The Voice Season 25: Amazed by the Top 9!

Team Reba: Josh Sanders sang White Horse by Chris Stapleton-- What an awesome performance for Josh. I love this song for him. I can see him recording this right now. Josh is interesting in some of the other contestants in that he has been on an upward trajectory in this competition for a few weeks now. He keeps getting better. John loved that he showed a different side of himself and that he is a force to be reckoned with. Reba said it was wonderful and drew the audience in. 

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo sang Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper-- I don't know what it is, but Madison keeps reminding me of Selena in every amazing way possible. She sounded so dreamy and strong. Her vocal was confident and emotional. Chance said he was blown away, she has a unique tone, and she has such a future ahead of her. He mentioned that her vocals sound like 90s Disney soundtracks which is pretty cool. Dan said you keep getting better and better, Chance leaned over to me and said she is so fire. Shay said she radiates light and is someone he would want his kids to look up to. 

Bryan, Maddi, and Nathan sang Just Like Heaven by The Cure-- This song really suited Bryan the best, but I felt like the other artists made the best of it.  

Team Chance: Serenity Arce sang We Can't Be Friends by Ariana Grande-- I loved this. I thought the song was a great choice for Serenity. It felt like she related, and really felt the song. It was contemporary and very much in line with the type of record I could see Serenity making. Reba said she sang beautifully and Chance was proud of her and liked how the song highlighted her voice. 

Tae, Karen, and Josh sang Forever Young by Rod Stewart-- I think this was my fave trio, they sounded great together and complimented each other. 

Team Chance: Maddi Jane sang Greedy by Tate McRae-- What I enjoy about Maddi is her versatility, she can literally sing just about anything and any genre. I love this song and it was a great performance. I don't know how it stands up against everyone else in the competition but I sure do enjoy listening to her and watching her. Chance said it was a Grammy level performance to him. 

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding-- This guy does it every time. He is such a throwback and so true to who he is as an artist. I loved this from start to finish. He is the complete package, such an entertainer, and everyone was on their feet. John said that was incredible, the journey you took us on, the crowd went crazy. 

Madison, Asher, and Serenity sang Fix You by Coldplay-- This was so angelic and soothing. I loved their vocals. 

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen sang Against All Odds by Phil Collins-- Good song choice for Bryan. I liked this so much better than last week. Bryan took his time and it seemed that the song had meaning for him.  John loved the performance said he felt Bryan connected with the song. He said he approached each note with patience. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang Stay by Sugarland-- Beautiful song choice for Karen and beautiful vocal. I thought it would be old fashioned but instead it was beautiful. Dan and Shay said it was unbelievable and felt that she wore her heart on her sleeve with that performance.  

Team Reba: Asher Havon sang Irreplaceable by Beyonce-- This is so amazing! He did this song in his own style and it was an anthem!!! I just smiled and had some tears at the end, Asher is awesome, I love his confidence and who he is. John said my dad texted me this week and said Asher is the voice. You are the best vocalist in this competition. Reba said you floored me, I am so proud of you, thank you for shining for God, you did such a great job. 

Team Dan and Shay: Tae Lewis sang Amazed by Lonestar-- Another great song choice tonight. This is such a good song for Tae. I liked the small changes he made to make it his own but he kept that strong and recognizable melody. Dan felt his performance was iconic, and called it incredible. Shay said how do you not love Tae Lewis, you have fought for your success on this show. Nashville is proud of you and we're proud of you forever. 

Top 5 Prediction (in more particular order)

Team Reba: Asher Havon

Team Legend: Nathan Chester

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo

Team Chance: Serenity Arce

Final spot is such a toss up between Team Dan and Shay Karen Waldrup and Team Reba Josh Sanders 

The Voice Season 25: John and Dan and Shay Pick Their Playoff Teams

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang Oh Darling! by The Beatles-- Reba says he had her at the beginning. Chance loved his choreography and tone. Dan and Shay said it was his best performance. John agreed and liked his conviction. Wow! Everyone was on their feet, for me, that was a masterclass performance. Nathan is a force to be reckoned with. He has so much passion and you can tell he really wants this. This performance was EVERYTHING!

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang Heart Like a Truck by Lainey Wilson-- Reba said she wanted Karen on her team. Chance loves how she interacts with the crowd and her confidence. Dan and Shay are proud of how she has progressed. There is no denying Karen's voice. I think she has experienced more growth than the majority of the contestants on the show this season. 

Team Legend: Kamalei Kawa'a sang No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley-- Reba loves how he conveys strength in his singing. John likes how he is honoring Bob Marley's legacy. I wish John had pushed Kamalei to diversify his song selection more. I think he has a good voice but I feel like I have heard him sing all the same type of song. 

Team Dan and Shay: Anya True sang All Too Well by Taylor Swift-- John says it felt like the right song for her and he found her performance compelling. Dan and Shay said it was their fave Anya performance. 

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen sang Africa by Toto-- John said he was glad that he used his playoff pass on Bryan cause he deserved it. He said he felt like he was at Bryan's concert. Reba called him the perfect package. Chance said he is 100% a rockstar. 

Team Dan and Shay: Olivia Rubini sang I'll Stand by You by The Pretenders-- John said Olivia you are always such a wonderful singer. You were trying to find some rock and roll in your voice but it wasn't the right place for this song. I agree with John, I didn't like how she put those random high parts in there. 

Team Legend: Mafe sang Someone Like You by Adele-- Chance said I think she should go to the lives. Shay said you're an amazing singer and should definitely go to the lives. Shay didn't like the melodic changes she made; John disagreed. Great song choice for Mafe! I loved this, she also gets into a place where she does similar song but she is special enough. 

Team Day and Shay: Tae Lewis sang Runnin' Outta Moonlight by Randy Hauser-- I thought this performance was good. I think Tae is someone you can count on to always deliver a consistent performance. Chance said he would put Tae on his playoff team. Reba said that everyone wants to hear what Tae is going to do next. Dan and Shay felt he delivered. 

Team Legend: Zoe Levert sang Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls-- Chance said it was his favorite performance. Chance said she is so captivating. Dan has loved every performance she has done. Reba said girl toy brought, your voice, your stage presence, your look, absolutely beautiful. John you gotta take her to the lives. John said Zoe is becoming a star before our eyes. She's contender for me, she's unique, she's true to herself. I love Zoe. 

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo sang Landslide by Fleetwood Mac-- Reba said I love your voice, you gave me chills. Chance said I want a copy of that performance, I want to listen to it again. John said what you did up there felt so easy. Shay said I could talk about you all night. I loved that! I was definitely getting Selena vibes but she is also all her own. That was so touching and heartfelt. 

My picks for John: Nathan, Mafe, and Zoe 

My picks for Dan and Shay: Karen, Tae, and Madison

UPDATE: 

The only one I got wrong.... I picked Mafe, John picked Bryan who I do think it actually talented. The rest I got totally right, 5/6! 

The Voice Season 25: Surprisingly Jaded Beginning to the Knockouts

Team Reba: Asher HaVon sang Unbreak My Heart by Toni Braxton versus Tae Lewis sang Nothin' on You by Cody Johnson-- Asher sounded amazing, I love how he sang the song the way a man would sing it. The tone of his voice is incredible, the runs he did at the end, and the way he improvised and made the song his own is proof that he should continue in this competition. Tae's performance was so soulful. I can see him being on the radio and being a country star right now. Chance said it was one of the best performances he has seen on The Voice. Dan and Shay said Asher's runs were intentional, Tae stepped up. John said Asher was regal and his low notes were sang with so much power. He said Tae sang the hell out of that. John promised a spot for whoever did not get chosen. Reba voiced how proud she is of both of them. 
Reba chose Asher and everyone tried to steal Tae!! Tae chose Dan and Shay.

Team Dan and Shay: Olivia Rubini sang Tiny Dancer by Elton John versus Frank Garcia sang El Triste-- I think it's hard to sing in Spanish with a song that is not particularly well known. I think Olivia is the stronger vocalist, but I think this was the wrong song for her. I would have liked to have seen her sing something more contemporary like a Tate McRae or Olivia Rodrigo. John compliments the richness of Frank's voice and the range of Olivia's. Dan and Shay said Frank blew them away and Olivia came such a long way from rehearsals. Dan and Shay chose Olivia. 

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang Fooled Around and Fell in Love by Elvin Bishop versus Val T. Webb sang Sweet Love by Anita Baker-- Nathan is a throwback to another time. I just love the ease of his voice and the songs he chooses for himself, he knows who he is as an artist. I think Val is great, seasoned pro, and strong voice, but I am leaning more towards Nathan, I am just more excited with his vocal and the total package. Dan and Shay loved the way Nathan got into the performance and there was something that moved them about his performance. John loved the high's of Val's performance. With Nathan, there was something cinematic about his performance, like he was living in another time and bringing that character to life. John chose Nathan. 

Team Chance: Dani Stacy sang Jaded by Miley Cyrus versus Serenity Arce sang Unfaithful by Rihanna-- Loved Dani's performance, song choice was great for her, and she made the song her own. She didn't do it exactly the way Miley does which was great, but she has some of that rasp that Miley does. It seemed that Serenity struggled a little through that. Chance said Dani you are a talented vocalist and I loved your passion on stage. Serenity you took a lot of risks, but compared to other performances, this was not as solid. Chance chose Serenity because she is passionate and was willing to go for it with her performance. 

Team Reba: Ashley Bryant sang Heads Carolina, Tails California by Jo Dee Messina versus Josh Sanders sang Wild as Her by Corey Kent-- Josh gave an awesome performance. I loved it, I feel like he took all the feedback Reba and Keith Urban gave him. I felt that performance. Ashley was great too! I feel like she has grown quite a bit in this competition. Chance said cool performance to Ashley, but I wanted more risks. Josh you took all the risks, he's leaning more toward Josh. Shay said Josh that last note was absolute fire. Dan and Shay would give the edge to Josh. John loved the cry in Ashley's voice; Josh, you stuck the landing with that note at the end. Reba said I love you both, thanks for taking the journey. Reba chose Josh. 

Team Dan and Shay: Anya True sang Runaway by Aurora versus Kyle Schuesler sang Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur-- I have to be honest, the song Anya chose did not resonate with me at all. I enjoy her as an artist and vocalist but I was not moved by that performance. I dislike the song choice but I think Kyle is a little stronger as a vocalist and understands his identity as an artist a little better than Anya. John liked Anya's tone; Kyle your voice has a magical and powerful quality. He would go with Kyle. Chance said Kyle I get excited to see you perform; Anya I really like your voice, so delicate. He'd lean towards Anya. Dan and Shay said that they needed more time. They chose Anya. Chance stole Kyle. 

Who did I love from tonight? 

Asher, Tae, Nathan, and Kyle. Serenity is talented but fell a little for me tonight. 

 

The Voice Season 25: We Don't Need Another Hero! The Battles Begin

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen and Nathan Chester sang Rolling in the Deep by Adele-- Thought both of them were great. They made this song brand new to me and I loved this version of it. Both are strong vocalists, I think I'd give the edge to Bryan but Nathan was great too. Reba said the performance was incredible and she loved the harmony. She couldn't choose. Chance said Nathan had strong personality and he loved Bryan's dynamics. He also could not choose a winner. Dan said they were locked in and in sync. Dan and Shay said that they could not choose a winner. John chose Nathan and gave Bryan his playoff pass!  Dan and Shay and Reba tried to steal. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup versus Ryan Argast sang Save Me the Trouble by Dan and Shay-- The song lended itself so well to both of them and both of their voices. They were so good. I felt like they both came up big here. Ryan has that rasp in his voice and Karen is just special. John said he regrets nnot having turned for Karen. Reba said you guys are a great duet. Chance said Ryan was more passionate but Karen you're a true talent. Dan said your presence on stage Ryan is incredible. Karen you rose to the occasion. Shea said Karen your voice reminds me of old country and Ryan you're a powerhouse. Dan and Shay chose Karen to move on. 

Team Reba: L. Rodgers versus Tae Lewis sang We Don't Fight Anymore by Chris Stapleton-- Wow! They were both amazing, two powerhouses in their own regard. I loved both of them and the passion and emotion that they poured in, I'd give the edge to Tae, but I loved both of them. Chance said Tae your pitch and control, and L you were right there. Dan said you covered the heck out of that. Shay said I have no idea what you should do. John said your range is crazy Tae. Reba said she could not have asked for more than that. Reba chose Tae to move forward. She used her playoff pass on L. 

Team Chance: Gabriel Goes versus Kamalei Kawa sang Over the Rainbow-- So well done, each of them is so unique, so true to who he is but at the same time, came together to make this beautiful performance. Loved the ending, so good! Shay loved the energy that they brought. Song selection was awesome and it brought good vibes. Dan and Shay didn't choose. John said Gabriel you do unexpected things with your voice, Kamalei you're so graceful. Reba said you two are both opposite, Kamalei I love your voice, and Gabriel you have a great voice too. Chance said Gabriel everyone likes you, and you rise to every occasion. He loved the heart that Kamalei brought to the performance. Chance chose Kamalei. 

Team Legend: OK3 versus Zoe Levert sang The Bones by Maren Morris-- Great song choice! Love this. Zoe did a great job of shining against three artists. Reba thought it was incredible. She said Zoe you kinda blew me away. Chance said Zoe you surprised me, you were like a pop star. It was close but I'd go with Zoe. Shay said Zoe you were incredible, you felt so intentional to me. He would go with OK3 cause of their harmonies. John was impressed with how Zoe sounded like a lead singer. He chose Zoe. 

Team Reba: Alyssa Crosby versus Asher HaVon sang We Don't Need Another Hero by Tina Turner-- They were awesome! I loved their vocals, they were equally strong. Chance said Asher your tone is incredible. Alyssa you came through. Asher you are gonna do amazing things on the show. Shay said you were incredible. Dan said Asher you blew me away. John said Alyssa you made it clear you're an artist to be reckoned with. Asher, Reba should be proud, you're a powerhouse vocalist. Reba said Asher your voice is round and full. Alyssa, you made me proud I turned for you. Reba chose Asher. Chance stole Alyssa. 

The Voice Season 25: Week 1, The Blinds Made Me Look

Premiere Night, Episode 1:

Dani Stacey sang I Will Survivor by Gloria Gaynor-- 4 Chair Turn! She deserves it, I love her smoky voice, and her whole fresh new take on a disco classic. She has a unique rock/ folk sound to her voice. She reminded me of like Jewel. The coaches were all standing at the end. Chance used his block on Reba. Reba is disappointed she was blocked because she loved Dani's performance. Dan and Shay love that she knows who she is. Chance called the performance amazing and said he was hyped at the possibility of working with her. Dani went with Team Chance. 

Justin and Jeremy Garcia sang The Story of my Life by One Direction-- Chance, Reba, and Dan and Shay turned around. I need to agree with John on this one. It could have been tighter. I liked it but I would not have turned. I will say, It was commendable that they lost their way and then found their way back. Chance commended them for that. Reba was moved by their humility and they took her back to her childhood. Dan and Shay said they are the perfect team for Justin and Jeremy because they're a duo too. 

Tae Lewis sang Somebody Like You by Keith Urban-- This performance was amazing. I loved the soul and passion that Tae brought to the song. John turned almost immediately. Reba turned right after he did this amazing run. John called Tae's voice electric, Reba said, like John, Wikipedia says she is a "legend" too. Tae ended up choosing Reba. 

Ryan Argast sang Speechless by Dan and Shay-- I L O V E this Dan and Shay song, it's a fave of mine. I loved the texture and gravel in Ryan's voice. Dan and Shay have a chat and decide to turn for Ryan, and they are the only ones who do. They also join him on stage for a chorus of Speechless. 

Nadege sang Get You by Daniel Caesar-- She has such a different style and tone. John and Chance both turned. John loved how stylish her musical choices are. Her name means hope in French. She said her first song she performed was Ordinary People so John got on stage and sang with her. Dan and Shay both said that they cannot imagine Nadege on anyone else's team but John's. Reba said Nadege is going to have a great time with either renegade she chooses. She chose Chance. 

Josh Sanders sang Whiskey on You by Nate Smith-- I am a fan of Nate Smith and I love this song and I loved how Josh held out those notes and there was a lot of power behind them. Dan and Shay said that's a tough song to sing and Nate is our guy. Reba says she loved his vocal and power. Josh said he sings in church. Josh chose Reba. 

OK 3 sang Made You Look by Meghan Trainor-- These girls are awesome! They met through their vocal coach. I loved, not only their voices, but their performance! They are a well deserved four chair turn. John says it felt like a mini concert. John says he used to arrange music for groups and he feels their is a space for a girl group. Dan and Shay say that they are in a group so they relate. Chance says he has had success with a group before. Reba says she loved the harmonies. OK 3 chooses Team Legend. 

Episode 2: 

Nathan Chester sang Take Me to The River by Al Green-- This is one of my fave types of performances. Nathan sounded so throwback to me, he sounded like The Temptations. There was so much gospel influence. I loved the growl in his voice. John turned and then Dan and Shay turned. Chance said he thought Nathan's voice was great but he didn't turn because he had a vision of Nathan being on John's team. John said I turned quickly because I am selective and you've got it. John said having Nathan from Chi Town on my team will be the perfect match. Dan and Shay said John is a beautiful man but we'd love to have you on our team, you're a star. Nathan chose John. 

Maddi Jane sang Escapism by Raye-- Maddi is interesting! I enjoyed her versatility, she was switching between rapping and singing. John, Dan and Shay, and Reba turned quickly, and then Chance turned at the end. Maddi said she is from Chicago and John said he feels at a disadvantage. He said that was so fun to listen to, you're a star, you have such confidence and stage presence. Dan and Shay said she was incredible and worked the stage. Chance said come get on team Chance and she said you're gonna need to do more than that. He said you deserve more than that. He critiqued her breath control, but he said she's a star. Reba said she was surprised to hear her singing voice after hearing her rap. 

Donny Van Slee sang Greatest Love Story by LANCO-- I absolutely LOVED his voice and this song choice for him. This was legit amazing. John says he loved his raspy tone. Donny said he is a big Chance fan and John commented that Chance may have had a chance had he turned. Reba blocked Dan and Shay so since they were the only coaches who turned Donny joined Team Reba. 

Karen Waldrup sang Bye Bye by Jo Dee Messina-- Dan and Shay turned and then they blocked Reba who was the only other chair to turn. I have to be honest and say I was not crazy about this performance, Karen joined Team Dan and Shay. 

Gabriel Goes sang What I Got by Sublime-- Gabriel is a character. He has a unique voice and tone. I enjoyed his spirit. Chance was the only one who turned so he joined Team Chance. I could see him being a dark horse in this competition. 

Gene Taylor sang Lights by Journey-- What an amazing vocalist and artist; this was an incredible performance. John turned first early on, followed by Dan and Shay, Reba, and then Chance. These four chair turn contestants are incredible. John said you had so much finesse and that was so expertly done. John said you and I working together could go far. Dan and Shay said you have so much power and control, you're such a pro. Chance said I was last to turn because I was so invested, your town is so different. Reba said you were working the crowd. Gene chose John.