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: Happier than ever watching the top 12 in the lives...

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen sang Don't Stop Me Now by Queen-- Good song choice in theory for Bryan but it felt too big for him at times, almost like it got away from him. The coaches were all positive with their feedback though saying that they felt like he was opening an award show. 

Team Dan and Shay: Tae Lewis sang 19 You and Me by Dan and Shay-- Tae has such a great voice and basically sounds good with anything he chooses. Reba is thrilled he is still in the competition and says how much he deserves to be here. Dan and Shay tell him to soak in the moment. 

Team Chance: Maddi Jane sang Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish-- I love Maddi's range and I continue to be a fan of her. I am unsure whether this was the right song choice for her. John says she has been a star since the beginning and made the song her own. Chance says he is proud of her. 

Team Reba: L Rodgers sang Up to the Mountain by Patty Griffin-- This is a perfect song choice for L. Something I love about her is how she feels the music and lyrics. Dan and Shay said she looks and sounds beautiful. Reba said that when L sings she really feels it and that's because she feels it first. 

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo sang Yesterday by The Beatles-- What a heartfelt and genuine performance by Madison, this was such a beautiful choice that showcased her vocal. Hopefully the audience will connect with her performance and vote her through. Shay said he was so proud oh her, and he said when you sing, I feel something. It's not just your voice, but your spirit, your soul, your joy, and I am so glad that we get to be a part of it. 

Team Reba: Asher HaVon sang I'll Make Love to You by Boyz II Men-- I loved this performance by Asher! I loved his runs and how he kept the melody of the song but at points put his own spin on it. I also enjoy how he continually changes up his look. This was the first real and complete performance of the night. All the coaches were on their feet. Chance said yea man that was crazy, if anyone out of Team Chance should win, it's you, you're an incredibly talented vocalist. Reba said the Lord put you on this Earth to sing, thank you to God for letting you be here with us for this time. 

Team Legend: Zoe Levert sang Stick Season by Noah Kahan-- I thought this was such a great performance. This Noah Kahan song is exactly her jive, exactly what she should be singing and represents who she is as an artist. Dan said he was honored that Zoe used their song for her wedding. They loved her performance and thought that she was spot on and in the pocket. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack-- I like how Karen is showing her artistry by playing the guitar and singing. The song choice and delivery was a little bit old fashioned for me but I do think she could have a career in country music right now. Reba said I am so happy for you, you did a wonderful job, and you sounded spectacular. Shay said younger you would have sang this song to you. I am so proud of you. 

Team Chance: Serenity Arce sang Traitor by Olivia Rodrigo-- I agree with Chance, I think what makes Serenity so special is the way she connects with every song. This performance was no exception. The whole thing was amazing. Dan said that was sick, so powerful, I can't believe you're only 17, that blows my mind. Chance said you make the stage your own every time, your performances are heartfelt and intentional. 

Team Chance: Nadege sang He Loves Me by Jill Scott-- One of my favorite performances of the night. This was raw, sultry, real. I literally loved everything about that. It was mesmerizing. She feels similar to how the singer Sade felt in the 80s and 90s. John said this was a perfect song for you; this is you. Chance said you have had so many great performances, this was right up your alley. 

Team Reba: Josh Sanders sang Angels by Thomas Rhett-- That was such a great song choice for Josh. I feel like he connected to that song and as a result I really did too. Shay said I am going to cry, that was unbelievable. You have been only you since the beginning of this competition. Reba said that touched my heart. I love that relationship you have. You sold that song with your heart. 

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson-- This is another complete performance. I don't think this guy has made one misstep in this competition. He is amazing. I feel like he is one of those people who you cannot wait to see him and see what he does. John said they love him too much, the crowd is so loud I can't talk. He said you had such a clarity, who you wanted to be. You sing amazing and you perform amazing, you're such a pleasure. 

My Predictions: Bryan, Maddi, and Karen are your bottom three. 

The Voice Season 25: Reba and Chance Pick their Playoff Teams

Team Reba: Josh Sanders sang Black Water by the Doobie Brothers-- Josh turned in a good performance, but I wasn't moved. I don't know if he did enough to advance to the live shows. I felt like the song choice did not highlight his vocal strengths. John said he killed it and is seeing new sides of him. Reba felt like it was his best performance. Chance and Dan and Shay called out his consistency. 

Team Chance: Nadege sang Clocks by Coldplay-- Reba said her tone is warm and rich like a cashmere sweater. Chance called it one of the best performances on the show and said it felt like a spiritual experience. Gorgeous and angelic vocal by Nadege, I loved this! 

Team Reba: Justin and Jeremy Garcia sang Castle on a Hill by Ed Sheeran-- I did not understand these two at first when they came on this show, but this performance was stellar, I found myself really wanting them to advance to the lives. They deserve amazing things going forward.  Dan and Shay called it magical. John felt it was the tightest they have sounded. Reba said it was much better than rehearsals. 

Team Chance: Kyle Schuesler sang Something in the Orange-- Julia on American Idol sang this, it did nothing for her voice to show her dynamics and the same thing is happening to Kyle. If you don't stand out, you won't move to lives most likely. A shame cause he is such an artist.  Reba enjoyed it and said it made her feel comfortable and relaxed. Dan and Shay said he made it his version. 

Team Reba: Jackie Romeo sang The Story by Brandi Carlile-- This performance was so genuine and beautiful. Jackie is an artist who feels every performance with her heart. Chance said she brought up the energy of the room. John said she was the most complete package so far. Reba said she sings like an angel. 

Team Chance: Serenity Arce sang Lose You to Love Me by Selena Gomez-- I love Serenity, I was not crazy about this song choice for her. She had all the attitude and she sold the song, but the song from a dynamics standpoint doesn't really go anywhere. This girl is a contender though. Dan and Shay felt convinced with her performance. Chance felt she made an emphatic statement. Reba thought she checked every box. 

Team Reba: L Rodgers sang All I Know So Far by Pink-- L has such a gift for emoting and telling a story. This was a beautiful song choice for her. Shay said every moment up there is the most important in your life, you're so passionate. John said we see who you are. Reba said you tell a story with your face and actions. 

Team Chance: Rletto sang Holy by Justin Bieber and Chance the Rapper-- Love how Rletto continues to be so true to himself and his artistry. This was such a cool song choice for him, I loved that he kept certain parts the same cause they're sacred. There were parts were he made it his own and it was tasteful. Shay said it is always something different from you, but always you. He said he deserves to be in the lives. 

Team Reba: Asher HaVon sang Titanium by David Guetta and Sia-- Anthony Ramos said Asher's voice is a whirlwind. Asher is amazing! He literally deserves to win this whole damn thing. Shay said this felt like a Grammy moment. Dan felt like he could win this whole thing. John said certain things about you remind me of Whitney Houston. That was divine. Chance said it's cool to watch someone on their way, it's like we forget you're in this competition. Reba said you command the stage so well. The song was great for you, I hope you feel great about it, and to hear my fellow coaches talk about you like that, I am so proud. 

Team Chance: Maddi Jane sang Stay by Rihanna-- Maddi was theatrical, strong, emotional, and she rose to the occasion at the right time. I loved how I felt like I was seeing her for the first time. This was beautiful. Shay said you're not a gem, you're a straight diamond. John said every note felt intentional, this was a masterclass. Chance said I am so proud of you, it's beautiful to see you be yourself every week. I love your cool confidence. 

My Predictions: 
Team Reba: Asher, L Rodgers, Justin and Jeremy
Team Chance: Maddi, Rletto, Serenity

Their Picks:
Team Chance: Serenity, Maddi, Nadege
Team Reba: Asher, Josh, L Rodgers 

4 out of 6, not bad. 

The Voice Season 25: The Knockouts Offer Some Interesting Pairings

Team Chance: Maddi Jane sang New Rules by Dua Lipa versus Kamalei Kawa sang All of Me by John Legend-- Dan and Shay said that this was two very different performances in the best kind of way. I agree, Maddi's performance was rhythmic and catchy. Kamalei offered an emotional performance and you could tell he was really feeling the song. John is often critical of people singing his song but said that he was really into Kamalei's version and reminded them that he still has a steal. Reba said Chance is on his own with this choice because she thought both of them were good. I think even though I am a Maddi fan, the stronger performance here was Kamalei. Chance chose Maddi, and Kamalei was stolen by Reba and John and picked John. 

Team Legend: Gene Taylor sang I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith versus Mafe sang Almost is Never Enough by Ariana Grande-- Gene is technically such a sound artist but this is a tough song to sing. Dan and Shay talked about what a great singer Gene is from a technical standpoint. Chance said Mafe did not sound like Mafe, she sounded like herself. Something I notice about Mafe is that she has great vocal control. I love how she sounds and her confidence really exudes. John chose Mafe. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang Georgia Rain by Trisha Yearwood versus Ducote Talmage-- Both of these artists have experienced some growth but I think I would need to lean towards Ducote. John continues to like Ducote's rasp, and he thought Karen's performance was beautiful. Reba loves the texture in Ducote's voice; Reba loved Karen's performance. Chance said that was Ducote's best performance to date; he thought Karen sounded like Celine Dion. Dan and Shay chose Karen to move forward. 

Team Reba: Justin and Jeremy Garcia sang You Are the Reason by Calum Scott versus Zeya Rae sang River by Bishop Briggs-- I think I would need to go with Justin and Jeremy. Chance said Zeya lacked confidence at points. John connected more with Zeya. Reba thought Justin and Jeremy did a wonderful job. She picked the brothers because she wanted something different on her team. Reba chose Justin and Jeremy.

Team Chance: Alyssa Crosby sang I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues by Elton John versus Rletto  sang Stay by Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber-- Loved Alyssa, this song was not the best pick for me, but I loved her. I think she is such a grounded artist. Rletto was so good. He literally took an upbeat song and turned it into a slow jam. It sounded like a brand new song but at the same time, Kid Laroi and Justin would love it. Dan said one of the best knockout performances of the day by you Alyssa; Rletto always bringing the heat with that arrangement. Shay said I believed every word you said. Reba said she was proud of Alyssa and would go with her because of her growth. Chance said Rletto you showed a mastery of the song. Alyssa you did great from top to bottom. Chance chose Rletto. 

Team Legend: Zoe Levert sang Cowboy Take Me Away by The Dixie Chicks versus Jackie Romeo sang Love on the Brain by Rihanna-- Both of them sounded amazing. I think I would need to go with Zoe, what she channeled was amazing. Chance said Zoe you are going to be a star, Jackie you sang the mess out of that song. Dan said Jackie you have a powerful voice and such control. Dan said Zoe you nailed your range, you remind me of Taylor Swift, you're unapologetically yourself. John said Jackie, you embraced the energy of the song, it was in control the way you handled the dynamics. Zoe, we're continuing to see you grow and you're an underdog that keeps rising to the occasion. John chose Zoe, and Reba stole Jackie. 

My recap: Kamalei is coming up in this competition, Mafe is holding strong, RLETTO is a star, and Zoe is turning into a star. 

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: 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.