Showing posts with label TJ Wilkins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TJ Wilkins. Show all posts

Monday, April 28, 2014

Reality TV Recap.... Who went home on Idol? Did the wrong people go home on The Voice?

You're probably wondering if you read regularly, what happened last week, why didn't I write? Well, I've been a little bit under the weather with some allergy/ sinus issues. As you can imagine, they're exhausting, but here I am, back and better than ever. The week started with me not agreeing with the results of The Voices. The wrong two people went home. The bottom three should have been Bria Kelly, Kat Perkins, and Delvin Choice deserved consequences for his bad song choice. Of course at the end of the night, everyone would have used #TheVoiceSave on Devlin because he's too talented, but to lose Bria and Kat would not have been that bad. In order to change my mind, they would need one amazing performance. Losing TJ Wilkins and Dani Moz was just wrong, never mind the fact that Tess Boyer was even in the bottom three. Come on America, get with it! None of those contestants were bottom three material. My real hope is that what should have happened last week happens this week.

I'm going to start with the bad news on American Idol, and it's two fold-- on performance night, there were very few performances that I would say knocked it out of the park, and second CJ Harris went home and once again Jessica Meuse avoided elimination. However, I don't think she will be able to hide this week. In fact my prediction for the final three, unless someone falls apart is Jena Irene, Caleb Johnson, and Sam Woolf. Look for Alex Preston to finish fourth and Jessica should make an exit this week in fifth place.

It was rock n' roll and country night on the show so each contestant sang two songs. Below is the order that each of them performed in. I put a number in front of each contestant's name indicating their placement in that particular round (in my humble opinion of course!). So, for example, I think Caleb won the rock round, and I think Alex won the country round. CJ and Jessica finished in fifth and sixth place in both rounds, so their place in the bottom two was justified.

For the first time, Jena had some pitch problems in both of her songs. Sam was confident on song one, but song two was all wrong for him. CJ suffered from picking the wrong songs in both rounds. Alex played it safe on song one, but song two was solid. Caleb's first song was stellar but song two was fodder. Jessica picked a great song one, but failed to move on stage literally, and song two was a hot mess.

Rock Round
2. Jena Irene sang Barracuda by Heart
3. Sam Woolf sang It's Time by Imagine Dragons
6. CJ Harris sang American Woman by Guess Who
4. Alex Preston sang Animal by Neon Trees
1. Caleb Johnson sang Sting Me by The Black Crows
5. Jessica Meuse sang Somebody to Love by Jefferson Airplane

Country Round
4. Sam Woolf sang You're Still the One by Shania Twain
2. Caleb Johnson sang Undo It by Carrie Underwood
1. Alex Preston sang You're Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson
3. Jena Irene sang So Small by Carrie Underwood
5. CJ Harris sang Whatever It Is by The Zac Brown Band
6. Jessica Meuse sang Jolene by Dolly Parton

Monday, April 21, 2014

The Voice Season Six: The Live Shows, 12 Work Towards the Finale

Team Usher: Bria Kelly kicked things off singing Rolling in the Deep by Adele-- Not her best. I did not like the arrangement. She struggled tonight, her pitch was off quite a bit. Despite all that, the coaches did not really have any critical feedback for her. Shakira said if anyone can take on Adele, she can, but she didn't, Shakira. Usher thought she killed it; really?
Score: I just give it a 2 out of 5

Team Adam: Delvin Choice sang Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers-- I do not care for the arrangement here either, particularly how the song started out. As the song went along, Delvin did hit his stride when he made it to the chorus and hit that beautiful note. However, I do want to say this was not a home run performance. I think it's a performance that puts him at the middle of the pack rather than at the front where I am used ot him being. Blake says he sang the crap out of it. Usher said he is an amazing talent. Shakira said she was not disappointed, and coach Adam felt he delivered a moment.
Score: 3 out of 5 for me

Team Shakira: Dani Moz sang Just Give Me a Reason by Pink-- Wobbly in a few areas but overall, a great effort. She also hit the money note in the song. Dani is someone to me who is an underdog in this competition. She has potential to make it to the final four. Adam says he wanted more dynamics, Shakira said there were dynamics (oh boy!). For the record, Shakira is right, there were dynamics. Blake said she picked her moment.
Score: 4 out of 5

Team Blake: Audra McLaughlin sang Angel of the Morning by Merrilee Rush/ Juice Newton-- Not digging the song choice at all. I actually find it boring and a total waste of Audra's voice. Hope she sticks around to move past this train wreck of a song and arrangement. Usher thought it was incredible and loved the character of her voice. Adam loves her and wants Audra on his team. Blake is happy to be working with her.
Score: 3.5 out of 5

Team Usher: TJ Wilkins sang Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer-- This was a smoother and clearer performance than Delvin's. I really need to hand it to TJ because he has been flying under the radar and people are going to start to notice him now. I like how he made a pop/ rock song a soul song. TJ is like a modern day Marvin Gaye. Usher says he is proud that he trusted his instincts. So am I. Shakira said TJ was pure, sincere, and extraordinary. Blake said TJ was infectious in a good way. This was the best of the night so far.
Score: 4.5 out of 5

Team Adam: Christina Grimmie sang Dark Horse by Katy Perry-- Wow, she sounds better than Katy Perry singing this song. She's emerging as the strongest person on Team Adam. This is someone who is clearly a contender. I liked how she rocked this song up a little bit, it was less pop, more rock. She kind of took this song to Hayley Williams territory when she hit that big note. Blake says she is like dynamite and the person to beat on Adam's team. Shakira is impressed with her range. Usher agrees with Blake.
Score: 5 out of 5

Team Blake: Sisaundra Lewis sang Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me by George Michael and Elton John-- This was a big song and she did it up big as well. Sisaundra is proving to be one of those people who can sing anything well. The challenge for her is sounding different every week, working outside her comfort zone, and thinking outside the box. Usher said she always blows everyone's socks off which is true. Adam loved her restraint and control, also true, she has great control. Blake admires her ability to reel in a song.
Score: 4 out of 5

Team Shakira: Kristen Merlin sang Stay by Sugarland-- This started off strong, and then her mic went dead, which was weird and totally not her fault. Mid way through the song, it started to get a little bit questionable because she didn't seem totally confident in her ability to perform the song. Adam praised the way she handled the situation with the mic. Blake thinks she improves every week. Shakira called it heartfelt and moving.
Score: 3.75 out of 5

Team Adam: Kat Perkins sang Magic Man by Heart-- I wasn't familiar with this song so it was tough for me to relate. I liked Kat's ability to work the crowd and play off the band. I have decided I don't care for the song. She has a good voice, but this was a completely wasted performance. Blake enjoys her aggressiveness and Usher called her voice dope and amazing.
Score: 3 out of 5

Team Blake: Jake Worthington sang Anymore by Travis Tritt-- What a beautiful and sincere performance by Jake. This was such a great song choice for him and genuinely heartfelt. Shakira said that Jake's appeal grows every week. Blake commented on Jake's perfect pitch and the way he lets his emotions flow.
Score: 5 out of 5

Team Shakira: Tess Boyer sang I'll Be There For You by Bon Jovi-- I thought this song was magic for Tess. I loved the way the song fit her vocal range and really showcased the strengths in her voice. She has so many strong points. She is the the woman to beat on Team Shakira. I don't think the song sounded dated, to  me it just sounded like a big power ballad. Blake thinks she is the one to beat on Team Shakira. Usher said the coaches celebrate her since she has been on almost every coach's team.
Score: 5 out of 5

Team Usher: Josh Kaufman sang Stay with Me by Sam Smith-- Perfect song, perfect voice, perfect performance. If we thought it wasn't possible for Josh to outdo himself, we were wrong. Josh was pretty awesome tonight. I loved the dynamics and how the song built to that special place about two thirds of the way through. There's a lot of emotion in this song and that's so perfect for Josh. Shakira declares that she is a fan. Adam thought it was perfect and remains upset that Josh isn't on his team. Blake says Josh is the one to beat on Team Usher.
Score 5 out of 5

Bria, Delvin, and Kat are my bottom three. Keep in mind that this is based on tonight's performances only.

The Voice Season Six: Usher Picks His Final Three

Usher got it right. Completely agreed with his final three.

TJ Wilkins sang Tell Me Something Good by Rufus and Chaka Kahn-- I enjoyed this performance, TJ is someone I have liked watching since his blind audition. Shakira was impressed. Adam liked his ability to entertain people. Usher felt like he did a good job capturing the time of the song.

Melissa Jimenez sang Halo by Beyonce-- Not her best performance. There were lots of shaky spots in this. Shakira brought up the fact that she took a risk, and she did, I agree. Adam felt like there were some beautiful spots, which is true, but there were also some shaky areas as well.

Stevie Jo sang The Thrill is Gone by BB King-- Stevie Jo is an amazing talent, and this is someone I saw going to the end, but I think he ruined his chance by choosing this song. It wasn't right for him. The coaches say he nailed it, but I am not feeling this.

Bria Kelly sang Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones-- This was a great song choice for Bria, it really displayed the rasp in her voice. I think she made a mistake this time around having the guitar with her because it seemed to be a prop and did not enhance her performance. She took a risk though with the song and the arrangement and it did pay off. She made have just bought herself a spot in the final three for Team Usher. Adam said he wished Bria was on his team. Shakira loves her unique voice. Blake loves the soft side of Bria.

Josh Kaufman sang It Will Rain by Bruno Mars-- This was my favorite performance of the night, no surprise. Josh rises to the occasion every time. This was a great song choice for him. I liked how he filled it with so much passion and was also able to make the song his own. Adam is second guessing letting him go (biggest mistake of the season, Adam pitting Delvin and Josh against each other!), and despite that, he still hopes Josh makes it to the top. Blake tells Josh that he is one of Miranda's favorites. Shakira says Josh is one of the biggest talents there.

Usher chooses Josh, Bria, and TJ to move forward as his final three.

Saturday, April 5, 2014

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!)





Saturday, March 22, 2014

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


Saturday, March 1, 2014

The Voice Blind Auditions Season Six: Night One

**4 Chair Turn** Christina Grimmie sang Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus-- I absolutely loved Christina's take on this song, it was different than the original. What was great about it was how powerful her vocals were as the song built and how she went from loud to soft with such control. This is someone I would watch throughout. Adam praised her comfort level on the stage. Shakira said Adam is tired. Usher said he would understand who she is as an artist and how to unlock her full potential. Blake said he just wants to see her win this show. Christina says she loves all of them but ...
Christina chose Adam



TJ Wilkins sang Bennie and the Jets by Elton John-- The three guys turned around, and Shakira should have joined in because TJ has an awesome voice and I loved the way that he sang this. He took Bennie and the Jets and turned it into an even more soulful version of the song. His range was pretty impressive too; he should go far! Adam said he has a unique flair because it was an Elton John song but an R&B performance. Usher thought his creativity is what helps to define him as an artist. Blake joked with him and said his full voice when he goes for high notes in unbelievable. Shakira said mix it up, be adventurous, go with Blake.
TJ chose Usher



Kristen Merlin sang Something More by Sugarland -- An excited Adam and fist pumping Shakira turned around for Kristen. There is something about her voice that's quite different, I just don't know that her voice impressed me in the way that other contestants have. Adam liked the way that she dipped in and out of notes. Blake said he didn't hit his button because she has a fast vibratto and Blake feels Shakira could help her control that. Shakira said if Kristen picks her she would call Miranda to have Miranda coach her to be Kristen's coach.
Kristen chose Shakira

Tanner Linford sang Stay by Rihanna-- No one turned. I actually really liked this kid, at 16, for him to be able to go on stage and sing like that with so much confidence. I wish I had that quality. Adam told him to work on feeling and living the song. Usher said that he hopes Tanner works on his voice and comes back, and he said he would. I am definitely hoping to see him again. Blake said Tanner already has a great voice and something that separates him from others. Adam said don't change when the ladies start falling all over you.

**4 Chair Turn** Biff Gore sang A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke-- Biff is so passionate about music and you can tell that from his performance. Adam was right with what he said, some things are just classic, and you don't want to mess with it, you just want to be a part of it. Shakira asked if she could be his date at the Grammy's when they win this. Usher said individuality is what makes you stand out from the rest. Blake said you just took me to church.
Biff chose Usher (I thought he was going to pick Blake)



Dawn & Hawkes sang I've Just Seen a Face by The Beatles-- I loved this duo so much. They remind me of Alex and Sierra who just won X Factor. There's something about them that is so pure, genuine, and organic. This comes so naturally to them, and I feel like they are going to be in this competition for a while. Adam and Shakira turned. Adam said based on his taste and his roots that was his favorite performance he's ever seen on The Voice. He said that in some way he needs to be a part of their journey. Shakira agreed with Adam and felt embraced by them and captivated by their performance. Usher and Blake threw their support to Shakira but nevertheless....
Dawn & Hawkes chose Adam (Dawn was blown away by Adam's heartfelt speech)



Leo Gallo sang Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke-- Wow, I thought he was entertaining and I actually liked his voice, I am disappointed that the judges didn't turn around, it sure seemed like they were toying with the idea. His range was dope. Blake asked Leo and Adam if they wanted to exchange numbers. Leo said he wanted to dance with one of the judges and said he heard that Blake has moves. Leo then broke out into a dance and the judges were impressed. Adam asked him to come back and hold back on the dancing and focus on his voice.

Jeremy Briggs sang Bad Company by Bad Company-- I liked Jeremy and I think he has a powerful rock voice, but it's a little bit dated, very 80's. Blake and Shakira turned. Blake loved the way he sang through that first verse, it was smooth and had power. Shakira said she is hungry for success, Blake said, "we'll fix you a sandwich". She emphasized how much she wants to win.
Jeremy chose Shakira

Jake Worthington sang Don't Close Your Eyes by Keith Whitley-- He has improved so much. I can't even believe the difference from one year to the next. I loved the fullness and the feeling in his voice; it was touching. Adam turned, then Blake and finally Shakira (who Blake told to turn back around). Adam said I know you were waiting for Blake to turn around, but I did not wait for Blake to turn around. Adam called his performance perfect and Shakira agreed, and Jake said, you're perfect Shakira. Blake said he sang a true country song and asked him if he wanted to start his journey into country music with Adam. Jake said, Adam I appreciate you fighting for me, and my aunt thinks you're the sexiest thing on Earth, but I have to go with Blake.
Jake chose Blake



Karina Mia sang Beneath Your Beautiful by Emeli Sande and Labrinth-- No one turned for her. I agree with Usher, I was waiting for a little more from her, but I agree with Blake's thoughts as well. Blake thought her middle range was spectacular and loved her vibrato.

**4 Chair Turn** Bria Kelly sang Steamroller Blues by James Taylor-- Bria was electrifying, it was almost impossible to believe that that voice came out of her. At 17, to have that level of maturity is incredible. Adam and Blake turned quickly, followed by Shakira, and Usher was the last to turn. Bria had said that her preference for a coach was Adam, but who knows if that will hold true. Adam said I can't believe that was you, and Bria expressed that she feels like she was born in the wrong generation. Usher said she was born in the right generation and it's brought them together.... awwww..... Bria said she used to play country and Blake called her a stud. Shakira said Bria reminds her or herself, and she has an energy that takes over the room. Blake said I am your fan no matter what. Usher tried to bribe her with a Grammy, and Adam joked that if you're Usher you can turn your Grammy's into shoes. I like Usher, but I feel like it was lame that he brought out his Grammy. Like Blake said, what does his Grammy have to do with her?
Bria chose Usher (watch another coach snatch her up after he dumps her, bets?)



Way too many people impressed me on this show.