Season 8: The Voice The Top 8 Take the Stage

Team Blake: Hannah Kirby sang We Don't Need Another Hero by Tina Turner-- Cee Lo joined them for coaching. This was quite honestly her best vocal since she started the show. I am not the biggest Hannah fan, but she killed it tonight, well deserved standing ovation. I loved the kids choir running out at the end. Christina said it had Cee Lo's stamp all over it. Pharrell said she is living the dream. Adam said you're always amazing. Blake said she sang the song perfectly. 

Team Adam: Joshua Davis sang Fields of Gold by Sting-- Usher joined them for coaching. I liked this performance in general, but I felt like I wanted more, it was like he never hit an apex with that song. Blake said that is the type of performance where he shines. Adam said I love the fact that you went out there and did something very different, and you did it with class and elegance. 

Team Christina: Kimberly Nichole sang Creep by Radiohead-- Gwen joined them for coaching. I didn't love her interpretation of this song. To me, this song is about someone reflecting on their loneliness and the fact that they are different. Adam said there's never been a version like this, but I unlike Adam, I don't think it worked. 

Team Blake: Meghan Linsey sang Something by George Harrison-- Cee Lo joined them for coaching. I loved that performance by Meghan, she is the front runner for me.  Adam said he loves that the song was not Blake's choice; Meghan you're badass awesome. Blake said every week that goes by, you get better, and you have more confidence. I fully expect to see you in the finale, I totally agree with Blake. 

Team Christina: India Carney sang Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland-- Gwen joined them for coaching. I thought India's performance was so dreamlike and beautiful. She literally just floated through the song. Blake said that was more than beautiful and had magic in it. Christina said that India embraced the song and that she was taken on a journey with her. It was gorgeous. 

Team Pharrell: Sawyer Fredericks sang Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd-- Gwen joined them for coaching. Sawyer has such a mature voice, and he makes vocal choices that someone his age shouldn't even think to do, but he does it. . Adam said you have the ability to transform any song into something powerful, I think you're amazing. Pharrell said if you love folk music, vote and support him. 

Team Blake: Corey Kent White sang When I See You Smile by Bad English-- Cee Lo joined them for coaching. Corey's performance was so genuine and heartfelt, I loved that he worked to the end of the song to that big note. Adam said interesting song choice for you, but I loved it, the performance was awesome. Blake said you had a breakout moment, that was your best performance to date. 

Team Pharrell: Koryn Hawthorne sang Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys-- Gwen joined them for coaching. I feel like Koryn is the biggest surprise on this show, she has developed into a great performer. Adam said you have grown more than anyone else on this show, you've made the biggest leap. Christina said you have thrived under pressure. Pharrell said you're an inspirational singer. 

The Top 6 on American Idol Season 14 Become 5!

Jax sang Are You Gonna Be My Girl by Jet-- Keith said that's how you open a show, and I loved it as you got towards the end. Jenn liked how the performance was like total abandon. Harry said he has a sense of what she would be like in concert, and he thought her performance was strong. I enjoyed this Jax performance, and I have been hard on her throughout the competition cause I feel like I want to hear her the way she was when I first heard her. She is finally coming back to that, and I am seeing that Jax that I thought was fun, carefree, and had this amazing rock voice.

Nick Fradiani sang Harder to Breathe by Maroon 5-- Jenn said he gets stronger every time he performs, and she thought it was the perfect song for him. Harry said that was scary for the other people in the competition. Keith said vocally you're finding your lane, he told him to find his center more in terms of the performance. I agree with the judges, this was an amazing performance and Nick keeps getting better every week. The song definitely suited him vocally, he should be rocking out like this every week.

Clark Beckham sang Yesterday by The Beatles-- Harry said I liked that you didn't use high notes gratuitously; it was terrific. Keith said it was such an interesting choice, because it's an old song, but you make it fresh and current. Jenn said you tapped into the emotion of the song. I liked this performance; however, I felt like there were places where Clark was having pitch issues.

Tyanna Jones sang Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus-- Keith said it was good to see the fun side of you. Jenn said it was the most comfortable she has ever seen her. I actually liked her singing this, it was a totally different direction for her and it paid off.

Quentin Alexander sang Light My Fire by The Doors-- Jenn said she wants more from him vocally, but she believes he is a very centered performer. Harry liked the vocal along with the band, he felt the arrangement was cool. Keith thinks he is so original. I actually am sad that Quentin and Rayvon are in this position because I genuinely love both of them. This was a strong, clear vocal, loved it.

Rayvon Owen sang I'm Not the Only One by Sam Smith--  Harry thought he did a great job and felt he knocked that performance out of the park. Keith said if you were the first one to sing that, it would have been a hit. Jenn said what if you fight your way back to the top. I absolutely loved this performance, it was so gentle, yet so strong. The vocal was just off the charts, and I hope the judges are right.

Second Performances--

Nick Fradiani sang Maggie May by Rod Stewart-- Keith felt like it was a good song for him. Jenn also thought it was a good song choice. Harry said I could see you playing a two or three hour show on the road. I like the humility that Nick possesses, I liked the way he got into the performance.

Tyanna Jones sang Heaven by Bryan Adams-- Jenn said she is elegant and mature despite her age, not her fave performance, but necessary to see. Harry asked what she would like to record on her album. Tyanna answered that she is a mix of everything.

Clark Beckham sang Boyfriend by Justin Bieber-- Harry said it was not the right song for you to do that on. Harry said you're a melody singer. Jenn didn't think it created a moment.

Jax sang White Flag by Dido-- Keith said you held my attention for the entire song. Jenn thought it was a beautiful performance. Harry called it phenomenal and a great song choice.

Quentin Alexander sang Shake it Out by Florence and the Machine-- Jenn said you're riveting to watch. Harry asked if Quentin would let producers auto tune him, and he said no because he wants people to hear the raw product.

Rayvon Owen sang Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac-- Jenn thought it was a really good performance and she said he fights every single time. Harry said you just had to get that big ole high note in there, didn't you.

Rayvon won the save over Quentin for the fourth time. Tyanna could be in some trouble next week.

The Top Seven Sing American Classics on American Idol Season 14

The Top 7 Idols sang American Classics, and each contestant was up twice. I'm going to  break down which was the better of each performance.
As far as the results go, I have to say that at this point, I understand why Joey Cook went home. She is a wonderful talent; however, she did not perform well in the previous week.

Tyanna Jones sang Why Do Fools Fall in Love by Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers-- This lacked soul, she was not connected to the song at all, and it lacked that tempo that the song needs. Harry asked her if she has every watched Frankie Lymon's version, and she said no. He suggested she do so and note his groove. ......Score: 6 out of 10

I liked her second performance better, it was Proud Mary by Tina Turner, the song suited her vocals.
Score 8 out of 10-- Total 14 out of 20


Clark Beckham sang Superstition by Stevie Wonder-- I feel like what's happening with Clark is that we're hearing the same types of performances over and over again, and I personally am getting a little bored. The problem was this performance is that it got real messy. Score: 6 out of 10

I liked is second performance better also, Moon River, it was classic and it may have revealed weaknesses but at the same time, it was so neccessary for us to see someone human sing this song. Score: 8 out of 10-- Total 14 out of 20

Jax sang Piece of My Heart by Janis Joplin-- I preferred this to her second performance. I really did not love either, but I felt like Piece of My Heart is more who she is than Beat It by Michael Jackson. To me, Jax reminds me of Jena Irene from last season, but I found Jena more original and more talented. For some reason, Jax seems like she is pushing hard on the vocal and it shouldn't sound like that. It also sounds like she is screaming at times, and that's something I am never a fan of. The judges overall seemed happy with her performance, even though my feeling is she could be in some trouble next week. Score: 7 out of 10 and 6 out of 10-- Total 13 out of 10

Nick Fradiani sang American Girl by Tom Petty-- I also liked this better than Nick's second performance, however, I genuinely enjoyed both performances. This may not have been very different from Tom Petty's performance, but it fit him like a glove. This was perfectly in his pocket, and he left everything out there. He sounded good, looked good, and it seemed like he had a good time with it. Jenn said he has a radio ready voice, and has grown a lot on the show. Score: 9 out of 10

For his second performance he sang Only the Good Die Young by Billy Joel--  The arrangement on this really worked to Nick's advantage. Once again, he was in that comfy pocket of his voice and it sounded great. Someone reviewed Nick's performance and said he sounds like a different person every week and I disagree with that. I think Nick has a voice that I do hear originality in, and I agree with Jenn in that his voice is radio ready. Score: 8 out of 10-- Total 17 out of 20

Quentin Alexander sang Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz-- I loved the idea of Quentin doing this song, it's totally in his wheelhouse, and I see his as an artist like a Lenny Kravitz. The problem is, I wanted more from this performance, I wanted more passion, and more rocker instinct and mentality. Score: 6 out of 10

Quentin's second performance was The Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkle-- there were some beautiful moments in this, but it didn't quite come together in the way that it should have. I feel like he was so distracted by Joey and Rayvon being the bottom two that he lost focus on his own performances. He could be in some trouble this week. Score: 6 out of 10 Total-- 12 out of 20

Bottom 2: Joey Cook and Rayvon Owen
Joey sang My Funny Valentine and Somebody to Love by Jefferson Airplane-- The first performance was stronger. Unfortunately, it seemed that over the weeks, Joey lost confidence in herself, she lost that magic and sparkly in her eyes that made her so very special. Her first performance was strong and understated but being in the bottom got the best of her on her second performance.

Rayvon sang Long Train Runnin' by The Doobie Brothers and Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson-- Rayvon arguable turned in the two strongest performances of his entire Idol journey. His first performance was soulful, on point, and in terms of performance quality, he whooped everyone's ass. Jenn felt he stepped it up and he did. Score: 8 out of 10

His performance of Always on My Mind was beautiful. I felt like Rayvon connected to the song and made it his own. Jenn said she had the goosies and Harry called Rayvon essentially a ballad singer. If this all doesn't keep Rayvon out of the bottom, I don't know what will. Score: 9 out of 10 Total-- 17 out of 20

Rayvon wins the vote by 52%!

Who will be in trouble this week? Quentin and Jax, maybe Tyanna

The Voice Season 8: The Top Ten Go Live!

Team Christina: Kimberly Nichole sang Somethings Got a Hold on Me by Etta James-- Pharrell said it was unbelievable. Adam said she could win this thing, and Christina said she did it again. I liked this performance, but the song did not do much for me. Kimberly definitely worked it and I don't see her going anywhere, but I thought she could have chosen a song she connected with more.

Team Adam: Joshua Davis sang Hold Back the River by James Bay-- Blake felt like the song challenged him vocally, it pushed him harder than ever before. Pharrell said it displayed that there is a broad spectrum to his voice. Adam loves his tone, but felt like it was the right time for him to take a risk. I thought Joshua did connect with this song, and although I wasn't familiar with the song, I felt like it was a strong and meaningful vocal.

Team Blake: Hannah Kirby sang Shout by Tears for Fears-- Christina said Hannah is becoming a superstar. Pharrell said she is truly a great performer. Blake said she's a freak of nature. The song choice and performance was a little bit corny, it came across as a little karaoke. I like her personality, but again, just didn't go it for me.

Team Blake: Meghan Linsey sang Home by Marc Broussard-- Christina said she was so impressed. Adam was blown away by her vocal, it was her personal best performance, and put her way up at the top. I feel like for me, Meghan is the one to beat. She comes out every week and picks the right song, gives amazing performances with great vocals.

Team Pharrell: Koryn Hawthorne sang Make it Rain by Ed Sheeran-- Blake said she could not have done better than she did. Christina said she embodied that song. Pharrell said Koryn is an inspirational singer. This was so soulful, first time I have really heard and loved Koryn's voice. I felt like she connected with the song, and I felt like her tone suited the song extremely well.

Team Adam: Deanna Johnson sang Somebody to Love by Jefferson Airplane-- It seemed like Christina didn't really like it, she called it different. I didn't care for this song for Deanna, I like her a lot, and I think she is so talented, and such a great vocalist. Adam feels like she has accomplished something.

Team Christina: Rob Taylor sang A Song for You by Donny Hathaway-- Pharrell called it masterful. Christina loved the vulnerability that he showed for the first time, she said you are so special, so important, and so rare. Rob is my second pick to win this competition after Meghan. He just comes in every week, and he is so genuine in the way that he manages to connect with every song he sings. It is really amazing that he is able to do that.

Team Blake: Corey Kent White sang Unwound by George Strait-- Adam said that Corey gets more comfortable on stage every time he performs. Blake felt like that although he forgot the lyrics at one point, he kept going, and that's what a seasoned performer would do. I felt like Corey did a good job of getting the crowd going. His personality and charm really sold it this time around.

Team Pharrell: Sawyer Fredericks sang Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls-- Blake said your voice is so strong and so powerful, friggin good. Christina felt like it was awesome as usual. Pharrell said, we need more 16 year olds in the world like you. Wow, I loved that, huge fan of that song, and love what Sawyer did with it. I am not his biggest fan, but this was understated yet powerful.

Team Christina: India Carney sang Run to You by Whitney Houston-- Love India, love her, but there were pitch issues all over the place, but Pharrell thought it was a beautiful performance. Adam said they should have hired her for the musical she auditioned for. Christina said this is the moment where you conquered your fear.

In trouble tomorrow--Hannah Kirby, India Carney, Deanna Johnson

American Idol Season 14: The Top 8 Sing Pop!

Qaasim Middleton lost to Rayvon Owen on the Fan Save....... check out what transpired.

Jax sang Poker Face by Lady Gaga-- Didn't like the arrangement at all. Everything that makes that song special was gone in this version, her enunciation was weird, like pa pa pa poker face pa pa poker face. It was strange indeed. Jenn said she didn't relate to that at all, she went so far left that no one got it. Harry said she did not inhabit the song emotionally. You can't just change the arrangement, you need to tap into the emotional space.
Score: 6 out of 10

Nick Fradiani sang Teenage Dream by Katy Perry-- This song really suited Nick, and the way he arranged it, it totally felt like him. Nick does have an intensity, but I think Keith is right in that the spirit of the song matched him. Jenn said he changed it and made it his own in the best way, I could hear it on the radio today. Harry said there were things I did and didn't like. I liked the energy, I would have liked something with grittier lyrics for you. Keith said I thought it had killer lyrics for you. I like the spirit of that song.
Score: 9 out of 10

Quentin Alexander sang Latch by Disclosure featuring Sam Smith-- Awesome, this was one of my favorite Quentin performances, there was a sexy vibe to it. He took a risk and it paid off for him. Harry said you look great tonight, I love this song, I think you're a good rhythmic singer, and I was really digging this. There were some pitch issues, but good song for you. Keith said great song choice, the laid-back phrasing was perfect for you. Jenn said you're such an artist, I sensed that you were in your head a little bit, I loved it, loved that song, great choice for you.
Score: 9 out of 10

Joey Cook sang Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus-- I feel like there are some songs you don't change, and this is one of them. It was too weird all the way around. The song felt especially strange in the chorus. Keith felt she held back on the chorus. Jenn liked the verses, not the chorus.
Score: 7 out of 10

Clark Beckham sang Make it Rain by Ed Sheeran-- I think that because this song has such a heavy R&B, blues vibe it really suited Clark and what he does best. Love that he is playing the guitar. I felt like the last verse/ chorus got a little out of control, I almost thought his voice was going to crack. Jenn said she could see him at the finale, and called his vocal amazing and effortless. Harry said that was very good, but what would have made it better is if he would have slowed it down.
Score: 9 out of 10

Tyanna Jones sang Stay by Rihanna-- I believe Tyanna definitely related to the song, but there's something special about when Rihanna sings it and that x factor was missing in this performance. Harry was extremely touched. Jenn felt like Tyanna dug deep.
Score: 8 out of 10

Rayvon Owen sang Set Fire to the Rain by Adele-- Yuck, the vocals were a sloppy mess. It was not the right choice of song for him. Jenn felt he dug, but didn't think it was the right song for him. Harry asked Rayvon what encompasses him and he said he tries to inspire people and give all glory to God.
Score: 6 out of 10

Qaasim Middleton sang Hey Ya by Outkast-- I actually think this time around Qaasim deserved to stay and had the stronger performance. Jenn said you're a fun performer, you own that stage. Harry said American Idol is lucky to have you, I love your groove and how you're always in the pocket. Keith said you know how to make the most of what you have, playing to your strengths and being entertaining. Jenn said Qaasim has a great voice.
Score: 8 out of 10


This week...... Jax, Rayvon, or Joey are my bottom three.

The Voice Season 8: The Top 12 Perform

Team Blake: Hannah Kirby sang Edge of Seventeen by Stevie Nicks-- I like Hannah's personality, but I feel like something she has to work on is not performing at the same volume throughout the song because this performance lacked dynamics. I feel like the judges seem to always say the same things about her all the time. Blake said her vocals blow him away.

Team Adam: Brian Johnson sang If I Ever Lose My Faith in You by Sting-- I liked this song for Brian, and it was a sound vocal. The only thing I would say is that it got a little boring towards the end. Christina said she feels like Brian improves every week (just a note, I don't see Hannah's growth every week). Adam said Brian did a great job despite this being a technically difficult song to sing.

Team Christina: India Carney sang Take Me to Church by Hosier-- Pharrell said it seems like India has been doing this for years. Adam said you have fans and that's something that becomes really important at this stage of the competition. Christina said India had a presence and conviction that she's never seen before. I wasn't blown away by the song choice, but I thought it was the strongest vocal of the night.

Team Pharrell: Mia Z. sang Miss You by The Rolling Stones-- Mia is one of the strongest performers on this show, and her vocal range is incredible. I continue to be impressed with the fact that she is so young, yet so mature. Adam said you big a great job on selling that song. Blake said I love what you do with a melody. Pharrell said I am so happy for you, and I can't wait to do more with you.

Team Adam: Deanna Johnson sang Oceans by Hillsong United-- Christina said it sounded really beautiful. Pharrell said that Deanna has such a great tone and he can't believe she even gets nervous. Adam said he couldn't hear her cause of the music, but when he did he was so happy for her. I love Deanna and I think she is someone who could have a huge career after The Voice. I could definitely see her being on the country music charts.

Team Pharrell: Sawyer Fredericks sang Imagine by John Lennon-- Blake said you make everything you do seem right, you're a champ. Christina said you don't try, you project, and it just works. Pharrell said he is so proud of Sawyer, and he handled himself well. I love that song so much, and I like Sawyer a lot, but for some reason, I am not as sold on him as some of the judges are.

Team Christina: Rob Taylor sang I Put a Spell on You by Ella Fitzgerald-- That was the performance of the night. There was so much passion in that, he put his Rob signature on it, and Reba was right about him making it his own. Pharrell said it was a masterful performance. Christina said that's why I came back to The Voice, you slayed it.

Team Blake: Corey Kent White sang Why by Jason Aldean-- Christina said another strong performance, you have the girl vote. Adam said you're on the precipice of something that's truly impactful. Blake said you didn't sing perfectly but you delivered the song perfectly. You're a threat to win this show, you're a great artist. Adam said what I saw thinking but didn't know how to verbalize, it's like he's within reach of being amazing but he's not quite there yet. Corey has so much heart and that is clear with each and every performance.

Team Pharrell: Koryn Hawthorne sang Stronger by Kelly Clarkson-- Love Koryn, love her spirit, don't like her voice. There is this weird rasp in her voice that I can't get over. Christina said Koryn came to the stage as Tina Turner this week. Blake said welcome to the top ten. Pharrell said that he is in awe of her poise.

Team Adam: Joshua Davis sang America by Simon and Garfunkel-- Blake said you embrace every song on that stage like you wrote it yourself. Christina said you stepped outside your comfort zone not having your guitar, it kind of brought me back to the movie Almost Famous. Pharrell said it was your best performance yet, it was magical tonight. Adam told Josh it was perfect. I agree with everyone's comments. Once again, I feel like this is one of the strongest performances of the night. I agree with every comment, Josh has such sincerity, and every time he sings, it bleeds authenticity. I love that about him, Welcome to the top ten from me Josh!

Team Blake: Meghan Linsey sang Girl Crush by Little Big Town-- Loved her, Blake was on his feet. Amazing vocal, she made me feel every single note. I loved her. Pharrell said you're right where you needed to be, you did it. Adam said I've loved you forever, you're amazing, you've always been amazing. It makes me sad cause I'm not part of it, I hate you Blake, I love you Meghan. Blake said you always hope for that breakout moment, I think you just had a breakout moment, incredible sis, awesome.

Team Christina: Kimberly Nichole sang House of the Rising Sun by Creedance Clearwater Revival-- Kimberly's performance was so bad ass. She took us to church, she took us to Woodstock, amazing. Pharrell said I am still standing on my feet. There are no words to tell you what you've just done. Adam said WHAT?!?! That's all. Blake said we have to talk about Christina possibly winning her first season of The Voice. Christina said I have never heard that interpretation of that song ever.

Bottom 3: My Predictions
Hannah Kirby
Koryn Hawthorne
Sawyer Fredericks

American Idol Season 14: We've Come Full Circle, It's Kelly Clarkson Night

Last Wednesday night was dedicated to Kelly Clarkson on American Idol. It was the first time a former champ was honored on the show with their own night, Clarkson was the first and original American Idol so it seems that things have come full circle. 

I have decided for the essence of time to rank the performances in order from worst to best.......

Performance Order: 

Nick Fradiani sang Catch My Breath

Jax sang Beautiful Disaster 

Tyanna Jones sang Mr. Know it All 

Joey Cook sang Miss Independent

Quentin Alexander sang Dark Side

Qaasim Middleton sang Stronger

Clark Beckham sang The Trouble with Love Is

Daniel Seavey sang Breakaway

Rayvon Owen sang Since U Been Gone

Not Good:

Daniel Seavey-- under pressure, Daniel crumbled, this was not good, not by a longshot, he was out of his league for a while 

Qaasim Middleton-- remaking a song does not make it better. Stripping this song back showed the many flaws in his vocals which he really needs to work on. 

Middle of the Pack:

Clark Beckham-- such a great vocalist but all his performances are becoming unsoundly similar. He needs to step it up and show some other sides of himself or he's going to become very one trick pony.  Nick Fradiani-- Nick is almost in the better category. His vocals are there but there needs to be more passion behind his performances. He was connected to the performance which was another plus. 

Better:

Tyanna Jones-- The vocal was amazing, but there was no connection to the song. This is an upbeat song with some attitude, she should have easily been able to connect to this.  

Jax-- Jax is a really artist and has all the passion in the world, but she is inconsistent in terms of vocals. 

Best: 

Rayvon Owen-- he sang for his life, and turned in the performance of the night. He turned Since U Been Gone into a ballad instead of an anthem. It was sad, and he dug deep. 

Quentin Alexander-- the most artistic of the whole bunch. Quentin is intense and probably the best story teller of the bunch. He may not have the biggest or best voice, but what he does is powerful. 

Joey Cook-- Joey made this song her own. Harry gave her an A+ for bravery and I agree. She really turned this into a jazz song with no fear, and it sounded amazing. 

Who is going home? Qaasim, he's out of saves.