The Voice Season 7: The Knockouts Provide Some Knock Out Performances

Team Gwen's Bryana Salaz singing Heart Attack by Demi Lovato versus Sugar Jones singing Love on Top by Beyonce-- Bryana took Taylor's notes well and allowed the performance to be understated til the end. Then she belted it at the end and it sounded amazing. Sugar sounded so on point throughout the entire performance and Love on Top is not by any means an easy song to sing. The key change was seamless. I was surprised because Gwen ended up choosing Bryana because of how she grew in the competition. Pharrell lives up to his promise and stole Sugar. Pharrell, I agree with you my friend, she's old school soul.
My opinion: Sugar with a steal for Bryana
Winner: Bryana with Pharrell stealing Sugar

Team Blake's James David Carter singing You've Got a Friend by James Taylor versus Grffin singing As Long As You Love Me by Justin Bieber-- I liked Griffin singing this song but I expected him to do even more with it than he did (even though he did more than Bieber). I expected him to pull out a big note and he didn't. Like Blake, I was skeptical of James' choice but he proved to me that he could take a classic song and bring it to the present. Gwen called James' performance believable and said it gave her goosebumps. Adam said Griffin's performance was a man's version of that song. Blake said he was wrong about doubting James on choosing that song.
My opinion: James
Winner: James

Team Pharrell's Danica Shirley singing Saving All My Love For You by Whitney Houston versus Katriz Trinidad singing Superwoman by Alicia Keys-- Taylor said Danica's insecurity fuels her talent. Taylor said Katriz's voice is effortless and powerful. Blake said Katriz you stepped up and Danica, you are a perfect singer. Pharrell said Katriz has grown in every performance, and Danica, you're like a unicorn, you've had an incredible transformation.
My opinion: Danica broke through and Adam thinks she has a chance of winning
Winner: Danica

Team Adam's Damien singing How Do I Live by Leann Rimes versus Toia Jones singing Crazy in Love by Beyonce-- Taylor said Damien really got her and he is so vulnerable and so strong. Taylor said play on the "crazy" part of the song. Wow, Damien's performance was so genuine and heartfelt. I absolutely loved how he breathed so much R&B influence into the song, almost personalizing it to himself. Toia's runs were amazing, and she just full out performed the song. Blake, Pharrell, and Gwen said they would go with Toia. Adam said that both of them made great song choices and were fantastic.
My opinion: Damien with a steal for Toia
Winner: Damien (no steal for Toia :-( )

Team Blake's Jessie Pitts singing Your Song by Elton John (Ellie Goulding version) versus Tanner Linford singing Calling All Angels by Train-- Jessie had such a beautiful performance. Tanner is impressive for a young man his age, but Jessie's purity in vocal makes her my choice. Pharrell said both of them have bright futures but he would give it to Jessie. Gwen thought Tanner gave a great performance, and Jessie was off the charts. Adam said Jessie is only going to get better. Blake said Tanner you're a good singer and a presence, I'm proud of you. Jessie you sound like you've already been produced when you sing into the microphone.
My opinion: Jessie
Winner: Jessie

Team Pharrell's Luke Wade Rich Girl by Hall & Oates singing versus Taylor Phelan singing Rather Be by Clean Bandit-- Taylor said I want to hear Luke on the radio, I want to buy his album, I can't even describe his tone to you. T-Swift urged Taylor to put down the guitar and he performed much better. Wowza! Luke's performance was so kick--ass! I loved every single moment, there was so much soul and Luke's signature was all over the performance. I love Taylor's song choice and I do like how he put his own spin on a song that is popular right now. I enjoyed both performances, I give the edge to Luke but I think Taylor is going to get stolen. Adam said I don't think there's a winner, it's apples and oranges and you two are the best apples and oranges this show has.
My opinion: edge to Luke, Taylor gets stolen
Winner: Luke, and there's a 3 way steal for Taylor. Taylor chose Adam because he has wanted to get him on his team every single round.

Battles Continue on Season 7 of The Voice

Team Pharrell's Jordy Searcy versus Taylor Phelan singing Break Even by The Script-- For some reason, I do not remember Jordy. I like Taylor's voice a lot. They're a well matched team but Taylor's voice is so impactful. Blake said there is something special about Taylor. Adam admires how much Jordy has improved but likes Taylor's stage presence.
My opinion: Taylor
Winner: Taylor

Team Adam's Alessandra Castronovo versus Joe Kirk singing Stay by Rihanna-- I love Joe! He is so good and so talented. Alessandra has some weird inflections in her voice that make it sound like her voice is going to crack. It just makes her sound a little bit off. In rehearsals, Joe is the stronger and better singer. I will admit that in the battle they are both excellent. I would still choose Joe though. Blake said Joe gave the most beautiful vocal he has ever heard. Pharrell commented on Alessandra's beautiful voice and the fact that Joe has a great career ahead of him. Someone should have stole Joe!
My opinion: Joe over Alessandra with a steal for Alessandra
Winner: Alessandra

Team Blake's Grant Ganzer versus John Martin-- Grant wins.
Team Adam's Rebekah Samarin versus Clara Hong-- Rebekah wins.
Team Blake's Tanner Linford versus Justin Johnes-- Tanner wins

Team Gwen's Menlik Zergabachew versus Troy Ritchie singing Maneater by Hall & Oates-- For me, Troy wins this battle because his style is great on this battle. However, I need to say that Menlik definitely deserves a steal! I love the rhythm that these guys brought to the song. Adam says he is a moron for not turning for Troy and says these two have made the biggest leap of the blinds thus far. Blake says it was the best battle of the day. Pharrell says he didn't realize that Troy is as great as he is. He says Menlik shined in that battle. Gwen said it was a hard decision and she wishes she could put them in a blender and make one of them and Adam said, that sounds horrible, don't you dare hurt them!
My opinion: Troy wins, Menlik gets the steal
Winner: Troy wins and Adam and Pharrell go for the steal on Menlik who ends up choosing Pharrell

The Voice Season 7: Night 4 As the Blind Auditions Continue

Katriz Trinidad sang At Last-- This girl is mature beyond her years, to be 15 and have a voice like that is unreal. I loved the control of hers and the runs were so point. She should have been a four chair turn for sure. Adam what were you thinking? Pharrell says he has been dreaming of a singer like Katriz for his whole career. Blake wants Katriz to pick him because she's going to be a star and they can win this thing.
Team Pharrell

Ethan Butler sang Beneath Your Beautiful-- I liked Ethan's voice but I didn't necessarily like the song choice for him, and I didn't like the arrangement of the song. His voice was really smooth, and I liked how he would every once and a while add little jazz nuances. Blake and Adam turned. Adam claimed that he acted cool and collected so that Gwen and Pharrell wouldn't turn around.
Team Adam

Tanner Linford sang When You Say Nothing At All-- I actually remember Tanner from last year. I wish he had picked a different song, this is a technically tough song to sing. I do see the improvement though. Blake has a lot of work to do, but Blake is the perfect coach for him. Blake being the only one who turned means that it was meant to be. He told Tanner that he believes she shakiness in his lower register was due to nerves.
Team Blake

Roem Baur sang Pretty Woman-- no chair turns

Jean Kelly sang Already Gone-- What I liked about Jean is that her voice is distinct, and she added so much drama to the performance. I love what she did with this already awesome Kelly Clarkson song. She hit some great notes at the end of the song. Blake and Gwen turned at the last minute. The two of them turning for a contestant this season is a pattern. Blake said he felt like she was a real singer when he heard that note at the end. Gwen liked her range, style, and vibe. Jean said growing up she was inspired by Gwen and when she got older she was inspired by the way Blake coaches.
Team Gwen

Chris Jamison sang Gravity-- Very well deserved four chair turn! Chris is so talented. I love how he changed up this song, and to me, made it even better than the original. Blake and Pharrell were on their feet after the performance was over. Adam said he could tone down some of the technical stuff. Pharrell said he got lost in the moment. Blake said he would give Chris the spotlight on his team.
Team Adam

Craig Wayne Boyd sang The Whiskey Ain't Working-- Craig is a full out country rocker. I enjoyed his voice. Blake and Pharrell turned. Blake said he liked how Craig brings an edge to country music. Pharrell liked the growl in his voice.
Team Blake

Tini Grey sang Sara Smile-- no chair turns, this was a little disappointing. I am not going to lie.

Toia Jones sang One and Only--Wow, what a powerful performance. Toia has a big voice, no lie. I love how she looked up to the heavens and God when she finished her performance. Pharrell and Adam turned, and Pharrell loved how she sang from the heart, and how he felt her spirit.
Team Pharrell

Amanda Lee Peers sang Put the Gun Down-- Amanda doesn't have a great voice, but what sells it is her attitude and personality. That sells her performance. No one turns around except Gwen, but this is a match made in heaven.
Team Gwen

Montage...
Gianna Salvato sang Glitter in the Air-- Team Gwen
Rebekah Samarin sang A Case of You-- Team Adam
Grant Ganzer sang Unaware-- Team Blake

Jonathan Wyndham sang Say Something-- The song I will never get sick of hearing, so beautiful. Jonathan's voice is incredibly smooth, another awesome four chair turn. Gwen loved how sincere he sounded, and how as the song went on he became stronger and stronger. Adam said he liked his vulnerability but wanted him to get control of his nerves. Pharrell thinks he should be so proud of himself. Blake felt like Jonathan was telling a story with that song.
Team Adam

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.