The Voice Season Six: Shakira and Adam pick their teams

Team Shakira:

Kristen Merlin sang Two Black Cadillacs by Carrie Underwood-- Unreal vocal, and a standing ovation from Adam and Shakira. Adam felt like she broke through and became a serious contender, you're at the top of your game, your best, and one of the best of the season. Blake said it was as flawless as a live performance can be. Usher said she is consistent and one of the best voices in the competition. I loved this, it was as good as Miss Carrie herself singing it. Adam and Usher told Shakira she has to keep Kristen.

Deja Hall sang Battlefield by Jordin Sparks-- I wanted the vocal to be a little more aggressive. She needed to dirty it up a little bit, she was trying to make it sound perfect and it lost some of its grit. Blake said she came out of her shell a bit. Usher said she has grown so much. Shakira felt like she was finally believing in herself.

Tess Boyer sang Human by Christina Perri-- Tess is nothing short of amazing; I hope she keeps going in this competition. She kind of reminds of someone like Will Champlin, just the way she keeps battling back, it's just so cool, and she has that type of work ethic where she refuses to give up, she keeps raising the bar. Adam said if you win this, I will look like a ding dong for being the only person on the coaching panel to not coach you. Adam called Blake and Usher total morons for letting her go. Usher called her superhuman for the way she holds notes, and talked about the realness to her voice. Blake said she took something hard and made it seem easy. Shakira called her a little miracle and even in her low voice, her voice filled the room completely.

Patrick Thomson sang Trouble by Ray LaMontagne-- This was my favorite performance by Patrick, and I do think he connected with the song. Usher said he didn't understand who Patrick was until now. Blake said Adam looks dumb now for letting him go. Shakira said you just had that moment where everyone sees what you're capable of; your voice was right on the money.

Dani Moz sang Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga-- Awesome stripped down performance. I really had the opportunity to hear Dani's vocals and her artistry. She was clearly connected to the song. Adam said emotions are good, it was really great, and Shakira is a loony if she doesn't keep you moving forward. Blake said you were completely connected to the song and you're a game changer. Usher said you're extremely passionate, and it wasn't flawless but your emotion brought me closer to you. Shakira said Dani made her listen to that Gaga song and she thinks if Gaga is watching, she'd be proud.

Prediction: Kristen, Tess, and Dani

Shakira's final three: wow, well my prediction was 100% right, and you don't have to believe it but I did choose the three moving forward-- Tess, Kristen, and Dani

Team Adam:

Delvin Choice sang Let's Stay Together by Al Green-- Delvin has that voice that is capable of just about anything. What he has is pure unbounded talent; I can't wait to see what the next round brings for Delvin. The runs and just the overall smooth quality to his voice is incredible. Blake said you have grown leaps and bounds. Usher said there is nothing you can't do. Shakira said it was delicious. Adam said you have solidified that we're the team to beat this year.

Jake Barker sang She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5-- I enjoyed Jake's performance, his falsetto is pretty awesome, and while Usher thinks he sounds a little like Justin Timberlake, I also think he sounds a little like Adam Levine. It's hard to believe he doesn't have a lot of singing experience. Blake said you have such a strong falsetto; I feel for Adam, he has some tough decisions coming up. Usher said your growth is impressive and I hope you make it through. Shakira said you have a vulnerable, sweet voice, and it worked. Adam said Jake is a natural.

Kat Perkins sang Open Arms by Journey-- I loved Kat's performance, I didn't love the song for her. It seemed a little bit 80's for me, It was like she didn't make the song modern. The coaches seemed to really love this performance though. Shakira said she made it seem effortless. Blake said open arms my ass, open lungs. He said it sounded like Kat's song, I have no criticism. Adam said those are really challenging songs, and there is nothing to criticize.

Morgan Wallen sang Stay by Florida Georgia Line-- Honest performance from Morgan! I liked the song choice. I wonder if he will make it through though only because there are so many strong singers on Adam's team. Unfortunately, I think he is going to be left behind. He does have a good country voice though, there is no doubt. Usher said he should be singing country music, and he is happy he is still in this. Blake said I hear a lot of Pearl Jam and Stone Temple Pilots in his voice.

Christina Grimmie sang I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz-- I think Christina Grimmie was the best performance of the night. I think she is the shoe in for Team Adam. What an amazing vocal full of emotion and strength. Blake said Adam that is the best singer on your team. How does such a big voice come out of such a little person? Usher said you're like baby Celine Dion. Adam said Blake said I am little too, and Usher said, no, he said parts of you are little. Adam said I haven't had any complaints. Shakira said it was perfect, I loved that you sang a song that was sung by a male, and made it your own.

Prediction: Christina, Jake, and Delvin

Adam's final three: Christina, Delvin, and Kat

The Voice Season 6: It's the Battles Part 2

From Team Blake: Megan Ruger vs. Audra McLaughlin sang The Climb by Miley Cyrus-- I thought Megan held back in this performance. For me, Audra had the stronger voice and her voice really soared through the runs and higher notes.
Blake chose Audra

From Team Usher: Cierra Mickens vs. TJ Wilkins sang Get Here by Oleta Adams-- Beautiful vocals from both of them. I wish they treated like this like more of a duet at the beginning because their voices blended well, and it's a shame that at the start it seemed like they were giving separate performances. I think Cierra would have the edge for me because her tone was flawless. TJ kept up with her though. Adam said Cierra had great control. Shakira bowed to both of them. Blake thought Cierra's performance was perfect; he said TJ's voice cuts through everything.
Usher chose TJ

From Team Blake: Jake Worthington vs. Tess Boyer sang Have a Little Faith in Me by John Hiatt-- Wowza! I am loving both of them and their strong, emotion filled vocals. I like the life that they breathed into this, and again, the male and female pairing just blends the voices so well. I would honestly go with either one of them. Usher was impressed with both of them. Shakira called Tess a revelation and said her voice was powerful, beautiful, and sweet. Adam said that was an "A" level performance, and there were so many signs of improvement. Blake congratulated both of them.
Blake chose Jake, and all the remaining coaches tried to steal Tess and Shakira won

From Team Adam: Christina Grimmie vs. Sam Behymer sang Counting Stars by One Republic-- I don't think this song choice did them any favors. Neither one of them seemed to be vocally in the pocket so to speak. I liked the distinct quality of Christina's voice more than Sam's. At times, Sam was a little bit off pitch. Blake said Christina was a little ball of fire and he said Sam was full of finesse. Shakira feels like Sam is still searching for her style whereas Christina has more maturity and confidence.
Adam chose Christina

From Team Shakira: Patrick Thomson vs. Josh Murley sang Run to You by Bryan Adams-- Good song choice, the song set in that comfy part of both of their voices. I liked both, I don't have a preference; I think both of them have good rock voices. Blake said he would probably go with Patrick whereas Adam would go with ex Team Adam member Josh. Usher didn't know who to choose.  Shakira felt this was an evenly matched battle.
Shakira chose Patrick

From Team Adam: Delvin Choice vs. Josh Kaufman sang Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder-- This was not only the best battle I have ever heard on The Voice but it is probably one of the best vocals I have ever heard on any singing competition on television. Delvin and Josh threw down with abandon, and for them this wasn't about competing with each other, it was about doing the best vocal possible, and making it a performance at the same time. This song brought out everything in their voices, it was butter in certain places and brought out the smoothness in their voices. At the same time, it also brought out the grit. Both of them deserve to move on, just based on the fact that they are a cut above the other competitors. All the coaches were standing at the end of the performance. Adam said he quits and that was a flawless performance and they made it impossible for him to choose. He said either decision he makes, he loses a potential winner.
Adam chose Delvin and Usher stole Josh (Usher, props for not making Josh wait for the steal, you jumped on that!)

The Voice Season Six: The Battles Begin!

Team Usher: Biff Gore vs. TJ Wilkins sang Ain't Too Proud To Beg by The Temptations-- I like both of these contestants very much. This was like a case of old school R&B verse new school R&B. Even the way they presented themselves on stage kept to that old vs. new mentality.
Who should win? They both sound great, hard for me to choose one.
Usher chose TJ and Blake stole Biff

Team Blake: Jake Worthington vs. Lexi Luca sang It Goes Like This by Thomas Rhett-- I preferred Jake in this. I was really attracted to his tone. I thought the song choice was great, it did a good job of suiting both voices. Usher loves Jake's confidence. Adam said they both have big voices. Adam essentially chose Jake and said that his voice coupled with Blake's partnership and what he does could take them to the end. He thinks Jake could win this thing.
Who should win? Jake
Blake chose Jake

Team Shakira: Dani Moz vs. Deshawn Washington sang My Kind of Love by Emeli Sande-- Dani is wicked wobbly and she's doing it throughout the whole performance. She was sliding into notes too rather than hitting them head on, and it sounded a little sloppy. Deshawn was clear and soulful. His voice was soaring. I loved them performing together, they seemed to play off each other. Adam couldn't pick one. Blake said Deshawn surprised the heck out of him on this performance. Usher said Dani understand emotional need and told Deshawn that big things come in small packages and he would choose him. Shakira regretted pitting them against each other.
Who should win? Hands down Deshawn for me.
Shakira chose Dani........ Shick shack (that's my nickname for Shakira....) you made a huge mistake.
Why didn't Usher choose Deshawn, he seemed passionate about him

Team Adam: Kat Perkins vs. Patrick Thomas sang Whenever I Call You Friend by Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks-- I am sure Patrick is a nice guy but I was slightly bored by his performance, it was too 80s, and not the good part of it. Kat was more interesting to watch. Something happened in the middle of the performance and Patrick sounded clearly off key, and it was just rough.
Who should win? Kat all the way.
Adam chose Kat, and Shakira (are you for real Shakira?) stole Patrick

Team Blake: Paula Deanda vs. Sisaundra Lewis sang Do What You Want by Lady Gaga-- Paula needs to work on her lower register. At times Paula is sounding like Sisaundra's back up singer. Towards the end Paula found her footing in this, her falsetto was great. Sisaundra's voice was strong throughout. Usher thought Paula had some pitch issues, and would have to give it to Sisaundra. Shakira said Sisaundra's high note did it. Blake appreciated both ladies.
Who Should Win? I love Paula but Sisaundra outsang her so Sisaundra deserves to win this. Some should have stolen Paula (a-hem Shakira, this would have been where to steal.... I also think Usher could have helped Paula a lot).
Blake chose Sisaundra

Team Usher: Jake Barker vs. Stevie Jo sang Higher Love by Steve Winwood-- These two are nicely matched. I am unsure who I would pick, I like different things about both of them. Shakira commented on Jake's falsetto, it was really good. Adam said whoever doesn't make it is going to be on my team. Adam said he doesn't have to help Usher because they are competing against each other. Blake said it was one of the most evenly matched battles. Usher said this has been his hardest choice since he started.
Who should win? both
Usher chose Stevie and Adam stole Jake

The Voice Blind Auditions Season Six: Night Three

**4 Chair Turn** Ryan Whyte Maloney sang Lights by Journey-- I don't think I understood why this was a four chair turn, but I would love for him to prove it to me. Usher said he waited to turn because he wanted to see if Ryan would work for it and he did. Adam said they both have high voices so they're friends already; he compared him to the great Steve Perry. Blake called him a stud and loved his high voice. Shakira said that they are a match made in heaven. Ryan said his kids would tell him to choose Team Blake so ....
Ryan chose Blake

Deshawn Washington sang Twistin' the Night Away by Sam Cooke-- I loved Deshawn's performance, that's real soul music; we need more voices in the market like that. Wow, Shakira was the only intelligent person to turn. Usher than proceeded to call himself stupid, yup, you're stupid Usher. Shakira said, guys get over it, I'm the only smart one here. He has vintage soul.
Deshawn chose Shakira

Sam Behymer sang Royals by Lorde-- I actually really liked how her voice was so free, you could hear flaws but the flaws seemed deliberate. Her voice was breathy. Adam and Usher turned. Adam said Sam is a breath of fresh air. Usher said if you'd like to be on my team I would compliment your growth, and talked about how he loves individuality and mentioned Michelle Chamuel. Usher said hopefully you'll be on my team later if Adam doesn't understand you.
Sam chose Adam

Lightning Rounds....

Savanna Santos sang The Way I Am
Scott Stevens sang Boondocks
Aaleilah Dixon sang Want U Back......... and no one chose any of these people

Brendan Ryan sang Love on Top by Beyonce-- The judges are idiots. I thought that someone should have turned around. Usher tried to excuse it, but there's no excuse. Blake was right, they missed out on that one.
He had a great range, and very talented, playing the guitar and all that, wow, they should bring him back.

Brothers Walker sang Keep Me in Mind by Zac Brown Band-- I love how their voices blend together so well, but then again, they should because they're not just brothers but twins. This was a great song choice for them too. Seriously why did no one turn around except for Usher at the last second?
Brothers Walker chose Usher

**4 Chair Turn** Clarissa Serna sang Zombie by The Cranberries-- Clarissa has a great rock voice, but what's even better is that she didn't try to copy the original version of the song. She took it and made it very much her own. It kind of annoyed me is that Usher waited until the last second once again to turn around. Adam turned quickly, followed by Shakira, and Blake. I was a little surprised initially that she chose Shakira as her coach, but it makes sense, Shakira is a rocker as well. What annoyed me the most was Shakira comparing herself to Alexander the Great..... seriously Shakira.
Clarissa chose Shakira



Montage time (hate when they do this...)

Lindsay Pagano sang Lady Marmalade by Christina Aguilera and co.-- She chose Team Shakira
Joshua Howard sang This is What it Feels Like by Armin Van Buuren-- He chose Team Adam
Tanner James sang Heaven by Bryan Adams-- He chose Team Usher

Melissa Jimenez sang If I Aint's Got You by Alicia Keys-- Shakira perked up when she heard her singing in Spanish. Usher and Shakira both pushed their buttons at the same time at the very end. Usher liked that she started singing in acapella. Shakira and Melissa were conversing and I thought that they were relating to each other pretty well. Melissa picked Usher because she sees herself being the female version of him. She does have a good voice, I'd like to see how she will grow in the competition; I think she is someone who could be around for a while.
Melissa chose Usher

Patrick Thomson sang Can't You See by The Marshall Tucker Band-- I have to say, I hope Patrick will impress me in the next round because I didn't see him getting by the blind audition. It was just a little too ordinary for my liking. However, Blake and Adam turned around.
Patrick chose Adam

**4 Chair Turn**Sisaundra Lewis sang Ain't No Way by Aretha Franklin-- This started off a little rough but she really brought it home. She has one of those really powerful gospel voices, but it's also different, the tone and range of her voice is great. Shakira was the first to turn, then Adam, then Blake, and after she hit the high note Usher was in at the end. Blake said he's way in over his head because he thinks he has no chance of getting her. He says I would buy your record tomorrow, please pick me. Adam doesn't think it's her best so her best must be incredible. Usher says he was reluctant to push his button cause this is one of his favorite songs, and he sees opportunity for growth. Shakira thinks her voice is ravishing and says she's good with girls cause she's a girl and Adam says I'm good with girls too baby.
Sisaundra chose Blake

 

My fave two of the night were Clarissa and Sisaundra