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: John and Dan and Shay Pick Their Playoff Teams

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang Oh Darling! by The Beatles-- Reba says he had her at the beginning. Chance loved his choreography and tone. Dan and Shay said it was his best performance. John agreed and liked his conviction. Wow! Everyone was on their feet, for me, that was a masterclass performance. Nathan is a force to be reckoned with. He has so much passion and you can tell he really wants this. This performance was EVERYTHING!

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang Heart Like a Truck by Lainey Wilson-- Reba said she wanted Karen on her team. Chance loves how she interacts with the crowd and her confidence. Dan and Shay are proud of how she has progressed. There is no denying Karen's voice. I think she has experienced more growth than the majority of the contestants on the show this season. 

Team Legend: Kamalei Kawa'a sang No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley-- Reba loves how he conveys strength in his singing. John likes how he is honoring Bob Marley's legacy. I wish John had pushed Kamalei to diversify his song selection more. I think he has a good voice but I feel like I have heard him sing all the same type of song. 

Team Dan and Shay: Anya True sang All Too Well by Taylor Swift-- John says it felt like the right song for her and he found her performance compelling. Dan and Shay said it was their fave Anya performance. 

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen sang Africa by Toto-- John said he was glad that he used his playoff pass on Bryan cause he deserved it. He said he felt like he was at Bryan's concert. Reba called him the perfect package. Chance said he is 100% a rockstar. 

Team Dan and Shay: Olivia Rubini sang I'll Stand by You by The Pretenders-- John said Olivia you are always such a wonderful singer. You were trying to find some rock and roll in your voice but it wasn't the right place for this song. I agree with John, I didn't like how she put those random high parts in there. 

Team Legend: Mafe sang Someone Like You by Adele-- Chance said I think she should go to the lives. Shay said you're an amazing singer and should definitely go to the lives. Shay didn't like the melodic changes she made; John disagreed. Great song choice for Mafe! I loved this, she also gets into a place where she does similar song but she is special enough. 

Team Day and Shay: Tae Lewis sang Runnin' Outta Moonlight by Randy Hauser-- I thought this performance was good. I think Tae is someone you can count on to always deliver a consistent performance. Chance said he would put Tae on his playoff team. Reba said that everyone wants to hear what Tae is going to do next. Dan and Shay felt he delivered. 

Team Legend: Zoe Levert sang Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls-- Chance said it was his favorite performance. Chance said she is so captivating. Dan has loved every performance she has done. Reba said girl toy brought, your voice, your stage presence, your look, absolutely beautiful. John you gotta take her to the lives. John said Zoe is becoming a star before our eyes. She's contender for me, she's unique, she's true to herself. I love Zoe. 

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo sang Landslide by Fleetwood Mac-- Reba said I love your voice, you gave me chills. Chance said I want a copy of that performance, I want to listen to it again. John said what you did up there felt so easy. Shay said I could talk about you all night. I loved that! I was definitely getting Selena vibes but she is also all her own. That was so touching and heartfelt. 

My picks for John: Nathan, Mafe, and Zoe 

My picks for Dan and Shay: Karen, Tae, and Madison

UPDATE: 

The only one I got wrong.... I picked Mafe, John picked Bryan who I do think it actually talented. The rest I got totally right, 5/6! 

The Voice Season 25: The Battles Continue and We're "Lucky"

Team Reba: Donny Van Slee versus Josh Sanders sang When it Rains it Pours by Luke Combs-- I thinnk they're both great, personally I have been a Donny fan since day one, but Josh is likable as well. Chance says Donny is a star and he compliments Josh's runs. He says she can't lose with either. Dan and Shay liked their energy but say that Josh has better control over his vocals. John felt Josh's performance was well executed. Reba bonded with them both and doesn't want to make a decision. 
Reba chose Josh

Team Legend: Ronnie Wilson versus Gene Taylor sang When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars-- This was actually what seemed to be such an odd pairing to me, but these two turned in an amazing performance. Ronnie impressed me because he kept up with Gene who was fierce. Gene has incredible intuition. Reba loved both their tones and thought they were crazy on the high notes. Chance says that they have cool individual voices that mesh well together. Dan and Shay said some of Gene's high notes weren't legal. John thought the performance was honest, authentic, and full of heart. 

Team Dan and Shay: Kyle Schuesler versus Madison Curbelo sang Lucky by Jason Mraz-- I found the song a little boring, but I love the artistry of both Kyle and Madison. They are both amazing and I hope both of them stay in the competition. John reminded them that he turned for both of them and that he loved their beautiful performance. He'd lean towards Madison. Reba said she absolutely loved it and that the performance touched her heart. She loved Madison but preferred Kyle's tone and would go with him. Chance suggested that Dan and Shay should use their Playoff Pass. Chance said that they can both win the show. Dan believed that they both deserve to win the show. 

Team Chance: Serenity Arce versus Bri Fletcher sang Someone to Love by Lewis Capaldi-- Both of these ladies are great singers. I would give the edge to Serenity because to be that young and that talented is crazy. Shay said Serenity I believed every word, emotional and raw. He said Bri sometimes was trying to be so perfect that she felt outside of the song. Dan complimented their friendship. John said I love when I see artists collaborate together, thank you for embracing that. Bri you have a lot of range, Serenity you're very compelling, I'd pick Serenity. Reba picked up on the emotion. Serenity you channelled that into a great performance. Reba would pick Bri. Chance said Serenity you have a specific tone, you're poised and polished. Bri you're such a strong singer and you have great control. This is a tough decision.  Chance chose Serenity. 

Montaged: 

Team Chance: Dani Stacey versus Corey Curtis, Chance chose Dani 

Team Dan and Shay: Ryan Coleman versus Ducote Talmage sang Rock and a Hard Place by Bailey Zimmerman-- I genuinely enjoyed both of them. I loved the energy that Ducote brought and I think that he was more confident than Ryan. Ryan had the better control and I loved the sense of fight he brought to the battle. John loves the scratch in Ducote's voice, he loved Ryan's interaction. He'd lean towards Ducote. Reba said you guys sounded great together. She'd go with Ducote. Chance said Ryan really wanted it, you had great control. You helped Ducote. If it was my choice, I'd go Ryan. Dan and Shay talked before they made a decision and they went with Ducote. 

Team Legend: Olivia Rubini versus Jackie Romeo sang Edge of Seventeen by Fleetwood Mac-- They both have awesome voices, quite underrated. I love Jackie's tone. Olivia has such an edge to her voice. I loved the dynamics that Olivia brought to the performance. Reba said way to go, I love that song. Reba said I don't know who to choose. Chance said Jackie you have a fuller voice, Olivia, you can belt. I'd give the edge to Jackie. Dan and Shay said that was one of the most together battle rounds. John said Olivia you have a softer approach whereas Jackie your voice cuts through. John chose Jackie. Dan and Shay stole Olivia. 

Great performances, I cannot wait to pick my top 10! 

The Voice Season 25, Week 2: These auditions are going to the Ceilings!

Episode 3: 

Bryan Olesen sang Til the Love Runs Out by One Republic-- This was a great performance; I enjoy Bryan's energy. Apparently he used to sing lead for a popular Christian group Newsboys. Everyone turned except Chance. Dan and Shay said that they thought someone famous was performing. Bryan has a grown daughter and she sings as well. Wow, this family is talented. He ended up choosing Team Legend. 

Frank Garcia sang Love in the Dark-- he has such a full round tone. Frank totally reminds me of Sam Smith. Dan and Shay are the only ones to turn and I don't quite understand. 

Kamalei Kawa sang Redemption Song by Bob Marley-- It's clear that Kamalei feels this song and is passionate about the lyrics and his culture. I loved every choice he made in that performance. I loved when he went into his falsetto. I was surprised that Chance and Reba were the only ones who turned. Chance felt his passion. Reba said the performance touched her heart and felt spiritual to her. Kamalei chose Chance. 

Ashley Bryant sang Last Name by Carrie Underwood-- This performance felt a little ordinary to me, but Ashley has an interesting story. Queen Reba turned and if anyone can find her star quality, it's Reba. 

Asher Havon sang Set Fire to the Rain by Adele-- Everyone turned except John. Asher has a round full voice; he grew up singing in church and you can tell. Reba says she could not wait to turn to see what he looks like. Dan and Shay commented on his lower register and high notes. Chance said he can tell that he is in it to win. Asher chose Reba. 

Jackie Romeo sang Flowers by Miley Cyrus-- I have to be honest, John turned immediately, and then Dan and Shay turned for her, but I would not have, she was pretty pitchy. There were some definite issues throughout. Dan and Shay admitted that she seemed nervous. John felt like this song was perfect for her. 
Jackie chose John. 

Rivers Grayson sang Babylon by David Gray-- I wasn't particularly moved by this, but John did turn and called his performance subtle, he said it had beauty. 
John chose Rivers. 

Corey Curtis sang Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer-- I loved this performance and loved Corey, he seems to really love singing and performing. He is so good! And I am so shocked that no one else turned except Chance. Chance said he gave a great performance, he wants to see him enunciate more and believes he can help him do that. Corey joined Team Chance. 

Madison Curbelo sang Stand by Me-- One of my fave performances and voices. She reminds me of Selena for some reason. I loved how she made this song her own. This was a four chair turn-- John turned first, then Dan and Shay, Chance, and lastly Reba turned right at the end. Reba thought she did a great job on the song. John suggests the album title, "Finding Madison". Chance talked a lot about Madison's cool energy. Dan and Shay said she radiated light and joy and her voice was flawless. Madison chose Dan and Shay. 

Episode 4: 

Anya True sang Until I Found You by Steven Sanchez-- Interesting song choice. She does have an indie rocker sound. She could be a dark horse in the competition. Chance and Dan and Shay turned. Dan and Shay loved her vulnerability and said she has an Olivia Rodrigo vibe. They believe she could win this. Chance loved her falsetto and wants to learn more about her. Anya chose Dan and Shay. 

William Alexander sang Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine-- This young man is so talented. Wow! His voice is so gentle yet powerful and full of emotion. Chance and Reba turned pretty quickly. Reba said his voice is a beautiful gift. Chance looked so moved and excited about William's performance. He complimented his control and unique tone. William chose Reba. 

Alyssa Crosby sang Hand in my Pocket by Alanis Morrissette-- Reba was the only one who turned. I need to agree with Dan and Shay on this one, she was a little too pitchy. Alyssa joined Team Reba. 

Rletto sang Golden Hour by JVKE-- He is giving me all sorts of Michael Jackson vibes. I loved his version of this song. Chance turned early and Reba at the last minute. I loved how he ended the song. Reba complimented his runs and vocals. Chance felt his runs were intentional and he said he loves doing big songs. Rletto chose Chance. 

Bri Fletcher sang I'm With You and joined Team Chance

Rob Cole-- no one turned

Mafe sang Besame Mucho-- Mafe is just amazing! It will be great to hear her sing something contemporary. Being on The Voice is about being yourself but also having versatility. This was such a great four chair turn. Chance said she has extreme talent. Reba said Mafe touched her heart and soul. John called it thrilling and magical. Shay said Mafe is proof that music is the universal language. Chance surprisingly told Mafe that she should choose Team Legend.