Sunday, May 6, 2018

American Idol: The Top 7 Perform Songs from the Prince Songbook

Journee sang Kiss by Prince-- Good parts, but not her best.

Gabby Barrett sang I Hope You Dance by LeAnn Womack-- She sounded like a true country star.

Michael J Woodard sang I Would Die for You by Prince-- My fave Prince song, I loved this.

Cade Foehner sang Who Will Save Your Soul by Jewel-- Did not like this interpretation, too dark, but like him.

Catie Turner sang Oops I Did it Again by Britney Spears-- Did not like this interpretation.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson sang Amazed by Lonestar-- This felt ordinary and predictable.

Maddie Poppe sang Nothing Compares to U by Prince-- Crazy good, I loved this.

Michael J Woodard sang My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion-- Absolutely stunning vocal, goosebumps! 

Cade Foehner sang Jungle Love by The Time-- This was a cool interpretation, strong vocals.

Gabby Barrett sang How Come You Don't Call Me by Prince-- Surprisingly soulful, loved this!

Jurnee sang Back at One by Brian McKnight-- I felt the song was personal to her.

Catie Turner sang Manic Monday by Prince-- Tiny bit awkward but she got through it. 

Maddie Poppe sang If It Makes You Happy by Sheryl Crowe-- Her vocal had such power behind it.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson sang When Doves Cry by Prince-- NOTHING ordinary about this performance! Way to turn it around!

My 5 (Prediction)--

Michael
Gabby 
Cade
Caleb
Maddie

Monday, April 30, 2018

The Voice Season 14: The Top 11 Are Perfect! (well nearly)

\Team Blake: Pryor Baird sang Night Moves by Bob Seeger-- This was such an awesome song choice for Pryor. Such a soulful choice! I completely loved this performance! Kelly says you are so comfortable on stage and that's something that cannot be taught. Blake says Pryor has momentum building on the show right now.

Team Adam: Sharane Calister sang Hero by Mariah Carey-- Love Sharane's voice but this was a little flat for me, not much dynamics. There were some pitch issues toward the end of the performance. Alicia said you did this song beautifully and in your way. Adam said I was scared cause this is a big song.

Team Kelly: Kaleb Lee sang T-R-O-U-B-L-E by Travis Tritt-- I think Kaleb could be a country star but definitely needs to work on performance quality here, he's done it in the past. Blake loved what he did with the song. Kelly said Travis Tritt is one of her favorite make country singers and he nailed the song.

Team Alicia: Jackie Foster sang Love Reign O'er Me by The Who-- Jackie's range in this song was crazy. I have always been a big fan of hers. I feel like this performance was a little dark but she made it work. Adam said I'm glad you got that song, it was yours. Alicia said I loved the energy you created, that was sick.

Team Adam: Jackie Verna sang Strawberry Wine by Deana Carter-- I've been a big Jackie V. fan from the beginning because I just love the way she carries herself. I agree with Blake, interesting song choice, but she sounded great. Blake said he never would have thought of that song for her. Adam said she is one of the best singers on this show, and that she is so classy.

Team Blake: Kyla Jade sang Sweet Sweet Baby by Aretha Franklin-- So far, performance of the night for me. This was amazing! Hell-a-good! The coaches were standing. Alicia said Kyla I cannot take it, you're so phenomenal and inspiring. Kelly said you are a lucky man! Blake said you have gone from being afraid to stepping out of the background to being comfortable to standing in front of the stage to dominating the show this season.

Team Alicia: Christiana Danielle sang Umbrella by Rihanna-- I liked how Christiana took creative license. At points it seemed like too much and her voice seemed strained. Alicia called her lovable and unique.

Team Kelly: Brynn Cartelli sang You & I by Lady Gaga-- Gaga is no joke, especially in this song. Brynn, at 15, yes, I have to emphasize her age, was a pro up on that stage. She improvised and was so impactful with her vocal. Kelly said Brynn you're so captivating, confident, and comfortable. You are beautiful and so talented.

Team Adam: Rayshun LaMarr sang Try a Little Tenderness by Otis Redding-- Everyone is on their feet. That was so amazing and energetic. I feel Rayshun through the TV every time he is up on that stage. It's like I am standing there in person watching him. He transports me every time! Adam said last week, this dude was in the bottom 2, tonight he is number 1. Adam said all the coaches stood up before he stopped singing, you're unstoppable!

Team Alicia: Britton Buchanan sang Perfect by Ed Sheeran-- I thought this was one of his strongest performances to date. To me, this is the vibe and style of music he should be doing. The fans chose a good song for him. When you're up on the stage, you're the real deal, it's just you and that voice; congratulations you killed it.

Team Blake: Spensha Baker sang Better Man by Little Big Town-- Spensha is so different. Her originality is just so needed and wanted in country music. Kelly loved her warm, round, and soulful sound. Blake said something that broke my heart was when you said you had given up on music. Blake said you are so important to music and country music. You being here is proof that you are doing what you're supposed to do right now.

Bottom 2: Sharane and Christiana

Sunday, April 29, 2018

American Idol: Who Made it to the Top 7?

Top 7 in no order....

Caleb Lee Hutchinson

Gabby Barrett

Michael J. Woodard

Cade Foehner

Maddie Poppe

Catie Turner

Jurnee

Wow, very interesting to me that the judges' choices from last week were the same people in the bottom four! That is kind of sad to me because Ada, Jurnee, Dennis, and Michelle are all phenomenal.

American Idol: It's Disney Night for the Top 10!

Maddie Poppe sang The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book-- Lionel said I hope you're having a lot of fun. Katy, dressed as Snow White, said I am so proud of you, I loved how you took on all those new notes. Luke said your voice feels timeless to me. I think I most align with Luke. I didn't love the song unfortunately but I do think Maddie's voice is timeless.

Jurnee sang How Far I'll Go from Moana-- I love how Jurnee connected with that song. It came from such an honest place. Katy said she seemed connected and strong. Luke said keep believing and dreaming, stay uplifted and positive. Lionel said you were singing from your heart and not your head.

Cade Foehner sang Kiss the Girl from The Little Mermaid-- I totally loved that! This is a completely different side of Cade. I am so used to hearing him sing big rock songs and this was so controlled. I loved this version of the song. Luke said with everything you're giving, you can bring the rock and roll genre back. Lionel said you have instant identity in spades. I love what you're doing. Katy said I feel like the only person in the room, and whoever she is, she's the luckiest. I didn't even know you had that in you.

Ada Vox sang Circle of Life from The Lion King-- Powerful song and I enjoyed seeing and hearing Ada's spin on the song. It was classy and strong. Lionel said it is so special to have you on this show. Katy said you embodied Ada Vox tonight.

Michelle Sussett sang Remember Me from Coco-- For me, that was her best vocal in this competition thus far. I think Idina's advice really helped her. I loved that she used her heritage and incorporated that into the song.  Katy said the sound was a priority for you tonight. You are a star, and no matter what happens, I am not going to forget you. Luke said you nailed it, you have shown us you are a singer. Lionel said your true identity just came through, I love that you owned who you are.

Gabby Barrett sang Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas-- Lionel said she has star quality! Simple as that, no need to mention anything more. I thought her performance was gentle but strong, heartfelt and technically flawless. This was so beautiful, she deserves to move forward in this competition.

Michael J. Woodard sang Beauty and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast-- So stunning, he had me in tears. This was truly so uplifting and heartfelt to watch. Oh my gosh, my heart feels so full. Lionel said I love you so much. Katy said my angel, you make my heart smile. You fit between a Michael Jackson and Frank Ocean. Luke said you've been magical, just be you buddy.

Caleb Lee Hutchinson sang You've Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story-- This was the perfect song choice for him, exactly what I envisioned when I heard Disney night. I feel like I can definitely see him having a career in country music. Katy said it was the perfect choice for you, and friendly. Luke echoed Katy's sentiment. Lionel said that voice is so identifiable.

Catie Turner sang Once Upon a Dream from Sleeping Beauty-- I feel like Disney night and what it was all about fit Catie perfectly. Lionel said you are clear that dreams do come true. Katy said the growth and evolution has been magical. Luke said they stole my words.

Dennis Lorenzo sang Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King-- I wasn't sure about him doing this song, but this was so good. The vocal was on point. He was connected to song, the message; he drew from his own life experiences. Luke said you knocked it out of the park, you always do. Did Katy comment on his performance?

I have no idea who is going home or who should? This is crazy!


Monday, April 23, 2018

The Voice Season 14: The Top 12, One Night Only!

Team Adam: Rayshun Lamarr sang When Love Takes Over by David Guetta-- I love Rayhsun's energy! This was such a joyful performance, I want to hear him more, great song for him. Alicia said your passion takes over you and your talent is not to be denied. Adam said Rayshun amps it up more every week. You are the best performer in this group.

Team Kelly: Kaleb Lee sang Amazed by Lonestar-- I do enjoy Kaleb's voice but I thought this was a little bit redundant for me, it's almost like I wanted him to sing something else. I agree with Kelly, he has great tone and texture in his voice. Blake thought it was an amazing performance. Kelly said I have been such a fan of Kaleb since the blinds. I love that you picked this song, people relate to you, you're real.

Team Alicia: Jackie Foster sang Toxic by Britney Spears-- This was not my favorite Jackie Foster performance but what I loved about it is that Jackie stayed 100% true to herself as an artist. I liked the darkness of the arrangement and the way she styled it, I think sometimes though, it leaned too far from the original for me. Kelly said I love you and dream of these moments, sexy and cool. Alicia said I've been so excited about this because this is who you are and what you do.

Team Blake: Spensha Baker sang Down on My Knees by Trisha Yearwood-- That was just so soulful! I loved that, she's kind of like a country Whitney Houston. Adam said she sings with intention and soulfulness; you just have it all. Blake said I swear you're one of the best I have ever worked with. He said you're doing exactly what you're meant to do singing country music, I'm so proud to be associated with you sis.

Team Alicia: Christiana Danielle sang Say Something by A Great Big World-- Her vocals were pretty on point, there were some slip ups but in general a good performance. Again, I am always skeptical when a song deviates too much from the melody. Kelly said the low tones in your voice are magical. Alicia said I am so excited for America to get to continue to vote for you.

Team Kelly: D.R. King sang White Flag by Dido-- I initially thought it was an odd choice, but as he started singing I understood. I stuck with him. I just think he's so different. Blake said there are so many different sounds to your voice, you have such range, and so many layers. You always display all of those every time you're on the stage. Kelly said you're such an amazing vocalist, I need to hear the record you're going to make.

Team Adam: Sharane Calister sang In My Blood by Shawn Mendes-- One of the best performances of the night. This was the perfect song for her and it just came from such an honest place. Alicia said Sharane, there is something so powerful about you, there's a sadness but also a resilience. You're incredible. Adam said you have the ability to make people believe that you're telling the truth, you get us to come with you on the journey that you're on.

Team Blake: Pryor Baird sang Pickin' Wildflowers by Keith Anderson-- Pryor is always so boss on the stage. He brings it every single time, and he is so original and distinct. When I hear him, I'm like I know it's Pryor. Kelly said I feel like every time you sing you have such a great time. Blake said Pryor is to a song like a bulldozer is to trees. He said it's magic every time you're on the stage.

Team Kelly: Brynn Cartelli sang Up to the Mountain by Patti Griffin-- I did not love the way she ended the performance but she did prove to me that she deserves to be here. She really stepped it up this week with her vocals. Alicia said you're not quitting your daydream, it's such a mystery how it all comes together. Kelly said you have such crazy eclectic taste in music and you sing all of it so well, it's so crazy.

Team Adam: Jackie Verna sang I'm With You By Avril Lavigne-- Adam, nice call saving Jackie! She stepped up the game tonight! I loved this, what an amazing song choice and such a strong performance and crazy vocal range. Blake said you come with that country angle with that song. You're a great singer sis. Adam said in a weird way, I had to make this crazy decision and I chose you because of the explosiveness in your growth. That is such a hard song to do live, and you rose to it.

Team Alicia: Britton Buchanan sang Small Town by John Mellencamp-- Britton is another person I initially wasn't crazy about. Once again, major step up, great song choice. Kelly said you're like the coolest person ever, you're so old school. You were born to be on stage. Alicia said you don't need this stage, you don't need anybody, your destiny is to be here.

Team Blake: Kyla Jade sang One Night Only by Jennifer Hudson-- Kyla's performance was worldly and magical. Blake said J Hud was texting me a few minutes ago about how excited she was to be watching this. This is your moment and your time.

Christiana, Kaleb, and Britton might be in some trouble tomorrow. Who do you think is moving forward and who is going home?

Sunday, April 22, 2018

American Idol: The Top 14 Perform

Caleb Lee Hutchinson sang Midnight Train to Memphis by Chris Stapleton-- I agree with Luke, I didn't the song was the best for him, but I think this was a good performance. Not great, I think he could do better, but I think as he evolves and settles, he will do better. Katy said I think you can't believe you're here. I'm blown away by your evolution. Luke said he loves him but wasn't crazy about the song. Lionel said the girls started screaming and you forgot about the song, grow into being you, it will come in time.

Michelle Sussett sang Friends by Marshmello and Anne Marie-- Michelle sold this performance, it's on the radio now but she put her own spin on it. I loved her vocals, I think she has actually improved so much. Luke said you became a pop star tonight, you carved out that lane even more. Lionel said its about owning your song and presentation, you owned it! You have us attitude. Katy said your song choice should have played to the at home viewers more. What is she talking about? I completely thought it played to everyone.



Marcio Donaldson sang It's a Miracle by Barry Manilow-- He definitely had fun and owned the performance. I didn't love the song choice for him. I wished he had chosen something that wasn't as dated. Lionel said keep developing, keep growing, you're on fire. Katy said you're inspiring so many people back home. Luke said I wasn't totally sold on the song choice, but good on you for showing us another style.



Mara Justine sang This is Me by Keala Settle-- Wow, she is super emotional throughout the whole performance. Her nerves are very surface tonight. Her voice is strong and I think the vocal was more controlled but she seemed on the verge of tears the whole time. Katy said you didn't arrive vocally til mid song, but you have grown in so many other ways. Luke said I wasn't totally emotionally invested in that performance. Lionel said at 16, what was I doing? You are bringing your inner strength forward in that performance.



Garrett Jacobs sang Raging Fire by Phillip Phillips-- I actually like this song choice for him, and he seemed to enjoy himself on the stage. My only argument with Garrett is that he has to work on his vocals cause he's not the best vocalist on the show which means he has to work extra hard to sell himself in different ways. Luke said he was the first performer to look truly comfortable tonight. Lionel praised his growth and development. Katy said she agrees with Luke.

Ada Vox sang The Show Must Go On by Queen-- I actually didn't love this. I liked the vocal but it was a little too dramatic. Katy's comments are off tonight, she says this is the first performance where she felt like someone showed up.

Catie Turner sang Take me to Church by Hozier-- This is disastrous for me. I don't like the song, her pitch is all over the place. Lionel and Katy are standing. Someone is tone deaf, and it's not me. Luke said you can win this thing. Lionel said you're authentic to yourself, there's nothing else like you. Katy said that she wants to sing with Catie someday.

Cade Foehner sang Black Magic Woman by Santana-- There's something about Cade that oozes authenticity. Loved his song choice, the guitar, the whole bit; he was so comfortable on stage. Lionel said you are the complete package. Luke says my wife loves you. Katy says my mom is really obsessed with you and she goes up on stage and gets a lock of Cade's hair for her.



Dennis Lorenzo sang In My Blood by Shawn Mendes-- I love that he chose a popular contemporary song. I could see Dennis doing this song right now. The beginning was a little slow but when he hit the chorus of the song, he really came alive, and all his passion came out. What a real and raw performance, and it says "raw" on the back of this jacket. Lionel felt that Dennis broke through tonight and now has to take it to the next level. Katy thought it was a shaky start but she became a believer. She also talked about how Dennis has so many sides to him and compared him to Chris Cornell. Luke said that was amazing.



Maddie Poppe sang Homeward Bound by Simon & Garfunkel-- I loved this, her vocal was truly timeless. There was such an attention to detail, the way she phrased and her vocal nuances. The judges hug at the end of her performance. Katy said you have incredible musical taste. Luke said he prays that everyone watching feels what he feels right now. He said she is so seasoned and such a pro, I agree. Lionel said we're not a business of singers, we're a business of stylists. Lionel said you may be a winner on American Idol. Katy said she thought that she was listening to Joni Mitchell.



Jurnee sang Bang Bang by Jesse J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj-- I don't think this was the best song for her to do, but I do applaud her effortlessness. She truly makes everything seem easy in terms of singing and performing. Luke said thank you for showing us another element and another side of you. Lionel said that Jurnee is really bringing it. Amy said I see you as an artist now.



Jonny Brenns sang This is Gospel by Panic at the Disco-- This song is ambitious. I think it's a little bit bigger than he is, but the performance is still fun, he's enjoying what he's doing and that makes everyone feel that way also. Lionel said when you love what you do, it's infectious. Katy said I want to hear you sing more, you've grown so much. Luke said you came in here as this loungy sultry singer, and you go after it.



Michael J Woodard sang Titanium by Sia-- WOW! All the judges are on their feet, as they should be. That performance was absolutely captivating, gorgeous. Katy said I am going to tell Sia, I met a star today who sang your song incredibly. Luke said I have felt in my heart since day one that people are going to love you. Lionel said I keep waiting to see what you do next, you are a star my friend. He thanked the judges for telling him to stay himself.



Gabby Barrett sang The Climb by Miley Cyrus-- Gabby is my fave female vocalist in this competition. She presents as so confident and strong. She knows exactly who she is as an artist. I love that her singing this was not a karaoke of the original song, she put her own signature on it. Luke said that was my favorite vocal of the night, for the first time, I feel like you're not playing around. Katy said you sounded like a star, I was really impressed. Lionel said there are things in this business that are magical and we are watching one of those moments, a star is born.



The contestants with videos posted are my top 10.

I think unfortunately, Caleb, Garrett, Ada, and Catie are going home.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

The Voice Season 14: Team Kelly and Team Adam Perform and Who Are the Top 12?

Team Kelly:

Caleb Lee sang Die a Happy Man by Thomas Rhett-- Kelly called Caleb the best country singer on the show. 

Alexa Capelli sang Stop and Stare by One Republic-- Both Kelly and Alexa are emotional by the end of the song. Kelly says she is so proud and calls Alexa captivating. 

D.R. King sang All On My Mind by Anderson East-- D.R. put a lot into that performance, he definitely has a strong voice and wants to be there. Kelly calls D.R. so talented and it's refreshing. 

Dylan Hartigan sang Mary Jane's Last Dance-- Interesting song choice from Dylan, I was somehow less than convinced with this performance. I think I would have preferred something more contemporary from him. Kelly says that Dylan is so good looking that people seem to forget just how talented he is. 

Tish Haynes Keys sang At Last by Etta James-- Tish is old school, her performance is so soulful and genuine. She must move forward in my opinion. She looks gorgeous too. Kelly says Tish is so gifted, and she's such a phenomenal singer. 

Team Adam:

Reid Umstattd sang Long Cool Woman by the Hollies-- I loved Reid's performance, this was so raw and authentic. The more I see him, the more I feel he deserves to move forward. Adam said no one has done anything like that and that energy felt so real. 

Jackie Verna sang Once by Maren Morris-- I like Jackie a lot but that performance was a little boring for me. Adam said he is beaming with pride, you're beastly. 

Drew Cole sang Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones-- This is the best I have heard Drew in forever. I loved this. Adam said he loved Drew's arrangement on that song. 

Mia Boostrom sang Either Way by Chris Stapleton-- Hmm, Mia sounded a little off tonight. Not sure, I just wasn't feeling this. Adam said that Mia has beat the odds over and over again. 

Rayshun LaMarr sang I'm Goin' Down by Mary J. Blige-- Oh wow! I'm loving Rayshun, he is in it to win. His emotion when he sings always blows me away. He puts so much in to every performance. Adam said, you just won the week. 

Top 12
Team Blake:
Kyla Jade 
Pryor Baird Spensha Baker 


Team Kelly:

Brynn Cartelli Kaleb Lee 
  
Team Alicia:
Britton Buchanan Jackie Foster 
Christiana Daniell
Team Adam:
Sharane Calister Rayshun Lamarr Jackie Verna