Tuesday, March 12, 2024

The Voice Season 25, The Last of The Blinds, It Took a Long Long Time

Val T Webb sang Nobody's Supposed to be Here by Deborah Cox-- This was a four chair turn. She sounds like a seasoned vocalist. John said she sounds like she sings at church and she agreed and said she has been a worship director for many years as well as a background vocalist. Chance said she had great breath control. Dan and Shay said she is not a backup singer anymore. Reba said there was nothing to critique. Val chose Chance. 


Joewun Bee sang Over My Head by The Fray-- I actually loved him and I am not sure why nobody turned? 


Kyle Schuesler sang The Scientist by Coldplay-- He has a unique tone, style, and voice. Everyone turned but Chance. Chance made a point of saying that if he had more slots he would have turned. Reba found his voice soothing. John said you did some of what Chris Martin does but you also made the song your own. He also loved his falsetto. Dan and Shay loved the falsetto and what he brought to the table. They felt like he also brought some originality. Kyle chose Dan and Shay. 

L Rodgers sang Wild Horses-- She has a really cool voice. I loved the song choice. Reba turned at the very last minute. Reba loved her voice-- the roundness and the fullness. John said he loved her vibe. L happily joined Team Reba. 

Raina Chan sang Hold My Hand-- performance was kind of shaky, she's so young though!

Olivia Rubini sang Long Long Time-- I initially didn't love the song much, but Olivia made me a believe. She has a warm voice, and was the missing piece on John Legend's team. 


All the teams are full! 

Monday, March 11, 2024

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. 




The Voice Season 25, Week 2: These auditions are going to the Ceilings!

Episode 3: 

Bryan Olesen sang Til the Love Runs Out by One Republic-- This was a great performance; I enjoy Bryan's energy. Apparently he used to sing lead for a popular Christian group Newsboys. Everyone turned except Chance. Dan and Shay said that they thought someone famous was performing. Bryan has a grown daughter and she sings as well. Wow, this family is talented. He ended up choosing Team Legend. 



Frank Garcia sang Love in the Dark-- he has such a full round tone. Frank totally reminds me of Sam Smith. Dan and Shay are the only ones to turn and I don't quite understand. 



Kamalei Kawa sang Redemption Song by Bob Marley-- It's clear that Kamalei feels this song and is passionate about the lyrics and his culture. I loved every choice he made in that performance. I loved when he went into his falsetto. I was surprised that Chance and Reba were the only ones who turned. Chance felt his passion. Reba said the performance touched her heart and felt spiritual to her. Kamalei chose Chance. 



Ashley Bryant sang Last Name by Carrie Underwood-- This performance felt a little ordinary to me, but Ashley has an interesting story. Queen Reba turned and if anyone can find her star quality, it's Reba. 

Asher Havon sang Set Fire to the Rain by Adele-- Everyone turned except John. Asher has a round full voice; he grew up singing in church and you can tell. Reba says she could not wait to turn to see what he looks like. Dan and Shay commented on his lower register and high notes. Chance said he can tell that he is in it to win. Asher chose Reba. 

Jackie Romeo sang Flowers by Miley Cyrus-- I have to be honest, John turned immediately, and then Dan and Shay turned for her, but I would not have, she was pretty pitchy. There were some definite issues throughout. Dan and Shay admitted that she seemed nervous. John felt like this song was perfect for her. 
Jackie chose John. 

Rivers Grayson sang Babylon by David Gray-- I wasn't particularly moved by this, but John did turn and called his performance subtle, he said it had beauty. 
John chose Rivers. 

Corey Curtis sang Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer-- I loved this performance and loved Corey, he seems to really love singing and performing. He is so good! And I am so shocked that no one else turned except Chance. Chance said he gave a great performance, he wants to see him enunciate more and believes he can help him do that. Corey joined Team Chance. 



Madison Curbelo sang Stand by Me-- One of my fave performances and voices. She reminds me of Selena for some reason. I loved how she made this song her own. This was a four chair turn-- John turned first, then Dan and Shay, Chance, and lastly Reba turned right at the end. Reba thought she did a great job on the song. John suggests the album title, "Finding Madison". Chance talked a lot about Madison's cool energy. Dan and Shay said she radiated light and joy and her voice was flawless. Madison chose Dan and Shay. 




Episode 4: 

Anya True sang Until I Found You by Steven Sanchez-- Interesting song choice. She does have an indie rocker sound. She could be a dark horse in the competition. Chance and Dan and Shay turned. Dan and Shay loved her vulnerability and said she has an Olivia Rodrigo vibe. They believe she could win this. Chance loved her falsetto and wants to learn more about her. Anya chose Dan and Shay. 



William Alexander sang Ceilings by Lizzy McAlpine-- This young man is so talented. Wow! His voice is so gentle yet powerful and full of emotion. Chance and Reba turned pretty quickly. Reba said his voice is a beautiful gift. Chance looked so moved and excited about William's performance. He complimented his control and unique tone. William chose Reba. 



Alyssa Crosby sang Hand in my Pocket by Alanis Morrissette-- Reba was the only one who turned. I need to agree with Dan and Shay on this one, she was a little too pitchy. Alyssa joined Team Reba. 

Rletto sang Golden Hour by JVKE-- He is giving me all sorts of Michael Jackson vibes. I loved his version of this song. Chance turned early and Reba at the last minute. I loved how he ended the song. Reba complimented his runs and vocals. Chance felt his runs were intentional and he said he loves doing big songs. Rletto chose Chance. 



Bri Fletcher sang I'm With You and joined Team Chance

Rob Cole-- no one turned

Mafe sang Besame Mucho-- Mafe is just amazing! It will be great to hear her sing something contemporary. Being on The Voice is about being yourself but also having versatility. This was such a great four chair turn. Chance said she has extreme talent. Reba said Mafe touched her heart and soul. John called it thrilling and magical. Shay said Mafe is proof that music is the universal language. Chance surprisingly told Mafe that she should choose Team Legend. 






Tuesday, March 5, 2024

The Voice Season 25: Week 1, The Blinds Made Me Look

Premiere Night, Episode 1:


Dani Stacey sang I Will Survivor by Gloria Gaynor-- 4 Chair Turn! She deserves it, I love her smoky voice, and her whole fresh new take on a disco classic. She has a unique rock/ folk sound to her voice. She reminded me of like Jewel. The coaches were all standing at the end. Chance used his block on Reba. Reba is disappointed she was blocked because she loved Dani's performance. Dan and Shay love that she knows who she is. Chance called the performance amazing and said he was hyped at the possibility of working with her. Dani went with Team Chance. 



Justin and Jeremy Garcia sang The Story of my Life by One Direction-- Chance, Reba, and Dan and Shay turned around. I need to agree with John on this one. It could have been tighter. I liked it but I would not have turned. I will say, It was commendable that they lost their way and then found their way back. Chance commended them for that. Reba was moved by their humility and they took her back to her childhood. Dan and Shay said they are the perfect team for Justin and Jeremy because they're a duo too. 


Tae Lewis sang Somebody Like You by Keith Urban-- This performance was amazing. I loved the soul and passion that Tae brought to the song. John turned almost immediately. Reba turned right after he did this amazing run. John called Tae's voice electric, Reba said, like John, Wikipedia says she is a "legend" too. Tae ended up choosing Reba. 



Ryan Argast sang Speechless by Dan and Shay-- I L O V E this Dan and Shay song, it's a fave of mine. I loved the texture and gravel in Ryan's voice. Dan and Shay have a chat and decide to turn for Ryan, and they are the only ones who do. They also join him on stage for a chorus of Speechless. 



Nadege sang Get You by Daniel Caesar-- She has such a different style and tone. John and Chance both turned. John loved how stylish her musical choices are. Her name means hope in French. She said her first song she performed was Ordinary People so John got on stage and sang with her. Dan and Shay both said that they cannot imagine Nadege on anyone else's team but John's. Reba said Nadege is going to have a great time with either renegade she chooses. She chose Chance. 


Josh Sanders sang Whiskey on You by Nate Smith-- I am a fan of Nate Smith and I love this song and I loved how Josh held out those notes and there was a lot of power behind them. Dan and Shay said that's a tough song to sing and Nate is our guy. Reba says she loved his vocal and power. Josh said he sings in church. Josh chose Reba. 



OK 3 sang Made You Look by Meghan Trainor-- These girls are awesome! They met through their vocal coach. I loved, not only their voices, but their performance! They are a well deserved four chair turn. John says it felt like a mini concert. John says he used to arrange music for groups and he feels their is a space for a girl group. Dan and Shay say that they are in a group so they relate. Chance says he has had success with a group before. Reba says she loved the harmonies. OK 3 chooses Team Legend. 



Episode 2: 


Nathan Chester sang Take Me to The River by Al Green-- This is one of my fave types of performances. Nathan sounded so throwback to me, he sounded like The Temptations. There was so much gospel influence. I loved the growl in his voice. John turned and then Dan and Shay turned. Chance said he thought Nathan's voice was great but he didn't turn because he had a vision of Nathan being on John's team. John said I turned quickly because I am selective and you've got it. John said having Nathan from Chi Town on my team will be the perfect match. Dan and Shay said John is a beautiful man but we'd love to have you on our team, you're a star. Nathan chose John. 



Maddi Jane sang Escapism by Raye-- Maddi is interesting! I enjoyed her versatility, she was switching between rapping and singing. John, Dan and Shay, and Reba turned quickly, and then Chance turned at the end. Maddi said she is from Chicago and John said he feels at a disadvantage. He said that was so fun to listen to, you're a star, you have such confidence and stage presence. Dan and Shay said she was incredible and worked the stage. Chance said come get on team Chance and she said you're gonna need to do more than that. He said you deserve more than that. He critiqued her breath control, but he said she's a star. Reba said she was surprised to hear her singing voice after hearing her rap. 



Donny Van Slee sang Greatest Love Story by LANCO-- I absolutely LOVED his voice and this song choice for him. This was legit amazing. John says he loved his raspy tone. Donny said he is a big Chance fan and John commented that Chance may have had a chance had he turned. Reba blocked Dan and Shay so since they were the only coaches who turned Donny joined Team Reba. 



Karen Waldrup sang Bye Bye by Jo Dee Messina-- Dan and Shay turned and then they blocked Reba who was the only other chair to turn. I have to be honest and say I was not crazy about this performance, Karen joined Team Dan and Shay. 


Gabriel Goes sang What I Got by Sublime-- Gabriel is a character. He has a unique voice and tone. I enjoyed his spirit. Chance was the only one who turned so he joined Team Chance. I could see him being a dark horse in this competition. 



Gene Taylor sang Lights by Journey-- What an amazing vocalist and artist; this was an incredible performance. John turned first early on, followed by Dan and Shay, Reba, and then Chance. These four chair turn contestants are incredible. John said you had so much finesse and that was so expertly done. John said you and I working together could go far. Dan and Shay said you have so much power and control, you're such a pro. Chance said I was last to turn because I was so invested, your town is so different. Reba said you were working the crowd. Gene chose John. 



Monday, January 15, 2024

Golden Globes Best Dressed List 2024

My best dressed list in absolutely no order.... 

They just all looked amazing!

Let's talk about Brie Larson and J Lo who ran into each other on the red carpet. Brie told J Lo that seeing her in Selena is what made her want to become an actor. They both could not have looked more beautiful. 


Jennifer looked like a rose garden in a Nicole + Felicia Couture look. The color was gorgeous on her and those lines and curves were everything. 






































Brie wore another pastel, lavender! Her Prada custom dress was simple but such a feminine shape. 






















She hasn't had many fashion missteps overall, Taylor Swift has owned the red carpet for a while but recently has come into her own with a more mature look. Taylor was absolutely dazzling in custom Gucci. I just had to get you a front and back view. 








































Timothee Chalamet was the best dressed guy from a contemporary perspective, his Celine Homme non traditional tux was perfection. 





















Forever my friend Jennifer Aniston was a beauty in black. If I could choose any dress to wear for myself, it would be this one, so relatable and versatile yet chock full of cool details. Her dress was Dolce & Gabbana with Jimmy Choo shoes. 





















Elizabeth Debicki played Princess Diana on The Crown; she channeled goddess vibes in this Christian Dior gown. I loved everything about her look from head to toe. 






















And last but not least, Emma Stone was so pretty in Louis Vuitton! I loved all the details in her floral dress from the embroidery to the color palette to the fit. She was a winner in more ways than one. 























Monday, December 18, 2023

The Voice Season 24: The Finale Takes Me Higher

Team Reba: Jacquie Roar sang More Than a Feeling by Boston-- This really showed the range in her voice and the fact that she is a total rocker. Gwen said Jacquie keeps getting better and better. I loved this song for her, very different but then when she started singing, so in her style. 

Team Legend: Lila Forde sang The Weight by Bob Dylan-- Didn't love this performance to be honest. Gwen complimented her confidence. John said he loves her individuality and musicality. 

Team Niall: Mara Justine sang Turning Tables by Adele-- This is one of my fave Adele songs. I loved how soulful she made this but she also made it her own. John said it was so striking and so beautiful, we saw a different side of your voice today. Niall said Mara I am so proud of you, the growth you have shown is insane. I hope they don't forget this moment because it was so big, you're an incredible singer and an incredible person. 

Team Niall: Huntley sang Another Love by Tom Odell-- Didn't love this one either. Gwen said I like how you're so effortless and you feel like you come from a different time. 

Team Reba: Ruby Leigh sang Suspicious Minds by Elvis Presley-- One of the better performances of the night. Ruby does have such a maturity for her age, it's hard to believe. This was a good song choice for her.  John said you are so remarkable, your voice has so much maturity. Reba said you have amazed me from the first time you got on the stage. 

Team Reba: Jacquie Roar sang Knights in White Satin by The Moody Blues-- LOVE! Wow! What an amazing song choice. She killed this as well. Gwen said you must run on a tread mill all day to get that right in terms of the breath. That was beautiful. Reba said you are a force of nature, that was so pretty, it was a wonderful performance. 

Team Legend: Lila Forde sang Across the Universe by The Beatles-- I thought this was a beautiful choice for her. Much better than her first round. Niall said you're so impressive and so true to yourself. John called her performance cinematic. 

Team Niall: Mara Justine sang Piece of my Heart by Janis Joplin-- I feel like this song is overdone sometimes. I preferred her first performance here. This was good, she didn't sing bad per say, it just wasn't my taste. The coaches thought this was better than her first performance, I disagree. 

Team Reba: Ruby Leigh sang Desperado by The Eagles-- Smart song choice, she sounded stunning but didn't overdo it. Wow! Gwen said you just channel so well the intention of the song. Reba said what a great song selection, not many people can do what you do, 

Team Niall: Huntley sang Higher by Creed-- Great song choice for him! I thought once again his voice was a little lost in the arrangement but this is such a big song. John said I feel like when I watch you, I am watching someone who is already playing arenas. I am so shocked when you say you can't believe you're here doing this. Niall said that was euphoric. 

Videos to come tomorrow! 

5th Lila

4th Huntley 

3rd Jacquie

2nd and 1st between Mara and Ruby 

Monday, December 11, 2023

The Voice: Season 24: The Top 9 Are "Alive"

Team Reba: Ruby Leigh sand Take Me Home by John Denver-- Great fan selection on that song. Ruby sounded great. I love how she was all her own. John said you have been consistent and I loved those high notes today, clear as a bell, so beautiful. Reba said you did a great job, you did everything to perfection. 

Team Gwen: BIAS sang God Bless the Broken Road by Rascal Flatts-- BIAS sounded so strong tonight and in touch with the vocal. It was nice to hear him be passionate with the lyrics and tender. Niall thought it was mature and well executed, he felt it was emotional, and he is consistent. Gwen said there is something so authentic about you, your voice is so gorgeous and it's just incredible to get to know you. 



Team Reba: Jacquie Roar sang Alive by Sia (Chris Daughtry version)-- Such an awesome choice for her. I literally want her to sing that with Chris Daughtry. John said you knocked that out of the park. Reba said I know your kids are so proud of you, I know I am. 



Team Reba: Jordan Rainer sang Ol' Red by Blake Shelton-- Something I really appreciate about Jordan is her performance quality. This was her best performance to date in my opinion. I just loved her performance quality and how she showed so much personality. Gwen said that was crazy, I could never imagine a female doing that song and it was my favorite performance of you. Reba said you did all of America proud tonight. You handled it like a pro. 

Team Niall: Huntley sang Way Down We Go by Kaleo-- Such a perfect song for Huntley! John mentioned it, but I was feeling his Thor vibes up there. I feel like Huntley has been to this "painful" place in his life so when he sings these lyrics, he's coming from that place. Loved this.  John said I feel like I am really seeing you as an artist up there. Niall said you're incredible dude, we both love classic rock and southern rock. I think this was a perfect song for you to do. 



Team Niall: Mara Justine sang Parachute by Chris Stapleton-- This song choice is a little curious for me, but I suppose it was chosen based on the fact that it is soulful and sultry and that is Mara. I liked her interpretation and I hope she sticks around cause she is a talented vocalist. She had that big note! John said you're hitting notes I've never heard before. I think this was your best vocal performance. Niall said that is crazy, it's a different side to you, the confidence is unbelievable. 

Team Legend: Mac Royals sang Love TKO by Teddy Pendergrass-- I don't know if I would have chosen that song but he made it sound so good. I think he just has star quality and has earned a spot in the finals.  Reba said what a journey, you have just soared. John said he sings like a pro, he sings like a star, he sings like a superstar. 



Team Niall: Nini Iris sang No Time to Die by Billie Eilish-- Wow!! That may have been the performance of the night. That was emotional and moving. Gwen said I'm blown away, you're so gifted, and tasteful with the way you build the songs. Niall said your ability to know who you are as an artist, Billie sings that song completely different. He urged America not to get complacent and to vote for Nini. 



Team Legend: Lila Forde sang River by Joni Mitchell-- Amazing rendition, she was like Joni, but all her own. Reba said you have the ability to touch hearts so deep and you do that. John said you performance had so much wisdom, heart, integrity, and musicality; stunning.




Who is going home tomorrow? 

My predictions-- Mara, Ruby, and Jordan, and I am sad about it.