice. John would go with Frank. Reba said so much talent under the age of 20, it reminded her of singing with her family. She would go with Justin and Jeremy. Chance said that was fire, and he would use the playoff pass at this time. Dan and Shay said they sounded so good as a unit. Dan and Shay chose Frank. Reba stole Justin and Jeremy. 

Team Reba: William Alexander versus Zeya Rae sang Give Me a Reason by Pink-- There is something about William that really intrigues me. Zeya was a one chair turn and she really has grown considerably. Chance said if I could grab you up right now, I would. Shay said William it's incredible that you're 16. Dan and Shay would choose Zeya. John said Zeya your performance was precise, William you were looking for the melody.  John would choose Zeya. Reba chose Zeya. 

Team Chance: Maddi Jane versus Nadege sang Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You by Lauryn Hill-- This was so good. I loved the arrangement, loved their voices individually and together, it was fire. Dan said you both have what it takes to go far in this show. Shay said you commanded the attention the song deserved, Maddi you had such swagger. John said this was his favorite, and he loved how they were themselves but great together. Reba said you shared like professionals, you were dope. Can you sing three or four more songs for us so we can make a decision. Chance said Nadege you are so earnest and real. He said Maddi is such a star and could go all the way. Chance chose Maddi to move forward. John tried to steal Nadege and Dan and Shay as well. Chance used his Playoff Pass on Nadege. This was an amazing battle!

The Voice Season 25: We Don't Need Another Hero! The Battles Begin

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen and Nathan Chester sang Rolling in the Deep by Adele-- Thought both of them were great. They made this song brand new to me and I loved this version of it. Both are strong vocalists, I think I'd give the edge to Bryan but Nathan was great too. Reba said the performance was incredible and she loved the harmony. She couldn't choose. Chance said Nathan had strong personality and he loved Bryan's dynamics. He also could not choose a winner. Dan said they were locked in and in sync. Dan and Shay said that they could not choose a winner. John chose Nathan and gave Bryan his playoff pass!  Dan and Shay and Reba tried to steal. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup versus Ryan Argast sang Save Me the Trouble by Dan and Shay-- The song lended itself so well to both of them and both of their voices. They were so good. I felt like they both came up big here. Ryan has that rasp in his voice and Karen is just special. John said he regrets nnot having turned for Karen. Reba said you guys are a great duet. Chance said Ryan was more passionate but Karen you're a true talent. Dan said your presence on stage Ryan is incredible. Karen you rose to the occasion. Shea said Karen your voice reminds me of old country and Ryan you're a powerhouse. Dan and Shay chose Karen to move on. 

Team Reba: L. Rodgers versus Tae Lewis sang We Don't Fight Anymore by Chris Stapleton-- Wow! They were both amazing, two powerhouses in their own regard. I loved both of them and the passion and emotion that they poured in, I'd give the edge to Tae, but I loved both of them. Chance said Tae your pitch and control, and L you were right there. Dan said you covered the heck out of that. Shay said I have no idea what you should do. John said your range is crazy Tae. Reba said she could not have asked for more than that. Reba chose Tae to move forward. She used her playoff pass on L. 

Team Chance: Gabriel Goes versus Kamalei Kawa sang Over the Rainbow-- So well done, each of them is so unique, so true to who he is but at the same time, came together to make this beautiful performance. Loved the ending, so good! Shay loved the energy that they brought. Song selection was awesome and it brought good vibes. Dan and Shay didn't choose. John said Gabriel you do unexpected things with your voice, Kamalei you're so graceful. Reba said you two are both opposite, Kamalei I love your voice, and Gabriel you have a great voice too. Chance said Gabriel everyone likes you, and you rise to every occasion. He loved the heart that Kamalei brought to the performance. Chance chose Kamalei. 

Team Legend: OK3 versus Zoe Levert sang The Bones by Maren Morris-- Great song choice! Love this. Zoe did a great job of shining against three artists. Reba thought it was incredible. She said Zoe you kinda blew me away. Chance said Zoe you surprised me, you were like a pop star. It was close but I'd go with Zoe. Shay said Zoe you were incredible, you felt so intentional to me. He would go with OK3 cause of their harmonies. John was impressed with how Zoe sounded like a lead singer. He chose Zoe. 

Team Reba: Alyssa Crosby versus Asher HaVon sang We Don't Need Another Hero by Tina Turner-- They were awesome! I loved their vocals, they were equally strong. Chance said Asher your tone is incredible. Alyssa you came through. Asher you are gonna do amazing things on the show. Shay said you were incredible. Dan said Asher you blew me away. John said Alyssa you made it clear you're an artist to be reckoned with. Asher, Reba should be proud, you're a powerhouse vocalist. Reba said Asher your voice is round and full. Alyssa, you made me proud I turned for you. Reba chose Asher. Chance stole Alyssa. 

The Voice Season 25, The Last of The Blinds, It Took a Long Long Time

Val T Webb sang Nobody's Supposed to be Here by Deborah Cox-- This was a four chair turn. She sounds like a seasoned vocalist. John said she sounds like she sings at church and she agreed and said she has been a worship director for many years as well as a background vocalist. Chance said she had great breath control. Dan and Shay said she is not a backup singer anymore. Reba said there was nothing to critique. Val chose Chance. 

Joewun Bee sang Over My Head by The Fray-- I actually loved him and I am not sure why nobody turned? 

Kyle Schuesler sang The Scientist by Coldplay-- He has a unique tone, style, and voice. Everyone turned but Chance. Chance made a point of saying that if he had more slots he would have turned. Reba found his voice soothing. John said you did some of what Chris Martin does but you also made the song your own. He also loved his falsetto. Dan and Shay loved the falsetto and what he brought to the table. They felt like he also brought some originality. Kyle chose Dan and Shay. 

L Rodgers sang Wild Horses-- She has a really cool voice. I loved the song choice. Reba turned at the very last minute. Reba loved her voice-- the roundness and the fullness. John said he loved her vibe. L happily joined Team Reba. 

Raina Chan sang Hold My Hand-- performance was kind of shaky, she's so young though!

Olivia Rubini sang Long Long Time-- I initially didn't love the song much, but Olivia made me a believe. She has a warm voice, and was the missing piece on John Legend's team. 

All the teams are full! 

The Voice Season 25, Week 3, Episode 5: This City's Got Me Chasing Stars

Episode 5:

Ronnie Wilson sang Pillowtalk by Zayn-- He has an interesting voice, it started off a little rough and his voice was a little lost in the arrangement. I think he's intriguing though. John turned at the beginning and Reba near the middle. Reba said she could embellish, not change his voice. John liked how he made the song his own, and loved what he did stylistically. Ronnie chose John. 

Zoe Levert sang Better Man by Taylor Swift-- I loved the song choice and performance. This was so good! John snuck in at the last minute and turned. Zoe told the coaches that she is getting married and Dan and Shay's song From the Ground Up is her wedding song. They did a personal serenade for her and her fiance. Zoe joined Team John. 

Ducote Talmage sang Sand in my Boots by Morgan Wallen-- Wow, I am so surprised Queen Reba did not turn. He gave a classic country performance. John said I loved the scratch in your voice. I do know what a great song is and I can help you put together a great performance. Dan and Shay pitched themselves as country artists who could help him finish and write songs. Ducote said his full time job is a firefighter. Ducote chose Dan and Shay. 

JJ Higgins sang Return to Pooh Corner-- No one turned but such a powerful story. 

Serenity Arce sang This City by Sam Fischer-- I am obsessed with this four chair performance. Blake told her two years ago to come back and wow, she is amazing. I love the grit in her voice. John blocked Dan and Shay. I cannot believe she is only 16. John said I am so proud of you for coming back. Dan said he felt that performance beat down in his soul. Chance said that was amazing, you're so dedicated to giving a good performance. Reba said I feel like I could use my experience to steer you in the right direction. Serenity chose Chance. 

Emma Valentine sang Love Grows-- I am not loving the song choice and I think that's why no one turned. 

Ryan Coleman sang Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers-- I think this is a tough song to sing and I loved his version of this. He made it his own and seemed comfortable as well. Shocked the coaches aren't turning. Yes! Dan and Shay turned. Shay loved his tone and said he clearly has an identity. Dan said that whole performance was so good, I can't wait to find out more who you are. Ryan joined Team Dan and Shay. 

Zeya Rae joined Team Reba

AJ Harvey sang Girl From The North Country by Bob Dylan-- He has a unique voice, I loved the song choice and his vibe, this was just so good. His voice is so rich and round. I love his tone. Chance and Dan and Shay turned. Reba loved his voice. John loved his baritone and how expressive he is. Dan loved the richness of the bass notes. Shay said you were in the song the whole time and I felt in it with you. You're an artist. Chance said I know soul when I see it, I related to that. I was the first person to turn. AJ chose Dan and Shay. 

Moelle sang Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga-- no one turned. 

Elyscia Jefferson sang PYT by Michael Jackson-- Wow! So funny she talked about John but he was the only one who didn't turn. I loved her voice. I love her style. Chance loved the arrangement she did, he said he wants to show America who she is. Reba said you are very at ease and comfortable. There are so many things I can help you with, you inspire me. John said she sounded like Brandy. He regrets not turning. Shay said I can tell you love what you do. Dan said your talent is insane, everyone was having fun, that's contagious. Elyscia chose Reba. 

The Voice Season 25: Week 1, The Blinds Made Me Look

Premiere Night, Episode 1:

Dani Stacey sang I Will Survivor by Gloria Gaynor-- 4 Chair Turn! She deserves it, I love her smoky voice, and her whole fresh new take on a disco classic. She has a unique rock/ folk sound to her voice. She reminded me of like Jewel. The coaches were all standing at the end. Chance used his block on Reba. Reba is disappointed she was blocked because she loved Dani's performance. Dan and Shay love that she knows who she is. Chance called the performance amazing and said he was hyped at the possibility of working with her. Dani went with Team Chance. 

Justin and Jeremy Garcia sang The Story of my Life by One Direction-- Chance, Reba, and Dan and Shay turned around. I need to agree with John on this one. It could have been tighter. I liked it but I would not have turned. I will say, It was commendable that they lost their way and then found their way back. Chance commended them for that. Reba was moved by their humility and they took her back to her childhood. Dan and Shay said they are the perfect team for Justin and Jeremy because they're a duo too. 

Tae Lewis sang Somebody Like You by Keith Urban-- This performance was amazing. I loved the soul and passion that Tae brought to the song. John turned almost immediately. Reba turned right after he did this amazing run. John called Tae's voice electric, Reba said, like John, Wikipedia says she is a "legend" too. Tae ended up choosing Reba. 

Ryan Argast sang Speechless by Dan and Shay-- I L O V E this Dan and Shay song, it's a fave of mine. I loved the texture and gravel in Ryan's voice. Dan and Shay have a chat and decide to turn for Ryan, and they are the only ones who do. They also join him on stage for a chorus of Speechless. 

Nadege sang Get You by Daniel Caesar-- She has such a different style and tone. John and Chance both turned. John loved how stylish her musical choices are. Her name means hope in French. She said her first song she performed was Ordinary People so John got on stage and sang with her. Dan and Shay both said that they cannot imagine Nadege on anyone else's team but John's. Reba said Nadege is going to have a great time with either renegade she chooses. She chose Chance. 

Josh Sanders sang Whiskey on You by Nate Smith-- I am a fan of Nate Smith and I love this song and I loved how Josh held out those notes and there was a lot of power behind them. Dan and Shay said that's a tough song to sing and Nate is our guy. Reba says she loved his vocal and power. Josh said he sings in church. Josh chose Reba. 

OK 3 sang Made You Look by Meghan Trainor-- These girls are awesome! They met through their vocal coach. I loved, not only their voices, but their performance! They are a well deserved four chair turn. John says it felt like a mini concert. John says he used to arrange music for groups and he feels their is a space for a girl group. Dan and Shay say that they are in a group so they relate. Chance says he has had success with a group before. Reba says she loved the harmonies. OK 3 chooses Team Legend. 

Episode 2: 

Nathan Chester sang Take Me to The River by Al Green-- This is one of my fave types of performances. Nathan sounded so throwback to me, he sounded like The Temptations. There was so much gospel influence. I loved the growl in his voice. John turned and then Dan and Shay turned. Chance said he thought Nathan's voice was great but he didn't turn because he had a vision of Nathan being on John's team. John said I turned quickly because I am selective and you've got it. John said having Nathan from Chi Town on my team will be the perfect match. Dan and Shay said John is a beautiful man but we'd love to have you on our team, you're a star. Nathan chose John. 

Maddi Jane sang Escapism by Raye-- Maddi is interesting! I enjoyed her versatility, she was switching between rapping and singing. John, Dan and Shay, and Reba turned quickly, and then Chance turned at the end. Maddi said she is from Chicago and John said he feels at a disadvantage. He said that was so fun to listen to, you're a star, you have such confidence and stage presence. Dan and Shay said she was incredible and worked the stage. Chance said come get on team Chance and she said you're gonna need to do more than that. He said you deserve more than that. He critiqued her breath control, but he said she's a star. Reba said she was surprised to hear her singing voice after hearing her rap. 

Donny Van Slee sang Greatest Love Story by LANCO-- I absolutely LOVED his voice and this song choice for him. This was legit amazing. John says he loved his raspy tone. Donny said he is a big Chance fan and John commented that Chance may have had a chance had he turned. Reba blocked Dan and Shay so since they were the only coaches who turned Donny joined Team Reba. 

Karen Waldrup sang Bye Bye by Jo Dee Messina-- Dan and Shay turned and then they blocked Reba who was the only other chair to turn. I have to be honest and say I was not crazy about this performance, Karen joined Team Dan and Shay. 

Gabriel Goes sang What I Got by Sublime-- Gabriel is a character. He has a unique voice and tone. I enjoyed his spirit. Chance was the only one who turned so he joined Team Chance. I could see him being a dark horse in this competition. 

Gene Taylor sang Lights by Journey-- What an amazing vocalist and artist; this was an incredible performance. John turned first early on, followed by Dan and Shay, Reba, and then Chance. These four chair turn contestants are incredible. John said you had so much finesse and that was so expertly done. John said you and I working together could go far. Dan and Shay said you have so much power and control, you're such a pro. Chance said I was last to turn because I was so invested, your town is so different. Reba said you were working the crowd. Gene chose John. 

The Voice Season 24: The Knockouts Continue

Team Niall: 

Azan sang Caught Up in the Rapture by Anita Baker-- I didn't love this song choice because I see her as more of a contemporary R&B artist. For whatever reason, this came across as old fashioned. 

Nini Iris sang Karma Police by Radiohead-- Didn't love this either. I did feel some good emotion from her. 

Olivia Minogue sang Bring Me to Life by Evanescence-- Love this song and appreciate Olivia's fight. This is a tough song; Amy Lee is a beast. 

Niall chose Nini

Team Gwen:

Tanner Massey sang In My Blood by Shawn Mendes-- Love this performance, it's so current. He has some work to do but he is someone who could be in this competition a long time if he listens to the coaches and takes notes. 

Rudi sang Smokin Out the Window by Silk Sonic-- Odd song choice but Rudi is so talented. 

Chechi Sarai sang Never Can Say Goodbye by The Jackson 5-- For the first time, Chechi sounded off and anxious. This is a deceivingly tough song to sing. 

Gwen chose Tanner and saved Rudi. Reba and John tried to steal her. 

The Year in Music: 2019 in Review

It's the list that I think about all year. Sometimes I hear a song and I think to myself--- this needs to make my list at year's end.

There were so many who had an amazing 2019. The Weeknd reinvented himself in a way and released three songs that were BIG but are poised to be huge in 2020.

Ed Sheeran released a collaboration album with many memorable artist--Travis Scott, Chris Stapleton, Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber, Cardi B, Camilla Cabello, and Khalid among them. He had to make the list for doing something so ambitious. He then announced at the close of the year that he would be taking a break. Let's hope he doesn't stay away for too long.

I loved the influence of Latin artists on the charts-- Daddy Yankee and J. Balvin spiced things up!

Post Malone showed through hit after hit in 2019 that he will not be a one hit wonder.

Lewis Capaldi had a breakout year and proved he is going to be a star-- he's opening for Niall Horan who will be on tour this year.

Drake and Chris Brown called a truce with the release of No Guidance.

The Jonas Brothers reunited and were better than ever.

Billy Ray Cyrus teamed up with Little Nas X for a song that landed at number one longer than any other song in 2019!

Dan and Shay, like Lewis Capaldi,  also had a breakout year that became massive when Justin Bieber collaborated on a song called 10,000 Hours.

There were lots of strong women who made last year amazing in music--- Lizzo, Bebe Rexha, Dua Lipa, Ciara, and Camilla Cabello who taught us that love is empowering.'

I don't want to wait any longer, here's the list-----



Beautiful People-- Ed Sheeran and Khalid
Blinding Lights-- The Weeknd
Call You Mine-- Bebe Rexha and The Chainsmokers
Circles-- Post Malone




Con Calma-- Daddy Yankee
Dancing with a Stranger-- Normani and Sam Smith
Don't Start Now-- Dua Lipa



Easier-- Five Seconds of Summer
Find You Again-- Mark Ronson featuring Camilla Cabello
The Git Up-- Blanco Brown
God's Country-- Blake Shelton
Good as Hell-- Lizzo



Heartless-- The Weeknd



Highest in the Room-- Travis Scott
High Love-- Kygo and Whitney Houston
Juice-- Lizzo
Living Proof-- Camilla Cabello



Lost in the Fire-- The Weeknd
Memories-- Maroon 5
Nice to Meet Ya-- Niall Horan
No Guidance-- Drake and Chris Brown

Old Town Road-- Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus

On Chill-- Wale and Jeremih



Only Human-- The Jonas Brothers
Ritmo-- Black Eyed Peas and J Balvin
Senorita-- Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello
Someone You Loved-- Lewis Capaldi
Speechless-- Dan and Shay
Tequila-- Dan and Shay



Thinkin' 'Bout You-- Ciara



Did I miss something? What made your list? Drop some comments below----