Monday, December 15, 2014

The Voice: Season 7, The Finals

Coach's Choice:

Team Adam: Damien sang A Song for You by Donny Hathaway-- There was a lot of heart in that performance. I don't know if it was his best performance but it was sincere. Blake said he hit everything full volume and full force; incredible and great. Pharrell said the way that you sang that song takes me to church, and I'm so proud of you. Gwen said that song was amazing and it feels like your record. Adam said you were so comfortable and this was one of your best performances.

Original Song:

Team Blake: Craig Wayne Boyd sang My Baby's Got a Smile on Her Face-- I loved the authenticity of Craig's vocals and Blake is right, it seemed like the song found its way to him and was meant to be recorded by him. Pharrell congratulated him and said welcome to your future. Gwen said Craig is going to be touring for a long time. Blake said that song was meant for you.

Duets:

Team Adam: Chris and Adam sang Lost Without You by Robin Thicke-- One of the hottest performances I have ever witnessed, seen, heard on The Voice. Amazing choice, crazy vocals, sexy performance. I loved this, can I buy it? Please. The coaches are on their feet!

Original Song:

Team Adam: Matt McAndrew sang Wasted Love-- This seemed like a song that Matt would legit sing. It was his style, the message was clear, and it was a solid performance. Gwen thought it was a great song for him and it was really inspiring. Adam said that he and Matt have been working together 24/ 7 on that song, and he said you were amazing. You're so special, I'm so proud of you, I'm on the verge of tears, I love you.

Duets:

Team Blake: Craig and Blake sang Boots On by Randy Houser-- That was such a country rock and roll forever performance.

Duets:

Team Adam: Damien and Adam sang Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me by Elton John and George Michael-- Adam's song choices are spot on tonight, this is another great choice. The vocals were solid, passionate, and original. The runs were awesome.

Original Song:

Team Adam: Chris Jamison sang Velvet-- I don't love this song, but I like the vibe of the song. The song, once again, was in the style of the artist. I am reminded of how American Idol has done a not good job with original songs. I could see Chris recording this. Pharrell said a star was born on this show, this year. You have changed and you have grown, I cannot wait to see what happens with you. Adam said I love all three of you so equally, and so much, you make me so proud.

Duets:

Team Adam: Matt and Adam sang Lost Stars by Adam Levine from the movie Begin Again-- Another amazing performance. I loved the sincerity and heart in this performance. It was very vulnerable and thought provoking. Adam and Matt's voices sounded good together.

Coach's Choice:

Team Blake: In Pictures by Alabama-- I agree with Blake, this was a great choice for Craig because it's so honest. Gwen said Blake's going to take you on tour. You're going to make an album, and it's going to be incredible. Pharrell said you picked the right song for him. Blake said this song is a perfect statement for where you are in your life.

Original Song:

Team Adam: Damien sang Solider-- This is an awesome original song for Damien. It truly fits him so well, and he dressed it up so well with his vocals. All the coaches were on their feet. Adam said I am bursting with pride. You have stayed strong and true to who you are.

Coach's Choice:

Team Adam: Chris sang Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake-- Wow, Justin Timberlake cleared this song for Chris to sing it. I've been wanting him to sing it since week one. He killed it, it was exciting, haunting, and he is my pick to win this. The coaches are all on their feet. Adam said, Chris my young Jedi, welcome and congratulations.

Coach's Choice:

Team Adam: Matt McAndrew sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland-- That performance was so majestic. What a great song choice and Matt's voice came through so pure on that. Gwen said she loves seeing him grow. Pharrell said you're so magical, you walk through walls and classifications. The world cannot get enough of artists like you. Adam said that was so bittersweet and perfect.

Monday, December 8, 2014

The Voice Season 7: The Top 5 Sing for the Finals

Songs Chosen by The Coach

Damien sang She's Out Of My Life by Michael Jackson-- That was a sick vocal. Damien just had so much control, emotion, and skill. Pharrell said your story never gets old. Gwen said, doing Michael Jackson is super dangerous, but your emotion was gorgeous. Adam said you are the most coachable guy and thank you for your trust in me. You did an unbelievable job with that song. Thank you so much.

Craig Wayne Boyd sang Workin Man's Blues by Merle Haggard-- I can't wait to see what happens with Craig Wayne Boyd. I just think he has so much star power. It's beautiful to see. Pharrell said that's the kind of performance you see from someone who knows who they are. Gwen liked how he worked the stage and it was great. Adam said it's hard for you to know who you are at times, and I think it's great that you know that and no one else does anything like what you do. Blake said you're one of the best singers I've ever heard in my life.

Taylor John Williams sang Falling Slowly by Once-- I could hear people cheering and I really wanted to like it cause I like that song, but it didn't sit in his sweet spot. It was like the lows were uncomfortably low, and the highs were too high and it wasn't balanced well. Adam liked it. Blake liked the range he displayed; I felt like it wasn't quite there. Pharrell liked the creative license he took when performing.

Matt McAndrew sang Make It Rain by Ed Sheeran-- Another unreal vocal with all the coaches on their feet this time around. The vocal was just so strong, and it literally gave me goosebumps when he went into his full voice. His full voice is literally SICK; there are so few people that have that strong of a full voice. Blake called his performance Grammy worthy. Pharrell called him a star. Adam said you astound me all the time. You can literally do anything,

Chris Jamison sang Sugar by Maroon 5-- The falsetto got away from him a tiny bit but he reigned it back in. His vocal was strong. I loved how the crowd lit up as he performed. Blake loved Adam's new song. He said your falsetto is so good Chris, the party starts and the room changes. Adam said that he is so proud of Chris, he said he continues to rise to the occasion.

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Damien sang I Don't Wanna Wait by Paula Cole-- Damien still performed that song well but for some reason I didn't love that song uptempo with that arrangement. I feel like he made it work. Pharrell said your voice is second to none and I loved the message you communicated. Gwen thought it had a Peter Gabriel vibe to it. Adam said he is so glad to be a small part of his journey.

Matt McAndrew sang I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For by U2-- I loved that performance. U2 is always a beast to sing cause Bono is legendary, and Matt just slayed it. It was so good, that particular song is an anthem. Blake said what you do throughout the whole song is what some people hope to do in a certain part of it. Pharrell said Bono would be so happy and so proud and so congratulatory. You killed it. Gwen said she was sobbing and called his voice rich and magic. Adam said I don't know what to say, but I don't need to say anything. Wow.

Craig Wayne Boyd sang Old Rugged Cross by Alan Jackson-- Coaches were all on their feet again. What a sincere and heartfelt performance that Craig gave. Pharrell said going through everything you've gone through what does it feel like to be at the top of your game. Gwen said she was crying again, you're always looking up and always seem so grateful. Adam said it was awesome, and it was a brilliant idea to show them the scope of who you are. It was special and we felt that. Blake said I'm so happy for you, you gave such a passionate and epic vocal tonight.

Taylor John Williams sang Blank Space by Taylor Swift-- I liked it, and he did display nice artistry, but I almost felt it veered too much from the original. I do want to give him props for his vocals though. Adam said great job, and he liked how he reworked the song. Gwen said it was a case of Taylor being Taylor and she felt like he had a great night.

Chris Jamison sang When I Was Your Man by Bruno Mars-- Goodness gracious, I am impressed and that vocal was so genuine that it made me cry. There was just so much emotion and his vocals were spot on. Gwen said that was my favorite performance and I can tell that you love singing. Adam said I am so proud of you and the amazing progress you continue to make. I always hesitate to do a Bruno tune cause he's so amazing but tonight it was all about your version of that song.

Top Three-- My Prediction:

Chris Jamison
Craig Wayne Boyd
Matt McAndrew

Wild Card-- My Prediction:

Gotta be-- Damien

Monday, December 1, 2014

The Voice Season 7: The Top 8 Rise to the Challenge and Then Some

Team Gwen: Ryan Sill sang Open Arms by Journey-- I like Ryan, and I admire his fight. The runs were strong, but the performance overall was a little bit sleepy. It was almost like he didn't know what to do with the middle of the song. Adam thought he killed it and hasn't deserved to be in the bottom three. Blake thought it was his best performance yet. Pharrell said he continues to improve. Gwen said she is so proud of him and he deserves to be here. 

Team Blake: Craig Wayne Boyd sang Take it Easy by The Eagles-- Craig is a seasoned performer; he got the crowd going like a pro. The performance was not lazy by any means, the vocal was strong, and it's like this was his song, and he's been performing it his whole life. All the coaches were on their feet. Pharrell said this is your show, people love you for being you. Gwen said I felt like I was at the country music awards, and you were a professional there. Adam said hell yea man, you have a great coach. 

Team Pharrell: DaNica Shirey sang These Dreams by Heart-- For me, this performance was not a good one, look for DaNica to possibly go home. Gwen liked the song choice for her. I actually didn't like it, her voice cracked at one spot and I didn't like it for her. Adam thought it was amazing. What is this love fest that's going on here? 

Team Adam: Damien sang Someone Like You by Adele-- All the coaches are on their feet once again. Damien continues to surprise me, he was so emotional singing that yet he was so in control. It's amazing. Blake said I'd swear you were a machine if you didn't have so much passion. Pharrell said you do it every week, you paint the air with those notes. Gwen said that was so beautiful. Adam said you put so much faith and trust in me, he wanted to do this song for years, and this was his best performance yet. 

Team Adam: Chris Jamison sang Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye-- Loved this performance. He was so natural up there on the stage, his vocals were right on. The crowd was cheering like no one's business. Adam was on his feet, Gwen was blushing. Pharrell said that was your best performance on the show, you got lost in the intention of Marvin Gaye. Adam said you're like Luke Skywalker. You did Marvin Gaye's song with so much love and so much respect, and you just crushed this audience. 

Team Pharrell: Luke Wade sang Holding Back the Years by Simply Red-- I thought this was a great song choice for Luke, but I didn't care for the arrangement of the song. It did not allow Luke to showcase his voice. Adam said I'm a Luke Wade fan since day one. He said I want you to stop thinking. Blake thought it was vibey and really good, but there weren't a lot of big moments. Pharrell said I love you being on my team, and I just want to keep going with you. 

Team Gwen: Taylor John Williams sang Royals by Lorde-- I loved that performance, it was so smart, so original, and he really brought more meaning to the song. Blake said he respects how he puts his stamp on every song, and called him 150% pure artist. Pharrell said you are an original, super soulful hippie, you're something else. Gwen said I really enjoyed that, it was amazing. 

Team Adam: Matt McAndrew sang The Blowers Daughter by Damien Rice-- Matt McAndrew has continued to give strong performances throughout this entire competition and just when you think he can't take it to another level and elevate things even more, he does. His vocals and his originality are something else. All the coaches were standing once again. Blake said I have never heard that song before and I want that to be my introduction to that song, it was so good, freakin brilliant. Adam said that he adores Matt and was proud of him that he was able to exude the pain of being in a relationship in a song. 

My Top 5 Prediction (in no order): Craig Wayne Boyd, Damien, Chris Jamison, Taylor John Williams, and Matt McAndrew

Monday, November 24, 2014

The Voice Season 7: The Top Ten Sing and Rock It

Team Adam-- Advisor: Patrick Stump from Fall Out Boy
Team Gwen-- Advisor: Christina Aguilera
Team Blake-- Advisor: Colbie Caillat
Team Pharrell-- Advisor: Diana Ross

Team Adam: Matt McAndrew sang Fix You by Coldplay-- Matt has such serious rock star qualities, and I loved how he brought the audience into his performance. His voice was powerful at points, but then he got quiet and the dynamics were unreal. Blake said you're so good, you have drama, range, and stage presence. Pharrell said I know you're a star. Gwen thought the last note was amazing. Adam said you can do everything, but you're so humble and talented.

Team Gwen: Anita Antoinette sang Let Her Go by Passenger-- Little bit of a weird song choice, I thought it was weird how they played up a reggae vibe with this. It was too bouncy. Pharrell said the way to shine is to just have fun. I can agree with Gwen that she did make the song her own, I just feel like it took away from the meaning of the song. 

Team Adam: Damien sang You and I by Stevie Wonder-- This was another solid Damien performance. My only critique at this point in the game is that I would like to see Damien change it up because I know he can sing this kind of song. Stevie is a great choice for him because Damien can keep up with that. All the coaches were on their feet and Adam said he felt the audience get on board with this performance. 

Team Blake: Reagan James sang Fancy by Iggy Azalea-- Adam liked Reagan's commitment to her song, and he thought it was her best performance to date. Blake said the breathing techniques, the pocket, you were doing two people's job. I appreciate the difficult of this song, but at the same time, it wasn't one hundred percent the right choice for her. I found it messy because what she was doing was so hard. 

Team Pharrell: Luke Wade sang Try a Little Tenderness-- This wasn't his best performance, but I liked what he did with this song. I like how Luke is someone who is soulful but you don't expect it. Pharrell was on his feet at the end of the performance. Gwen liked how he worked the stage, and liked how Pharrell arranged the song for Luke.

Team Blake: Craig Wayne Boyd sang I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash-- I absolutely adore Craig as a performer. He is so true to country music, and he's just genuine and authentic in his delivery. This was an amazing take on a classic with killer vocals. Pharrell said you know who you are and you're not afraid to represent that. Gwen said you're a star and you're gonna have a whole career after this. Adam said you're so crazy good, amazing. Blake said that was magic, you deserve this moment.

Team Gwen: Ryan Sill sang Starlight by Muse-- Ryan continues to impress me, this was another impressive performance. The song choice was so right for him, and his vocals were strong. Adam said you were in the bottom three last week, I don't think you deserved it. I feel like you're figuring out who you are, and you're going to continue to have a career after this. Blake felt like it might have been his best performance yet. Pharrell called him the most improved performer. Gwen felt like he is blossoming as an artist before our eyes, and she's so proud of him.  

Team Pharrell: DaNica Shirey sang I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston-- DaNica seemed so passionate about singing this song, but some reason it seemed like the music was off when she entered the song. She might have entered a shade too early. It's almost like she was so eager to start that it wasn't spot on. Blake and Pharrell were on their feet. Gwen said it was fun to watch. Blake said this is the best live show I've ever seen, the performances are unbelievable. That's a big song and you just killed it. Pharrell said every week she continues to ascend and he is so happy for her.

Team Gwen: Taylor John Williams sang Come Together by The Beatles-- Everything about this performance was genius. I could not take my eyes off him. His style and attitude, the way he styled his vocals and made the verses characters was so perfect. This is the optimal example of picking a song that fits you. Adam said nice to see the beastly dude come out, and I love that song. Blake said I loved seeing another side of you tonight. Pharrell said, bro, one of the craziest performances we've seen, rock-star. Gwen said I was so worried and I didn't want you to do that song, but you just have such an instinct about yourself. If I was 15 right now, you'd be all over my locker. You're not even wearing socks right now, that's how cute you are.

Team Adam: Chris Jamison sang Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson-- The performance was energetic, it was a strong vocal. There were lots of vocal acrobats in there, the dips into his falsetto were awesome. Blake said the atmosphere was great and you did a great job of staying up to that energy level, he thought he sounded great. Pharrell said he shows that he wants this, and he took it higher than before. Gwen liked how he worked the whole stage and felt he had good rhythm. Adam said Bruno is incredible and the song hearkens to a different time, and he thought Chris did awesome. 

Look for DaNica, Damien, Anita, and Reagan to be in the bottom-- the rest are moving on for sure. 

Monday, November 17, 2014

The Voice Season 7: The Top 12 Live and Impressive

Team Pharrell: Sugar Joans sang Take Me to the River by Al Green-- I didn't love this performance, it just didn't feel authentic to me. Gwen thought she was incredible. Blake liked the edge to her voice and that it kept him on the edge of his seat. Pharrell is proud of how she followed through. This just wasn't memorable for me, and at the end of the night, that's not a good thing when you're up first. 

Team Gwen: Ryan Sill sang Ordinary World by Duran Duran--  Breakout performance for Ryan, loved the song choice, loved the vocal. All the coaches are on their feet. This was a deal breaker. Adam said, cool song choice for you. I said from the beginning that you are such an amazing singer. The big notes were ridiculous, rock and roll is the way to go, you just killed it. Pharrell said, you have it, rock for sure. Gwen said I was so excited to hear you sing that and you have come so far in such a short time. I seriously give him, on a scale of one to ten, an 11. 

Team Blake: Jessie Pitts sang Don't You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia-- I liked how she made this song her own. The lyrics really took on a different meaning, and you could tell that she was connected to the song. Gwen liked hearing that song broken down like that, and loves her voice. Adam liked it a lot, he said, keep exploring the big part of your voice. Blake said Jessie works harder than anyone else I have ever worked with on my teams. She's an artist and an inventor, she takes stuff and makes it her own, and you can't teach that. 

Team Adam: Damien sang He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother by Donny Hathaway-- Wow, another amazing performance by Damien. I think every single person in the audience was on their feet. Damien just sings with so much emotion and sincerity, it is so easy to love and appreciate an artist and vocalist like him. Blake said congratulations, great performance, great song choice. Pharrell said that performance was Southern church. Adam said, I told you to trust me. You blew the audience away with that song, I could not be any prouder. 

Team Pharrell: DaNica Shirey sang Creep by Radiohead-- I think her voice sounded great, however, I didn't care for the arrangement of the song. It was a little too bouncy for such a depressing song. Gwen said she loves watching her sing. Adam said you're so good that everything you sing is gonna be amazing. Pharrell said it moved me to hear you sing this song.  

Team Gwen: Taylor John Williams sang If by Bread-- As an artist, I love Taylor. I thought I heard his voice crack in one spot, but I do love him, and I think he does his this very original thing about him that's amazing. Adam loved hearing the purity of his voice. Blake thinks that dark thing that he has is to his advantage; you always sound great. Pharrell loved the vocal. Gwen thought it was beautiful, and it was so emotional and so you. 

Team Blake: Reagan James sang It Ain't Over Til It's Over by Lenny Kravitz-- Not loving this song choice for her, the vocal is a little bit lazy. Blake said the way you navigate a melody blows my mind. You showed everyone out there that you don't just copy everything, you put your stamp on everything.

Team Pharrell: Luke Wade sang -- Another amazing Luke performance. I love him, I cannot figure out who he sounds like, but his vibe is awesome. Apparently he came in early when the song started. Adam said he handled it like a professional. Gwen felt that the mistake made him more human. Pharrell thought he rose to the occasion. 

Team Adam: Matt McAndrew sang Take Me to Church by Hosier-- Adam and Pharrell were on their feet. I loved that, another solid performance from a Team Adam peep. This was awesome, I loved the grit in his voice. Blake said he couldn't hear him well, but thought it was awesome. Pharrell said I cannot wait to hear the album you're gonna make after this show. Gwen said this seems like the type of song that you would do.  Adam said the way you finished that song, that's someone who wins this show. 

Team Blake: Craig Wayne Boyd sang You Look So Good in Love by George Strait-- I enjoy watching this Southern gentleman work the crowd every single week, and just impressing people with his gift. Gwen said it was so good, and he's such a professional, really good. Pharrell is glad to have someone like Craig on the show with southern rock roots. Blake is excited, and thinks that this is another break out moment on the show. 

Team Adam: Chris Jamison sang Jealous by Nick Jonas-- Woah! I loved that performance, that was another break out performance tonight. The falsetto was amazing, the crowd was screaming the whole time. He was just really made to sing that song. Pharrell said it was his best performance, and he said the falsetto was effortless. Gwen said it seemed like it was his song, and she is so happy for him. Adam said you're cute, but you're also a talented singer. 

Team Gwen: Anita Antoinette sang Redemption Song by Bob Marley-- Anita's vocal and the feeling behind her performance literally gave me chills. That was ridiculously inspiring. Adam said you have to feel really good tonight Anita, I feel like that is one of the most important songs ever written. Blake said sister, there is something about your voice that is so beautiful, calming, and relaxing. Gwen said I feel blessed to be a part of what you did.

Who is moving on?

Team Pharrell-- Luke Wade and DaNica Shirey
Team Gwen-- Anita Antoinette and Ryan Sill  
Team Blake-- Craig Wayne Boyd and Jessie Pitts
Team Adam-- do you think all of them could go through please? This is unjust. 

Sunday, November 16, 2014

The Voice Season 7: The Top 12 Revealed

Team Blake
Reagan James
Craig Wayne Boyd
Jessie Pitts – Coaches save
Team Pharrell
Luke Wade
DaNica Shirey
Sugar Joans – Coaches save
Team Gwen
Taylor John Williams
Anita Antoinette
Ryan Sill – Coaches save
Team Adam
Damien
Matt McAndrew
Chris Jamison – Coaches Save
Shocks of the night--
I'm surprised that Blake saved Jessie Pitts instead of James David Carter
I'm surprised that Pharrell saved Sugar instead of Elyjuh
Team Gwen, all is well, this is who I expected to move on
I actually agree with Adam's team despite the fact that the public thought Taylor Phelan should move on instead of Chris Jamison

The Voice Season 7: Disappointing Night for Team Gwen and Team Pharrell

From Team Gwen: Ryan Sill sang I Lived by One Republic-- Adam says Ryan has always been one of his favorites. Pharrell enjoyed watching Ryan come out of his shell. Gwen said she feels so emotional about him as an artist. I like Ryan because he clearly wants to be there and he shows it every week. You can't ask for more than that. He is positive, and every week he grows and becomes better.

From Team Pharrell: Jean Kelley sang Piano in the Dark by Brenda Russell-- Gwen and Adam both mentioned how dramatic and theatrical it was. Pharrell tried to be positive because Jean is on his team. This performance was a mess for me, it was way too over the top. I also think that the song choice was wrong for her. It sounded like she was pushing all the way through the performance. She may have just bought her ticket home. 

From Team Pharrell: Elyjuh Rene sang Latch by Disclosure featuring Sam Smith-- Gwen loves how in control he is.  I love all the different things that Elyjuh did with the melody. He hit the high note and then the band kicked in and he came alive, it was full force. I've always loved his ad libs because they seem so natural. Adam says it's unbelievable how good that was and he calls Elyjuh and front Sy flat performance for me. I am unsure why this song was chosen for her. Blake feels like she grew as a singer and in the performance. Gwen says you're so adorable which means she did not do very well.

From Team Pharrell: Luke Wade sang Let's Get it On by Marvin Gaye-- Strongest Team Pharrell performance of the night. This was a great song choice for Luke, but then again, he sounds amazing in almost every song he sings. I loved the timing throughout the performance, the injections of soul were amazing. Gwen thought Luke was incredible. Adam called him ridiculous. Blake told Luke that he chased the melody of that song like a cat and mouse game. He said that some people in the audience got it on.

From Team Gwen: Anita Antoinette sang All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor-- I enjoyed that Anita brought a different flavor to the song and she continues to be a strong and confident performer despite the fact that she struggled with this. Adam liked how confident she continues to be. Blake said that she owned the moment. Gwen loves her natural personality.

From Team Pharrell: DaNica Shirey sang Help Me by Joni Mitchell-- I didn't get song choice for DaNica. However, I do believe she has one of the best voices in the competition. Adam says she turned Joni Mitchell into Chaka Khan. Blake noticed her amazing breath control. Pharrell said she showed the world what she can do with her voice.

From Team Pharrell: Sugar Joans sang I Say a Little Prayer by Aretha Franklin-- I love Sugar and I love her voice. Unfortunately, with this performance, there were a lot of points where she sounded like she was screaming. I love that song but she almost went sharp singing it. Gwen called it church. Blake called it the best performance of the night. Pharrell is so proud of her and felt every moment.

From Team Gwen: Ricky Manning sang Lay Me Down by Sam Smith-- I agree with Adam, I think that at this point in the competition, Ricky is the most improved. I do think this song was a little bit of a reach, that being said, he pulled it off with passion. Blake thought his voice was in control, and he called it a solid and beautiful performance. Pharrell said he deserves his place on the show.

From Team Gwen: Taylor John Williams sang Stuck in the Middle with You by Stealers Wheel-- This young man is the real deal. I loved how he completely reinvented a song that I actually found annoying, until I heard his version. The song had a bluesy feel and his vocal was extremely smooth. Adam liked the way he changed up the song and able to show his artistry. Blake thought that the half time thing he did really worked.

My predictions on who I think it going forward.

on

Team Gwen:
Top 2: Anita Antoinette and Taylor John Williams
Gwen will save-- this is a toss up between Ryan Sill and Ricky Manning

Team Pharrell:
Top 2: Luke Wade and Elyjuh Rene
Pharrell will save-- DaNica Shirey