Showing posts with label Jaelen Johnston. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jaelen Johnston. Show all posts

Monday, May 19, 2025

The Voice Season 27 Finale: The Performance Show

Round 1: 

Team Legend: Renzo sang Fly by Lenny Kravitz-- I have been critical of Renzo throughout this but I have to say that he has proven to me that he deserves to be here. What a great song choice and I love how he started the song acoustically, it was more quiet for sure and really showed his voice quite well. Michael said there was not a lot to say and that the performance was flawless. John said the arrangement, which Renzo elected, showed his voice beautifully. 


Team Adam: Lucia Flores Wiseman sang Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd-- Wow that was beautiful. I loved the way she navigated that song. She's so original. Kelsea said you embody the love letter you wrote to music, you're supposed to be here. Adam said I feel so connected to you. You lead with heart and you lead with feeling. I'm so proud of you. 


Team Buble: Jadyn Cree sang Lose You to Love Me by Selena Gomez-- I liked this song choice for Jadyn, I brought out some of her innocence. Michael said he is so proud of her and happy for her, her voice is kind, empathetic, pure, and she is a pop star. 


Team Kelsea: Jaelen Johnston sang What Was I Thinkin' by Dierks Bentley-- Okay I will first say that had to be so tough to mess up on live TV, but he kept going. He stopped for a second and kept going. I think that was his most challenging performance, but I believe he will watch it back and be proud of himself. He persevered. Kelsea said you showed up and I am so proud of you, you locked back in, got back in your body quickly.  


Team Buble: Adam David sang You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker-- What a great performance, it showed the versatility in Adam's voice. John talked about that beautiful broken quality in Adam's voice and added-- you did a beautiful song much justice tonight. Michael said he is one of my favorite singers, he's a blue collar singer, he's worked his butt off, he plays in bars.   


Round 2: 

Team Adam: Lucia Flores Wiseman sang Wildflower by Billie Eilish-- I feel like her performances are so poetic and prolific. Adam said that was so amazing, Lucia is not the typical type of Voice winner which is exactly why she should win. 


Team Buble: Adam David sang Hard Fought Hallelujah by Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll-- This is such a gorgeous song and any time any one sings it I have heard so much heart and sincerity behind it and this was so exception. Michael said I am shaken, 100/100, we are blessed to be given music like this. 


Team Buble: Jadyn Cree sang Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners-- This was one of the most creative performances I have seen on the show. The song is also pretty iconic. It's like she took us back to a moment in history and froze it. Michael said you're a pop star, I love you, you lead with light. 


Team Legend: Renzo sang Lover You Should Have Come Over by Jeff Buckley--Wow, what an exquisite vocal. He just knows how to bring you into his world with his performances. John said he showed something new in his voice today. You are a superstar and I am so happy I got this chance to work with you.  


Team Kelsea: Jaelen Johnston sang Cold by Chris Stapleton-- I loved this song for him. He seemed like he was totally immersed in the performance. It was honestly such a great way for us to hear that natural rasp that he has in his voice. Kelsea said I am out of breath and I am sweating. She said, Jaelen picked this song, and she was nervous, but when he sang it in rehearsal she knew it was the right song for him. 


Monday, May 12, 2025

The Voice Season 27: Finally Live for the First Time This Season with the Top 12

Team Adam: Kolby Cordell sang Drink You Away by Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake-- I wasn't as crazy about this as the coaches were. John says he feels regret and calls it the best performance. Okay, that's a bit of a stretch but sure. 


Team Kelsea: Alanna Lynise sang I'm Not That Girl from Wicked-- This sounded like she could be on Broadway but I have to be honest, I didn't love the song choice and the performance and I am a fan of Alanna. Michael thought she did her coach proud. 



Team Buble: Jadyn Cree sang I Think We're Alone Now-- This was a great song choice for Jadyn. I have struggled some with her artistry this season, but this was right up her alley. John says she is like family because of her dad and loves seeing her do what she does. Michael likes how unique she is and the pureness of her vocal. 



Team Legend: Olivia Kuper Harris sang Someone to Watch Over Me-- Great song for Olivia, she was deserving of coming back. Adam said she should feel amazing about her performance and that she deserves to be here. 



Team Kelsea: Iris Herrera sang Messy-- Oh man I am not a fan of this song. I really like Iris but I wish she had done something else. Kelsea appreciates her commitment to artistry. 



Team Adam: Lucia Flores Wiseman sang Black Hole Sun by Chris Cornell-- LOVE Chris and loved this song and I am also a fan of Lucia. Kelsea says the opportunities are endless for her. Adam says he has appreciated being able to celebrate who Lucia is. 



Team Legend: Bryson Battle sang Without You-- This is a little bit of a different song choice for Bryson but I loved it. His vocals were on point as always. John called his performance and vocal stunning. 



Team Kelsea: Jaelen Johnston sang I Drive Your Truck-- Heartfelt performance, the song was not as impactful as it should have been, but I think he should stick around for the finale. Kelsea says he is doing country music proud and she is proud to be his coach. Yet she almost let him go. I suppose what matters is that she brought him back. 




Team Buble: Adam David sang Bring It On Home to Me by Sam Cooke-- This was one of my favorite performances of the season. Adam is committed to his craft, easy to tell watching this performance. Adam says Adam is his biggest regret. Michael says that meant more to him than any other performance on the show. 



Team Buble: Kaiya Hamilton sang Ain't Nobody by Chaka Kahn-- Good song choice for Kaiya. Michael called it flawless and said he didn't want to talk too much and discourage people from voting. 



Team Adam: Conor James sang Chasing Pavements by Adele-- I was torn about whether Conor or Britton should have come back because they were both great for different reasons. Adam said great singers sing and he liked that Conor kept it pure and simple. 



Team Legend: Renzo sang Dream On by Aerosmith-- Loving Renzo's new hair style. Okay, so check it out, I did and didn't like this performance. It was different than the original, sometimes too much. But then at other times, him doing something like this felt safe. 




Overall what I don't like about this format is that the voting is hardly America's vote til now and then the finale is next week. 

Here are my predictions for the Top 5: 
Bryson Battle 
Adam David 
Lucia Flores Wiseman
Jaelen Johnston
Renzo

possible-- Jadyn Cree 

Drop your comments below!



The Voice Season 27 Breaking News: The Super Save Artists are Announced

John super saved Olivia Kuper Harris

Michael super saved Kaiya Hamilton

Kelsea super saved Jaelen Johnston

Adam super saved Conor James

Sunday, May 4, 2025

The Voice Season 27: Adam and Kelsea pick who goes to the lives, but are they the right picks?

Team Kelsea: 

Iris Herrera sang White Horse by Chris Stapleton-- In my opinion, she's a shoe in for the live shows because to have so much control and such maturity in your voice at her age is incredible. She's honed her skills and practiced her craft. John said her voice was shredding. Adam called her believable. 


Jaelen Johnston sang If You're Reading This by Tim McGraw-- Jaelen is literally an artist who I could see in country music right now, he is relevant, and I think he fills somewhat of a void. He's been someone since the beginning that I wanted to see go through to lives. Michael advised Kelsea to put him through if she wants to win. Kelsea said he told a story while staying true to the heart of the lyrics. 


Alanna Lynise sang Nobody Gets Me by Sza-- She has grown and come into her own, this is the best I have heard her. John says she is becoming a superstar, and Michael agrees with John and says she should go to the lives. 


Tinika Wyatt sang I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe-- Tinika has improved so much since her first audition. I loved this song for her. I will say I wanted a little more dynamics and passion going into the song. I remember Todd Tilghman singing this five years ago and I wanted her to create that angst and drive. Adam said she was ten times better than when she started out. Michael was moved by her performance. John and Kelsey both called it beautiful. 


Darius J. sang Hey Ya by Outkast-- I have appreciated Darius's desire to push creative boundaries on this show and to be himself. The authenticity of this performance was wonderful. I don't know how far he would get in lives. Kelsey says she continues to be attracted to his artistry. 



Team Adam: 

Lucia Flores Wiseman sang In My Life by The Beatles-- What a stunning performance from beginning to end. She deserves to be here and move forward. Kelsey said it was her favorite thing she has seen this season. Michael described her as inevitable and non-negotiable, which I completely agree. 


Conor James sang Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan-- Conor is always entertaining but I don't think this song did him any favors. I will say, I can see Conor on Broadway, I think that's where he belongs (pun intended). Adam said he can sing anything. 


Kolby Cordell sang Finesse by Bruno Mars-- It was great to have an upbeat performance. Kolby sounded great. I can see him potentially doing well in the live shows with proper song selection. John loved the confidence and swagger. Michael believes Kolby is a contender. 


Ethan Eckenroad sang The Night We Met by Lord Huron-- Gorgeous song choice, Ethan was in great voice singing that. He has always been one of my favorites since the beginning. I feel like he just strongly knows who he is as an artist. Adam said he is proud to have Ethan represent his team. 


Britton Moore sang Somewhere Only We Know by Keane-- I love Britton and would love to see him in the lives. However, at times, this song seems to be a kiss of death. He sounded great, but the song is a little sleepy. All the coaches loved his performance of the song, they commented on interpretation, fanbase,  and John said he sounded like Niall Horan. 


Kelsea chose Iris and Alanna 

Adam chose Lucia and Kolby  

It seems like they both probably needed a third pick-- I would have added Jaelen for Kelsea's team and Britton for Adam's team. Ultimately though, although I was upset, I agree with the choices that they made. 


 

 

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

The Voice Season 27: Last Dance, Last Chance on Knockouts

Team Legend: Nell Simmons sang Sweet Thing by Chaka Kahn vs. Renzo sang Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish-- Nell was amazing, to me, she is definitely live show worthy and has proven her growth in every round. Renzo is interesting for sure, this song choice was odd, and I think it matched his eccentricity. It's a toss up, but I think I would choose Nell. The coaches had amazing things to say about Nell and Renzo. Kelsea said Nell sounded sexy and strong. Adam called Renzo a unicorn and said he will be shocked if he doesn't make it to the end. John chose Renzo. I am shocked no one stole Nell. 






Team Buble: Adam David sang Unaware by Allen Stone vs. Carlos Santiago sang You Are the Reason by Callum Scott-- I felt like these two were pretty evenly matched, my personal preference is Adam. I think Carlos should be on Broadway, he has a great voice. Michael chose Adam. 



Team Kelsea: Hailey Wright sang I Want to be a Cowboy's Sweetheart by Patsy Montana vs. Jaelen Johnston sang Dial Drunk by Noah Kahan-- These are two that I love in this competition. They are facing off again! I think Jaelen grew since the last round. This was a great song choice. I feel like, on the flipside, Hailey was a little pitchy and didn't grow as much. I'd go with Jaelen. Michael and Adam both felt like Hailey won this, I'm a little shocked! However, it didn't matter, Kelsea chose Jaelen. He's going to be a star in my opinion. 



Team Legend: Jacquelyn George sang Too Little Too Late by Jojo vs. Olivia Kuper Harris sang Last Dance by Donna Summer-- Loved both song choices. I think Olivia is a more polished performer but Jacquelyn improved to me, and she has great range. Olivia's performance was so strong and had lots of attitude and intention. I think I would have to choose Olivia. Adam said Olivia blew away his expectations. Kelsea loved Jacquelyn's song choice and was wowed by Olivia's strong and sexy vocal. John said Olivia's performance was confident and chose Olivia. 



Team Buble: Jadyn Cree sang Keep Holding On by Avril Lavigne vs. Kameron Jaso sang Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur-- I was not particularly invested in this pairing. I know Michael has really liked/ pushed for Jayden since the beginning. I think ultimately, she gave the strong performance here. Michael chose Jayden.  

Team Adam: Conor James sang Forever Young by Alphaville vs. Darius Jay sang American Boy by Estelle-- This was so underwhelming! I really wanted to LOVE both of these performances. The song choices were bizarre. Michael did not like Conor's song choice. John feels Conor should be in the finale but felt Darius was more compelling today. Adam chose Conor and Kelsea stole Darius. 


Here's a look at who is left: 

(* are my picks)

Team Adam:
*Britton Moore, 21
*Conor James, 28
Ethan Eckenroad, 26
*Kolby Cordell, 32
Lucia Flores Wiseman, 22

Team Buble: 
Adam David, 34 
*Angie Rey, 25
*Barry Jean Fontenot, 31
Jayden Cree, 23
Kaiya Hamilton, 26

Team Kelsea: 
Alanna Lynnise, 21
Darius J, 35
*Iris Herrera, 19
*Jaelen Johnston, 21
Tinika Wyatt, 50

Team Legend: 
Ari Camille, 21
*BD.ii, 31
*Bryson Battle, 21 
*Olivia Kuper Harris, 34 
Renzo, 33



 


Tuesday, March 18, 2025

The Voice Season 27: These Battles Were "Made For Me"

Team Legend: Ari Camille vs. Bryson Battle sang Made for Me by Muni Long-- Wow! Wow! Wow! This is one of my favorite battles ever. What Bryson did with his voice, the way the song was building and building, I loved it. The dynamics were amazing and he and Ari were equally effective in telling this story. Ari has something special about her, the way she emotes-- we all feel her. They pushed each other in the best way possible. I love both of them and hope they both move forward. Adam said Bryson you are as spectacular now as you were in the blinds. You can't sing better than that. Ari who you are as a character and person were just as present. Kelsea said you both have these big, bold voices that demand attention, you didn't outsing each other, you held space for each other. Michael said Ari it's a joy to watch you, you're flawless, he said Bryson I see so much of myself in you, I'm just kidding. You're both geniuses. John said Ari I see so much star potential in you. Bryson everyone's jaw is on the floor seeing what you do with your voice. Both you are immensely talented and have bright futures. John chose Bryson and Adam and Kelsea stole Ari. Ari chose Adam. 




Team Adam: Hayden Grove vs. Lucia Flores Wiseman sang My Funny Valentine-- Lucia is just different, and I agree with Michael, she does remind me of Lady Gaga. Hayden should definitely singing the standards. Kelsea tells Hayden that she can hear that he has studied his genre. Lucia your voice is lived in. Michael said there is something so deep within the tapestry of this poetry, you both told a story tonight. Hayden you sounded beautiful, Lucia you sound like Lady Gaga, you're a bit of a chameleon. Adam said there is so much diversity in the way you sound. You're both old souls though. Adam chose Lucia. 




Montaged Performance..... 
Team Adam: Grace Miller Moody vs. Tori Templet sang Use Somebody by Kings of Leon-- Adam chose Grace. (side note, kind of a bizarre song choice)

Team Kelsea: Alanna Lynise vs. Brook Wood sang Angels Like You by Miley Cyrus-- Was not crazy about this performance. Song choice did not feel right and no one really stood out. I slightly preferred Alanna over Brook who I feel may have over-sang on the performance. Michael thought Brook won the battle. John prefers Alanna's tone but thought Brook gave the better performance. Kelsea preferred the nuance in Alanna's voice and chose her. 




Team Buble: Barry Jean Fontenot vs. Kaiya Hamilton sang Cry to Me by Solomon Burke-- They were both great. John said Barry your range is remarkable, Kaiya, your tone is rich, soulful, and sweet. I'd choose Kaiya. Adam said Barry, you're this warm energy. You have a beautiful gift in your tone. Kaiya I am shocked only two people turned for you, you're incredible. I'd choose Kaiya, but Barry I want you to unlock your full potential. Kelsea, Barry your soul is beautiful and she should be protected and realized and believed in at all costs. Kaiya you were intentional, you connect your voice to your body. Michael picked Kaiya but saved Barry. Kelsea tried to steal but he stayed with Michael. 




Another montaged performance..... 
Team Buble: Kameron Jaso vs. Nami Soleil sang You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall & Oates-- Michael chose Kameron. 

Team Buble: Aaron Rizzo vs. Carlos Santiago sang Gravity by John Mayer-- Michael chose Carlos. 

Team Legend: Antonio Ramsey vs. BD.ii sang Just Friends by Musiq Soulchild-- Enjoyed both of them. Antonio has such positive energy and I like how into the performance he was. He walks a fine line of overdoing it and/ or pushing too hard. BD is just cool. I love his tone and he reminds me of throw back R&B. Adam said BD Kelsea blocked me when I tried to pick you, and it sucks cause you're a mega talent. Antonio I remember you from the blinds. You're both great. If I had to choose I'd pick my guy BD. Kelsea thought they were both consistent and cool. She stands by blocking Adam. Michael said if I am looking at what it takes to win this thing, I'm going with BD. John liked Antonio's charisma and energy and thought it was his best performance of the song. He said BD, you were understated but in a cool way, it was swaggy. You're charismatic, and it works well for me. John chose BD. 




Team Kelsea: Hailey Wright vs. Jaelen Johnston sang Neon Moon by Brooks and Dunn-- I enjoyed both artists, there were some pitch issues for both of them at times. It might have been the song and just the range. I can see both of them being country stars. Michael talked about Jaelen's baritone and found the performance to be romantic. John liked the richness in Jaelen's voice. He loved the yodel and heart in Hailey's voice. Adam said Hailey you cut in a way that Jaelen couldn't. None of the coaches could choose! Kelsea said you both made country music proud. She said Jaelen, you sing like you had your heart broken, I'll kill her, but that's a good thing. Hailey you sing like you've lived so much life. My favorite country singers sing the way both of you do. Kelsea chose Jaelen and saved Hailey. 






Thursday, February 13, 2025

The Voice Season 27: Forgive My Northern Attitude, It's the Blinds

Season 27 of The Voice started last week. Michael Buble returned for his second season, John Legend returned from a brief hiatus. Kelsea Ballerini joined the show as a new coach and OG coach Adam Levine returned. 

I was underwhelmed by the premiere. There were many contestants that I did not think were that great, four chair turn worthy, not worthy of a turn at all that got a turn. It was interesting to me. 

I'm going to skip over the ones I wasn't impressed with. 

Skip... Grace Miller Moody sang Sunday Morning by Maroon Five-- shocking four chair turn, Grace picks Adam

Renzo sang Simple Man by Lynard Skynard-- Remember Dennis Lorenzo from American Idol Top 10 Season 16? He has a pure voice, this did not show off his falsetto which is perhaps the best part of his voice, but his purity gets him on the show. John blocks Adam. All the guys turn, and Renzo picks John Legend. 

Iris Herrera sang You Are My Sunshine-- Seemed like an odd choice but she got three chairs, everyone except Adam. I like how she gave it like a country / folk vibe. She has a nice personal connection to the song and she chose Kelsea. 

Jadyn Cree is Bryan Olesen's daughter (he was a finalist two seasons ago), she sang Into You by Paramore-- Michael and Kelsea turned and she picked Michael. I like Jadyn's voice, she has a Hayley Williams and Amy Lee vibe to her. I would love to see her do some rock songs, and I think she can go far in the competition. 

Skip.... Darius J sang Caught Up by Usher, he choice team Adam. 

Skip.... Angie Rey sang Penthouse by Kelsea Ballerini, only Kelsea turned. 

Skip.... Carlos Santiago sang Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx, Adam and Michael turned and Carlos chose Team Buble. 

Skip....  Dan Kiernan sang High Hopes by Panic at the Disco, John and Michael turned and Kelsea used  her coach's replay, and Dan chose Kelsea. 

Ethan Eckenroad sang Northern Attitude by Noah Kahan-- Adam said it would be a tragedy if you weren't on my team. This was a four chair turn that was a deserved four chair turn. John loved his poise and soulfulness. Michael called him "good music". Ethan chose Adam! 



Same thing with Week 2 of Blinds... I am going to skip performances that were underwhelming to me. 

Skip.... Tatum Scott sang Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo-- I wasn't crazy about the way she changed up the song. Kelsea and John turned and Tatum picked Kelsea. 

Bryson Battle sang A Song For You by Donny Hathaway-- He's only 21! Kelsea said you were just singing from your soul. This was a well deserved four chair turn. Michael loved his voice and said he sings that song, and wishes he could sing it like him. Adam said it's incredible what you do. Adam said it will be about song selection. John said I was the first to turn. He said that he made the song feel new, fresh, and exciting. Bryson chose Team Legend. 




Skip.... Jordan Allen sang Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Seeger-- John and Michel turned and Jordan chose John. 

Hayden Grove sang Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin-- Hayden has such a great voice. I loved the technical lesson that Michael gave showing how the standards singers don't use vibrato in their voices. I am so happy Adam turned and that Michael is offering to help them. 




Jaelen Johnston sang Where the Wild Things Are by Luke Combs-- Great voice, he reminds me of like Kane Brown. I was hoping that Adam would turn and he would choose Adam or even Michael because those pairings are unexpected and I think they could help him. Both of them turned, but Kelsea did too, and unsurprisingly he went with Kelsea. 




Ricardo Moreno sang Put Your Head on My Shoulder by Paul Anka-- I appreciated Ricardo's musicality and the fact that he sang a "standard". The coaches discussed quite a bit, but no one turned. Michael used his coach's replay on Ricardo. 




Ari Camille sang I Wanna Be Down by Brandy-- jury is out on her, I almost skipped, she might end up being interesting, we'll have to see. John and Michael turned. Of course she chose John. 

Braxton Garza sang Pretty Little Poison by Warren Zeiders-- Absolutely love his sound! He has that country rocker vibe which the coaches clearly recognized. Kelsea told Adam and Michael not to turn but then took her time turning so Michael blocked her. Braxton is on Team Buble. 




Britton Moore sang Yellow by Coldplay-- Wow he is good, well deserved four chair turn, not many of those, but this one, well deserved. Adam turned first and was the only one who did not pull any gimmicks. Britton chose him, and with good reason, this is a match made in heaven. 



The ones I featured videos for are the ones I feel confident about in terms of their success on the show.