The Voice Season 29: The Knockouts Continue Time After Time

Team Adam: Jared Shoemaker singing Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde by Travis Tritt vs. Jaali Boyd singing Big Girls Don't Cry by Fergie-- Both performances were incredibly soulful. I love both of these people. I am so sad that one has to go home. I'd give the edge to Jared. Kelly would choose Jared and John would choose Jaali. Adam said Jaali killed it and maximized the potential; Jared, I get a real sense of who you want to be as an artist. 
Adam chose Jared

Team Legend: Grace Humphries singing I Don't Wanna Wait by Paula Cole vs. KJ Willis singing I'll Make Love to You by Boyz II Men-- There was potential for Grace's performance to be great, but I believe KJ bested her. His performance was genuine and he seemed to really connect to the song. John said KJ's performance was believable. He said it was like a devotional at church but with a song about earthly pleasures.  
John chose KJ

Team Kelly: Jonah Mayor singing You'll Be in My Heart by Phil Collins vs. Mikenley Brown singing Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan-- For me, I felt like Mikenley was too outside the box for me. I would need to go with Jonah if it were me. John said you're both so talented; he thought Mikenley won the knockout. Kelly said Jonah your passion on stage is so committed, you're so special; Mikenley no one is like you. 

Kelly chose Mikenley

All Star Teams: 

Team Legend: Maelyn (Season 16) and Renzo (Season 27)

Team Kelly: Jake Hoot (Season 17) and Girl Named Tom (Season 21)

Team Adam: Jordan Smith (Season 9) and Javier Colon (Season 1) 

Kelly vs. John-- Girl Named Tom singing Dust in the Wind by Kansas vs. Renzo singing Dream On by Aerosmith-- 

Adam said Girl Named Tom, that was mind blowing; Renzo, John blocked me and it broke my heart. Kelly said Renzo, you're incredible, and Girl Named Tom there is nothing like you in my life. John said Girl Named Tom, I measure every group against you, and Renzo I am proud that you are representing Team Legend. Cee Lo said that Girl Named Tom is his resolve and Renzo is his reflection. Renzo represents him whereas Girl Named Tom represents this time in music that is almost extinct, three party harmony, representative of the 60s and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. 

My pick:  Girl Named Tom

Cee Lo chose Girl Named Tom

John vs. Adam-- Maelyn singing Fields of Gold by Sting vs. Jordan Smith singing Chandelier by Sia-- Kelly said you two are masters of being vocalists. John said this show exists for people like you. Adam said Maelyn said you put so much effort into your performances. Adam said when you sing the hairs on my arm stand up. Cee Lo said it's such an honor to be here with both of you. You're both one of one. Thank you both for being spirit animals of us all.  

My pick: Jordan Smith

Cee Lo chose Maelyn

Adam vs. Kelly-- Javier Colon singing Time After Time vs. Jake Hoot singing Desperado-- John said Jake of all the male country artists, you are the best one. Javier, I can see why this song and your gift made Adam believe this show would work; that was beautiful. Adam said, I don't have to know country to know you're the real deal Jake; like a fine wine you have aged well Javier, love you bro so much. Kelly said Javier, you voice is beautifully broken; Jake, you're not just a good singer, you're a good man. Cee Lo, I enjoyed myself. Javier said that was iconic; Jake you killed it. 

My pick: Toss up, but I lean with Javier Colon

Cee Lo chose Jake 

Your Top 9: 

*Team Kelly will receive an extra finalist due to winning the "All Star Showdown" (yet to be named)

Team Kelly: JW Griffin, Liv Ciara, Mikenley Brown

Team Adam: Alexia Jayy, Jared Shoemaker, Jeremy Keith 

Team Legend: Lucas West, Syd Millevoi, KJ Willis 

   

The Voice Season 27 Finale: The Performance Show

Round 1: 

Team Legend: Renzo sang Fly by Lenny Kravitz-- I have been critical of Renzo throughout this but I have to say that he has proven to me that he deserves to be here. What a great song choice and I love how he started the song acoustically, it was more quiet for sure and really showed his voice quite well. Michael said there was not a lot to say and that the performance was flawless. John said the arrangement, which Renzo elected, showed his voice beautifully. 

Team Adam: Lucia Flores Wiseman sang Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd-- Wow that was beautiful. I loved the way she navigated that song. She's so original. Kelsea said you embody the love letter you wrote to music, you're supposed to be here. Adam said I feel so connected to you. You lead with heart and you lead with feeling. I'm so proud of you. 

Team Buble: Jadyn Cree sang Lose You to Love Me by Selena Gomez-- I liked this song choice for Jadyn, I brought out some of her innocence. Michael said he is so proud of her and happy for her, her voice is kind, empathetic, pure, and she is a pop star. 

Team Kelsea: Jaelen Johnston sang What Was I Thinkin' by Dierks Bentley-- Okay I will first say that had to be so tough to mess up on live TV, but he kept going. He stopped for a second and kept going. I think that was his most challenging performance, but I believe he will watch it back and be proud of himself. He persevered. Kelsea said you showed up and I am so proud of you, you locked back in, got back in your body quickly.  

Team Buble: Adam David sang You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker-- What a great performance, it showed the versatility in Adam's voice. John talked about that beautiful broken quality in Adam's voice and added-- you did a beautiful song much justice tonight. Michael said he is one of my favorite singers, he's a blue collar singer, he's worked his butt off, he plays in bars.   

Round 2: 

Team Adam: Lucia Flores Wiseman sang Wildflower by Billie Eilish-- I feel like her performances are so poetic and prolific. Adam said that was so amazing, Lucia is not the typical type of Voice winner which is exactly why she should win. 

Team Buble: Adam David sang Hard Fought Hallelujah by Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll-- This is such a gorgeous song and any time any one sings it I have heard so much heart and sincerity behind it and this was so exception. Michael said I am shaken, 100/100, we are blessed to be given music like this. 

Team Buble: Jadyn Cree sang Come On Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners-- This was one of the most creative performances I have seen on the show. The song is also pretty iconic. It's like she took us back to a moment in history and froze it. Michael said you're a pop star, I love you, you lead with light. 

Team Legend: Renzo sang Lover You Should Have Come Over by Jeff Buckley--Wow, what an exquisite vocal. He just knows how to bring you into his world with his performances. John said he showed something new in his voice today. You are a superstar and I am so happy I got this chance to work with you.  

Team Kelsea: Jaelen Johnston sang Cold by Chris Stapleton-- I loved this song for him. He seemed like he was totally immersed in the performance. It was honestly such a great way for us to hear that natural rasp that he has in his voice. Kelsea said I am out of breath and I am sweating. She said, Jaelen picked this song, and she was nervous, but when he sang it in rehearsal she knew it was the right song for him. 

The Voice Season 27: Finally Live for the First Time This Season with the Top 12

Team Adam: Kolby Cordell sang Drink You Away by Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake-- I wasn't as crazy about this as the coaches were. John says he feels regret and calls it the best performance. Okay, that's a bit of a stretch but sure. 

Team Kelsea: Alanna Lynise sang I'm Not That Girl from Wicked-- This sounded like she could be on Broadway but I have to be honest, I didn't love the song choice and the performance and I am a fan of Alanna. Michael thought she did her coach proud. 

Team Buble: Jadyn Cree sang I Think We're Alone Now-- This was a great song choice for Jadyn. I have struggled some with her artistry this season, but this was right up her alley. John says she is like family because of her dad and loves seeing her do what she does. Michael likes how unique she is and the pureness of her vocal. 

Team Legend: Olivia Kuper Harris sang Someone to Watch Over Me-- Great song for Olivia, she was deserving of coming back. Adam said she should feel amazing about her performance and that she deserves to be here. 

Team Kelsea: Iris Herrera sang Messy-- Oh man I am not a fan of this song. I really like Iris but I wish she had done something else. Kelsea appreciates her commitment to artistry. 

Team Adam: Lucia Flores Wiseman sang Black Hole Sun by Chris Cornell-- LOVE Chris and loved this song and I am also a fan of Lucia. Kelsea says the opportunities are endless for her. Adam says he has appreciated being able to celebrate who Lucia is. 

Team Legend: Bryson Battle sang Without You-- This is a little bit of a different song choice for Bryson but I loved it. His vocals were on point as always. John called his performance and vocal stunning. 

Team Kelsea: Jaelen Johnston sang I Drive Your Truck-- Heartfelt performance, the song was not as impactful as it should have been, but I think he should stick around for the finale. Kelsea says he is doing country music proud and she is proud to be his coach. Yet she almost let him go. I suppose what matters is that she brought him back. 

Team Buble: Adam David sang Bring It On Home to Me by Sam Cooke-- This was one of my favorite performances of the season. Adam is committed to his craft, easy to tell watching this performance. Adam says Adam is his biggest regret. Michael says that meant more to him than any other performance on the show. 

Team Buble: Kaiya Hamilton sang Ain't Nobody by Chaka Kahn-- Good song choice for Kaiya. Michael called it flawless and said he didn't want to talk too much and discourage people from voting. 

Team Adam: Conor James sang Chasing Pavements by Adele-- I was torn about whether Conor or Britton should have come back because they were both great for different reasons. Adam said great singers sing and he liked that Conor kept it pure and simple. 

Team Legend: Renzo sang Dream On by Aerosmith-- Loving Renzo's new hair style. Okay, so check it out, I did and didn't like this performance. It was different than the original, sometimes too much. But then at other times, him doing something like this felt safe. 

Overall what I don't like about this format is that the voting is hardly America's vote til now and then the finale is next week. 

Here are my predictions for the Top 5: 

Bryson Battle 

Adam David 

Lucia Flores Wiseman

Jaelen Johnston

Renzo

possible-- Jadyn Cree 

Drop your comments below!

The Voice Season 27: Michael and John pick their playoff teams...

Team Buble:

Kaiya Hamilton sang If You Love Somebody (Set Them Free) by Sting-- Kaiya is someone who has been challenged and risen to every occasion. I would like to see more of her in these song selections and see what she chooses for herself. Who does she see herself as, as an artist? Adam called her the most improved artist. 

Angie Rey sang How Do I Live Without You by LeAnn Rimes / Trisha Yearwood-- This was a beautiful performance. I could tell that Angie connected with the lyrics of the song. John said Angie has the pipes to deliver this song. 

Jadyn Cree sang 99 Balloons by Nena-- I'm not familiar with this song. I think she's talented, but I feel like some of her teammates had better performances,  but I know Michael really supports her. Michael says everyone is going to know her. 

Barry Jean Fontenot sang Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez-- Great song and performance by Barry. I would love to see him in the lives because I think America will love him. Adam said his confidence has grown and his stage presence is A+. 

Adam David sang I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan-- I did not have high expectations, and I was wrong to feel that way because this was such a great performance. The song was perfect for him. I am a fan. Adam said he was blown away, and Michael said he deserves a long career. 

Team Legend: 

Bryson Battle sang pov by Ariana Grande-- Of course, I believe Bryson is one of the best voices in this competition. The vocal was compelling and no matter what happens, he is going to be a star. Michael wished he could steal him. Kelsea thinks he could win the whole competition. John called him soulful, powerful, and compelling. 

BD.ii sang All My Life by KC and JoJo-- I have been a fan of BD since the first audition. This was his best performance. I want to see him in the lives. Michael called him expressive and present. John added that his performance was effortless and that it was his best performance. 

Olivia Kuper Harris sang What Was I Made For by Billie Eilish-- Olivia is so unique and sounded beautiful. Kelsea called it stunning and said she is a fan. Adam complimented the fact that she can do many different songs. 

Ari Camille sang Rain by SWV-- Ari has been a fave of mine from the beginning, I just love the angst and soul in her voice. The song choice was everything, a throwback to 80s and 90s R&B. Adam said she looked and sounded amazing. John said she has a light inside her. 

Renzo sang Too Sweet by Hozier-- I am a fan of Renzo, I am not quite bought in to the degree that the coaches are. I feel like this song is overplayed. I appreciated how he changed it up though. Kelsea said she would buy his record. John said he is already a star. 

Michael chose Adam and Jadyn

John chose Bryson and Renzo 

SURPRISE! The coaches are going to get to bring back one more artist each. 

Here are my predictions: 

Team Kelsea: Jaelen

Team Adam: Britton 

Team Michael: Barry Jean

Team Legend: BD or Ari

The Voice Season 27: Last Dance, Last Chance on Knockouts

Team Legend: Nell Simmons sang Sweet Thing by Chaka Kahn vs. Renzo sang Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish-- Nell was amazing, to me, she is definitely live show worthy and has proven her growth in every round. Renzo is interesting for sure, this song choice was odd, and I think it matched his eccentricity. It's a toss up, but I think I would choose Nell. The coaches had amazing things to say about Nell and Renzo. Kelsea said Nell sounded sexy and strong. Adam called Renzo a unicorn and said he will be shocked if he doesn't make it to the end. John chose Renzo. I am shocked no one stole Nell. 

Team Buble: Adam David sang Unaware by Allen Stone vs. Carlos Santiago sang You Are the Reason by Callum Scott-- I felt like these two were pretty evenly matched, my personal preference is Adam. I think Carlos should be on Broadway, he has a great voice. Michael chose Adam. 

Team Kelsea: Hailey Wright sang I Want to be a Cowboy's Sweetheart by Patsy Montana vs. Jaelen Johnston sang Dial Drunk by Noah Kahan-- These are two that I love in this competition. They are facing off again! I think Jaelen grew since the last round. This was a great song choice. I feel like, on the flipside, Hailey was a little pitchy and didn't grow as much. I'd go with Jaelen. Michael and Adam both felt like Hailey won this, I'm a little shocked! However, it didn't matter, Kelsea chose Jaelen. He's going to be a star in my opinion. 

Team Legend: Jacquelyn George sang Too Little Too Late by Jojo vs. Olivia Kuper Harris sang Last Dance by Donna Summer-- Loved both song choices. I think Olivia is a more polished performer but Jacquelyn improved to me, and she has great range. Olivia's performance was so strong and had lots of attitude and intention. I think I would have to choose Olivia. Adam said Olivia blew away his expectations. Kelsea loved Jacquelyn's song choice and was wowed by Olivia's strong and sexy vocal. John said Olivia's performance was confident and chose Olivia. 

Team Buble: Jadyn Cree sang Keep Holding On by Avril Lavigne vs. Kameron Jaso sang Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur-- I was not particularly invested in this pairing. I know Michael has really liked/ pushed for Jayden since the beginning. I think ultimately, she gave the strong performance here. Michael chose Jayden.  

Team Adam: Conor James sang Forever Young by Alphaville vs. Darius Jay sang American Boy by Estelle-- This was so underwhelming! I really wanted to LOVE both of these performances. The song choices were bizarre. Michael did not like Conor's song choice. John feels Conor should be in the finale but felt Darius was more compelling today. Adam chose Conor and Kelsea stole Darius. 

Here's a look at who is left: 

(* are my picks)

Team Adam:
*Britton Moore, 21
*Conor James, 28
Ethan Eckenroad, 26
*Kolby Cordell, 32
Lucia Flores Wiseman, 22

Team Buble: 
Adam David, 34 
*Angie Rey, 25
*Barry Jean Fontenot, 31
Jayden Cree, 23
Kaiya Hamilton, 26

Team Kelsea: 
Alanna Lynnise, 21
Darius J, 35
*Iris Herrera, 19
*Jaelen Johnston, 21
Tinika Wyatt, 50

Team Legend: 
Ari Camille, 21
*BD.ii, 31
*Bryson Battle, 21 
*Olivia Kuper Harris, 34 
Renzo, 33

 

The Voice Season 27: These Battles Have No Ceilings

Team Kelsea: Iris Herrera vs. Simone Marijic sang Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine-- I like both of these ladies, I think I'd lean towards Simone. The song was stunning first of all, and complimented them both beautifully. Michael complimented Iris's grit and Simone's lilt. He loved their harmonies. John loved how Simone navigated the song,  and he thought Iris's tone was glorious, he said you carry yourself with the presence of a star, stay that way, because it's compelling. Adam said it's funny I did not turn for either one of you and hearing that performance, I regret it. It is a testament to Kelsea and both of you. He said he'd choose Iris because of tone. Kelsea chose Iris and Michael stole Simone. 

Team Buble: Divighn vs. Dmitrius Graham sang Leave the Door Open by Silk Sonic-- I was expecting not to like this because Bruno Mars is such a voice and performer. I liked both of them though and felt they proved their worth. I could see either one moving forward. John gave the edge and polish too Divighn. Adam felt that it was a dead heat and did not know who to pick. Michael thanked them for tenacity and putting in the work. He said I can see that you guys both want it.  Michael chose Divighn. 

Team Adam: Trevon Dawson vs. Tayler Kae sang I'm With You by Avril Levigne-- Okay, interesting song choice, I did not think I would like it. I also felt it would be way outside of Trevon's wheelhouse as a country singer, but he made it his own and it really highlighted this complimentary part of his voice. Kelsea and Michael said that they would pick Trevon, John said he would pick Tyler. Adam chose Trevon, he was the last artist Adam chose for his team this season and I think having a country artist is appealing to him. 

Team Legend: Jay Ammo vs. Renzo sang Is This Love by Bob Marley-- I actually enjoyed both artists. Jay has great tone, his voice is pleasing to the ear. Renzo has a great energy to his voice. The coaches were mainly choosing Renzo over Jay. I didn't see a clear winner here. It will be interesting to see what happens in the knockouts. Solid song choice, John chose Renzo because he seemed the popular choice here. 

Skip.... Team Buble: Adam David vs. Ricardo Moreno sang Home by Michael Buble--  Michael chose Adam, and this battle did not come together til the end. 

Montaged battles.....

Team Legend: Jacquelyn George vs. Jordan Allen sang Islands in the Stream by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, John chose Jacquelyn

Team Kelsea: Jessica Manalo vs. Dan Kieran sang Good Luck Babe by Chappell Roan, Kelsea chose Dan

Team Kelsea: Paige Mackenzie vs. Robert Hunter sang Lies, Lies, Lies by Morgan Wallen, Kelsea chose Paige

Team Adam: Tinika Wyatt vs. Conor James sang How Deep is Your Love by The Bee Gees-- Loved both of them, I guess I wish that they had a different song, because the potential of these two vocalists is huge. Tinika is experienced and Connor is eager. Kelsea said they sing from joy. John said he is happy that Tinika is here, but he would choose Conor. Adam believes Conor could go all the way. Adam chooses Conor and Kelsea stole Tinika. 

The Voice Season 27: Forgive My Northern Attitude, It's the Blinds

Season 27 of The Voice started last week. Michael Buble returned for his second season, John Legend returned from a brief hiatus. Kelsea Ballerini joined the show as a new coach and OG coach Adam Levine returned. 

I was underwhelmed by the premiere. There were many contestants that I did not think were that great, four chair turn worthy, not worthy of a turn at all that got a turn. It was interesting to me. 

I'm going to skip over the ones I wasn't impressed with. 

Skip... Grace Miller Moody sang Sunday Morning by Maroon Five-- shocking four chair turn, Grace picks Adam

Renzo sang Simple Man by Lynard Skynard-- Remember Dennis Lorenzo from American Idol Top 10 Season 16? He has a pure voice, this did not show off his falsetto which is perhaps the best part of his voice, but his purity gets him on the show. John blocks Adam. All the guys turn, and Renzo picks John Legend. 

Iris Herrera sang You Are My Sunshine-- Seemed like an odd choice but she got three chairs, everyone except Adam. I like how she gave it like a country / folk vibe. She has a nice personal connection to the song and she chose Kelsea. 

Jadyn Cree is Bryan Olesen's daughter (he was a finalist two seasons ago), she sang Into You by Paramore-- Michael and Kelsea turned and she picked Michael. I like Jadyn's voice, she has a Hayley Williams and Amy Lee vibe to her. I would love to see her do some rock songs, and I think she can go far in the competition. 

Skip.... Darius J sang Caught Up by Usher, he choice team Adam. 

Skip.... Angie Rey sang Penthouse by Kelsea Ballerini, only Kelsea turned. 

Skip.... Carlos Santiago sang Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx, Adam and Michael turned and Carlos chose Team Buble. 

Skip....  Dan Kiernan sang High Hopes by Panic at the Disco, John and Michael turned and Kelsea used  her coach's replay, and Dan chose Kelsea. 

Ethan Eckenroad sang Northern Attitude by Noah Kahan-- Adam said it would be a tragedy if you weren't on my team. This was a four chair turn that was a deserved four chair turn. John loved his poise and soulfulness. Michael called him "good music". Ethan chose Adam! 

Same thing with Week 2 of Blinds... I am going to skip performances that were underwhelming to me. 

Skip.... Tatum Scott sang Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo-- I wasn't crazy about the way she changed up the song. Kelsea and John turned and Tatum picked Kelsea. 

Bryson Battle sang A Song For You by Donny Hathaway-- He's only 21! Kelsea said you were just singing from your soul. This was a well deserved four chair turn. Michael loved his voice and said he sings that song, and wishes he could sing it like him. Adam said it's incredible what you do. Adam said it will be about song selection. John said I was the first to turn. He said that he made the song feel new, fresh, and exciting. Bryson chose Team Legend. 

Skip.... Jordan Allen sang Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Seeger-- John and Michel turned and Jordan chose John. 

Hayden Grove sang Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin-- Hayden has such a great voice. I loved the technical lesson that Michael gave showing how the standards singers don't use vibrato in their voices. I am so happy Adam turned and that Michael is offering to help them. 

Jaelen Johnston sang Where the Wild Things Are by Luke Combs-- Great voice, he reminds me of like Kane Brown. I was hoping that Adam would turn and he would choose Adam or even Michael because those pairings are unexpected and I think they could help him. Both of them turned, but Kelsea did too, and unsurprisingly he went with Kelsea. 

Ricardo Moreno sang Put Your Head on My Shoulder by Paul Anka-- I appreciated Ricardo's musicality and the fact that he sang a "standard". The coaches discussed quite a bit, but no one turned. Michael used his coach's replay on Ricardo. 

Ari Camille sang I Wanna Be Down by Brandy-- jury is out on her, I almost skipped, she might end up being interesting, we'll have to see. John and Michael turned. Of course she chose John. 

Braxton Garza sang Pretty Little Poison by Warren Zeiders-- Absolutely love his sound! He has that country rocker vibe which the coaches clearly recognized. Kelsea told Adam and Michael not to turn but then took her time turning so Michael blocked her. Braxton is on Team Buble. 

Britton Moore sang Yellow by Coldplay-- Wow he is good, well deserved four chair turn, not many of those, but this one, well deserved. Adam turned first and was the only one who did not pull any gimmicks. Britton chose him, and with good reason, this is a match made in heaven. 

The ones I featured videos for are the ones I feel confident about in terms of their success on the show.