Showing posts with label Stephanie Anne Johnson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stephanie Anne Johnson. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

The Voice Season 5: Live Rounds-- Team Christina and Team Cee Lo

From Team Cee Lo: Amber Nicole singing Wasting All These Tears by Cassadee Pope-- I feel like this was the wrong song and she messed up in several places and was under pitch for the majority of it. The coaches are not good at being critical when they need to be, it's a little bit of a let down cause Amber would benefit from this information.

From Team Cee Lo: Jonny Gray singing Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve-- This performance was disappointing considering how talented Jonny is. The song didn't build, it didn't go anywhere so it was a challenge for him to showcase his vocals. I agree with Cee Lo, a sound like Jonny's is rare, but he didn't capitalize with this performance. Hopefully he'll stick around based on the fact that Amber had a more weak performance than he.

From Team Cee Lo: Tamara Chauniece singing I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor-- Tamara's vocals were good, but this song has been overdone, and I would have liked to see Tamara sing something a little more contemporary than this. Adam and Blake both complimented her vocals.

From Team Cee Lo: Kat Robichaud singing She Keeps Me Warm by Mary Lambert-- This is my favorite performance so far from a member of Team Cee Lo. Kat has authentic rock star quality to her. I was waiting for her to give more, and I think that's what Christina was getting at in her comments to Kat. Adam felt similar in that he wished she kicked it into a different gear.

From Team Cee Lo: Caroline Pennell singing We're Going to be Friends by The White Stripes-- I genuinely enjoyed this performance by Caroline. She has such a soothing quality to her voice. Blake said she could be singing about killing people and he would still be skipping around the stage. Adam felt that she really came into her own tonight, I feel like she did it before tonight, but I understand his point. It's like her having consistent performance after performance isn't just luck, she has real talent.

From Team Christina: Josh Logan singing Crazy by Knarls Barkley-- I absolutely loved the phrasing and his vocal. Cee Lo was honored that he did his record, and said good job. Adam thought that the wordiness of the song was overwhelming his experience, but he is a huge fan. Christina thought the way that Josh performed it was so original, and she loves the way he ad libs everything.

From Team Christina: Olivia Henken singing Roar by Katy Perry-- They hardly talked to anyone about Olivia's performance except for Blake and Christina who both offered not much feedback. It was a nice performance, but again, what was special about it? I am unsure of that.

From Team Christina: Stephanie Anne Johnson singing Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles-- Loved Stephanie's performance. I feel like this is what I was waiting for from her; it was so strong. Cee Lo said he was entertained, amazed, and jealous. He felt she commanded the crowd. Adam liked how she opened up the song and changed it; he respected it and thought it was a really great performance. He said it's a song he loves because he reveres Ray so much. Christina says Stephanie can do it all and loves all the great jazz skills that she has.

From Team Christina: Matthew Schuler singing Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus-- This young man has an opportunity to win this whole thing. He is so powerful in his vocal and delivery; he absolutely 100% slays every song he sings. Cee Lo said you make me so sick, I hate how much I love you, you did a great job. Adam said three hearts just broke. He said it makes me angry cause you're not on my team. Blake said this is the guy, forget you, you're so good. Christina said they don't like you cause they love you. You bring such charisma and emotion.

From Team Christina: Jacquie Lee singing I Put a Spell on You by Screamin' Jay Hawkins-- And with that electrifying-ly energetic performance from Jacquie, I say, see you Olivia! That vocal from someone who is 16 is far beyond her years; that was fierce. Cee Lo said Oh my God Jacquie, dang, that was the absolute best. It was past, present, and future, and you are the future. Adam said you were tremendous, the emotion and how connected you were. Christina said I am honored to be your coach, I just love you, you're an old soul.

I think Olivia is going home from Team Christina and Amber or Tamara are going home from Team Cee Lo.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

The Voice Season 5: Impressive Knockout Round Performances

Team Adam: Lina Gaudenzi singing I'd Rather Go Blind by Etta James vs. Preston Pohl singing No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley-- the result: Adam chose Preston.-- Ultimately, if only one of them could be chosen, Preston deserved it more than Lina, but this performance by Lina was unforgettable. This song absolutely fit her like a glove. Preston had such an effortless performance that was full of vocal control which is what Blake commented on. Christina liked Preston but not the song; however, she loved Lina's performance and phrasing.

Team Blake: EG Daily singing I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt vs. Ray Boudreaux singing Hard to Handle by Otis Redding-- the result: Blake chose Ray.-- I agree. This was a no contest situation. EG has a great voice, but Ray has something different, and that's what we as listeners look for today. Blake ended up choosing Ray cause EG had that unfortunate break in her voice.

Team Christina: Anthony Paul singing The Other Side by Jason Derulo vs. Jacquie Lee singing Stompa by Serena Ryder-- the result: Christina chose Jacquie.-- I agree, another no contest. Anthony chose the wrong song here. I love Jason Derulo and love the song, but it's too stylized for him to sing and interpret himself. Jacquie on the contrary, sang a song I've never heard before, but owned it.  Cee Lo points out how nervous Anthony was and how impressive Jacquie's range was. Christina chose Jacquie and felt bad the song didn't work out for Anthony.

Team Cee Lo: Stephanie Anne Johnson singing Don't Know Why by Norah Jones vs. Tamara Chauniece singing No One by Alicia Keys-- the result: Cee Lo chose Tamara and Christina surprisingly stole back Stephanie. I say surprisingly because there were a lot of issues with her performance. Tamara, on the other hand, was compared to a young Anita Baker by Cee Lo. I see that.

Team Adam: James Wolpert singing More Than a Feeling by Foreigner vs. Juhi singing Heard it Through the Grapevine by Creedence Clearwater Revival-- the result: I wish Christina would have stole Juhi rather than Stephanie. I am torn over Adam choosing James cause this wasn't a strong performance, but he's had strong performances in the past. It seemed like many of the other coaches would have chosen Juhi.

Team Blake: Austin Jenckes singing I'll Be by Edwin McCain vs. Brandon Chase singing Even if it Breaks Your Hearts by Eli Young Band-- the result: Blake chose Austin. This was a tough one too. Christina kind of brought up the fact that both of them had vocal issues. Blake brought up that Austin was sharp and Brandon was flat and he felt like being sharp was better than being flat. I hope that Austin focuses on moving forward from his backstory because if he doesn't, it could hold him back.

Team Cee Lo: Caroline Pennell singing The Way I Am by Ingrid Michelson vs. George Horga Jr. singing Because of You by Neyo-- the result: Sadly, George's dream comes to an end. Caroline was the right choice here though. As Blake said, Caroline makes me want to curl up in bed with a cup of hot cocoa. Now there's a sight, but I get what he means, she makes me feel the same way.

Team Christina: Matthew Schuler singing Cosmic Love by Florence + the Machine vs. Will Champlin singing If I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars-- the result: Christina chose Matthew and wow was this performance amazing, and Adam stole back Will to his team without question. Matthew is really continuing to slay every performance. He's nothing short of impressive, and this is nothing short of the best performance of the season so far. The vocal was stunning, and it was a cover of the song that was really quite powerful. Will was great too, and deserved to be stolen back. He held his own against Matthew.

I had to share the link:

Monday, October 28, 2013

The Voice Season 5: Are These the Best Battles Ever?

Team Cee Lo: Jonny Gray vs. Shawn Smith singing Refugee by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers-- Adam said that he believed every single thing that both of them said, and added that he'd probably go with Jonny. Blake said it was hot and neither one of them held anything back, and he loved Shawn. Christina said they were both feeling it, and that her biggest regret is not pushing for Jonny. Cee Lo said he felt the soldier in that song from both of them. He picked Jonny to move forward. Jonny said that he and Shawn will be lifelong friends. Jonny was the right choice here but I felt the passion from both of them. I feel like this was quite possibly the best battle ever.

Team Adam: Barry Black vs. Preston Pohl singing I Wish it Would Rain by The Temptations-- Blake liked Barry and thought that it just worked. Christina said Preston has the type of voice that cannot be taught in vocal lessons and felt he won. Cee Lo said that Preston sounded just like David Ruffin. Adam said when he heard Preston he got goosebumps and it made him think about people like Otis Redding, guys who really moved him. Adam chose Preston, and I couldn't agree more with his decision. That being said, I wonder if Cee Lo should have stolen Barry.

Oh no, now for the montage....

Holly Henry vs Cilla Chan sing “Torn” for Team Blake. Holly wins the battle
Emily Randolph vs Brandon Chase sing “Tiny Dancer” also for Team Blake Brandon wins the battle.
Tamara Chauniece vs. Keaira LaShae sing “Big Girls Don’t Cry” for Team Cee Lo. Tamara wins the battle.

Team Christina: Olivia Henken vs. Stephanie Anne Johnson singing Done by The Band Perry-- I feel like this song was most definitely suited to Olivia. Stephanie is more of a soul/ jazz singer, so the song was more difficult for her. Adam goes with Stephanie cause he likes her grit. Blake likes Olivia, Adam thinks it's cause she looks like Miranda. Cee Lo also liked Stephanie. Christina finally chose Olivia and Cee Lo stole Stephanie; she deserved it.

Monday, October 7, 2013

The Voice Season 5: Week 2 Part 2

Will Champlin sang Not Over You-- Blake, Adam, and Cee Lo all turned around. I loved his song choice and his voice may not be the strongest but it definitely has passion. Adam compared Will to himself musically. Blake said he loved him and felt the passion in his voice. He said he probably has to wear suspenders to keep his pants on because he sang his ass off.
Will chose Adam

Macey Estes sang The Way-- This girl was cheated out a major chance because she was actually really good. Someone should have turned their chair for her. I think Christina's excuse of "she was waiting for her to sing the high note" was ridiculous. I hope she either comes back or auditions for another talent show because she definitely has natural talent.

Stephanie Anne Johnson sang Black Horse and a Cherry Tree-- I didn't think this was the right song for her, but then again, I have never really been a fan of this song. She has a good voice, but I didn't think there was anything great about it. Cee Lo and Christina turn their chairs; Stephanie went to school the season 1 alum Vicci Martinez, she's bonding with Cee Lo, but chooses Christina.
Stephanie chose Christina

Sam Cerniglia sang It's a Beautiful Day-- Sam has a beautiful backstory and he sure does seem like a nice guy, but again, I feel like he is someone who has just a mediocre voice. Maybe the judges see potential or something we don't. Cee Lo and Blake turn around. Blake says he loves his style and compares him to Michael Buble.
Sam chose Blake

Jennifer Newberry sang Locked Out of Heaven-- She picked the wrong song, and as a result got no turns.

James Irwin sang Losing My Religion-- I remember him from last year and he was really just "okay". It's great to see people go home, do their homework (most obviously) and come back. All four judges turn quite quickly. Adam notes that this is the first time someone has come back from another season and had all four chairs turn. Adam and Blake recognize how hard he has worked, and Christina and Cee Lo try to use not being there last year to their advantage.
James chose Adam

Olivia Henken sang Two Black Cadillacs-- This young lady is someone I am going to keep an eye on in this competition. Christina and Cee Lo turned. I am shocked Blake didn't. Obviously, he's interested in more than just country artists this year.
Olivia chose Christina

Jason Kertson sang Lips of an Angel-- I liked this guy, he is only 16, and he has an amazing voice. I am shocked he wasn't chosen. I hope that he comes back next year.

R. Anthony sang Hall of Fame-- R. has a better than just good voice, the only thing he has to work on getting his personality and who he is across in his performances. They would be enhanced if he worked on that. Christina turned and then at the very last minute Cee Lo turned. Christina loves his runs and wants him bad on her team. She even impersonates Blake's finger point. Nevertheless....
R. chose Cee Lo

Keaira LaShae goes to Team Adam
goes to Team Christina
Emily Randolph goes to Team Blake

Justin Chan chose She's Country-- Amazing, no one was smart enough to turn with the exception of Blake. Justin and Blake are actually wearing the same shirt, lol! He actually has a great voice, and he's marketable. I could see people going to his concerts and singing his songs.
Justin chose Blake (he would have even if all of them turned around)

Ashley Dubose sang Diamonds-- This is a super hard song to sing and Ashley did it justice, she was a pro. Besides being beautiful, her spirit is so song and it comes across when she sings. Adam said her voice cut like a razor through this place. Cee Lo said Ashley met Rihanna's bar and she would think she did the song justice. Christina said Rihanna's song are hard to do cause it's all about timing. Blake said winning The Voice is a partnership and it's about making someone the best that they can be. Adam made it clear that he wants to dethrone Blake. Ashley says she thought she knew what she wanted to do coming in, but she had to go with her gut, and so....
Ashley chose Adam

My predictions for the top 20: Juhi Pathak, Monika Leigh, Preston Pohl, Will Champlin, Olivia Henken, Justin Chan, Ashley Dubose