The Voice Season 18: The Finale is Here!

Team Legend: CammWess sang Purple Rain by Prince-- Tough song choice, I loved this for him though. It was certainly ambitious and he's been so talented throughout the entire competition. The only thing I did not love is when he reached for the high note. It seemed a little off key. Kelly talked about him continuing to be confident in himself and how gifted he is. I completely agree. Nick said I am a huge Prince fan and I think you did that song justice.



Team Blake: Todd Tilghman sang I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me-- This was probably the single most inspiring performance of the entire season. I felt how committed Todd was to the song and how much he believed the lyrics. Wow, that was a tears coming down my face performance. Kelly said I was crying, you are so moving, you have a bigger belief inside of you. She is still crying, and she says I want to come to your church, you're special. Blake said you have a connection with people, and you sing with so much passion and precision. People believe you.



Team Kelly: Micah Iverson sang Butterflies by Micah Iverson-- I thought that this was better than I thought it would be; however, I didn't like the ending. It seemed abrupt. Micah is a little bit of a dark horse in this so it will be interesting to see how this turns out. Micah and Kelly agreed that this song describes who he wants to be as an artist.



Team Nick: Thunderstorm Artis sang Sedona by Thunderstorm Artis-- His voice still sounded great but the song was just good. John commented on his tone, and Nick said he is a true artist.



Team Blake: Toneisha Harris sang Faithfully by Journey-- I am surprised that Toneisha is the only lady left in this! She is remarkable. Her tone is always rich and full. Kelly said you have tones in you like Chaka Khan. You intrigue me. Blake said you have turned the entire finale upside down and this was your best performance of the season.



Round Two

Todd Tilghman sang Long Way Home by Todd Tilghman-- The sound and the vibe of this song was so him. I loved the positive message and it sounded like something he would sing if recording his own album. Blake said you are such an incredible talent, I have been torn about original songs on the Voice, but you took this and breathed life into it.



CammWess sang Save it for Tomorrow by CammWess-- This song sounds a lot like John, and that makes sense as John has a writing credit on it. I think the song really showcased Camm's vocal strengths and abilities. John called the song instantly catchy.



Micah Iverson sang Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol-- Micah sounded good in this, one of his best performances in a while. He does have amazing range, almost like an Adam Levine in certain spaces of his voice. Kelly said she looks forward to working with him when this is over.



Toneisha Harris sang Superhero by Toneisha Harris-- Again, the song was okay, not great. Obviously Toneisha had a connection with the song as it was inspired by her son who was sick. Blake said we're supposed to be social distancing but she just touched millions of people with that performance.



Thunderstorm Artis sang What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong-- This song does get performed a lot, but I loved how Thunderstorm was still able to change it up and make it his own. Each note was so deliberate, and it just ended so beautifully. Nick said I am so grateful that you sang that song. I try to find ways to stay encouraged. Thank for bring that message with pure and emotional artistry.



Well friends, we made it to the end of the season. Who is going to win? Your guess is as good as mine. Thunderstorm has been a favorite since day one with a magical tone. Micah is a dark horse of sorts that has continued to come up big. Todd is insanely unique; there's something super authentic about him. Toneisha is a rock star, her voice is the biggest and most consistent. CammWess has this incredible range; he reminds me of so many other singers yet sounds like no one.

Who is your pick? I think I am going with Team Blake and saying Todd or Toneisha is going to win this.

The Voice Season 18: The Top 9 Sing From Home

Team Blake: Joanna Serenko sang Lean on Me-- I feel like this song is a little overdone, especially in times like these. I do continue to be a fan of Joanna though. Nick said in many ways losing Joanna is his biggest regret. Blake says her voice floats like a butterfly. 

Team Kelly: Micah Iverson sang I'll Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie-- I have to say I was not crazy about this performance at all. It was too dark for this time in the competition. Kelly calls him a great artist. 

Team Blake: Todd Tilghman sang Love Me by Collin Raye-- Todd is a dark horse in this competition that is not such a dark horse anymore. There is something about him that's really appealing. I find myself wanting to route for him. Kelly said if I could sound like a man when I am singing, I would want your voice. Todd is emotional and Blake appreciates his emotion. 

Team Legend: Zan Fiskum sang Never Be the Same by Camilla Cabello-- I loved her interpretation of that. I did find it a little high. Nick praised her arrangement and how she made it her own. John said she really puts the arrangements together herself. 

Team Nick: Thunderstorm Artis sang Home By Michael Buble-- I think this was his most humble performance to date. I genuinely liked this, and his vocals were spot on. Blake said I was zoned in, you took the melody and song and made it your own. I liked what you were doing on the guitar. Nick said you have made everything your own from day one and you have a clear path to the finale. 

Team Kelly: Megan Danielle sang What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flatts--One of my all time favorite songs. She did a beautiful job with it. I think I would have liked to see a little more dynamics, but she has such a unique tone. Kelly said thank you reminding me of how much I love to sing. Your voice is beautifully broken. 

Team Nick: Allegra Miles sang Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder-- Oh my, she was so good tonight. This is a difficult song, and as John mentioned, she navigated through all the key changes so well. John said it's not an easy song, but you gave an all star performance. Nick said you came out swinging. 

This was one of your best performances yet. 

Team Blake: Toneisha Harris sang Because You Love Me by Celine Dion-- Wow, her voice was just amazing tonight. This is someone who has deserved a spot in the finals since day one. Her talent is unreal. Kelly said come to my Vegas show and sing that song live on my stage. Blake said if I ever get to play again, you are welcome to come sing with me. You are special to me, you bring so much joy and credibility with your talent. 

Team Legend: CammWess sang Rainbow by Kacey Musgraves-- Another strong performance from Camm. He is someone who like Toneisha has never missed once this season. He seemed genuinely connected to that song. John said you took us on a journey, your voice was honey butter. 

My picks for the finale in no order-- 

Todd

Allegra

Toneisha 

Tunderstorm

CammWess is going to edge out Joanna Serenko for the last spot

 

The Voice Season 18: The Top 17 Are Stronger

17 perform tonight, only 9 will move forward tomorrow.

Team Nick:

Thunderstorm Artis sang Summertime-- John thought Thunderstorm was magical. I have to say this was a little too lethargic for me. I thought it was interesting with the whistling but I didn't love it. I will be listening to see what everyone else does. At the beginning he was definitely finalist material and tonight I am not so sure.



Allegra Miles sang New York State of Mind by Billy Joel-- Blake said great job sis. Nick said Allegra you have been a force since day one. With this performance from your home, you owned it and brought it, this was your best performance. Oh my gosh! Allegra is exquisite, I literally had tears in my eyes listening to her. She is so moving and her tone is just so rich. This was a home run in my opinion.



Arei Moon sang Finesse by Bruno Mars-- Nick said he loved the 90s influence she brought and said she killed it. Okay, I love Arei, but I feel like next to some other contestants she was out of her league. It wasn't karaoke but, at the same time, she didn't really make it her own.



Roderick Chambers sang Lost Without You by Robin Thicke-- John said you go between your head voice and chest voice effortlessly. Nick said you needed to know where you were going to go every step of the way. I am excited to see what happens because I think this performance was going to blow up on Twitter. Roderick has been one of my personal favorites since the first time I heard him, and I am really hoping he has the opportunity to make it to the finals. I thought this was a great song choice for Roderick and he transitioned through this song with such ease.



Michael Williams sang Sign of the Times by Harry Styles-- Kelly said that was so cool, I love your look, and love your sound. I think you're the rock and roll vibe of this show. Nick said we picked this song, and Harry is a stylist with this vocal and set the bar high and you did great with this song. Michael was my pick for the four way knockout so I was thrilled to see him advance. Initially I was a little bored with this song choice but his vocals and his sincerity with each song he tackles turns me into a believer every time.



Team Legend:

Zan Fiskum sang Blowing in the Wind by Bob Dylan-- Kelly said that is the best version of that song I have ever heard. I do have to say, I like how she took that song and made it timeless. The song soared instead of dragged.



Mike Jerel sang All My Life by K-Ci and Jo-Jo-- John said I loved your creativity and how you made it your own. He liked the runs he added and the chords. Oh boy, I loved Mike's blind audition and I don't think he has ever topped that. I wanted this to be stronger and more passionate.



Mandi Castillo sang Corre-- John said you make me so proud, you have a beautiful tone and verbrato and you're so humble. I did not care for that performance. It was a little lost on me, I feel like she had to do something at this stage of the competition that was more mainstream.



Camm Wess sang Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers-- Kelly said Camm you are such a solid singer and artist. John said you nailed this song and knocked it out of the park, your tone is honey butter. John also shouted out the great Bill Withers who we recently lost.  Loved this performance, Camm's vocal tone is so good.





Team Kelly:

Megan Danielle sang Anyone by Demi Lovato-- Kelly said you're so special, your tone, and how you can float through different genres. I know Demi probably heard that. She started off a little off key. Megan did improve as the song went on, and she ended really strong. She could go far if she gets past tonight.



Mandi Thomas sang I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack-- Kelly said she loves Mandi's vibe and that she can sing anything. I love Mandi but I didn't think that was very good. I don't think that song did a great job of showcasing all Mandi has to offer as a vocalist.



Micah Iverson sang Your Song by Elton John-- Blake said you go from a softer tone to these bigger notes, and I am happy for you man. Kelly said you're incredible, thanks for picking me. Micah was honestly one of the stronger contestants tonight. That Elton John song is not easy and he made it sound that way, gorgeous vocals from a technical standpoint.



Cedrice sang Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish-- You're so crazy cool, you don't need a show, you're a stand alone artist and human being. Cedrice remains very different, I adore her authenticity and originality. Her voice is amazing. Her vibe reminds me a little of Sade.



Team Blake:

Toneisha Harris sang Stronger by Kelly Clarkson-- John said you are a phenomenal singer, so impressive. Blake said all right, yes! Yes! I think that's the best of the night so far. Kelly said if you need a backup singer call me. I loved this! She is one of the strongest vocalists on this show. Finalist material right there!



Joei Fulco sang Runaway by DelShannon-- Nick said your voice is so fun to listen to, so unique and so special. You owned this and made it special. Blake said I don't know why Nick didn't get you on his team. You have this buzz in your voice that is so unique. She flipped this song on it's side. She made it country, she made it blues, and she brought it to now. I loved this, she's got to move forward.



Joanna Serenko sang Rich Girl by Hall & Oates-- Kelly said that was a cool song choice for you and you have a captivating spirit. Blake said Joanna you didn't change the song too much but your voice is so different that it became your song. What I enjoy about Joanna is her soulfulness. I don't know who she reminds me of, maybe Paula Cole a little bit. She is so good.



Todd Tilghman sang Glory of Love by Peter Cetera-- Blake said that was incredible, you're one of my favorite artists I have worked with on the show, you're so fun to be around.  I thought that was going to be cheesy as all hell but that was amazing.



Top 9 (my predictions in no particular order)

Toneisha Harris
Allegra Miles
Roderick Chambers
Camm Wess
Megan Danielle
Cedrice
Todd Tilghman
Joanna Serenko
last spot-- toss up between-- Zan Fiskum, Michael Williams, and Joei Fulco

The Voice Season 18: The Knockouts Shine Bright Like a Diamond

Team Legend: Mandi Castillo sang Stand by Me by Ben E. King vs. Thunderstorm Artis sang Preach by John Legend-- I enjoy Mandi, she gave this song a little bit of a modern take, but her vocals weren't great to me. Thunderstorm, I have been a little put off by because he comes across as arrogant to me. However, tonight he was the better competitor to me. I love how relaxed his performance was. Nick said he loved both of them, both were four chair turns, but he would go with Thunderstorm. Kelly and Blake said that they would go with Mandi. 

John chose Mandi and Nick stole Thunderstorm

Team Nick: Arei Moon sang You Don't My Name by Alicia Keys vs. Jon Mullins sang Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran-- Arei's growth has been enormous. She connected so well with this song, it was perfect for her. I actually feel the same way about Jon's song. Kelly said both of you had range and were very physical when you sang. Blake said Jon really went for it. John said both of you had a lot of range. Nick said you took the challenge Jon and that was incredible. Arei you brought so much to the process. 

Nick chose Arei 

Team Kelly: Tayler Green vs. Micah Iverson sang Graveyard by Halsey-- Loved Micah's version of this song, dare I say, more than Halsey's version. It was so good. Tayler brought a really contemporary spin to a song that I at times find boring. She sounded more and more amazing as the song went on.  Blake said Tayler's song allowed her to soar more than Micah's did. John agreed and added that they both have incredible voices. Kelly said Micah's song was very difficult, and Tayler the song you chose is classic but you made it your own. 

Kelly chose Micah

Team Nick: Allegra Miles sang Chandelier by Sia vs. Jacob Miller sang Better Now by Post Malone-- Allegra is absolutely captivating, her tone is something that is addictive to listen to. It seemed like she kept pushing herself and there was no limit to what she would do. I loved how Jacob took Better Now and stripped it down. Kelly said you both are fantastic. Blake said Jacob you're in such control of your voice, flawless, but I feel like Allegra is your chance to win The Voice this season. John said both of your were so good, I'd have a hard time picking. Nick said Jacob you are someone I'd love to work with, and Allegra you know how to thread a needle through a performance and I'm entranced. 

Nick chose Allegra 

Team Kelly chose  Mandi Thomas who sang My Church by Maren Morris

Team Blake: Toneisha Harris sang Diamond by Rihanna vs. Cedrice sang Love on the Brain by Rihanna-- Cedrice was great, like James Taylor said, this is a real singer song and seemed almost made for her. Toneisha had a great performance as well, I wasn't wowed as much by her but maybe that's because she does what she does so effortlessly. Nick said Cedrice it's an honor to hear you sing, and Toneisha I get mad that I can't do what you can do. Nick said Toneisha you could win this show. Kelly thought both of them could be in the finale. Blake said Cedrice casts a spell, and Toneisha points where she wants the song to go. 

Blake chose Toneisha and Kelly stole Cedrice! 

4 Way Knockout-- Todd Michael Hall sang Somebody to Love by OneRepublic , Nelson Cade III sang Best Part by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R., Michael Williams sang You Are the Reason by Calum Scott, Samantha Howell sang You Are Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson 

About each of their contestants-- 

Todd: Blake said your range is stupid

Nelson: John said when I watch you I am watching someone who truly loves music

Michael: Nick said Michael that is the best you have ever sounded

Samantha: Kelly said you sounded so beautiful 

My pick is Michael from Team Nick -- he had by far the best and strongest performance and I hope everyone goes to vote for him! 

Tonight was impressive--- I will be watching so many people in the lives-- Michael Williams has to get through but I believe he could continue to have enormous growth. I will be watching Arei and Allegra; they are both amazing. Thunderstorm has a quiet confidence as does Cedrice-- they could come up big. 

The Voice Season 18: The Battles Come Together for One Pairing

Need to be honest--- this week's battle rounds were unbelievably boring and not great. I don't want to be mean so I will leave it at that. After all the impressive performances from the prior week this was disappointing. The last pairing was the only one with any real potential.

Team Blake: Jacob Daniel Murphy vs. Toneisha Harris sang Good as Hell By Lizzo-- Song selection catered to Toneisha yet Jacob was still shining. Blake chose Toneisha and Jacob went home.

Team Kelly: Micah Iverson vs. Gigi Hess sang Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi-- Boring song selection. Gigi gets eliminated and the only guy on Team Kelly moves forward. She believes he can make it to the finale.

Team Legend: Cammwess vs. Mandi Castillo sang Senorita by Camilla Cabello and Shawn Mendes-- There was no chemistry here, both great vocalists but nothing drew me to this performance. John of course chose 4 chair turn Mandi to move forward and Kelly stole Cammwess bringing another guy to her team!

Team Blake: Cam Spinks vs. Kailey Abel sang What Ifs by Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina-- This was not great either, neither vocalist stood out for me. Blake chose Cam

Team Nick: Anders Drerup vs. Tate Brusa sang Circles by Post Malone-- This wasn't a good pairing. Their voices didn't really match well together. Nick chose Tate

Team Legend: Darious Lyles vs. Nelson Cade III sang Come Together by The Beatles-- Perhaps the only battle worth listening to and seeing for this episode. These two were well matched and truly made this a battle. The coaches are split on who they would pick. John felt Darious took command of the performance so he picked him but saved Nelson! They both deserved to move forward. These two will be around for a while.

The Voice Season 18: The End of the Blinds Give Me Fever

Micah Iverson sang All I Want by Kodaline-- I love Micah's style. He has that indie singer vibe. Kelly turned first and then Blake and Nick. John missed out here. I believe Nick mentioned Switchfoot-- I could definitely see Micah singing Switchfoot. Kelly did a great job of relating to Micah, so did Nick. I actually think he and Nick would be a great match.
Micah chose Team Kelly

Brittney Allen sang Dancing on My Own by Robyn-- Super underrated song. Unfortunately, the interpretation was not so original. The only one who turned was John... interesting.

Camp Sprinks sang Wave on Wave-- Nothing too special here. Perhaps some coaching by Blake will take him to the next level. Their is a lot of doubt in his vocal, some pitch issues. Kelly and Blake turned and Camp chose Blake

Anders Drerup sang I Can't Help Falling in Love with You by Elvis Presley-- I wasn't excited about this either. I did not enjoy his interpretation of the song. It was a little bit weird for me. Nick was the only one who turned.

Mandi Castillo sang Asi Fue by Juan Gabriel-- She has a gorgeous voice, and was rightfully a four chair turn. Mandi said I love you to Kelly, and Kelly stood up and said I love you. Nick was emotional, he said some of my favorite music in the world is sung in other languages. That was so beautiful. Blake said Mandi, I love you, I love San Antonio. Not knowing what you were saying, I was able to concentrate on your voice. He said it's unbelievable, you have an incredible sound, and I would be honored to be your coach. Mandi said I love Mariah Carey and Sade. John said I am a huge fan of your singing, following name dropping. Kelly said come on girl, you would look so good in this vibe.
Mandi chose John



Kailey Abel sang Forever Young by Alphaville-- I am not too sure about her vocals. They are a little bit rough around the edges. I enjoy her rasp but didn't care for the song choice. Blake was the only turn.

Gigi Hess sang Lovesong by The Cure-- Same as Kailey... I am unsure on her vocals. The song choice wasn't a good one and she was a one chair turn and is on Team Kelly.

Kevin Farris sang Home by Johnnyswim-- Another blah performance. John and Nick turned. The contestant compared himself to early Jonas Brothers and went to Team Nick.

Cedrice sang Fever by Peggy Lee-- Cedrice is one of my faves tonight. In a night full of duds, she is a star. She is gorgeous, she is unique, and she has attitude and sass. She and Mandi were honestly the only standouts tonight. I loved her. Kelly called her sexy, and said she is so mad she couldn't press her button. She said you're like a goddess, you're so hot. Blake said I am so happy for you. John said no one else looks like you, no one else sounds like you. You approached this performance with seductiveness. Cedrice is on Team Legend

Faves of the night--- Mandi Castillo, Cedrice, and honorable mention to Micah Iverson