The Voice Season 25: Happier than ever watching the top 12 in the lives...

Team Legend: Bryan Olesen sang Don't Stop Me Now by Queen-- Good song choice in theory for Bryan but it felt too big for him at times, almost like it got away from him. The coaches were all positive with their feedback though saying that they felt like he was opening an award show. 

Team Dan and Shay: Tae Lewis sang 19 You and Me by Dan and Shay-- Tae has such a great voice and basically sounds good with anything he chooses. Reba is thrilled he is still in the competition and says how much he deserves to be here. Dan and Shay tell him to soak in the moment. 

Team Chance: Maddi Jane sang Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish-- I love Maddi's range and I continue to be a fan of her. I am unsure whether this was the right song choice for her. John says she has been a star since the beginning and made the song her own. Chance says he is proud of her. 

Team Reba: L Rodgers sang Up to the Mountain by Patty Griffin-- This is a perfect song choice for L. Something I love about her is how she feels the music and lyrics. Dan and Shay said she looks and sounds beautiful. Reba said that when L sings she really feels it and that's because she feels it first. 

Team Dan and Shay: Madison Curbelo sang Yesterday by The Beatles-- What a heartfelt and genuine performance by Madison, this was such a beautiful choice that showcased her vocal. Hopefully the audience will connect with her performance and vote her through. Shay said he was so proud oh her, and he said when you sing, I feel something. It's not just your voice, but your spirit, your soul, your joy, and I am so glad that we get to be a part of it. 

Team Reba: Asher HaVon sang I'll Make Love to You by Boyz II Men-- I loved this performance by Asher! I loved his runs and how he kept the melody of the song but at points put his own spin on it. I also enjoy how he continually changes up his look. This was the first real and complete performance of the night. All the coaches were on their feet. Chance said yea man that was crazy, if anyone out of Team Chance should win, it's you, you're an incredibly talented vocalist. Reba said the Lord put you on this Earth to sing, thank you to God for letting you be here with us for this time. 

Team Legend: Zoe Levert sang Stick Season by Noah Kahan-- I thought this was such a great performance. This Noah Kahan song is exactly her jive, exactly what she should be singing and represents who she is as an artist. Dan said he was honored that Zoe used their song for her wedding. They loved her performance and thought that she was spot on and in the pocket. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack-- I like how Karen is showing her artistry by playing the guitar and singing. The song choice and delivery was a little bit old fashioned for me but I do think she could have a career in country music right now. Reba said I am so happy for you, you did a wonderful job, and you sounded spectacular. Shay said younger you would have sang this song to you. I am so proud of you. 

Team Chance: Serenity Arce sang Traitor by Olivia Rodrigo-- I agree with Chance, I think what makes Serenity so special is the way she connects with every song. This performance was no exception. The whole thing was amazing. Dan said that was sick, so powerful, I can't believe you're only 17, that blows my mind. Chance said you make the stage your own every time, your performances are heartfelt and intentional. 

Team Chance: Nadege sang He Loves Me by Jill Scott-- One of my favorite performances of the night. This was raw, sultry, real. I literally loved everything about that. It was mesmerizing. She feels similar to how the singer Sade felt in the 80s and 90s. John said this was a perfect song for you; this is you. Chance said you have had so many great performances, this was right up your alley. 

Team Reba: Josh Sanders sang Angels by Thomas Rhett-- That was such a great song choice for Josh. I feel like he connected to that song and as a result I really did too. Shay said I am going to cry, that was unbelievable. You have been only you since the beginning of this competition. Reba said that touched my heart. I love that relationship you have. You sold that song with your heart. 

Team Legend: Nathan Chester sang Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson-- This is another complete performance. I don't think this guy has made one misstep in this competition. He is amazing. I feel like he is one of those people who you cannot wait to see him and see what he does. John said they love him too much, the crowd is so loud I can't talk. He said you had such a clarity, who you wanted to be. You sing amazing and you perform amazing, you're such a pleasure. 

My Predictions: Bryan, Maddi, and Karen are your bottom three. 

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: The Knockouts Offer Some Interesting Pairings

Team Chance: Maddi Jane sang New Rules by Dua Lipa versus Kamalei Kawa sang All of Me by John Legend-- Dan and Shay said that this was two very different performances in the best kind of way. I agree, Maddi's performance was rhythmic and catchy. Kamalei offered an emotional performance and you could tell he was really feeling the song. John is often critical of people singing his song but said that he was really into Kamalei's version and reminded them that he still has a steal. Reba said Chance is on his own with this choice because she thought both of them were good. I think even though I am a Maddi fan, the stronger performance here was Kamalei. Chance chose Maddi, and Kamalei was stolen by Reba and John and picked John. 

Team Legend: Gene Taylor sang I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing by Aerosmith versus Mafe sang Almost is Never Enough by Ariana Grande-- Gene is technically such a sound artist but this is a tough song to sing. Dan and Shay talked about what a great singer Gene is from a technical standpoint. Chance said Mafe did not sound like Mafe, she sounded like herself. Something I notice about Mafe is that she has great vocal control. I love how she sounds and her confidence really exudes. John chose Mafe. 

Team Dan and Shay: Karen Waldrup sang Georgia Rain by Trisha Yearwood versus Ducote Talmage-- Both of these artists have experienced some growth but I think I would need to lean towards Ducote. John continues to like Ducote's rasp, and he thought Karen's performance was beautiful. Reba loves the texture in Ducote's voice; Reba loved Karen's performance. Chance said that was Ducote's best performance to date; he thought Karen sounded like Celine Dion. Dan and Shay chose Karen to move forward. 

Team Reba: Justin and Jeremy Garcia sang You Are the Reason by Calum Scott versus Zeya Rae sang River by Bishop Briggs-- I think I would need to go with Justin and Jeremy. Chance said Zeya lacked confidence at points. John connected more with Zeya. Reba thought Justin and Jeremy did a wonderful job. She picked the brothers because she wanted something different on her team. Reba chose Justin and Jeremy.

Team Chance: Alyssa Crosby sang I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues by Elton John versus Rletto  sang Stay by Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber-- Loved Alyssa, this song was not the best pick for me, but I loved her. I think she is such a grounded artist. Rletto was so good. He literally took an upbeat song and turned it into a slow jam. It sounded like a brand new song but at the same time, Kid Laroi and Justin would love it. Dan said one of the best knockout performances of the day by you Alyssa; Rletto always bringing the heat with that arrangement. Shay said I believed every word you said. Reba said she was proud of Alyssa and would go with her because of her growth. Chance said Rletto you showed a mastery of the song. Alyssa you did great from top to bottom. Chance chose Rletto. 

Team Legend: Zoe Levert sang Cowboy Take Me Away by The Dixie Chicks versus Jackie Romeo sang Love on the Brain by Rihanna-- Both of them sounded amazing. I think I would need to go with Zoe, what she channeled was amazing. Chance said Zoe you are going to be a star, Jackie you sang the mess out of that song. Dan said Jackie you have a powerful voice and such control. Dan said Zoe you nailed your range, you remind me of Taylor Swift, you're unapologetically yourself. John said Jackie, you embraced the energy of the song, it was in control the way you handled the dynamics. Zoe, we're continuing to see you grow and you're an underdog that keeps rising to the occasion. John chose Zoe, and Reba stole Jackie. 

My recap: Kamalei is coming up in this competition, Mafe is holding strong, RLETTO is a star, and Zoe is turning into a star. 

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 3, Episode 5: This City's Got Me Chasing Stars

Episode 5:

Ronnie Wilson sang Pillowtalk by Zayn-- He has an interesting voice, it started off a little rough and his voice was a little lost in the arrangement. I think he's intriguing though. John turned at the beginning and Reba near the middle. Reba said she could embellish, not change his voice. John liked how he made the song his own, and loved what he did stylistically. Ronnie chose John. 

Zoe Levert sang Better Man by Taylor Swift-- I loved the song choice and performance. This was so good! John snuck in at the last minute and turned. Zoe told the coaches that she is getting married and Dan and Shay's song From the Ground Up is her wedding song. They did a personal serenade for her and her fiance. Zoe joined Team John. 

Ducote Talmage sang Sand in my Boots by Morgan Wallen-- Wow, I am so surprised Queen Reba did not turn. He gave a classic country performance. John said I loved the scratch in your voice. I do know what a great song is and I can help you put together a great performance. Dan and Shay pitched themselves as country artists who could help him finish and write songs. Ducote said his full time job is a firefighter. Ducote chose Dan and Shay. 

JJ Higgins sang Return to Pooh Corner-- No one turned but such a powerful story. 

Serenity Arce sang This City by Sam Fischer-- I am obsessed with this four chair performance. Blake told her two years ago to come back and wow, she is amazing. I love the grit in her voice. John blocked Dan and Shay. I cannot believe she is only 16. John said I am so proud of you for coming back. Dan said he felt that performance beat down in his soul. Chance said that was amazing, you're so dedicated to giving a good performance. Reba said I feel like I could use my experience to steer you in the right direction. Serenity chose Chance. 

Emma Valentine sang Love Grows-- I am not loving the song choice and I think that's why no one turned. 

Ryan Coleman sang Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers-- I think this is a tough song to sing and I loved his version of this. He made it his own and seemed comfortable as well. Shocked the coaches aren't turning. Yes! Dan and Shay turned. Shay loved his tone and said he clearly has an identity. Dan said that whole performance was so good, I can't wait to find out more who you are. Ryan joined Team Dan and Shay. 

Zeya Rae joined Team Reba

AJ Harvey sang Girl From The North Country by Bob Dylan-- He has a unique voice, I loved the song choice and his vibe, this was just so good. His voice is so rich and round. I love his tone. Chance and Dan and Shay turned. Reba loved his voice. John loved his baritone and how expressive he is. Dan loved the richness of the bass notes. Shay said you were in the song the whole time and I felt in it with you. You're an artist. Chance said I know soul when I see it, I related to that. I was the first person to turn. AJ chose Dan and Shay. 

Moelle sang Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga-- no one turned. 

Elyscia Jefferson sang PYT by Michael Jackson-- Wow! So funny she talked about John but he was the only one who didn't turn. I loved her voice. I love her style. Chance loved the arrangement she did, he said he wants to show America who she is. Reba said you are very at ease and comfortable. There are so many things I can help you with, you inspire me. John said she sounded like Brandy. He regrets not turning. Shay said I can tell you love what you do. Dan said your talent is insane, everyone was having fun, that's contagious. Elyscia chose Reba.