The Voice Season 23: Jej Is Back!

One of the most exciting things I heard about tonight is that Jej Vinson who was on Team Kelly in Season 16 (2019) is back, but as part of a group called Sheer Element. Remember Jej? Cause I do. They kicked off the show. Sheer Element sang Leave the Door Open by Silk Sonic-- They have so much range and when they are singing full voice it sounds like ten people. This was magic. Kelly is shocked! Niall said we were all trying to guess, how many parts is this? Niall said it made me feel. Chance said I can tell you guys have done this for a while because it sounds so tight. Kelly said you're picking a coach, not to teach you anything, but for song selection. Niall says I was in a group. Blake said really? You must be good at picking songs and putting harmonies together. He is really pushing for Niall. Blake is the only one who did not turn. 

Carlos Rising sang Change the World by Eric Clapton-- Blake turned right at the start and Kelly turned at the very last minute. Blake liked that he didn't sound like Eric Clapton doing that song. Niall said I am looking forward to seeing what you will do with him Blakey Boy. Kelly made a good pitch but Carlos is totally in Blake's wheelhouse as an artist. Carlos chose Blake. 

Alex Graham sang She Had Me at Heads Carolina-- No one turned, he had some shaky vocals, I think it came down to nerves like Niall said. 

Magnus sang Sara Smile by Hall & Oates-- Oh my goodness! I am so shocked that only Chance turned. He was so good. Chance said I am so excited to win this show with you. Blake said the performance got better as it went along. 

Kala Banham sang Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell-- Kala has a beautiful voice. She wants to work with Kelly, and I see that Niall blocked her. Niall said I used my one and only block on you, and I'd love to grab a guitar and go write a song with you. Kelly went over and hit Niall with her Team Kelly jacket. Chance said I'd like to bring you some stuff the other coaches haven't been exposed to. Kala chose Niall. 

The Voice Season 23: Kicking Off Blake's Final Season

Neil Salsich sang Honky Tonk Blues by Hank Williams-- Love the rasp and growl on Neil's voice, I think he has some great versatility. All four coaches turned. Blake blocked Kelly, and Neil chose Blake. 

Sorelle sang Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy-- They are really fun, I was somewhat put off by some of the harmonies but I think that they could grow. Blake and Chance turned, but they're gonna choose Chance, no big loss. They are okay. 

Holly Brand sang Mississippi Girl by Faith Hill-- Holly is awesome, I love her voice and her style. She has a great personality. Niall loved her voice and the control. Chance said she hit veery note spot on. Kelly said she heard a mix of Faith and Carrie Underwood. Blake didn't turn and she opened for him when she was 10 years old! Blake told Holly to choose Niall, she ended up going with Team Kelly. 

Tasha Jessen sang River by Leon Bridges-- Wow! I LOVE her voice. Blake and Niall turned at the same time. Chance turned at the last minute. Tasha looks so excited to meet Blake. Blake said that she grew more comfortable as the performance went on. He said I'd be damn proud to have you on the last Team Blake. Niall begged for her to be on his team. I love how he calls Blake, "Dad". Tasha said Chance was the first rapper she listened to. Tasha picked Blake. 

Star Martin sang No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley-- Her voice was so pretty, but no one turned. She declared that she would be back. 

Ross Clayton sang Blue Ain't Your Color by Keith Urban-- He has such a country rock voice! This was so good, love a good four chair turn. Niall turned everyone's chairs around and said he has so much soul in his voice, and that he came up on a show at the age of 16. Blake made the, this is my last season pitch. Niall made a convincing pitch though and scored his first team member. 

Michael B sang Save Your Tears by The Weeknd-- Michael is a throwback type singer. I could see him rocking out to some 80s music. Niall is the only one who turned, and I think this could be a dark horse in the competition.

D Smooth sang Perfect by Ed Sheeran-- He made this song his own and it was pretty cool. He reminded me a little but of J Holiday. Kelly turned and Niall turned right before it was over.  Kelly said he sounded like Brian McKnight. Niall said Perfect is such a hard song to sing cause you can't take a breath and he kept taking it up a level. I totally agree with that. He chose Kelly! 

Emily Ryne sang The First Cut is the Deepest by Rod Stewart-- No one turned but she had some funny Blake stories that she shared. 

Alex Whalen sang Help Me Make it Through the Night-- He had such a unique sound. It's cool that he is from London but living in Florida now. Blake said I have never worked with a country singer from London. Chance said he liked his swag and joked it's his last season too just like Blake. Alex picked Team Blake. 

NOIVAS (Savion Wright) sang A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke-- Savion has such an amazing gift, you feel his passion for the song, and music. He has great dynamics, well deserved four chair turn, disappointed that Blake was blocked. His voice reminds me a little bit of Stevie Wonder. Chance said you're an incomparable talent. Niall said you gave us so many moments and I loved your passion, you reminded me of Stevie Wonder. Savion said I was gonna go with you Blake. NOIVAS picked Chance but I know someway, somehow -- he is going to make his way to Team Blake. 

 

American Idol Season 21: All My Picks Since the Premiere

I am actually really pumped for American Idol this year. I heard the talent is stellar. What I have decided is that this time around I am going to pick my top five from each audition show. They will not be in any particular order. We will see how my picks compare to who makes it past the "Hollywood" or "Vegas" week and goes to the somewhat "Live" shows. 

Episode 1: 

Colin Stough sang "Simple Man" by Lynard Skynard-- I could tell right away that Luke really liked Colin, he called him raw and real. Colin says his mom signed him up to audition. Katy tells Colin that he has star dust. What strikes me about Colin is his realness, the way he chooses to phrase the song. He is a storyteller. 

Zachariah Smith sang "Hurts So Good" by John Mellencamp-- Zachariah and Colin are from the same town, Amory, MS, and they know each other. He is really good, I love Zachariah's passion and personality. He really goes for it with the performance and he has a southern rock type voice. I'd almost compare him to like a Kid Rock. Lionel tells Zachariah that he is not a gimmick. Katy thinks he is authentic. 

Michael Williams sang "Talking to the Moon" by Bruno Mars-- I remember Michael from The Voice and I always felt like he should have got further in the show than he did. Katy is smitten with Michael. This is a great song for him, kind of predictable-- he needs to be careful with that, but this is a strong audition. Lionel says he is not just a pretty face, he is the whole package. Katy compares him to Shawn Mendes and Harry Styles and says he is top ten material. 

Tyson Venegas sang "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel-- This performance really left me impressed and I cannot believe Tyson is only 17! His voice is so unique. Tyson's mom says his first concert was Lionel and it inspired him to sing. Lionel says, Tyson inspired us. Katy says she felt so connected to the performance. The judges are all in agreement-- Tyson was so special that he is getting only one of four Platinum tickets. 

Kya Monee sang "I'm Here" from The Color Purple-- Kya auditioned before on Season 19, and was friends with Willie Spence (who recently passed away), her duet partner in Hollywood. She is still coping with Willie's death. This is not a perfect performance, but wow, the passion. Sometimes things are divine and this is one of them. Katy said the performance was so connected to the pain. 

Episode 2:

Jon Wayne Hatfield sang "Tell Me Ray" an Original Song-- Jon is clearly gifted as a songwriter and it is so beautiful that he is sharing his gift with all of us. Katy said what he shared today is so beautiful and so authentic. Luke said people at home get to watch you bare your soul on the show and they realize that they are going through something similar and that they are not alone. 

Matt Wilson sang "For Tonight" by Giveon-- Matt is one of my personal favorites, I love the tone of his voice, it is so soulful. There's something that is really genuine. In fact, Luke says that is one of the most genuine, honest, and real performances I've ever witnessed. Katy loves his tone. Lionel speaks about his purity and believability. 

Kaylin Hedges sang "I'm Already There" by Lonestar-- Kaylin is mature beyond her years, hard to believe she is only 15 years old. Her dad is in the military and deployed a lot, so this song is particularly meaningful for her. The show surprises Kaylin and her mom by bringing her dad there for her audition. Kaylin is so good that the judges give her a Platinum Ticket. 

Nutsa sang "Lady Marmalade" by Christina Aguilera and "The Greatest Love of All" by Whitney Houston-- Nutsa is from the Republic of Georgia and has been on a lot of singing shows over there. She does have a theatrical Broadway-like type of voice, and it is a little bit dramatic and over the top, but I do think she has some talent. I think if she listens and takes good notes she could really progress in this competition. Katy thinks she is a little "too hot". Luke seems to really like her--- he calls her the "J Lo from Georgia". 

Trey Lewis sang "Stone" by Whiskey Myers-- Trey is going to be such a fly under the radar person in this competition. You just don't expect it from him. He has a storyteller voice, and it's just so impactful. He is a mattress salesman who had a gunman go into his high school when he was younger and kill eight students and two teachers. He lost friends. Trey has a powerful voice! Luke says Trey reminds him of Chris Stapleton. Katy is very emotional and starts crying saying that things have to change. 

Episode 3: 

We Ani sang "Anyone" by Demi Lovato-- I remember We from The Voice and she was amazing even back then. Now she is at a whole other level, her tone is just incredible, especially when you compare it to her speaking voice. Lionel and Luke both think her voice is amazing, and Katy says, this is ridiculous, way to throw a curveball. 

Marybeth Byrd sang "If it Hadn't Been for Love" by The Steeldrivers-- Mary Beth is another voice alum, and she will do great in the country forum. I absolutely love the rasp and the tone of her voice as well. The contestants this season have really strong and unique tones to their voices. Lionel says Marybeth just has it. Marybeth says she is inspired by Katy and Katy says she is a top ten for sure. 

Olivia Soli sang "Hello" by Lionel Richie-- I love how Olivia took such a timeless and recognizable song and made it into her own. She's really talented. Lionel said I want to be the first to rush the artist. He loved how she took his song and made it into her own, and encourages everyone to do that. Katy said her voice is absolutely tremendous. 

Preston Duffee sang "Something to Write About" an Original Song-- Preston has quite the story, and his original song is special. I think he has this quality about him that is relatable and I'd love to see him get further in this competition but there are some great male country artists he is up against. Luke mentions that but also says he could be a successful songwriter. I could totally see him taking that route. Lionel said he nailed it and Katy said she is looking at a young Luke. 

Elijah McCormick sang "God Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts-- This was one of my favorite performances so far in the past few years of Idol. Elijah has such a sincerity and ease to his voice. He makes you feel what he is singing, and I think he believes it because of what he's been through. Luke says that last person I saw approach singing like you was Willie Spence. Lionel said that's what he was thinking which is why he was so overcome with emotion. It's interesting how he survived a car accident and Willie lost his life in one, and that the song was "God Bless the Broken Road". Elijah actually won a Platinum ticket from a contest during the American Music Awards. 

Fall TV Is Finally Here, But Is Anyone Watching Network Television: Part 3

Saturday is encore day and college sports. 

Sunday

What Am I Watching?

The Simpsons Season 24 premieres on 9.25 @ 8pm on FOX. The Treehouse of Horror will have a parody of Stephen King's "It". Melissa McCarty guest stars as the voice of a child who Homer competes with for attention as a kid. 

Season 3 of The Equalizer picks up at 8:30 on CBS on 10.2. At the end of Season 2 Robyn was kidnapped. Now, at her most vulnerable, she plots her escape. The series deals with mass shootings, abortion, and the transgender community this year. 

One of the new series I am most excited about this year is East New York. It premieres on 10.2 @ 9:30 on CBS. Jimmy Smits plays Police Chief, John Suarez. The series is shot in Brooklyn and Smits reunites with some of the crew from his NYPD Blue days. 

I cannot wait to see how everything plays out this season on Network TV and please stay right here for more updates. 

Fall TV is Finally Here, But is Anyone Watching Network Television?: Part 2

 Thursday 

What Am I Watching?

What's Cookin' This Season? 

Hell's Kitchen is back! Season 21 is a "Battle of the Ages", and it begins on 9.29 on FOX @ 8pm

Law & Order Night

L & O Season 22 brings in a new detective in Mehcad Brooks as Anthony Anderson exits after fulfilling his one season contract for the reboot. Watch for a ripped from the headlines regarding Roe v. Wade, also a racist subway shooter and a debate about whether or not the death penalty should come into play. 

SVU going into Season 24 already dropped a huge bombshell with the news that Kelli Giddish would be leaving the series. Mariska Hargitay expressed that she did not want Giddish to leave. Rollins and Carisi's love will endure despite her exiting. Molly Burnett (Days of Our Lives) joins the series as detective Grace Muncy. Also an arc of episodes exploring Benson looking inward to recognize some of her trauma-- eg. the torture at the hands of William Lewis and Stabler abandoning her. 

Organized Crime enters Season 3 with some new detectives and the unit eyeing a NYC power couple. There will also be a triple crossover event with all three L & O shows. 

Hilary Swank is Back in the Ring 

Alaska Daily stars Oscar winner Hilary Swank as NYC journalist Eileen Fitzgerald relocates to Alaska when an issue involving a source lands her in hot water. She starts looking into a native Alaskans death which may be a homicide.

I <3 Jared

And because I just love Jared Padalecki I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Walker enters it's third season on the CW and is also launching a spinoff series called Walker Independence and both are premiering on 10.6 on the CW @ 8 and 9pm. 

Friday

What Am I Watching?

All CBS!

Wow I am loving the Friday night line up on CBS premiering on 10.7, it's so good! S.W.A.T. moves nights with Shemar Moore and company back for Season 6. Hondo and Nichelle are on their babymoon in Bangkok while some of the team is also there for training exercises. Things go horribly wrong when Hondo's old military friend surfaces and they become entangled with a case related to the drug trade. 

New series Fire County premieres between two veteran shows in the 9pm timeslot. Max Thieriot (SEAL Team) stars in and co wrote the series about Northern California firefighters that worked in the forests near where he grew up. 

Blue Bloods in it's 13th Season never fails to deliver, especially on the family front. Erin is running for District Attorney. Jamie goes to Erin when a perp that he got off the streets is being released and he is a target. Erin starts to feel bad that her office keeps endangering people she cares about. 

Back soon for my Sunday night recap.

Fall TV is Finally Here, But is Anyone Watching Network Television?: Part 1

 Monday:

What Am I Watching? 

Guilty Pleasure-- 

Bachelor in Paradise premieres 10.3 on ABC @ 8pm, here's a who's who of the cast courtesy of The Today Show: https://www.today.com/popculture/tv/bachelor-in-paradise-cast-2022-rcna45758

Major Dramas---

9-1-1 premieres 9.19 on FOX @ 8pm, In the premiere the team tries to avoid a "Hindenburg level" catastrophe, it involves a blimp at an L.A. Stadium. 

All American and All American: Homecoming enter Season's 5 and 2 respectively as the dramas pick up six weeks after where they left off last Spring. They premiere 10.10 on The CW @ 8 and 9pm. Spencer throws a party that brings Simone home to L.A. 

Blast from the Past---

Quantum Leap premieres 9.19 on NBC @ 10pm almost 30 years after the original cult series last aired. 

Tuesday: 

What Am I Watching?

Soapy--

Monarch premiered already but moves to its permanent spot on 9.20 on FOX @ 9pm. Trace Adkins and Susan Sarandon star as country music's Royal Family. If this is anything like Nashville (old ABC series), I'm all in. 

Agent Drama-- 

FBI and FBI Most Wanted are both back on 9.20 on CBS @ 8 and 10pm respectively. I'm not really into FBI International. FBI is the most stable of the three series with the cast staying intact throughout it's 5 seasons. Special Agent Maggie Bell is back after taking time off to recover from being exposed to a near fatal gassing. She looks healed from the ordeal but she may be dealing with some mental and emotional scarring. How will it impact her relationship with her long time partner Zidan? FBI Most Wanted lost a couple of agents last year as Jess LaCroix was killed in the line of duty and Ivan Ortiz transferred. I am excited though for their replacements played by Dylan McDermott and Edwin Hodge. 

Wednesday:

What Am I Watching? 

Chicago Wednesdays-- 

Season 7 of Med picks up with a fire moving through Dr. Halstead's building. Will everyone escape? Maggie deals with the fall out of meeting Vanessa's birth father. Doctor's Marcel, Choi, and Archer will deal with the fire's survivors. 

Fire enters it's 10th season exactly where it left us last season with some baddies targeting Kelly and Kidd while they are at a cabin for their honeymoon. And with Casey leaving permanently last season, where does it leave Sylvie?

P.D. enters season 9 two weeks after the shooting that killed Anna. How Voight and Upton deal with the effects of that will be on display. We also know that Jesse Lee Soffer who plays Detective Jay Halstead and is Hailey Upton's hubby is now leaving the series. I am super curious as to who that will play out. He's been a part of the series since day one. 

Reba joins Big Sky, Oh My! 

Big Sky writes it's third chapter on ABC and this one is titled "Deadly Trails". It premieres 9.21 on ABC @ 10pm. Lots of new people becoming intertwined with Jenny and Cassie this season. Jensen Ackles is back as Sheriff Beau Arlen, Reba McEntire joins as Sunny Barnes, and Henry Ian Cusick (Lost), Luke Mitchell, Seth Gabel, and Rosanna Arquette are also checking in to Big Sky. The show creator promise lots of twists and turns and reminds us that anyone can die on the series. 

American Idol Season 20 Is ALL the Hype: Introducing the Top 20

I am back! Wow, wow, wow!!! American Idol is so so so good this season. I am loving so many people. I am in agreement with who went home and I am going to make my predictions on the six people who go home tomorrow. The strength of these contestants is part of what inspired me to come back and write. I needed an outlet for my opinions and feelings and a place to be able to come to and talk about how amazing they are. 

Emyrson Flora opened the show with the song Tell Me You Love Me by Demi Lovato-- her stage presence was amazing. She's 16, and super poised with amazing range. Lionel loved her attitude. Katy loved her presence. Luke said she is a superstar in the making. 

Country singer Mike Parker sang Chasing After You by Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd-- prior to last week, I was not sure if Mike was going to make it in this competition. He is so unique and I love how humble he is. In fact, the majority of these artists are. His voice has so much credibility and honesty. Katy said his voice is silky and smooth and Lionel called him a storyteller. 

Tristen Gressett sang Sacrifice by The Weeknd-- This was an interesting choice, I felt like we were flashing back to the 70s. Vocals were good, but not as strong as some others tonight. He did command the stage. Luke loved his energy but feels the song choice may have limited him or put him in a box. 

Sage sang Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac-- I absolutely love Sage and I loved this song for her. She is such a throw back in terms of vocal style. Lionel called the performance "masterful". Katy said she gave the song a whole new shape. 

Jay Copeland sang You Know I'm No Good by Amy Winehouse-- I love this song, but I didn't feel moved for whatever reason. To me, this performance is unfortunately forgettable because I didn't feel much behind it. Katy says he built that house one piece at a time. Lionel felt he was living up to his  potential. I am feeling he is capable of more. 

Chayce Beckham performed his new song Doin' It Right-- great song

Nicolina Bozzo sang Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks-- Another performance I loved. Honestly started a little bumpy but she brought it right back. She is a great storyteller and really brought it in terms of dynamics with the song. Luke said she knows what she is doing as a vocalist. 

Jacob Moran sang Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing by Stevie Wonder-- Jacob has experienced so much growth since first auditioning for Idol. It's pretty amazing. He changed that song up a lot. Lionel wanted him to hit more melody. Katy called him the best technical singer in the competition. He definitely has range but unsure I agree with that. Luke says he is so ready now. 

Huntergirl sang Heartbreak Down by Huntergirl-- This was amazing, inspiring, and I could literally hear this on the radio right now. I could hear her performing this on the CMAs. Katy calls her an artist and said she would put her money on her. Luke could hear her on country radio and Lionel said she is a natural. 

Elli Rowe sang Somewhere Only We Know by Keane-- Elli is sweet and she does have a great voice, but again, this performance got lost in the shuffle for me. I just don't find it memorable. Luke said her voice is pure and angellic. Lionel wants her to lean more into who she is. 

Dan Marshall sang Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks-- I was not a Dan fan before tonight! He totally turned me into a fan and believer. I loved this, and I found it so genuine and real. Lionel says he could take that on the road. Katy wasn't a fan before but she is now. Luke felt like he picked the right song. 

Ava Maybee sang Anyone by Demi Lovato-- This is one of those songs that is so heartfelt so it needs to have so much emotion. And this did! This was so good; I believed her 100%. Katy felt she reinvented the song. Luke and Lionel both appreciated that she took a risk. 

Allegra Miles sang Free Fallin' by Tom Petty-- Allegra has been a fave voice of mine since back when she was on The Voice. She is the ultimate storyteller. The way she transformed this song and and took us on a journey, wow! Luke called it the performance of the night and said it was magical. Lionel said she threaded a needle and told us a story. Katy said she is a pro. 

Noah Thompson sang Falling by Harry Styles-- Ever since I saw Noah's audition I have been hooked. I am routing for him and he is so humble and so deserving-- not to mention the voice. The way he transformed this song was stunning and authentic. Lionel told him he has made it. Katy said he is a great human being and now he has his shot at this. 

Leah Marlene sang Heal by Tom Odell-- Her performance last week was very throw away. But this. This was special. This is arguably one of the best vocals of the night. Katy's jaw dropped and said she felt every ounce of Leah's pain. Lionel said this is the best "class" of contestants ever. I think I agree with him. 

Christian Guardino sang Imagine by John Lennon-- Great song choice, totally fits Christian. He is such a strong spirit with an amazing voice. I do feel some of the notes felt like they were a bit much, but I think regardless he is moving on for now because he is talented. I think he should scale back on some of the embellishments he is adding to the songs. Katy said he was put on this planet to do something super powerful. 

Phillip Phillips sang Love Like That, it was great to see a more mature version of him on stage. 

Fritz Hager sang When the Party's Over by Billie Eilish-- I was not a Fritz fan. I am now. That performance was ridiculous. I loved how he changed the song to fit him, but we were still able to identify the song. The falsetto was exactly what Luke said, "damn boy". Lionel called it stellar, Katy said you'll never be misunderstood again. 

Katyrah Love sang Dream by Bishop Briggs-- What an improvement over last week. When I hear Katyrah sing I hear pieces of Whitney and Fantasia. She's gifted. Luke appreciates her energy and Katy hears shade of Whitney and has lots of great song suggestions for her. 

Cameron Whitcomb sang Changes by Black Sabbath-- Another great song choice tonight. Cameron is so different from the last round that I feel like I am seeing a completely new artist. I loved how much control he sang with and hope he takes Lionel's feedback. Lionel told him to stand still for two verses next time. Luke liked that he showed he is growing into a serious artist. 

Cadence Baker sang Train Wreck by James Arthur-- Cadence had a super special audition and I feel like she hasn't matched that since. I am waiting for her to have that moment. I hope she can hang in there and perform again. Luke felt she got back to the level she was at in her audition with this performance. 

Lady K sang Love on the Brain by Rihanna-- This was exactly the song for her. I liked how the judges pointed out that she did not oversing. There were a few people tonight who did this. She sounded amazing. This is exactly where she should be. Lady K just has all the star quality. I loved this. Lionel loved her spirit and Katy thought she was Rihanna. 

My Top 14 (in no particular order):

Emyrson Flora
Mike Parker
Sage
Nicolina Bozzo
Jacob Moran
Huntergirl
Dan Marshall
Ava Maybee
Allegra Miles
Noah Thompson
Leah Marlene
Fritz Hager
Lady K

Last spot is either Cadence Baker or Katyrah Love