The Voice Season 5: The Top 5 Give it a Go

James Wolpert performed With or Without You by U2-- O-M-G! I love this song. I love that James didn't sound like Bono singing that song because it made the performance stronger. His voice soared on the important parts. Adam said he was proud. Blake said that's one of his favorite songs too and Blake felt he needed a moment like that in the competition and said it's possible he dug himself out of the whole from being in the bottom 2 last week.

Will Champlin performed Carry On by F.U.N.-- Adam made an awesome song choice for Will. I loved Will's performance! It was so real and so authentic and he just went for it. You could tell that Will was really into the song choice. I loved the high note at the end. Adam said he is really proud of him and he could tell he felt good about it. Cee Lo said I'm pleased you felt so swaggy up there. I love anthems like that. Blake said letting your heart open up is gonna go a long way in this competition.

Jacquie Lee performed Angel by Sara McLachlan-- Christina made a little bit of a mistake choosing this I think. I found it a little slow and boring for Jacquie. Christina said she was blown away. She loved the dynamic she displayed and thought it was her best performance. Cee Lo enjoyed the sincerity of it all.

Cole Vosbury performed Shameless by Garth Brooks (written by Billy Joel)-- Loved this vocal, loved that the song was a mix between country and rock and roll and soul. It was perfect. Blake said he did an incredible job. Blake said that Cole suggested doing the song Shameless. Cee Lo said you perform every song like it's yours and that's what's special about you. You're a bonafied rock star.

Tessanne Chin performed Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel-- Wow, what a vocal, she may have just stamped her performance in the finals. Adam said I don't know what to say, that was crazy. Adam said knowing what's going on in your life, that's probably the most flawless and graceful performance I've ever heard on this show. Blake said, it's hard to argue with what Adam just said, you're an incredible singer.  

My predictions for the top three: Tessanne Chin, Cole Vosbury, and Will Champlin over James Wolpert by a sliver.

The Voice Season 5: The Top 6 Take it Up a Notch

Coach's Choice:

Blake chose Rich Girl by Hall & Oates for Cole Vosbury-- Cole has a great voice and it didn't falter, but I found the song lyrically repetitive. I hope he has a second song to sing that can really showcase him just a little bit better than this did. Cee Lo said he loves Cole and considers him a friend. Adam said he is a big Hall & Oates fan and loved that version.

Adam chose Redemption Song by Bob Marley for Tessanne Chin-- Tessanne sang that song with so much conviction, grace, and experience. It was like she lived the words. Adam said that he was so immersed and lost in the song, and people understand the potency and power of not just Bob Marley but of Tessanne Chin.

Matthew Schuler from Team Christina chose The Story of My Life-- I thought this was a much better than last week for sure. I didn't think that there were as many vocal inflections as there could have been and therefore the vocal read a little flat for me. Christina and Adam both seemed very happy with the performance.

Will Champlin from Team Adam chose A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke-- Will's performance was certainly genuine. It had more of a rock feel as opposed to a soul feel, I would have liked more of the soul feel. Adam loved the optimism that came across in his performance as well as in his heart. Cee Lo loves that he has heart.

James Wolpert from Team Adam chose I Fell in Love With a Girl by The White Stripes-- Adam liked the simplicity and dialed back version of the song. Blake liked that the song had an acoustic feel to it. Like Blake, I am unfamiliar with the original song which Adam described as a crazy punk rock version. Again, this was a little bit of a boring song choice for me.

Christina chose Cry Baby by Janis Joplin for Jacquie Lee-- I love Jacquie's enthusiasm and emotion that she brings to every song. She has to be careful that she doesn't come across as screaming though. Christina loved her courage and said she left her heart on the stage. Cee Lo said he is convinced that she is a medium of some sort. He said she has made the most dynamic song choices of any artist. Adam said if this is you without your heart broken, what will you be like if it is?

Cole Vosbury from Team Blake chose Better Man by James Morrison-- Cole dedicated this song to his first love who he lost. Blake said if you don't get that girl back, something is wrong. Cole's vocal was so sincere and so warm. I truly felt his emotion shine through in that song. Cee Lo said his ears, eyes, and heart work because he sees how great Cole is now.

Tessanne Chin from Team Adam sang Unconditionally by Katy Perry-- I have to admit that near the beginning of the live shows, Tessanne fell off a little bit for me but she is back with a determination that is unmatched by almost any other contestant. I am feeling a Tessanne Chin finale. Adam said Katy Perry song's are usually big production numbers and I would normally be worried about that, but not with you.

Christina chose When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge for Matthew Schuler-- I am not sure about this, I didn't love it. It sounded a little dated for me, I like Matthew with a little bit of an edge. Christina told him to hang in there cause she has great ideas for him. Blake said he liked that he took it back to basics.

Adam chose Hey Brother by Avicii for Will Champlin-- I am so happy that he didn't do the song Wake Me Up! I liked this performance; the grit in his voice was awesome. Adam said he is such a powerful vocalist, and I always want to hear more from you. Blake liked the song and thought Will was cool.

Jacquie Lee from Team Christina chose The Voice Within by Christina Aguilera-- What a performance! She really brought it home, and she really displayed a maturity beyond her years. Christina said hearing Jacquie perform that song took her back and she sees so many similarities between her and Jacquie.

Adam chose I Would Do Anything for Love by Meatloaf for James Wolpert-- I loved that performance; James is so dramatic and yet for some reason, it works. He captures my attention every time and now I Would Do Anything for Love is going to be stuck in my head.  Adam said that James is sick and he got through it. Cee Lo told James he did a great job and really does rock opera so well. He said it's not overbearing and his confidence is so cool and it's another impressive performance on his part.

Who is at risk of going home?
 My heart says none of them.... my mind says Matthew and Jacquie are leaving us tomorrow and Team Adam and Team Blake will battle it out in the finale.

The Voice Season 5: Eight Become Six, but did the right 2 go home?

James Wolpert performed Somebody to Love by Queen-- I like this performance but I think the judges went a bit overboard saying it was the best performance on The Voice. I think the performance was better than the vocal and there were other vocals tonight that were better than this. I call his performance, middle of the pack. 

Tessanne Chin performed Underneath it All by No Doubt-- This performance had so much authenticity and flavor that it was easily one of my favorite performances of the night. This was an awesome vocal; she was one of the best of the night. 

Caroline Pennell performed the Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine-- This should have been better than it was ultimately. Vocally, this song is intricate and unusual like Caroline but the chorus chewed her up and spit her out. It's like the song was too big for her for some reason and the song controlled her rather than she controlled the song. Unfortunately, I do understand why Caroline went home. 

Cole Vosbury performed I Still Believe in You by Vince Gill-- This was another strong vocal from Cole that just absolutely melted my heart. Blake chose an amazing song for him. The thing I continue to absolutely love about Cole is his versatility. He can sing everything-- one week he is singing a Miguel song and the next week he is singing a Vince Gill song. It's just absolutely unreal to me. I need to constantly remind myself that for his blind he performed the theme song to The Jefferson's and only Cee Lo turned for him. 

Matthew Schuler performed It's Time by Imagine Dragons-- I have liked Matthew since the beginning, but he is extremely lucky he didn't get sent home after this not well put together performance. This just was not the right song for him. It didn't come together as it usually does. Matthew is a unique talent, but this wasn't his bag at all. 

Will Champlin performed At Last by Etta James-- One of my favorite of the night. Will has probably experienced the most growth of any contestant in the competition. His vocal was strong, and I feel much like Adam in that he's so ambitious. He seems to continuously push for that higher note. Right now, I would like to see him in the finals. 

Ray Boudreaux sang Gimme Some Lovin' by The Spencer Davis Group-- This was a high energy performance and Ray's vocals were right now. I cannot explain why Ray went home except to say that maybe the public didn't catch on to his very original style. Like some of the judges, I loved Ray's swagger in this performance, and I truly wish him the best going forward. I am sorry to see him leave the competition at this stage. 

Jacquie Lee sang Who's Loving You by Smokey Robinson/ Michael Jackson-- Not the best I have seen or heard Jacquie but she continues to remain a contender. At only 16, she is the real deal. I love the notes she hits and her poise and maturity is impressive. She has this innate ability to convey adult emotions, and all the judges clearly understood that and commented on it. 

 

The Voice Season 5: The Top 10 Are Pretty Awesome

Austin Jenckes sang Your Love by The Outfield-- Blake liked the slow build that happened throughout the song. Christina loved the ending. I agree with Christina, unexpected for me, he did well this week. Adam said that Austin has such an incredible range, but he wanted to feel more of the big, high notes. Cee Lo appreciates the fact that Austin makes him feel like a fan.

Jacquie Lee sang Clarity by Zed-- Christina loved seeing her in such a vulnerable setting. Cee Lo said she is one of the best that they have. Blake said it was so different to hear a broken down version of you. Adam praised Jacquie's gracefulness. I liked all the judges comments cause they do reflect how I am feeling.

Will Champlin sang Love Me Again by John Newman-- I loved that performance, the song was awesome, the vocal was hot. Adam said Will is a testament to hanging in there, and he said he loves Will and everyone should vote for him. Christina said she felt like he came into his own in this performance. Blake said you're such an accurate vocalist, I really think you're great, and I can't believe you're on Adams team cause I can't stand him.

Caroline Pennell sang Leavin' on a Jet Plane by John Denver-- I like Caroline, but I think she made a mistake choosing that song. I know Cee Lo and Adam were trying to be nice, but this is probably her weakest performance to date, and not a good time for her to have it.

Cole Vosbury sang To Be With You by Mr. Big-- Another amazing performance by Cole. He really knows how to choose the right songs and his voice is money. Blake said you sang the daylights out of that song. It was so acoustic and so about you, you nailed it. Adam said, I love that song, it took me back. Then he said, it broke my heart when you went to that fool's team. Cee Lo said, I genuinely support you, and I've seen you grow, you are more confident and more expressive.

Tessanne Chin sang If I Were Your Woman by Gladys Knight-- Tessanne was magical tonight, her voice just transported me somewhere so unbelievably surreal. Adam said thank you for trusting in me, you're a wonderful person, and I love you so much. Christina said you can do so much and I would love to hear more moments like this from you, I want to see the different dimensions of you.

Ray Boudreaux sang You Are the Best Thing by Ray Lamontagne-- Low key but satisfying performance, I am hoping Ray will be sticking around. I loved what Cole said about him, that he had never heard anyone have that style, swamp pop, that Ray has.

James Wolpert sang Without You by Harry Nilsson-- Agree with Adam in that James individualizes every single song and performance. It happens so much so that you want to buy that song or hear that album. Christina said he looked so dapper and Gatsby and that he had her for the whole performance. James has something that no one else has, I cannot put my finger on it, but there's this quality about him. I want to see James, Cole, and Matthew at the end of this thing.

Kat Roubichaud sang We Belong by Pat Benatar--  Cee Lo said he is so proud of her, it's exhilarating to see you be yourself and who you are. You're the new next thing. Adam said this was the Kat we were waiting to see, it was so elegant. The song was perfect for her, it was really right in her sweet spot vocally.

Matthew Schuler sang Beneath Your Beautiful by Labrinth feat. Emile Sande-- His performance absolutely left me breathless, what an incredible vocal and the emotion that just poured out, I am quite speechless.
Christina said you bring it every single week, you bring this place to a new buzz and a new energy. I am so connected to you. Adam said from the beginning this was no less than amazing. Adam said he is pretty sure he will have no problem finding a wife (Matthew said he was going to act like he was singing this song to the wife he hasn't found yet).

In the bottom this week..... tough call.... Caroline, Ray, Austin, and Kat are my predictions.

The Voice Season 5: The Top 12, Jonny and Josh head home, but was it deserved?

Top

James Wolpert sang Mr. Brightside by The Killers-- As usual, James has impressed me once again. James has been on a hot streak for a few weeks now. To tell you the truth, I hope he continues with these consistent performances. Adam chose exactly the right song for him, it really played to his geek turned rocker style. The high note, Adam's suggestion, A--mazing!

Jacquie Lee sang Love is Blindness by U2-- Love how I hear so many other singers in Jacquie Lee but yet she remains her own singer and an original one at that. She has so much strength and maturity and she displays it every time she comes out and performs. I think if Jacquie continues down this road, she has a better than good chance of winning this.

Kat Robichaud sang Sail by AWOLNATION-- I enjoyed this performance more than I thought I would. Kat attacked it, and for the life of me, why was she in the bottom three? Besides having a great rock voice, she is an above par performer.

Matthew Schuler sang Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley-- I was so excited to see that Matthew was singing this, and hearing him sing it was a blessing. His voice was literally like a prayer, there was this surreal silence throughout the studio audience as he sang. I loved that Adam brought up the legacy that Matthew is preserving when he sings this song this beautifully and I could not agree more.

Cole Vosbury sang Adorn by Miguel-- Loved how Blake and Cole bonded over having siblings that were killed in car crashes. Oh..... my....goodness! This was an unreal performance, it literally brought tears to my eyes because it was so so beautiful. He brings so much versatility. I still cannot believe he was a one chair turn. The high note was awesome, the emotion was palpable. Cee Lo, who initially was the only one to pick him was so happy for him, and rightfully so.

Will Champlin sang Demons by Imagine Dragons-- Will was the last performer of the night, and he had so much passion. I loved how he put his heart and his soul into that performance so fully. I must mention that I realized something when Will finished singing and that's that all the artists in the top have something in common. They all have this unbounded love for music; it flows through their veins.

Middle

Tessanne Chin sang My Kind of Love by Emile Sande-- There's no doubt Tessanne has a strong voice, it's reminiscent of female vocalists today who power through performances and their voices just touch you. Tessanne reminds me of Rihanna at times, Kelly Clarkson, etc. The song was a little unrecognizable-- in other words, she could have picked something a little more popular and therefore relevant.

Ray Boudreaux sang All of Me by John Legend-- This was a nice switch for Ray. There were absolutely some parts of it that were pitchy, but there was also a real tenderness to it. His vocal was soft, precise, and the high notes were right on.

Josh Logan sang Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson-- Actually liked this performance. I know Christina told him to scale back on the ad-libs that he does throughout the songs, but I actually wish he hadn't because I think it cost him some valuable votes. I must wonder whether or not he would have been saved from the bottom three and ultimately elimination if he had poured it on a little bit thicker.

Jonny Grey sang Another Day in Paradise by Phil Collins--Ok now, I have finally heard the performance that supposedly sent Jonny home. While I think the arrangement was a little weak and the song choice was certainly not the best, I don't know that he deserved to go home after this, especially taking past performances into consideration.

Bottom

Caroline Pennell sang Wake Me Up by Avicii-- I found this performance boring at best and not much different than all the other songs she has tackled in this competition. Caroline is a favorite of mine because her voice makes me feel like  I am wearing a warm fuzzy sweater, but if she doesn't step it up she'll be going home soon.

Austin Jenckes sang It's a Great Day to Be Alive by Travis Tritt-- This is a performance where the song choice was a little bit too cookie cutter for me. I still like Travis, and I don't think he should have been voted out either because he just has so much heart, and he's such a nice person. This wasn't the song for him though. I would love to see him do some Bruce Springsteen or John Mellencamp.

Who was your pick to go home last week? Did Jonny and Josh deserve to go home?

The Voice Season 5: Time for the Live Shows!

Tonight is Team Blake and Team Adam and tomorrow night will be Team Cee Lo and Team Christina--

Up first...

From Team Blake: Shelbie Z. singing Fancy by Reba-- This was a good performance, but I didn't find anything special about it. Christina made this weird comment about how she liked Shelbie's growls; I feel like if she really did like the performance, she could have found something else to comment on.

From Team Adam: James Wolpert singing A Case of You by Joni Mitchell-- That was amazing. What phenomenal feeling and the vocal was so special. Blake said to come out and perform acoustically like that and then to have the amazing vocals too, congratulations. Christina complimented his vocal range. Adam commented on how he bounced back and did something so bold and so elegant, he said he could not be any more proud of him.

From Team Blake: Nic Hawk singing Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke-- Nic remains entertaining and really knows how to get the crowd going. I love that quality about him cause Shelbie wasn't able to do that. Christina said he did it all, and fabulous job. Cee Lo said Nic is one of his favorites and he did a great job. Adam said seeing Nic was bittersweet cause he shouldn't have let him go, you're so fun to watch and I'm proud of you. Blake said that Nic does everything he could do as a performer.

From Team Blake: Ray Boudreaux singing Home by Marc Broussard-- So far, Shelbie is the weak link because Ray's performance was so strong. The vocal was that thing he is so good at "swamp pop", his voice is just so gritty. Christina thought it was his best yet. Cee Lo called him "sugar Ray" and thought it was great. Adam thought it was really excellent and talked about how he toured with Marc Broussard on one of his first tours. Blake said you're doing so much good for your heart with that performance.

From Team Blake: Austin Jenckes singing She Talks to Angels by The Black Crowes-- I need to totally echo these judges in that Austin brings so much emotion to each performance. And The Voice truly does have the best talent of any singing show on TV right now. Christina loved the performance. Cee Lo loved his effortlessness and his conviction and commitment to the performances. Adam loved the song and has loved Austin from the beginning and offered to take him out on a Harley ride. Blake loved his heart and the fact that he gave 150%.

From Team Adam: Grey singing Still Into You by Paramore-- This was such a fun performance by Grey, loved the free quality that the vocal had. Blake wished he could steal Grey and thought she did a great job. Adam said Blake was rambling like a maniac cause he likes her so much, everyone does. He thought this was the perfect song for her.

From Team Adam: Will Champlin singing Secrets by One Republic-- Will is so flippin' talented. I loved his vocals, how he played the piano and he put his spin on the song. Christina said she is routing for him and he hit the money note. Cee Lo thought it was a dynamic performance. Adam said he has a special gift with his voice and put on the performance of his life tonight.

From Team Adam: Preston Pohl singing Nothin' on You by B.O.B. featuring Bruno Mars-- I love that the Voice is called what it is because when I close my eyes and hear someone like Preston, I think about Mowtown, particularly someone like David Ruffin. He's just special, wow. Blake said it was right in the pocket and he has so much passion and the pitch is perfect, it was so good, studly. Lol. Christina said you make everything you sing sound classic and old school. Cee Lo said, I thought I could have coached you better, but you did a great job. Adam said you covered all ground, no one in this competition has what you have, it can't be coached.

From Team Blake: Cole Vosbury singing Maggie May by Rod Stewart-- For me, Cole is another person in this competition who just has such a unique voice, and every time I hear him I like him more. Christina said she was so shocked that he was a one chair turn! Cee Lo said I still love you unconditionally, I support you to the end, even if it means me losing. Adam said I'm a stupid person, I'm an idiot. You're so good, and it's one of my favorite songs, and I wish there was a button I could press to get you on my team. Blake said you're good for this show, I feel like you're someone who could win the whole thing and I am lucky enough to have you on my team.

From Team Adam: Tessanne Chin singing Many Rivers to Cross by Jimmy Cliff-- Christina said I've been a fan from day one. Cee Lo said you're one of my favorites, you remind me that I'm alive. Adam said, talent aside, you have a golden soul. Your talent is mind boggling, I don't even know where to start. Vocally, it doesn't get better than what you just did.

Sadly, I think two women are going home Wednesday... Sheblie Z. and Grey... It's hard to say this cause everyone is just so strong, but this is my prediction.

The Voice Season 5: Impressive Knockout Round Performances

Team Adam: Lina Gaudenzi singing I'd Rather Go Blind by Etta James vs. Preston Pohl singing No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley-- the result: Adam chose Preston.-- Ultimately, if only one of them could be chosen, Preston deserved it more than Lina, but this performance by Lina was unforgettable. This song absolutely fit her like a glove. Preston had such an effortless performance that was full of vocal control which is what Blake commented on. Christina liked Preston but not the song; however, she loved Lina's performance and phrasing.

Team Blake: EG Daily singing I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt vs. Ray Boudreaux singing Hard to Handle by Otis Redding-- the result: Blake chose Ray.-- I agree. This was a no contest situation. EG has a great voice, but Ray has something different, and that's what we as listeners look for today. Blake ended up choosing Ray cause EG had that unfortunate break in her voice.

Team Christina: Anthony Paul singing The Other Side by Jason Derulo vs. Jacquie Lee singing Stompa by Serena Ryder-- the result: Christina chose Jacquie.-- I agree, another no contest. Anthony chose the wrong song here. I love Jason Derulo and love the song, but it's too stylized for him to sing and interpret himself. Jacquie on the contrary, sang a song I've never heard before, but owned it.  Cee Lo points out how nervous Anthony was and how impressive Jacquie's range was. Christina chose Jacquie and felt bad the song didn't work out for Anthony.

Team Cee Lo: Stephanie Anne Johnson singing Don't Know Why by Norah Jones vs. Tamara Chauniece singing No One by Alicia Keys-- the result: Cee Lo chose Tamara and Christina surprisingly stole back Stephanie. I say surprisingly because there were a lot of issues with her performance. Tamara, on the other hand, was compared to a young Anita Baker by Cee Lo. I see that.

Team Adam: James Wolpert singing More Than a Feeling by Foreigner vs. Juhi singing Heard it Through the Grapevine by Creedence Clearwater Revival-- the result: I wish Christina would have stole Juhi rather than Stephanie. I am torn over Adam choosing James cause this wasn't a strong performance, but he's had strong performances in the past. It seemed like many of the other coaches would have chosen Juhi.

Team Blake: Austin Jenckes singing I'll Be by Edwin McCain vs. Brandon Chase singing Even if it Breaks Your Hearts by Eli Young Band-- the result: Blake chose Austin. This was a tough one too. Christina kind of brought up the fact that both of them had vocal issues. Blake brought up that Austin was sharp and Brandon was flat and he felt like being sharp was better than being flat. I hope that Austin focuses on moving forward from his backstory because if he doesn't, it could hold him back.

Team Cee Lo: Caroline Pennell singing The Way I Am by Ingrid Michelson vs. George Horga Jr. singing Because of You by Neyo-- the result: Sadly, George's dream comes to an end. Caroline was the right choice here though. As Blake said, Caroline makes me want to curl up in bed with a cup of hot cocoa. Now there's a sight, but I get what he means, she makes me feel the same way.

Team Christina: Matthew Schuler singing Cosmic Love by Florence + the Machine vs. Will Champlin singing If I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars-- the result: Christina chose Matthew and wow was this performance amazing, and Adam stole back Will to his team without question. Matthew is really continuing to slay every performance. He's nothing short of impressive, and this is nothing short of the best performance of the season so far. The vocal was stunning, and it was a cover of the song that was really quite powerful. Will was great too, and deserved to be stolen back. He held his own against Matthew.

I had to share the link:

The Voice Season 5: The Battles Continue

Team Christina: Josh Logan vs. Michael Lynch singing Harder to Breathe by Maroon 5-- I actually really liked this battle, and the song choice was awesome. Cee Lo liked their confidence and effortlessness; he thought that Josh actually sounded a lot like Adam. Blake thought Josh did have a more masculine voice and look in comparison to Adam. Adam thought it was really fun and both did an amazing job; he said this song was his baby and they did it well. Christina praised both of them-- she said she adores Michael and said Josh has a lot of soul. Christina chose Josh to move forward.

Team Cee Lo: George Horga Jr. vs Juhi singing The Best I Ever Had by Gavin DeGraw-- The energy that both of them brought was awesome. I think in terms of growth, George has grown more. Adam thought Juhi showed range and George showed resiliency. Blake said something jumps out at him about Juhi. Christina thought both of them brought the song alive. Cee Lo said Juhi is like a young Einstein. He said George comes here with a brave heart to pursue a passion, and Cee Lo appreciated that. Adam stole Juhi and said he feels like he won the lottery. I think it's awesome that George was so happy that Juhi got stolen.

Team Blake: Austin Jencks vs. Brian Pounds singing To Love Somebody by The Bee Gees-- I liked it, but it was slightly boring as far as song choice. Christina and Cee Lo both connected with Austin more, but felt they both did well. Adam agreed, he felt Austin just took the record somewhere that he preferred. Blake chose Austin to move forward cause he left his heart right there on the stage.

Team Adam: James Irwin vs. Matt Cermanski singing Counting Stars by One Republic-- I loved this battle, the song was hot, and I think the energy was totally there. Blake thinks Matt has the bigger voice, but James has better pitch. Cee Lo chose James whereas Christina liked Matt. Adam reminded them that they are both comeback kids. Adam said it was a flawed performance so whoever moves on will have work to do. He went with James, and I think that was the right decision.

Team Christina: Destinee Quinn vs. Lina Gaudenzi singing I'm Not Ready to Make Nice by The Dixie Chicks-- I think they both were touched by the song and they tapped into the emotion that went along with it. Cee Lo felt liked Destinee lived the song. Adam felt the song didn't lack emotion, but technically there were flaws. He felt Lina had more vocal chops. Blake basically agreed with Adam. Christina was moved by the fact that Destinee was so moved and so she had to go with her. Adam stole Lina though.

Team Adam: James Wolpert vs. Will Champlin singing Radioactive by Imagine Dragons-- Amazing! Probably, almost most definitely the best battle I have heard on the voice. Both young men brought it. Blake said James surprised him more cause he doesn't look the part. Christina felt Will was right on pitch from the beginning. Cee Lo felt James' style was so unassuming, he was intrigued. Adam felt Will was a surprise, but felt there was room for both men in this competition-- I agree. Adam chose James for his team cause he feels like he can do anything. Christina scooped Will up for her team.

The Voice Season 5 Premieres: Christina and Cee Lo Return

**4 Chair Turn** The first singer up for Season 5 was Kat Roubichaud who sang Music in Me-- I thought that Kat had a great tone to her voice but I didn't like the song choice for her; it was too Broadway. I like the rasp in her voice, but I think she has a lot of work to do. I couldn't quite understand why she received a four chair turn when there were other artists far better who didn't receive that. Kat ended up choosing Cee Lo.
Kat chose Team Cee Lo

Caroline Pennell sang Anything Could Happen by Ellie Goulding-- This young lady is someone I could see getting into the finals of this show because she has the x factor that so many people talk about. At 17, wow, what a voice, it's so pure. Blake called her a bad ass vocalist and Cee Lo invited her to be on his team so that she could be herself.
Caroline chose Team Cee Lo

Donna Allen sang You Are So Beautiful-- Donna is one of the oldest contestants this year at 54 and she proves that talent only gets better with age. Donna is reminiscent of Tina Turner in her vocals and she is very traditional in how she performs. I think if she continues to choose good songs for her voice, she could make it to the live shows. Adam and Christina both turned around almost immediately and then no one else does. Christina makes a lame pitch and Blake supports her and says he wanted Donna to pick Christina so that's why he didn't push his button. Adam criticizes the other judges for not turning around and says shame on them because that performance sounded like a finals performance.
Donna chose Adam

Jake Worthington sang Keep Your Hands to Yourself-- No one turned around but Blake left him some good advice which was to work on his voice so he doesn't run out of breath.

**4 Chair Turn** Matthew Schuler sang Cough Syrup-- This is the first contestant of the season that I am 110% impressed with. I love his voice, his style, his confidence. His voice had a great roundness and tone and rasp to it, it was beautiful. He reminded me of Burnell Taylor from American Idol with his voice. He also had great performance skills. It was not surprising to see all the judges turn around almost simultaneously. The judges argued back and forth about who was the perfect coach for him. I love how Cee Lo kicked it off, "who the hell are you?". Adam begged for Matthew to choose him. Christina says she comes back with a refreshed ear, might be true, but she is still the worst coach. Despite that, Matthew chose her.
Matthew chose Christina

Nic Hawk sang Hit Em Up Style--Adam and Cee Lo turned for Nic. Nic does have awesome timing and breath control and he has a fun personality. I love that when he was done with his performance he said to Adam, "what's up handsome?" and Adam said, flattery will get you everywhere. Cee Lo was impressed with how he handled such a difficult song, and complimented him on his breath control.  Blake is laughing the whole time cause he loves that Nic has a crush on Adam. Nic said he doesn't know if he would be able to focus if he picked Adam because Adam is so good looking. Adam started covering his face. Christina told him to go with his heart.
Nic chose Adam

15 year old Matthew Breas sang I Want You Back-- and did not get chosen despite being called a vocal prodigy by one of the judges. They promised him to come back next year.

Shelbie Z sang I'm Here for the Party-- Shelbie was a fun gal but nothing to write home about. Blake turns right away and battle with Christina, and Shelbie, no surprise, ends up choosing Blake.
Shelbie Z chose Blake

Josh Logan sang Too Close--  I actually like the way Josh sang this better than the original. Everyone turned except Cee Lo.  Adam found him to be an original performer, Blake liked his runs and said he had a man crush on Josh, and Christina said he can do anything.
Josh chose Christina

Delvin Choice sang Closer by Neyo-- I actually like this guy and I thought he had a great personality, but the coaches thought the song he chose didn't make them think enough, they were so into the song that they forgot to turn for him. Adam suggested Delvin come back.

James Wolpert sang Love Interruption-- I didn't expect for him to sound like this because he looks so quirky and dorky, but there was something interesting about his voice and this performance. What's surprising is that only Adam and Christina turned; Adam loves the character in his voice and wasn't expecting a nerdy guy and Christina says he is the reason she came back to the show.
James chose Adam
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Jacquie Lee sang Back to Black by Amy Winehouse-- First Jacquie, she should have had a four chair turn, Adam and Cee Lo, where were both of you? This girl has an awesome voice. As it is, Christina and Blake took their time to turn around. I don't find her generic, I love the soul in this girl's voice. Christina warns that Jacquie shouldn't be blinded by Blake's charm--- "he has dimples, he talks like this, and he's married to Miranda," said Christina. Cee Lo wants her boots and asks if she bought them at Aldo and then takes out his phone to take a photo. Christina said, I look up to Blake and Adam said, we all do, he's six nine. LOL! Blake brings up that he specializes in 16 year old girls winning the show.
Jacquie chose Christina

Barry Black sang What You Won't Do For Love-- This guy was interesting without question, but I didn't think his voice was solid. Perhaps Adam and Blake see some potential that the normal person doesn't see. Long story short, the two guys fought it out and Adam won.
Barry chose Adam

Mike Unser sang Dirty Little Secret-- I liked Mike, but I agree with the judges not turning around. I think Mike needs to work on his craft. Cee Lo ultimately regretted not choosing him and Mike vowed to come back.

Destinee Quinn sang Cowboy Take Me Away-- Destinne has a beautiful voice, it's very sweet, but I do feel like she struggled with nerves in this performance. It was shaky in parts, but considering that she has been singing for so long and she's only 20! Christina and Cee Lo turn. Blake says he missed the "bottom end" of her voice and said he would steal her in the battle rounds.
Destinee chose Christina

Cole Vosbury sang the theme song from the Jefferson's-- Cee Lo was the only one who turned and I think they make a good match. I love the rock/ soul combination in his voice. His dad and grandmother were both performers. Cee Lo loved his match of country and soul.
Cole chose Cee Lo

**4 Chair Turn** Holly Henry sang the Scientist-- I like this girl, I don't think it was the best performance but she has that breathy raspy voice and she sounds like an indie artist. Blake turned almost immediately, followed by Adam and Cee Lo and Christina got in on the action in the end. Blake asked her name so he could write in under Team Blake. Blake said he is officially excited about season five. Adam makes fun of Blake saying, "I won three times zippidydooda"!
Holly chose Blake

Sammy C sang Where is the Love-- At 15 years gold, Sammy is one of the youngest people auditioning and he was actually good, but the judges didn't choose him. Adam tells him to work on his singing and come back.

Austin Jencks sang Simple Man-- Austin has a great story, but what really counts is he has one of those strong soulful rocker voices. Cee Lo said he had soul power. Christina, once again, regretted not turning around.
Austin chose Blake

EG Daily sang Breathe-- EG has an awesome back story as a voice over artist. I don't know how far she will get in this competition, but she has a pretty voice. Blake and Cee Lo turn around and battle over her not knowing who she is. It's Christina who finally recognizes her, and she admits she was Dottie in Pee Wee's Big Adventure.
EG chose Blake

Jonny Gray sang All These Things I've Done-- This guy is one of my favorites so far this season. His voice is so different and I love the tone of his voice, amazing. Cee Lo said he heard Stevie Nicks and Eddie Vedder. Cee Lo said I want to fight with you Jonny. Adam found his voice so different. Christina said if the guys mess up, she will pick him up in the battle rounds.
Jonny chose Cee Lo

Tessanne Chin sang Try--  So this reminds me of last year when the judges made this huge deal about Judith Hill and she ended up exiting the show much sooner than expected. I think they have similar voices and those very difficult looks to them. I think Tessanne is a little more likable than Judith, but I feel like The Voice has someone like her on their show every year. All the judges turned around and battled it out and in the end she chose Adam.
Tessanne chose Adam

My predictions for the Top 20-- Tessanne Chin, Jonny Gray, Jacquie Lee, Josh Logan, Nic Hawk, and Matthew Schuler.... possibly Caroline Pennell and Kat Roubichaud