Showing posts with label Huntley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Huntley. Show all posts

Monday, December 18, 2023

The Voice Season 24: The Finale Takes Me Higher

Team Reba: Jacquie Roar sang More Than a Feeling by Boston-- This really showed the range in her voice and the fact that she is a total rocker. Gwen said Jacquie keeps getting better and better. I loved this song for her, very different but then when she started singing, so in her style. 

Team Legend: Lila Forde sang The Weight by Bob Dylan-- Didn't love this performance to be honest. Gwen complimented her confidence. John said he loves her individuality and musicality. 

Team Niall: Mara Justine sang Turning Tables by Adele-- This is one of my fave Adele songs. I loved how soulful she made this but she also made it her own. John said it was so striking and so beautiful, we saw a different side of your voice today. Niall said Mara I am so proud of you, the growth you have shown is insane. I hope they don't forget this moment because it was so big, you're an incredible singer and an incredible person. 

Team Niall: Huntley sang Another Love by Tom Odell-- Didn't love this one either. Gwen said I like how you're so effortless and you feel like you come from a different time. 

Team Reba: Ruby Leigh sang Suspicious Minds by Elvis Presley-- One of the better performances of the night. Ruby does have such a maturity for her age, it's hard to believe. This was a good song choice for her.  John said you are so remarkable, your voice has so much maturity. Reba said you have amazed me from the first time you got on the stage. 

Team Reba: Jacquie Roar sang Knights in White Satin by The Moody Blues-- LOVE! Wow! What an amazing song choice. She killed this as well. Gwen said you must run on a tread mill all day to get that right in terms of the breath. That was beautiful. Reba said you are a force of nature, that was so pretty, it was a wonderful performance. 

Team Legend: Lila Forde sang Across the Universe by The Beatles-- I thought this was a beautiful choice for her. Much better than her first round. Niall said you're so impressive and so true to yourself. John called her performance cinematic. 

Team Niall: Mara Justine sang Piece of my Heart by Janis Joplin-- I feel like this song is overdone sometimes. I preferred her first performance here. This was good, she didn't sing bad per say, it just wasn't my taste. The coaches thought this was better than her first performance, I disagree. 

Team Reba: Ruby Leigh sang Desperado by The Eagles-- Smart song choice, she sounded stunning but didn't overdo it. Wow! Gwen said you just channel so well the intention of the song. Reba said what a great song selection, not many people can do what you do, 

Team Niall: Huntley sang Higher by Creed-- Great song choice for him! I thought once again his voice was a little lost in the arrangement but this is such a big song. John said I feel like when I watch you, I am watching someone who is already playing arenas. I am so shocked when you say you can't believe you're here doing this. Niall said that was euphoric. 

Videos to come tomorrow! 

5th Lila

4th Huntley 

3rd Jacquie

2nd and 1st between Mara and Ruby 

Monday, December 11, 2023

The Voice: Season 24: The Top 9 Are "Alive"

Team Reba: Ruby Leigh sand Take Me Home by John Denver-- Great fan selection on that song. Ruby sounded great. I love how she was all her own. John said you have been consistent and I loved those high notes today, clear as a bell, so beautiful. Reba said you did a great job, you did everything to perfection. 

Team Gwen: BIAS sang God Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts-- BIAS sounded so strong tonight and in touch with the vocal. It was nice to hear him be passionate with the lyrics and tender. Niall thought it was mature and well executed, he felt it was emotional, and he is consistent. Gwen said there is something so authentic about you, your voice is so gorgeous and it's just incredible to get to know you. 



Team Reba: Jacquie Roar sang Alive by Sia (Chris Daughtry version)-- Such an awesome choice for her. I literally want her to sing that with Chris Daughtry. John said you knocked that out of the park. Reba said I know your kids are so proud of you, I know I am. 



Team Reba: Jordan Rainer sang Ol' Red by Blake Shelton-- Something I really appreciate about Jordan is her performance quality. This was her best performance to date in my opinion. I just loved her performance quality and how she showed so much personality. Gwen said that was crazy, I could never imagine a female doing that song and it was my favorite performance of you. Reba said you did all of America proud tonight. You handled it like a pro. 

Team Niall: Huntley sang Way Down We Go by Kaleo-- Such a perfect song for Huntley! John mentioned it, but I was feeling his Thor vibes up there. I feel like Huntley has been to this "painful" place in his life so when he sings these lyrics, he's coming from that place. Loved this.  John said I feel like I am really seeing you as an artist up there. Niall said you're incredible dude, we both love classic rock and southern rock. I think this was a perfect song for you to do. 



Team Niall: Mara Justine sang Parachute by Chris Stapleton-- This song choice is a little curious for me, but I suppose it was chosen based on the fact that it is soulful and sultry and that is Mara. I liked her interpretation and I hope she sticks around cause she is a talented vocalist. She had that big note! John said you're hitting notes I've never heard before. I think this was your best vocal performance. Niall said that is crazy, it's a different side to you, the confidence is unbelievable. 

Team Legend: Mac Royals sang Love TKO by Teddy Pendergrass-- I don't know if I would have chosen that song but he made it sound so good. I think he just has star quality and has earned a spot in the finals.  Reba said what a journey, you have just soared. John said he sings like a pro, he sings like a star, he sings like a superstar. 



Team Niall: Nini Iris sang No Time to Die by Billie Eilish-- Wow!! That may have been the performance of the night. That was emotional and moving. Gwen said I'm blown away, you're so gifted, and tasteful with the way you build the songs. Niall said your ability to know who you are as an artist, Billie sings that song completely different. He urged America not to get complacent and to vote for Nini. 



Team Legend: Lila Forde sang River by Joni Mitchell-- Amazing rendition, she was like Joni, but all her own. Reba said you have the ability to touch hearts so deep and you do that. John said you performance had so much wisdom, heart, integrity, and musicality; stunning.




Who is going home tomorrow? 

My predictions-- Mara, Ruby, and Jordan, and I am sad about it. 

Monday, December 4, 2023

The Voice Season 24: The Top 12 Lose Control

Chance the Rapper is back to mentor the top 12! 

Team Reba: Jacquie Roar sang Wildflowers and Wild Horses by Lainey Wilson-- Wow! Jacquie looks amazing and sounds great. This is exactly what she should be doing. Niall said that's what comfortable looks like; we're getting to know you more and more. Gwen said you are incredible, you look beautiful tonight; you were tasteful with your dynamics. Reba said way to go, I am so proud of you. 



Team Niall: Nini Iris sang Lovesong by The Cure-- Nini looks gorgeous too! She turned the song into an anthem, a declaration, and it was beautiful. John said your voice is so powerful, you have so much star power on stage and you did it again. Niall said the way you know who you are as an artist is impressive, I'm so proud of you. 

Team Gwen: Kara Tenae sang Love by Keyshia Cole-- Shout out to the style department; they are making all these gorgeous women look glamorous! I loved Kara's song choice, and you could tell she is genuinely connected to the song. I felt the love. This is a real deal R&B performance. All four coaches were standing at the end. John said you nailed it, that was iconic; I loved it. Gwen said you are poised and confident and you, pure! 



Team Gwen: Tanner Massey sang Thanks for the Memories by Fall Out Boy-- In theory I liked this song for him, but I don't know that the song did anything to showcase his voice in a strong way. Reba said I have always wanted you on my team. Gwen said she is so proud of him, you did such a good job. 

Team Legend: Lila Forde sang Closer to Fine by The Indigo Girls-- Lila is one of those artists who unequivocally knows who she is. Like there is absolutely no question. The coaches once again all on their feet. Niall said, Lila Forde, I'm your biggest fan without a shadow of the doubt. Chance said in the video that you sing the lyrics as if you lived it and it happened to you. John said you brought us into your world, you're so special, I believe in you. 

Team Reba: Ruby Leigh sang You Lie by Reba McEntire-- Ruby is just so young and it's incredible to me that she turns out such mature and poised performances. Niall said Ruby you are insane. Reba said Gwen and I are balling. I am so proud of you. 



Team Niall: Huntley sang With a Little Help from my Friends by Joe Cocker-- I liked the song choice, I felt like the arrangement drowned him out at points. Then there were other points where he was really big and I could hear him loud and clear. John said I feel like you're already a pro; your voice is so powerful. Niall said that was in a different league. Reba and the other coaches were on their feet. 

Team Legend: Azan sang Ex Factor by Lauryn Hill-- I am a big fan of Azan and a big fan of Lauryn Hill. I was stoked that  Miss Hill cleared that song. I wanted to hear more passion from her, like I really wanted her to push the vocal and she was just behind it. Well, once again, the coaches are on their feet. I absolutely LOVE that song. Gwen said I am so addicted to the original and for you to move me that way is a big deal. John said I felt everything, your passion and emotion, your voice is golden because it has so much nuance to it. 

Team Reba: Jordan Rainer sang There's a Stranger in my House by Ronnie Milsap-- Loved Chance's comment about how she is so eccentric and her dress doesn't match her voice. Niall said another fantastic performance. Reba said you're a star, you conduct yourself on stage and demand attention. 

Team Niall: Mara Justine sang Lose Control by Teddy Swims-- This was one of the most real and confident performances of the night. Mara sounded great, and I had never heard the song before but it was super catchy. Loved it. Another incredible performance as Carson said. Niall said Mara that was insane, best you've done it. The confidence you have gained getting to the lives is everything. 



Team Legend: Mac Royals sang I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt-- That was a "star studded" performance. The coaches were on their feet. I felt like he felt that song, there was an emotional awareness. I loved how by the end, he was totally comfortable and made the song his own. However, he also maintained the integrity of the song by keeping the melody intact. John said you are elite talent. This man needs a record deal and this man needs to win The Voice, I am so proud of you. 



Team Gwen: BIAS sang God's Gonna Cut You Down by Johnny Cash-- This guy is so original. I love him. He has to be a finalist on this show. That was such an inspired performance. Reba said that's why I wanted you on my team, my gosh you're good. Gwen said it's like a dream that you're on my team, I am so excited. You are the purest person I have ever met.  


Who could be going home? My bottom three-- Jordan, Tanner, and Nini... I'd be sorry to see Tanner go, I think he is great, I think it was the wrong sonng choice for him. Azan is on the bubble along with Huntley. These two frontrunners gave lackluster performances. Azan's performance lacked passion and Huntley's voice was drowned out by an over productive arrangement at time. 

Thursday, November 23, 2023

The Voice Season 24: Team Niall Runs it Like a River

Nini Iris sang River by Bishop Briggs-- Nini is so unique; I was loving this song for her and her vibe. Niall said she grows every time she comes out on the stage. Reba made a comment that she felt her choreography went too far. I will need to watch it back. 

Claudia B. sang Talking to the Moon by Bruno Mars-- Claudia has such an original interpretation with these songs. I loved this performance. Reba said she was captivated by Claudia's voice singing this Bruno Mars song, and Reba shared that she is a huge Bruno Mars fan. Niall said he is so happy that he saved Claudia. 

Huntley sang Daylight by David Kushner-- Hmm I am a big fan of Huntley but I did not love this song for him. Come to find out, Niall picked this for him, as it isn't a song Huntley would pick for himself.  He did, as always, display his vocal abilities, which were nothing less than stellar. Gwen said if she had a record label she would snatch him up. John said you're an artist already; you should be selling out arenas. Niall said you're one of those people that has something to say to the world. Reba commented that she would keep Huntley. 



Super Save: Julia Roome sang True Colors by Cyndi Lauper-- Oh I loved this! What a genuine and emotional performance. Gwen said she was emotional with her vocal choices. John said you had tender moments and powerful moments there. Niall said Julia you made my job really hard. 

Mara Justine sang You've Got the Love by Florence and the Machine-- Mara has made me a fan, her voice is so soulful and full. Niall was on his feet. John said tapping into that falsetto was a real revelation. Reba said it was an emotional rollercoaster and your vocals are so good. Gwen said you're an amazing star already, you need to go to the lives. 



Alexa Wildish sang Fields of Gold by Sting-- That was gorgeous. Reba loved Alexa's performance. John said no one else is like in this competition. Niall said I loved your emotion and authenticity. 



My top 3: Huntley, Mara, and Claudia or Julia 

Niall's top 3: Huntley, Nini, and Mara  

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

The Voice Season 24: Unstoppable Performance in These Three Way Knockouts

Team Legend

Deejay Young singing Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes) -- This was a bit of an obscure song choice. 

Lila Forde singing Fire and Rain by James Taylor -- I like this for her, even though it was a little sleepy, it displayed the nuances of her voice so well. 

Stee singing Pretty Wings by Maxwell-- This was such a beautiful performance. He is a singer who knows who he is. This was my fave performance. 

John chose Lila and Gwen stole Stee. 

Montaged: 

Team Gwen

BIAS singing You Should Probably Leave by Chris Stapleton beat Jason Arcilla  and Jenna Marquis 

Team Niall

Claudia B singing Don't Know Why by Nora Jones -- Boring song choice for her, she is super talented but undersold herself on this one. I love her more than the song. 

Huntley singing Dead or Alive by Jon Bon Jovi -- He is a favorite for me in this competition. I can definitely see him winning it all. His voice is just so clutch. 

Noah Spencer singing Where Rainbows Never Die by The Steeldrivers -- I am a huge Noah fan. He is unique, young, and talented. I am not super familiar with this song, I was hoping he'd do something more main stream, but he makes me a believer every time I hear him. 

Niall chose Huntley, saved Claudia B., and Reba stole Noah. John tried to steal Claudia and Noah! Wow this was quite the trio. 



Team Reba

Ms Monet singing Best of my Love-- I loved this performance, Ms Monet has such attitude and personality and really sold the song. She is also such a talented vocalist. 

Rachele Nguyen singing Die from a Broken Heart by Maddie & Tae-- She's experienced so much growth but the other two outshined her. 

Ruby Leigh singing Blue by Leann Rimes-- This performance was original country. There is something about Ruby that makes you feel like you're in a time capsule. 

Reba chose Ruby


Team Gwen 

Kara Tenae singing Leave Get Out by Jojo-- Loved her performance, she's the real deal from a soul perspective. 

Kristen Brown singing This One's for the Girls by Martina McBride-- Oh wow, this was good, she impressed me. 

CORii singing Ain't It Fun by Paramore-- Fun performance, I enjoy watching CORii perform. 

Gwen chose Kara and John stole Kristen 



Tuesday Episode

Team Legend

Brandon Montel singing Nobody Gets Me by SZA-- Brandon did have great presence, he was very connected to the song. 

Taylor Deneen singing Sweet Thing by Rufus and Chaka Kahn-- One of my fave songs. Wow, the coaches were all on their feet for Taylor. She was so good, in such good voice tonight. Loved her. She and Mac should move on is my opinion here. 

Mac Royals singing Lost Without You by Robin Thicke-- Mac was so good, that was so flipping impressive, the vocals, the look everything. I loved this, he is a star. 

John chose Mac and saved Taylor 




Montaged Team Reba: Reba chose Jordan Rainer over Caitlin Quisenberry and Elizabeth Evans

Team Niall

Alexa Wildish singing Believe by Cher-- I love how she put her own interpretation of the song. It reinvented the lyrics for me. 

Julia Roome singing Unstoppable by Sia-- Wow! At 13, this young lady is impressive. Her vocal for this was sick!!! 

Lennon Vanderdoes singing I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz-- Lennon has such a unique tone. You have to really use your breath well for this song and he absolutely did. 

Niall chose Alexa











Monday, November 6, 2023

The Voice Season 24: Hold My Hand Through the End of the Battles!

Team Niall brought us Huntley and Brailey Lenderman singing Hold My Hand by Hootie and the Blowfish-- I loved this battle, the song is a little overdone but I heard it in a different way and different light than I ever have before. They were both great, but Huntley's voice and whole vibe is incredible. Gwen says she is scared that Huntley will win the Voice. John said Brailey was powerful, made great choices while still keeping it fresh. Huntley has such magnetism and energy that he conveys. Reba wanted to go up and sing with them. Niall said it was the best version of the song he had heard. Niall chose Huntley. 


Team Reba brought us Caitlin Quisinberry and Crystal Nicole singing The Song Remembers When by Trisha Yearwood-- Both ladies sounded beautiful. They complimented each other beautifully. Niall said Crystal's voice was round and warm, and he loved Caitlin as a storyteller. Gwen called Caitlin memorable, and Crystal you have a strength in your voice. Reba said Trisha would be thrilled with that. She said they were both so good. Reba chose Caitlin, she said she's like a country pop artist. Crystal was so gracious and said she learned so much. 

Team Gwen brought us Brandon Montel and Kara Tenae singing Have You Ever by Brandy-- I thought both of them played their parts well, but Kara won that battle for me because she emoted the song beautifully. Reba said she was entertained by that performance. She would pick Kara because she was fascinated with her. Niall said the technical part of that was crazy. He would lean toward Brandon for uniqueness. Gwen articulated that Brandon did better in rehearsal whereas Kara elevated from rehearsal. Gwen chose Kara and John stole Brandon. 


The Knockouts! 3 Way Knockouts! 

Reba-- Jacquie Roar sang Girl by Maren Morris 

Tom Nitti sang I Know (I'm Losing You) by The Temptations

Alison Albrecht sang It's Too Late by Carole King

Tom is so soulful. He would be my top choice. I did see Alison's growth but I was left wanting more from her. Jacquie is so gifted vocally but this was not my fave song choice for her. Gwen called Tom soulful and swaggy. John loved Alison's tone and she was his fave voice, but total package he picked Jacquie. 

Reba chose Jacquie and saved Tom 



Team Legend-- Kaylee Shimizu sang Ain't No Way by Aretha Franklin 

Caleb Sasser sang Jealous by Nick Jonas

Mara Justine sang Without You by Mariah Carey 

Caleb has such range and it's so effortless. Kaylee is so good! She is so poised and there's an old soul in there, her voice emotes so much. I loved Mara, I thought she killed that. Reba loved Caleb's presence, and Kaylee's voice. Niall said he cannot keep his eyes off Mara, and Kaylee your voice and stage presence. Gwen wanted more sass from Caleb, every song Mara sings could be her song. 

John chose Kaylee and Gwen and Niall are trying to steal Mara. 



Monday, October 16, 2023

The Voice Season 24: The Final Round of Blinds, Part 7

Huntley, 33, sang She Talks to Angels by Black Crows-- Huntley has a big, mature, rock voice. I loved him, so effortless. Reba said she heard Chris Stapleton. Niall heard some James Morrison in him, he said you sing your own way, very direct, and such power. Gwen said your voice is so automatic, you sound like you've been singing forever, on stage, performing. John said your voice has so much polish, you're so humble. Your voice just sounds so ready. Huntley brought his six year old daughter Stella out on stage and she chose Niall. 

4 CHAIRS

Score: 10 out of 10



Azan, 28, sang Golden by Jill Scott-- One of my fave female voices this season. I loved her soul and the ease with which she navigated through the song. I was digging her runs and how she dug into the song. It was a gritty and soulful performance. Reba and John turned, she should have been four chairs. John loved her positive energy and her song choice. Reba loved the song and her energy. Azan chose John. 

Score: 10 out of 10



Eli Ward, 21, sang Bruises by Lewis Capaldi-- Eli struggled through that performance quite a but. Gwen mentioned that it faltered after she turned. Reba turned also and said she turned because his tone was so different. Niall said he did not turn because of the pitch issues. He's got some work to do and I think he chose Gwen because she said that she could help. 

Score: 5 out of 10

Brailey Lenderman, 33, sang If It Makes You Happy by Sheryl Crowe-- Okay, so Gwen and Niall turned around. It wasn't that great. I found it pitchy; there were lots of pitch issues throughout the performance. Gwen liked the character, personality, and heart in her voice. Niall believes she has audition nerves but chose a big song. Gwen tried to convince Brailey that she would be distracted by Niall, but she said she has a super hot husband at home so..... Brailey picked Niall.  

Score:  7 out of 10

Dylan Carter, 20, sang I Look to You by Whitney Houston-- Dylan is amazing and his performance was so heartfelt. He is gifted. He was supposed to sing this song at his mom's funeral but he couldn't get through it, so this was his second chance. Dylan is emotional and the coaches are too. Reba said she loves songs that you can take spiritual or secular, and Dylan said so much emotion. Reba said I felt the emotion, it touched my heart, and I could see you were emotional. Niall said he felt some nerves, but believes Dylan is special. Gwen said your voice is so warm. Dylan told John this was my mom's dream before it was mine, and John said your mom is so proud of you. Dylan chose Reba. 

4 CHAIRS

Score: 10 out of 10



Claire Heilig, 30, sang Tennessee Orange by Megan Moroney-- One chair turn by Gwen. The performance was very monotone. She has a pretty voice, so it will be interesting to see if with better song choices she can turn it around. Claire wanted Gwen to turn for her. Reba said she wished her team was not full. 

Score: 6 out of 10

Lennon Vanderdoes, 27, sang The Night We Met by Lord Huron-- I am not familiar with that song but that was so good! I loved it. His voice was technically perfection. Just stunning. John, Gwen, and Niall all turned. Niall said it was one of his favorite voices this season. John said his performance was a tour de force, and he belongs out there making records. Lennon said I am a storyteller and you're my hero Niall, which is why ultimately, Lennon chose Niall. 

Score: 10 out of 10 


Taylor Deneen, 23, sang Redbone by Childish Gambino-- Flawless performance, tons of soul, John was up dancing, and Niall and Reba were wishing that they still had space on their teams to push. Niall felt how I did and called her performance flawless. Reba said your voice and your range is astounding. John said that was incredible, he pitched only having one spot left. You kept getting better. Gwen loved how feminine Taylor's voice is. Taylor chose John. 

Score: 10 out of 10



Calla Prejean, 22, You're So Vain by Carly Simon-- Not a huge fan of this song. Rather tame and somewhat boring performance, but Gwen turned. 

Score: 5 out of 10