The Voice Season 7: The Live Shows Team Adam and Team Blake

From Team Blake: Taylor Brashears sang Long Time Gone by The Dixie Chicks-- Adam liked her confidence that is so cool to watch. Pharrell likes that she is a nostalgic throw back style to her, and Gwen talked about her effortlessness. Blake said her personality comes together with her voice and her sound, I actually really liked this. I found Taylor a little bit weak in past rounds but she came out and proved why she deserves to be in the lives.

From Team Adam: Chris Jamison sang Don't by Ed Sheeran-- Blake thought he did a great job. Pharrell liked his performance. Gwen likes the way he performs and uses his body up on the stage. Adam liked the way he contained the song and how controlled and balanced that it was. I loved Chris because I can recognize just from listening to that song on the radio how difficult it is to sing; he did it justice. Chris also has his own style which is refreshing, I can hear him on the radio now.

From Team Blake: Jessie Pitts sang Holding Out for a Hero by Bonnie Tyler-- Adam said she has a lot to be proud of. I wasn't too thrilled about this performance, it was a little bit old fashioned for me

From Team Blake: James David Carter sang Two of a Kind by Garth Brooks-- Pharrell said you owned the performance, I loved it. Gwen said your voice is so beautiful you already sound like you recorded. Your face is working the room, you're natural and professional. Adam said congratulations, another great one, Blake's an idiot but you're awesome. Blake said I can always count on you to be my rock, you always do great. I loved this song choice for James, and agreed with Gwen's comment, he does sound like he has already recorded. His voice is so perfect.

From Team Adam: Matt McAndrew sang God Only Knows by The Beach Boys-- Blake said that was sung perfectly. Pharrell said that was awesome, Brian Wilson fans and Matt McAndrew fans are super pleased. Gwen said it's a risky song and you have so much personality and uniqueness. Adam said you're fearless, unique, sincere, and you blow me away every time, you're just incredible. Again, another great song choice. Matt's voice was so clear in this performance. I loved what he did with the song, he stayed try to the style but put his own signature on it.

From Team Blake: Reagan James sang Try by Colbie Caillat-- Gwen said it touched her that Reagan listened to her, and she loved how she sang and played the guitar effortlessly. Blake said you're one of the most important artists we've ever had on The Voice. Thank you for bringing that type of emotion to this show. I thought it was a heart felt and sincere performance. I thought that it could have been her song, the lyrics fit her well, nice song choice Blake!

From Team Adam: Taylor Phelan sand Cool Kids by Echosmith-- Pharrell said he is so proud of Taylor. Adam said you keep impressing everybody and I cannot even believe that you were available for me to steal. This song was Taylor's wheelhouse, it expressed who he is as an artist.

From Team Adam: Mia Pffirrman sang Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Ray-- Blake said your voice is perfect for that type of performance. You held it together. Pharrell said you were the star of that performance and it was your essence. Adam said Mia was so receptive to what he told her. He could hear the tone of her voice and is super amazed with what she did. You should be super confident and happy about what happened. I loved the way that Mia made this a very sweeping version of the song. It was totally gorgeous.

From Team Adam: Damien sang I'm Not the Only One by Sam Smith-- Blake said you can combine a soft smooth voice with power and range. He said great song choice. Pharrell said your voice goes up and down, it's amazing. Gwen said you have truth in you that is speaking to everyone, you're amazing. I'm blessed to sit and watch that. Adam said the whole country felt that performance. Damien took it to a whole other level, everyone should honestly be on their feet. This guy has such emotion every time he comes out and performs, it's just not real.

From Team Blake: Craig Wayne Boyd sang Some Kind of Wonderful by Gerry Goffin-- Pharrell said I told you when I met you stay on your path, keep going. Gwen said you look awesome, you sounded amazing. Blake thought it was the performance of the night, there was so much power, muscle, and stage presence. I can't believe I got the chance to have you back, you beat the odds every time. I love how Craig is so original and he marches to his own beat, it's truly awesome. His voice does have just so much power in it.


Predictions:

Team Adam:
Top 2: Matt McAndrew and Damien
Adam will save-- Wowza, toss up between Chris and Mia. I'd go with Chris

Team Blake:
Top 2: Reagan James and James David Carter
Blake will save-- Craig Wayne Boyd, he's not losing him twice

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 2

Overall, this was another underwhelming night. I don't feel the contestants are as talented as in years past. 

Danica Shirley sang Big White Room-- I was underwhelmed with this performance, there
was nothing that stood out for me, nothing special, and therefore, I have to give big props to
Blake for being the only judge with enough guts not to turn around. Danica, prove me
wrong, but this was mediocre.
Team Pharrell because she wanted to make him "happy"

Joe Kirk sang Lego House-- A very deserving four chair turn! I loved this, great phrasing on the lyrics and a sweet voice. He could be Adam's little bro. Adam liked his confidence, Pharrell thought he was a beast, and Gwen liked his tone but told him to loosen up on stage.
Team Adam

Menlik Zergabachew sang Santeria-- I loved the creative liberties he took with this performance. The style of the song suited him well, and then he dropped all these other little nuances into it. It was really nice. Blake turned around very early in the song and Gwen came in at the very last minute. I actually would have picked Blake. He asked Gwen if he would let him do reggae and Blake said he would let him too. Blake offered to make him a drink rather than getting a Team Gwen t shirt. I would have taken the drink personally. Blake called the performance "technically perfect".
Team Gwen

Jimi Milligan sang Get Ready-- No chair turns this time around. 

Reagan James sang Give Me Love-- Another Blake verse Gwen battle. Love her voice, she reminds me a little bit of early Gwen with the pitch of her voice. Gwen begs for Reagan to be on her team. Blake says he knows what it takes to win the competition. He loves Reagan's mix of falsetto and full voice. She says R&B is her favorite music but she does right and picks Blake. They are going to be a major threat as a team. 

Team Blake 

Taylor Phelan sang Sweater Weather-- A four chair turn. I am unsure whether or not this warranted four chairs. I liked the performance and certainly liked how in the zone he was but I would have liked to see another song on him. The judges even gave him a standing ovation. I am obviously a little bit confused this season. Adam pitches that he turned around first. Gwen felt like she was at a rock concert. Pharrell said Taylor's guitar was like part of his body, and Blake said he's never seen someone so locked into stage presence.
Team Pharrell

Caitlin Lucia sang You're the One That I Want-- No chair turns for the lackluster performance. 

Sugar Jones sang Chain of Fools-- I wonder if Sugar Jones is her real name? Anyhow, I did like her voice, she has to learn to control the growling because too much of that can be annoying. Gwen and Blake both turned at the last minute, Gwen calling her voice "perfect" and Blake saying that he wants to sing "Me and Mrs. Jones" with her desperately. 
Team Gwen

Taylor Brashears sang You Ain't Woman Enough to Take My Man-- Taylor has tons of attitude in her voice and obviously her style would suit a partnership with Blake. Adam and Pharrell turned fairly quickly while Blake said that he wanted to hear the whole song because it's one that is close to his heart. 
Team Blake 

Andy Cherry sang Everybody Want to Rule the World-- I think he tried to make this too different from the original and that's why no one turned. 

Maiya Sykes sang Stay with Me-- I liked Maiya, she seems like an experienced vocalist, and she has a powerful voice. This was a four chair turn with Pharrell on his feet almost the entire time. Blake thinks she can win the show. Pharrell tells her to follow her ambitions. Gwen welcomes Maiya to her team, and Adam reminds Maiya that he has won three trophies. Maiya decides to go with Pharrell because he stood up for her. I am not sure that's a good reason to choose him but I do think this is a good match. 
Team Pharrell