Showing posts with label Matthew Johnson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matthew Johnson. Show all posts

Monday, April 29, 2019

The Voice Season 16: The Top 24 Work it Out

Team Kelly:

Rod Stokes sang Midnight Rider by The Allman Brothers-- Strong performance, this song choice really suited him. He has a shot.

Matthew Johnson sang Ordinary People by John Legend-- Wow, could it be that I preferred Matthew's interpretation of this song more than the original? I think so! A little off key at the end, but I forgive him.

Rebecca Howell sang Wild One by Faith Hill-- Rebecca is a great vocalist, I did not find the song to be memorable and I wonder whether or not she will be memorable to me by the end of the night. I think she's a great singer though and definitely deserves to be here.

Presley Tennant sang Nothing Breaks Like a Heart by Miley Cyrus-- She is one of my fave vocalists in this competition and the fact that she is so young is insane to me. She was so good! I loved that she slowed down the arrangement.

Abby Kasch sang I've Got the Boy by -- Didn't love this, is this the song Kelly was talking about last week? I did not care for this at all. I thought vocally it was okay, but it seemed to be showcasing all the same parts of her voice.

Jej Vinson sang Love Lies by Khalid and Normani-- Jej's stage presence, amazing! He performed and everyone was feeling that performance. The arrangement was like dynamite for his voice. It was soulful and emotional. Wow, loved big time!

Team Legend:

Lisa Ramey sang The Weight by The Band-- Great song, started out great. I didn't feel it held up well as the song went on.

Jacob Maxwell sang Total Eclipse of the Heart by --I am still confused about who he is trying to be here. Not enough left for him to move on.

Jimmy Mowery sang Youngblood by 5 Seconds of Summer-- I did not enjoy this performance. I see him as more pop/ R&B and I didn't think there was any element of R&B in that.

Celia Babini sang The Chain by Fleetwood Mac-- Here is someone who is not confused at all about who she is as an artist. I loved this! It was so authentic, that was incredible (John was yelling that from the audience!)!

Maelyn Jarmon sang Fallingwater by  Maggie Rogers-- The song is obscure, I have never heard it before but it worked for her vocally. However, I was a little bored and she wasn't on her game tonight.

Shawn Sounds sang Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder-- Enjoyed this, Shawn should definitely move on.

Team Adam:

Kalvin Jarvis sang Mine by Bazzi-- That was emotional and gorgeous. I loved that so much.

Betsy Ade sang Are You Gonna be My Girl by Jet-- This was the perfect song choice for her! It did get a little bit shouty though.

Mari sang Work it Out by Beyonce-- This was so within her element. She is so different from anyone else in the competition. I'd love to see her in the Top 13. 

Domenic Haynes sang Love is a Losing Game by Amy Winehouse-- Domenic can literally do no wrong in this competition. He took a big risk with that song, it paid off half way. I did not love it, but I love him and hope he moves forward.

Team Blake:

Andrew Sevener sang Boots On by Randy Houser -- Again song choice is a little obscure but I loved Andrew's vocals. My issue is, has he done enough to make himself stand out, I'm not sure.

Selkii sang Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls-- This was a great interpretation of this song. Selkii redeemed herself from last week.

Oliv Blu sang Girl from Ipanema by Frank Sinatra-- So unique from everyone in the competition. Oliv is another standout I love her.

Gyth Rigdon sang I want to be Loved Like That by Shenandoah-- Gyth is someone I always look forward to hearing. I wish he had sung something a little more mainstream but he is a skilled storyteller. 

Kendra Checketts-- sang Bad Guy by Billie Eilish-- I did not expect this song choice on her but she kind of killed her performance tonight. She actually has a good chance of going through.

Carter Lloyd Horne sang Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley-- Something about this young man that I really love. He is a throwback for me. He has this cool retro vibe and he does understand who he wants to be.

Kim Cherry sang Waterfalls by TLC-- Expected song choice, she of course wanted to show off how she can sing and rap which is still cool. I thought her rapping could have been stronger but she may have done enough to pull through.

Dexter Roberts sang Ain't Nothing About You by Brooks & Dunn-- To be honest-- fave country performance of the night. I loved this.

My Top 12---

Matthew, Presley, Jej, Celia, Shawn, Kalvin, Mari, Domenic, Dexter, Carter, Gyth, last spot between Selkii, Oliv, and Kendra


Monday, April 15, 2019

The Voice Season 16: The Cross Battles Begin for the First Time!

Cross Battles--

Team Blake: Kim Cherry singing Poison by Bel Biv Devoe vs. Team Kelly: Betsy Ade singing You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette-- That was amazing. Both ladies rocked it, I loved the song choices. That's a tough decision, I was not a huge Betsy fan prior to this, but that was a great performance. Blake said Kim brings something so different to this show, we have never had anyone like her before. Kelly said Betsy was captivating. Adam said if he had to choose he would go with Betsy. John said he sees a steal in the future because both ladies were amazing.

My pick: Kim

Team Adam: Mari singing My My My by Troye Sivan vs. Team Blake: Selkii singing Torn by Natalie Imbruglia-- I have to give the edge to Mari. I found Selkii's performance a little bit boring. I like Selkii more than I liked that performance. John thought Mari came off more stylish and her confidence came off better. Kelly said I know what I'm getting with Mari, but Selkii there is something intriguing about you. 

My pick: Mari

Team Legend: Lisa Ramey singing It Hurt So Bad by Susan Tedeschi  vs. Team Kelly: Karen Galera singing Unfaithful by Rihanna-- John said he is so proud Lisa is on his team. Your stage presence was incredible and your voice is strong. Kelly said Karen my favorite part about you is your tone. Adam said Lisa this was your best performance. Blake said you both did a great job, I have to second Adam. Lisa you have been a survivor. I did love Karen's tone, I think it was untouchable. That being said, something about that performance fell flat. She never really connected with the song.

My pick: Lisa technically, Karen emotionally


Team Kelly: Matthew Johnson singing Who's Loving You by The Jackson 5 vs. Team Adam: Domenic Haynes singing Damn Your Eyes by Etta James-- I love both of these artists. Matthew's personality sells his performances but this was not a good song choice for him. Domenic's performance was impassioned. Etta James is always classic, but he made this his own. He convinced me. Kelly talked about how strong a vocalist Matthew is. Adam said Domenic you are one of the most honest, raw, passionate singers we have ever seen. John said Domenic your tone, and your voice is so emotionally pure. Matthew, you have more range.

My pick: both need to move forward, but Domenic won this!


Team Kelly: Presley Tennant singing Love on the Brain by Rihanna vs. Team Legend: Kayslin Victoria singing Stay by Alessia Cara-- I loved both of these girls! Vocally, they are both powerhouses! Blake said you two being so young, I can already hear such a big difference. You  have already both grown so much.

My pick: Both could go forward, vocally Presley, total package Kayslin

Team Adam: Celia Babini singing A Thousand Years by Christina Perry vs. Team Blake: Oliv Blu singing Gravity by John Mayer-- Both ladies were great, but Olive is clearly more connected with the song. Celia seemed distracted tonight.

My pick: Oliv

Team Blake: Dexter Roberts singing Believe by Brooks and Dunn vs. Team Adam: Andrew Jannako singing Yours by Russell Dickerson-- Blake said that was tough. I am not gonna lie, you brought it. Blake said Dexter that song is sacred and you were pitch perfect. Kelly said Andrew, I don't even know if you know who you are. Kelly said you represent new country Andrew, and Dexter you represent old country. John said I preferred Andrew this time, you gave a better performance this time around.

Team Legend: Maelyn Jarmon singing Mad World Gary Jules by vs. Team Adam: Rod Stokes singing How Am I Supposed to Live Without You by Michael Bolton-- Two amazing performances-- Rod has a HUGE voice. He is a classic singer. Maelyn is so emotionally connected to whatever she is performing. John said Maelyn has great control of her instrument. Adam said that story tonight is Rod Stokes, you shocked your old coach! You stepped it up tonight.

My pick: Rod

Monday, March 25, 2019

The Voice Season 16: Amazing Battles Are Never Too Much

Team Legend-- Khalid is the advisor, and Matthew Johnson and Shawn Sounds are singing Never Too Much by Luther Vandross-- First off, they look like they are performing at a BIG party. They are enthusiastic, such exuberance when they sing. They are truly enjoying themselves. The harmonies when they sing together are tight! I love both of them! Standing ovation from the coaches. Adam said it was like a tennis match, both of you are great singers. Blake said it's impossible to choose one over the other. I wish there was a button I could push to make you a duo. Kelly said you two are phenomenal, that's why you are both four chair turns, right. Matthew you are a light, and Shawn your runs are so crazy cool. Matthew I have to go with you because you make me smile with my heart. John said you both have a love of music in you.
John chose Shawn, someone needs to steal Matthew! Adam and Kelly with the steal. Adam said I like to lead by example and Kelly said I like drama! Matthew chose Kelly



Team Kelly-- Kelsea Ballerini is the advisor, The Bundys and Mikaela Astel are singing Songbird by Eva Cassidy-- They all sounded beautiful, it was so gentle and vulnerable. I loved how the harmonies were so good.  Adam said Mikaela you're so great and you're so young. The Bundys, you guys are super sweet and that was so graceful. Kelly said she needed to go with whoever was more ready for the knockouts so she picked.....
The Bundys ..... I think Mikaela was nervous.

Team Blake-- Brooks and Dunn are the advisors, Gyth Rigdon and Rod Stokes are singing Drunk Me by Mitchell Tenpenny-- I think this was Rod, but it was close. They are both great country vocalists. Rod has a unique voice, and Gyth has a killer range. Kelly said Rod slayed that song, and Gyth you were so comfortable on the stage. John said Rod's vocal tone is unique, and Gyth has great vocal runs; he'd go with Gyth. Adam said it was pretty even, but I think Rod you took this one.
Blake chose Gyth, wow and Adam really wanting a country singer stole Rod! Amazing!

Team Adam-- Charlie Puth is the advisor-- Domenic Haynes and Trey Rose are singing I Need a Dollar by Aloe Blacc-- Domenic actually sounds a little bit like Aloe. He has that same grit in his voice. Trey dirtied it up though which was awesome. Blake said hats off to both of you. Trey you hit those cool falsetto notes, and Domenic you have such a freedom when you perform. Kelly said it was very even. John said Domenic you are so different, I wanted you on my team. Adam said you guys did everything we talked about. Trey you had so much energy and excitement you went hard.
Adam chose Domenic



Team Legend-- Savannah Brister and Maelynn Jarmon are singing When We Were Young by Adele-- Very well matched, they are both really good! I would go with Savannah. I just really liked the tone of her voice. Blake said Maelynn you reached the bar again, and Savannah we figured out that you are incredible. Kelly said Savannah was the winner for her.
John chose Maelynn

Team Kelly-- Beth Griffith Manley and Jej Vinson are singing Jealous by Labrinth-- Wow, even in rehearsals they are incredible! Incredible! They were both vocally there for each other. John said Jej your tone was interesting and cool, same with you Beth. Adam said the unison you guys did was the best I have even heard. I am going to go with Jej. Blake said Beth you were incredible, and Jej you were matching her note for note.
Kelly chose Jej, and John came in with the steal for Beth



Top 3 Battles Tonight--- Matthew and Shawn, Domenic and Trey, and Beth and Jej! Amazing Performances!

Monday, February 25, 2019

The Voice Season 16: Night 1 Blinds Have My Attention

Gyth Rigdon sang Drift Away by Dobie Gray-- John got blocked immediately. He, Blake, and Kelly turned. John turned around because he gave so much energy and his voice sounded so clear. Kelly asked if he wants to do country, and he said that country is his roots but he has a lot of soul as well. Blake blocked John.
Gyth chose Blake

Maelyn Jarmon sang Fields of Gold by Sting-- 4 chair turn! Interesting rendition of the song, and she reminds me so much of Paula Cole! Blake said he was moved to hear Maelyn sing. Kelly connected with her and said she has such a God given gift, and she did that song in such a special way. John said what she did was magic, we don't have to think about it, we just feel it. Adam said you kinda have it all, you voice is seasoned but vulnerable.
Maelyn chose John

Karen Galera sang Mi Corazoncito by Aventura-- She has a beautiful sound, very similar to Selena. Kelly turned immediately, and then John turned. Kelly said don't let the Texas thing sway you in any way because Karen is also from Texas. Kelly said I long for people like you; you're so special.
Karen chose Kelly

Trey Rose sang Wake Me Up by Avicii-- Trey said he is originally from Oklahoma. I will say, that Avicii song is wicked hard to sing, and he made it seem easy. For that, he is as Adam said, a vocal beast. Adam and Blake turned. Adam said I can tell you are very energetic, and I think you could win this thing. Blake said I am glad that Adam recognizes that we could win this thing.
Adam chose Trey

Kim Cherry sang No Scrubs by TLC-- I love Kim's attitude, she has so much sass when she sings. When she started rapping I loved it even more. Omg! Kelly turned and Blake got in at the last minute. Adam said, thank you for doing that. John was like, she's white! Kelly said you have pitch, tone, and you're amazing. Blake said Kim, what the hell are you thinking? You're fearless. Rapping is my thing. Blake said we're gonna tweet, and Hoda and Kathie Lee are gonna talk about it.
Kim chose Blake

AJ Ryan sang Love Runs Out by OneRepublic-- No one turned! John said the high notes were great but the low ones scared them. He said it's about choosing the right song. AJ said I should have sang one of your songs John. John said which one would you sing, sing some for us. AJ sang some of All of Me.

Rizzi Myers sang Breathin' by Ariana Grande-- Rizzi's voice is effervescent. She is strong but breathy. I absolutely love her voice, it's stunning. Her story is that she is from Nashville, has two kids, and was a song writer for a long time. A producer urged her to get onstage. Kelly and John turned, and Kelly blocked John. Rizzi is a HUGE Kelly Clarkson fan.
Rizzi chose Kelly

Lisa Ramey sang Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon-- Lisa returned from two seasons ago. I still wasn't feeling it. She seemed to be performing rather than connecting with the song. John Legend was the lone chair turner. Kelly and Adam praised Lisa for returning and said she deserves to be on the show. John said he loved her personality and her look and said that they totally match her voice.
John chose Lisa

Jimmy Mowery sang Attention by Charlie Puth-- I loved his voice! Fire! He has an awesome voice when he sings full, I think he was just nervous, and that made him pitchy at times. Adam turned almost immediately. John turned towards the end. Adam said your voice at its best can be one of the best in the competition. Blake said John is right, your voice is so dope. John said he needed the head voice because that is what sells the song.
Jimmy chose Adam

Lil Joy sang Cool by Gwen Stefani-- Lil has a beautiful voice. Kelly is right, her talent is similar to Gwen's in that she is really good at making these intimate moments on a stage. Kelly was trying to tell Blake that it was Gwen's song Lil was singing, but he already knew. Blake said I hit my button cause of your voice. I can't wait for Gwen to hear this, she is gonna flip out.
Blake chose Lil

Nathan and Chesi sang Waymore's Blues by Waylon Jennings-- The coaches all look like they want to turn at one point or another. I think they are really good together. I am actually surprised that no one turned but I hope that they get chosen for the comeback stage.

Matthew Johnson sang I Smile by Kirk Franklin-- 4 chair turn! I think everyone was immediately drawn to Matthew's personality. His voice was big and full. John said I grew up in the church. Adam threw a sneaker up on stage as an ode to J. Hud. Adam said everyone felt that. Blake said I would be a great coach and I would be honored. Kelly said I am a fan and that was so joyful.
Matthew chose John

Who to watch-- my predictions--
Rizzi is naturally talented, Jimmy has amazing potential.