Sun, Feb 5, 2012
"The Voice" - Blind Auditions #1 - Feb. 5, 2012
"The Voice" returns for a second season.
First up is a complete explanation of how the show works: the judges-- Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton-- listen with their backs turned, they press a button to swivel their chairs forward. If one judge picks that person is on their team. If more than one judge swivels, the auditioner gets to pick the team they'll join. (Since the show is airing after the Super Bowl they're cluing in all those millions of potential new viewers.)
First up is spunky country singer RaeLynn who is singing a Miranda Lambert/Pistol Annies song which host Carson Daly says may be risky since others have done it to negative effect. (Shelton is married to Lambert.) She comes out and sings "Hell on Heels" with her guitar and is fine. Levine turns first and then Shelton. They banter a bit but since Raylyn is clearly country and said she hoped to be picked by Blake it's no surprise when she picks him.
Next up is Jesse Campbell who is 42 and was dumped by his wife and became homeless with his daughter. We meet his daughter and brother who helped him get back on his feet. He cries talking about hoping to win so he can care for his daughter. He sings "A Song For You" and Cee Lo, Adam, and Christina turn around immediately, Blake is soon after. He is excellent, poised,strong, emotional, in tune. The crowd loves him. They all make their pitches. Jesse picks Christina.
Next is Daniel Rosa who has supportive parents and is looking for validation elsewhere. He is emotional and very nervous never having played in front of this many people. He's got a husky voice with some character but he's tentative and hits a few bad notes. None of the judges turned around. He cries and they comfort him and wish him luck. He asks what he could've done better and they say work on his pitch control. He thanks them.
Next is Juliet Simms who the show describes as a 25-year-old rocker. She sings the Beatles "Oh Darlin.'" She's got a reedy rasp that she thinks is bluesy but it's kind of thin and she's pushing it really hard. Adam and Cee Lo turn around and near the end so does Christina. Blake is unconvinced. The three judges who pushed their button do their dance: Cee Lo with the sexy come on, Christina by putting down Adam as a Justin Timberlake wannabe and likening him to a car salesman and Adam pointing out if he's a car salesman then he's the best because he won last year. She picks Cee Lo. Christina apologizes to Adam and says she loves him.
We meet Chris Mann a classical vocalist who wants to win for his mom who had pancreatic cancer but was still supportive of his career. He sings a light classical/popera piece in what I think is Italian and then segues into English. He's great. Cee Lo turns, then Christina. Blake and Adam are unmoved but the crowd digs it. Blake admits he couldn't understand one word he was singing. He picks Christina.
We get a montage of folks who didn't get anyone to turn their chairs around.
Next is Tony Lucca who was actually a member of the "New Mickey Mouse Club" alongside Christina herself. (And Britney and Justin Timberlake.) He sings "Trouble" by Ray LaMontagne and his voice is very much in that vain. Adam turns first, then Christina, then Blake, and finally Cee Lo with Adam helping him push his button. Adam points out he pushed two buttons and that helps Tony pick him. Christina didn't remember him at first but then she has a revelation after he leaves the stage and goes and finds him and hugs him and tells him that Britney had the biggest crush on him back in the day.
"The Voice" returns for a second season.
First up is a complete explanation of how the show works: the judges-- Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton-- listen with their backs turned, they press a button to swivel their chairs forward. If one judge picks that person is on their team. If more than one judge swivels, the auditioner gets to pick the team they'll join. (Since the show is airing after the Super Bowl they're cluing in all those millions of potential new viewers.)
First up is spunky country singer RaeLynn who is singing a Miranda Lambert/Pistol Annies song which host Carson Daly says may be risky since others have done it to negative effect. (Shelton is married to Lambert.) She comes out and sings "Hell on Heels" with her guitar and is fine. Levine turns first and then Shelton. They banter a bit but since Raylyn is clearly country and said she hoped to be picked by Blake it's no surprise when she picks him.
Next up is Jesse Campbell who is 42 and was dumped by his wife and became homeless with his daughter. We meet his daughter and brother who helped him get back on his feet. He cries talking about hoping to win so he can care for his daughter. He sings "A Song For You" and Cee Lo, Adam, and Christina turn around immediately, Blake is soon after. He is excellent, poised,strong, emotional, in tune. The crowd loves him. They all make their pitches. Jesse picks Christina.
Next is Daniel Rosa who has supportive parents and is looking for validation elsewhere. He is emotional and very nervous never having played in front of this many people. He's got a husky voice with some character but he's tentative and hits a few bad notes. None of the judges turned around. He cries and they comfort him and wish him luck. He asks what he could've done better and they say work on his pitch control. He thanks them.
Next is Juliet Simms who the show describes as a 25-year-old rocker. She sings the Beatles "Oh Darlin.'" She's got a reedy rasp that she thinks is bluesy but it's kind of thin and she's pushing it really hard. Adam and Cee Lo turn around and near the end so does Christina. Blake is unconvinced. The three judges who pushed their button do their dance: Cee Lo with the sexy come on, Christina by putting down Adam as a Justin Timberlake wannabe and likening him to a car salesman and Adam pointing out if he's a car salesman then he's the best because he won last year. She picks Cee Lo. Christina apologizes to Adam and says she loves him.
We meet Chris Mann a classical vocalist who wants to win for his mom who had pancreatic cancer but was still supportive of his career. He sings a light classical/popera piece in what I think is Italian and then segues into English. He's great. Cee Lo turns, then Christina. Blake and Adam are unmoved but the crowd digs it. Blake admits he couldn't understand one word he was singing. He picks Christina.
We get a montage of folks who didn't get anyone to turn their chairs around.
Next is Tony Lucca who was actually a member of the "New Mickey Mouse Club" alongside Christina herself. (And Britney and Justin Timberlake.) He sings "Trouble" by Ray LaMontagne and his voice is very much in that vain. Adam turns first, then Christina, then Blake, and finally Cee Lo with Adam helping him push his button. Adam points out he pushed two buttons and that helps Tony pick him. Christina didn't remember him at first but then she has a revelation after he leaves the stage and goes and finds him and hugs him and tells him that Britney had the biggest crush on him back in the day.
Mon, Feb 13, 2012
"The Voice" - Blind Auditions #3 - Feb. 13, 2012
We get a recap of the auditions so far.
First up is Sarah Golden who we are introduced to in darkness so we can "play along." We hear her say that she had several opportunities but was told she had to change her look and she didn't want to do that. She sings "You and I" by Lady Gaga but we never see her face. She sounds good but the song doesn't offer much opportunity to show off range, she gives it a rootsy spin. Cee Lo turns first and we see her face. She's cute, tomboyish. Blake then turns his chair he calls her real and refreshing. Cee Lo says she did a great rendition. She says she considers herself a folk singer. Cee Lo says he wants to stretch out with diverse singers.Blake says so this means Cee Lo wants to use her as an experiment whereas he's already comfortable. Sarah picks Cee Lo.
Next up is Elley Duhe who has been performing her whole life and her family has been very supportive, even allowing her to quit school her senior year to pursue music. She sings "Mercy' by Duffy. She's fine, not spectacular. No one turns for her even on her big last note. Cee Lo seems disappointed when he turns. Adam says the last note was killer and if he could go back in time he thinks they'd all press their buttons. Christina says she has a great attitude and they should all take a lesson from that. Blake says the only thing that kept him from turning was because the falsetto notes were pitchy.
Next is Pip a 19-year-old who thinks he has a different sound. He thinks he "pushes the envelope" with his suspenders and bowtie style. He sings "House of the Rising Sun." He's very polished. Adam turns first, then Blake, then Christina and finally Cee Lo. They all compliment him and fight over him and he picks Adam because he was the first to turn.
Next is Erin Willett who started singing with her dad, who is there along with mom to support her, he calls hers the greatest voice in the world. Her dad has stage four pancreatic cancer. She hopes getting on the show will give her dad something to look forward to. She sings "I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5. She's very confident but again she's good but not spectacular. Blake turns first and he's the only one who does. (And her pitch does waver some as the song continues.) So, obviously she's on Team Blake but all of the other judges compliment as her well.
Next up we get one of Carson's field trips to deliver an invitation to audition. He's in L.A. and he hands the invite to Katrina Parker who is an underwriting assistant and we see her in her cube farm at work. Carson delivers the invite and she hugs him.
We then flip over to the audition of David Grace who grew up playing football and became a coach. He decided to buy a guitar one day and has been singing for three years. He's got a really sweet smile. He sings "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd and also plays guitar. He's got a classic southern rock voice. The judges try to bait each other into pressing their buttons. Blake seems close but never gets there. No one turns. He was good though.Blake and Adam say the way he was sliding to notes didn't work for them.
Now we get Katrina Parker's audition. Her parents are supportive and proud. In 2008 she suffered mold sickness for two years and she was unable to sing, she started singing again earlier this year. She sings "One of Us" by Joan Osborne. She does it as a piano ballad, she has both a girlishness and a huskiness to her voice.She's good. Adam turns first and is the only one to do so, so she's on Team Adam. He liked her because she was different.
Next is Geoff McBride who is 51 and has three kids and a wife, who have joined him at the audition. He wears sunglasses due to a torn retina he got while boxing as a young man. He sings "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder, always a dangerous proposition. The band sounds great. He sounds good. Christina turns first. The others goad each other on but only Cee Lo turns. He chooses Christina. Cee Lo is disappointed.
Next up Erin Martin who used to be a model and is dressed, in her own words, an Egyptian warrior princess. She talked with record labels but all said she needed development so she figured she needed a coach. She sings "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T's. She's got one of those craggy girlish voices like Dia Frampton, so, not surprisingly Blake turns around, and then Cee Lo, who calls her voice strange and bizarre. She picks Cee Lo
Next is James Massone a cute kid who works in the family body shop in Boston.We watch him at work. He was tangentially associated with a shooting involving a Boston rap group. (He sang hooks for them.) His brother was supposed to be there but mercifully wasn't. He's very nervous and talk about not wanting to go back to the shop. He sings "Find Your Love," he's got that nasally but polished boy band pop-soul kind of voice. He's good but clearly nervous. Christina turns and Blake is right on her heels. Cee Lo turns next. He's overcome by emotion. Cee Lo and Christina admit that they were surprised he was white. He teases Adam about not turning his chair around. He chooses Cee Lo.
Next is another field trip for Carson, this time to a bowling alley to deliver an invite to Winter Rae. She has blue hair and lots of tattoos and people assume she sings rock music but she's more of a soul diva. Perez Hilton is one of her buddies and is there for her. She sings Rihanna's "Take a Bow" and after a slightly rocky start she revs it up but not well enough to get anyone to turn their chairs around, but they all offer her encouragement.
Next is Chris Cauley who learned to sing with his grandma who passed away recently. She was a bluegrass musician who gave him his first guitar. He sings "Grenade" by Bruno Mars. He does it a little slowed down and not as dramatic as the original. He's good but it's a little subdued. Cee Lo turns first and then Adam. He jokes that he wants to see Adam and Cee Lo arm wrestle for him and then chooses Adam.
We then quickly see Nathan Parrett who was also chosen by Adam. Brian Fuente was chosen by Blake. Moses Stone was picked by Christina.
The final contestant is Jordis Unga who previously competed on "Rock Star: INXS." She looked very different on that show. (Which is produced by the same people who produce this show.) She sings "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney. Blake turns around quickly. She sounds great, as she did on "Rock Star: INXS." She roughs it up near the end and Christina and Cee Lo turn around. Only Adam holds out. She is touched. She is conflicted on who to choose. She picks Blake because he was the first one to turn.
We get a recap of the auditions so far.
First up is Sarah Golden who we are introduced to in darkness so we can "play along." We hear her say that she had several opportunities but was told she had to change her look and she didn't want to do that. She sings "You and I" by Lady Gaga but we never see her face. She sounds good but the song doesn't offer much opportunity to show off range, she gives it a rootsy spin. Cee Lo turns first and we see her face. She's cute, tomboyish. Blake then turns his chair he calls her real and refreshing. Cee Lo says she did a great rendition. She says she considers herself a folk singer. Cee Lo says he wants to stretch out with diverse singers.Blake says so this means Cee Lo wants to use her as an experiment whereas he's already comfortable. Sarah picks Cee Lo.
Next up is Elley Duhe who has been performing her whole life and her family has been very supportive, even allowing her to quit school her senior year to pursue music. She sings "Mercy' by Duffy. She's fine, not spectacular. No one turns for her even on her big last note. Cee Lo seems disappointed when he turns. Adam says the last note was killer and if he could go back in time he thinks they'd all press their buttons. Christina says she has a great attitude and they should all take a lesson from that. Blake says the only thing that kept him from turning was because the falsetto notes were pitchy.
Next is Pip a 19-year-old who thinks he has a different sound. He thinks he "pushes the envelope" with his suspenders and bowtie style. He sings "House of the Rising Sun." He's very polished. Adam turns first, then Blake, then Christina and finally Cee Lo. They all compliment him and fight over him and he picks Adam because he was the first to turn.
Next is Erin Willett who started singing with her dad, who is there along with mom to support her, he calls hers the greatest voice in the world. Her dad has stage four pancreatic cancer. She hopes getting on the show will give her dad something to look forward to. She sings "I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5. She's very confident but again she's good but not spectacular. Blake turns first and he's the only one who does. (And her pitch does waver some as the song continues.) So, obviously she's on Team Blake but all of the other judges compliment as her well.
Next up we get one of Carson's field trips to deliver an invitation to audition. He's in L.A. and he hands the invite to Katrina Parker who is an underwriting assistant and we see her in her cube farm at work. Carson delivers the invite and she hugs him.
We then flip over to the audition of David Grace who grew up playing football and became a coach. He decided to buy a guitar one day and has been singing for three years. He's got a really sweet smile. He sings "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd and also plays guitar. He's got a classic southern rock voice. The judges try to bait each other into pressing their buttons. Blake seems close but never gets there. No one turns. He was good though.Blake and Adam say the way he was sliding to notes didn't work for them.
Now we get Katrina Parker's audition. Her parents are supportive and proud. In 2008 she suffered mold sickness for two years and she was unable to sing, she started singing again earlier this year. She sings "One of Us" by Joan Osborne. She does it as a piano ballad, she has both a girlishness and a huskiness to her voice.She's good. Adam turns first and is the only one to do so, so she's on Team Adam. He liked her because she was different.
Next is Geoff McBride who is 51 and has three kids and a wife, who have joined him at the audition. He wears sunglasses due to a torn retina he got while boxing as a young man. He sings "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder, always a dangerous proposition. The band sounds great. He sounds good. Christina turns first. The others goad each other on but only Cee Lo turns. He chooses Christina. Cee Lo is disappointed.
Next up Erin Martin who used to be a model and is dressed, in her own words, an Egyptian warrior princess. She talked with record labels but all said she needed development so she figured she needed a coach. She sings "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T's. She's got one of those craggy girlish voices like Dia Frampton, so, not surprisingly Blake turns around, and then Cee Lo, who calls her voice strange and bizarre. She picks Cee Lo
Next is James Massone a cute kid who works in the family body shop in Boston.We watch him at work. He was tangentially associated with a shooting involving a Boston rap group. (He sang hooks for them.) His brother was supposed to be there but mercifully wasn't. He's very nervous and talk about not wanting to go back to the shop. He sings "Find Your Love," he's got that nasally but polished boy band pop-soul kind of voice. He's good but clearly nervous. Christina turns and Blake is right on her heels. Cee Lo turns next. He's overcome by emotion. Cee Lo and Christina admit that they were surprised he was white. He teases Adam about not turning his chair around. He chooses Cee Lo.
Next is another field trip for Carson, this time to a bowling alley to deliver an invite to Winter Rae. She has blue hair and lots of tattoos and people assume she sings rock music but she's more of a soul diva. Perez Hilton is one of her buddies and is there for her. She sings Rihanna's "Take a Bow" and after a slightly rocky start she revs it up but not well enough to get anyone to turn their chairs around, but they all offer her encouragement.
Next is Chris Cauley who learned to sing with his grandma who passed away recently. She was a bluegrass musician who gave him his first guitar. He sings "Grenade" by Bruno Mars. He does it a little slowed down and not as dramatic as the original. He's good but it's a little subdued. Cee Lo turns first and then Adam. He jokes that he wants to see Adam and Cee Lo arm wrestle for him and then chooses Adam.
We then quickly see Nathan Parrett who was also chosen by Adam. Brian Fuente was chosen by Blake. Moses Stone was picked by Christina.
The final contestant is Jordis Unga who previously competed on "Rock Star: INXS." She looked very different on that show. (Which is produced by the same people who produce this show.) She sings "Maybe I'm Amazed" by Paul McCartney. Blake turns around quickly. She sounds great, as she did on "Rock Star: INXS." She roughs it up near the end and Christina and Cee Lo turn around. Only Adam holds out. She is touched. She is conflicted on who to choose. She picks Blake because he was the first one to turn.
Mon, Feb 20, 2012
"The Voice" - Blind Auditions 4 - Feb. 20, 2012
Our first auditioner of the night is Ducky who has a twisty mustache and a jaunty chapeau. He also has a raspy, rockin' voice on his version of "Tighten Up." The judges seem unconvinced and he is not spectacular, none turn around. Cee Lo says they're looking for the best and Adam and Christina say they wish they'd pushed their buttons. Blake offers him a shot from his glass.
Up next is Jonathas he's from Brazil and learned English as a child listening to music. He sings "U Got it Bad" by Usher. He's got a nice, Usher-like voice. It's not a song that lets him show off much range but is good overall. He's also got moves. Cee Lo turns first and Christina turns right at the end. Cee Lo says he thought it was a prank and it was actually Usher. Christina says she had to see since the ladies loved him in the crowd. She promises to mold and package him. Cee Lo wants to look at his watch and says he can do anything. He picks Christina who he used to have the hots for.
Next up is Monique Benabou whose mother survived breast cancer. She sings "Mr. Know it All" by Kelly Clarkson. She sounds good. There are a couple of pitch problems and she's a bit strident in her upper register, but she's strong. Christina is the only one who turns. Monique is very excited.
Next up is Naia Kete. She is one of the people that gets a Carson visit, as she does her street performing/busking which she does for a living. The crowd cheers for her as she reads her invite. She sings "The Lazy Song" by Bruno Mars. She's got that girlish, crinkly voice, not that different from Dia Frampton so Blake turns around immediately. Cee Lo turns near the end when she ramps it up and Blake is mad. Blake says he instantly fell in love with her voice. Cee Lo was soothed and warmed and wants to be around that energy. She picks Blake.
Next up is Eric Macek whose parents are from Czechoslovakia who came here after the Russian invasion. He wants to buy his mom a house someday. He sings "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty in an interesting slowed down acoustic arrangement, it's got a lazy Jason Mraz/Jack Johnson vibe to it. It doesn't show much range and the high note in the chorus doesn't do him any favors. No one turns for him. Christina says it just wasn't right, too mellow. Blake says he wasn't sure of how he'd do in a battle round.
Next up is Charlotte Sometimes who was diagnosed with a strange disease in which she was told her jaw would disintegrate. She had surgery, had her jaw wired shut for five months and began writing songs. She recovered and is now ready to sing. She sings "Apologize" by OneRepublic. She's good but not amazing. Adam and Blake turn almost simultaneously. Then Christina and Cee Lo. (She's one of those people that's already had some exposure.) She picks Blake. He gloats.
Next up is Tony Vincent who has worked on Broadway in the cast of the Green Day musical "American Idiot," he also did "Rent" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "We Will Rock You" in Vegas. He has a pregnant wife who is also a performer. He loves Broadway but his heart is in the pop/rock world. He sings "We Are the Champions." Gutsy. The open isn't much but his got big Broadway belt on the chorus and he's overdoing it a bit on the grit and growl. Cee Lo turns first. He is alone. Cee Lo accuses the other judges' ears of being burned up.
Next up is Anthony Evans who is the son of a famous preacher man in Dallas. His dad seems very supportive. He wants to be a Contemporary Christian/Gospel act, not one or the other. He sings "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye. He can sing but he's a little rough around the edges. It all seems a little high for him and he hits some sharp spots, but he also seems really nervous and he's holding it together nicely. Christina turns. She is the only one. (For some reason gospel star Kirk Franklin is hanging with his dad backstage and he joins the celebration.)
Next up is Jamie Lono who gets his invite from his boss at the sandwich shop he works at in Chicago. As a child he had part of his lung removed and it bankrupted his family. They're fine now. His parents are very supportive. He sings "Folsom Prison Blues" accompanying himself on acoustic guitar and Adam turns almost immediately. He sings gently and then belts it out. Cee Lo turns also. Adam mock-promises that he'll never have to make a sandwich again. Both he and Cee Lo think he's very soulful. He picks Cee Lo.
Next is Dylan Chambers whose mom works in theatre. His father was a non-entity and that was hard for him but he thinks it's made him progress more in music. He sings "Valerie" by the Zutons. He's very animated and bouncy. He sings well enough but the song doesn't allow him to show much range. Then he hits some nice falsetto notes but it's not enough. No one turns. Adam says it was so close. Cee Lo wished he'd owned the song as well he did the last few notes. They encourage him and say he will mature and develop. (He's only 19.)
Next is montage of folks who also were turned down.
Next up is Justin Hopkins who was in he Carson Daly house band. Um, nepotism much? He seems to really want to work with Cee Lo. He sings "Babylon" by David Gray. It's a little soundalikey, raspy and gritty, and he seems nervous and trembly. Cee Lo turns near the end. So his dream comes true! Cee Lo wants to polish and refine his talent. Carson is very happy for him.
Next up is [Nicole Galyon who wants to be a country singer and a piano player and seems to think that these things are mutually exclusive and apparently people in Nashville told her this as well. She has only been singing for a few years and is still nervous about it. She sings "You Save Me" by Kenny Chesney. She has big pitch problems that do seem mostly nerves-related but Adam turns anyway. None of the others even threaten to turn.
We get another montage of people who were picked but we didn't see their whole story. Ashley de la Rosa is picked by Christina, Blake snaps up country kid Jordan Rager and Karla Davis goes to Adam, and Alyx gets picked by Blake.
Next up is Eric Tipton who self-describes as "a 6 foot, 300 pound white guy who sings old school soul music." His parents are supportive after rough times with his dad. He's excited to be judged on his voice alone. He sings "You Make My Dreams" by Hall and Oates. He sings well but he's not going for any of the Daryl Hall high notes.No one turns. Cee Lo says it's tough to sing such a well-known song. Adam agrees that it's hard to divorce yourself from the original version, even though he thought he was great.
The final auditioner is Mathai who comes from a medical family and is nervous trying something new. Her parents really wanted her to finish college but they want her to be happy. She sings "Rumor Has It" by Adele. She starts off girlishly and Adam turns right around. She gets a little more belt-y as the song goes along and then Blake turns. Followed by Cee Lo. Each turn makes her stronger. Only Christina holds out. The boys give it the hard sell: Blake calls her a star, Adam is desperate, Cee Lo says she has the whole thing going. She picks Adam.
Our first auditioner of the night is Ducky who has a twisty mustache and a jaunty chapeau. He also has a raspy, rockin' voice on his version of "Tighten Up." The judges seem unconvinced and he is not spectacular, none turn around. Cee Lo says they're looking for the best and Adam and Christina say they wish they'd pushed their buttons. Blake offers him a shot from his glass.
Up next is Jonathas he's from Brazil and learned English as a child listening to music. He sings "U Got it Bad" by Usher. He's got a nice, Usher-like voice. It's not a song that lets him show off much range but is good overall. He's also got moves. Cee Lo turns first and Christina turns right at the end. Cee Lo says he thought it was a prank and it was actually Usher. Christina says she had to see since the ladies loved him in the crowd. She promises to mold and package him. Cee Lo wants to look at his watch and says he can do anything. He picks Christina who he used to have the hots for.
Next up is Monique Benabou whose mother survived breast cancer. She sings "Mr. Know it All" by Kelly Clarkson. She sounds good. There are a couple of pitch problems and she's a bit strident in her upper register, but she's strong. Christina is the only one who turns. Monique is very excited.
Next up is Naia Kete. She is one of the people that gets a Carson visit, as she does her street performing/busking which she does for a living. The crowd cheers for her as she reads her invite. She sings "The Lazy Song" by Bruno Mars. She's got that girlish, crinkly voice, not that different from Dia Frampton so Blake turns around immediately. Cee Lo turns near the end when she ramps it up and Blake is mad. Blake says he instantly fell in love with her voice. Cee Lo was soothed and warmed and wants to be around that energy. She picks Blake.
Next up is Eric Macek whose parents are from Czechoslovakia who came here after the Russian invasion. He wants to buy his mom a house someday. He sings "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty in an interesting slowed down acoustic arrangement, it's got a lazy Jason Mraz/Jack Johnson vibe to it. It doesn't show much range and the high note in the chorus doesn't do him any favors. No one turns for him. Christina says it just wasn't right, too mellow. Blake says he wasn't sure of how he'd do in a battle round.
Next up is Charlotte Sometimes who was diagnosed with a strange disease in which she was told her jaw would disintegrate. She had surgery, had her jaw wired shut for five months and began writing songs. She recovered and is now ready to sing. She sings "Apologize" by OneRepublic. She's good but not amazing. Adam and Blake turn almost simultaneously. Then Christina and Cee Lo. (She's one of those people that's already had some exposure.) She picks Blake. He gloats.
Next up is Tony Vincent who has worked on Broadway in the cast of the Green Day musical "American Idiot," he also did "Rent" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "We Will Rock You" in Vegas. He has a pregnant wife who is also a performer. He loves Broadway but his heart is in the pop/rock world. He sings "We Are the Champions." Gutsy. The open isn't much but his got big Broadway belt on the chorus and he's overdoing it a bit on the grit and growl. Cee Lo turns first. He is alone. Cee Lo accuses the other judges' ears of being burned up.
Next up is Anthony Evans who is the son of a famous preacher man in Dallas. His dad seems very supportive. He wants to be a Contemporary Christian/Gospel act, not one or the other. He sings "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye. He can sing but he's a little rough around the edges. It all seems a little high for him and he hits some sharp spots, but he also seems really nervous and he's holding it together nicely. Christina turns. She is the only one. (For some reason gospel star Kirk Franklin is hanging with his dad backstage and he joins the celebration.)
Next up is Jamie Lono who gets his invite from his boss at the sandwich shop he works at in Chicago. As a child he had part of his lung removed and it bankrupted his family. They're fine now. His parents are very supportive. He sings "Folsom Prison Blues" accompanying himself on acoustic guitar and Adam turns almost immediately. He sings gently and then belts it out. Cee Lo turns also. Adam mock-promises that he'll never have to make a sandwich again. Both he and Cee Lo think he's very soulful. He picks Cee Lo.
Next is Dylan Chambers whose mom works in theatre. His father was a non-entity and that was hard for him but he thinks it's made him progress more in music. He sings "Valerie" by the Zutons. He's very animated and bouncy. He sings well enough but the song doesn't allow him to show much range. Then he hits some nice falsetto notes but it's not enough. No one turns. Adam says it was so close. Cee Lo wished he'd owned the song as well he did the last few notes. They encourage him and say he will mature and develop. (He's only 19.)
Next is montage of folks who also were turned down.
Next up is Justin Hopkins who was in he Carson Daly house band. Um, nepotism much? He seems to really want to work with Cee Lo. He sings "Babylon" by David Gray. It's a little soundalikey, raspy and gritty, and he seems nervous and trembly. Cee Lo turns near the end. So his dream comes true! Cee Lo wants to polish and refine his talent. Carson is very happy for him.
Next up is [Nicole Galyon who wants to be a country singer and a piano player and seems to think that these things are mutually exclusive and apparently people in Nashville told her this as well. She has only been singing for a few years and is still nervous about it. She sings "You Save Me" by Kenny Chesney. She has big pitch problems that do seem mostly nerves-related but Adam turns anyway. None of the others even threaten to turn.
We get another montage of people who were picked but we didn't see their whole story. Ashley de la Rosa is picked by Christina, Blake snaps up country kid Jordan Rager and Karla Davis goes to Adam, and Alyx gets picked by Blake.
Next up is Eric Tipton who self-describes as "a 6 foot, 300 pound white guy who sings old school soul music." His parents are supportive after rough times with his dad. He's excited to be judged on his voice alone. He sings "You Make My Dreams" by Hall and Oates. He sings well but he's not going for any of the Daryl Hall high notes.No one turns. Cee Lo says it's tough to sing such a well-known song. Adam agrees that it's hard to divorce yourself from the original version, even though he thought he was great.
The final auditioner is Mathai who comes from a medical family and is nervous trying something new. Her parents really wanted her to finish college but they want her to be happy. She sings "Rumor Has It" by Adele. She starts off girlishly and Adam turns right around. She gets a little more belt-y as the song goes along and then Blake turns. Followed by Cee Lo. Each turn makes her stronger. Only Christina holds out. The boys give it the hard sell: Blake calls her a star, Adam is desperate, Cee Lo says she has the whole thing going. She picks Adam.
Mon, Feb 27, 2012
"The Voice" - Blind Auditions Part 5 - Feb. 27, 2012
Adam, Blake, and Christina need two more singers and Cee Lo needs three.
First up is Whitney Myer who plays with her dad and her uncle in a band that does pop-soul-funk. She sings "No One" by Alicia Keys in a kind of rootsy arrangement. She's cute and good. Adam turns first, then Cee Lo, then Blake, then finally Christina. They fight over her. She picks Adam.
Next up is David Dunn who has a petroleum engineering degree which he got to work at his dad's oil company. His dad seems a bit skeptical of David's chances. He sings "The Man Who Can't Be Moved." He's fine but it doesn't have a lot of dynamic range to it. And none of the judges is moved. The crowd liked him though. They tell him to keep singing. His dad gives him a big hug and says he won the audience.
Next is the rock duo of Rory and Tristan Shields, the Shields Brothers who live on a farm. Their dad is very supportive of them getting on the road and making some money. They want to punch America in the face with rock and roll. They sing "Dancin' With Myself" by Billy Idol. Cee Lo turns first and is the only one who does. All the coaches says they are in the right hands.
Next is Cheesa (pronounced Chessa) and she is from Hawaii. Her parents believed in her so much they moved to L.A. and weathered financial storms. She sings "If I Were a Boy" by Beyonce. It starts very low and kinda shaky. It gets better in the higher, belting chorus. It's a little shouty and flat in places though. Cee Lo turns at the very last moment at Adam's urging. Cee Lo was the coach she wanted.
Next up is Preston Shannon aka the King of Beale St. a 64-year-old blues musician from Memphis. He's still open to some training.He's adorable, nattily dressed in a suit. He rocks out on "In the Midnight Hour." He's got a classic gruff blues voice and plays well. Blake considers pushing his button but doesn't and neither does anyone else. Adam is mad he didn't press his button. He gets some nice praise from the judges. They feel bad no one picked him.
Next is Lex Land an Austin, TX gal who studied classical voice and has switched to jazz gigs for extra income. She teaches at girls rock camp. She is very nervous. She sings "I Can't Make You Love Me." Adam and Cee Lo turn almost simultaneously-- although Cee Lo did go first-- even though the performance is clearly showing her nerves and it gets worse. Blake eventually turns. Christina makes faces at some of the awkwardness of the performance. Cee Lo admits that there were pitch problems and he and Adam agree she got more nervous when they turned around. She picks Blake.
Next up is Cameron Novack who considers himself a triple threat since he raps, sings pop and opera. He sings "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette. He's a little awkward and theatrical but the chorus is strong and flamboyant. He drops a little weird clip-clop beatboxing into the bridge. It is not enough to get anyone to turn. He drops a freestyle on them though good-naturedly. Cee Lo says he made a mistake and says he should've picked him. Adam asks if they can break the rules. The crowd chants "cheat,cheat,cheat" and Cee Lo says they can't it ruins the integrity of the show to break the rules. Cameron is angry and bummed.
Carson goes on one of his field trips to give an invite to Orlando Napier who is from L.A. He had a misspent youth and did some time in jail. He plays in a band with his dad. He sings "Waiting on the World to Change" accompanying himself on piano. Adam turns almost immediately. He does a sort of bluesy, slow arrangement. The other coaches are unmoved. Adam's team is complete and he's thrilled.
Next up is Lee Koch who works at a bakery and loves it. He wants to be a musician who bakes not a baker who pursues music. He sings "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan. He's fine. Adam likes him. Christina turns at the last minute. She loved his harmonica playing. She promises not to disappoint him even though they're an odd pairing.
Next up is Wade an 18-year-old from Alabama who worships soul music. He says he mostly imitated other singers. His mom and grandma are very supportive. He sings "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse in a funky, Memphis-style arrangement. He shows off a good range low to high and doesn't sound imitative at all. Cee Lo presses his button first and is the only one who does. Cee Lo's team is now complete.
Next up is Adley Stump a country singer from Oklahoma. She sings "I Don't Even Know His Last Name' by Carrie Underwood. It's okay, shaky on the ends of phrases like she doesn't have the best breath control, there a few clunkers too. Blake and Christina both turn at the end. They fight hard for her and Christina "jokingly" says Blake is not a real vocalist. She picks Blake.
Blake's team is now complete so now everyone left needs to court Christina's favor.
We see a montage of folks she rejects, deservedly as they all have pitch problems.
The final auditioner and therefore one we know Christina picks is named Sera Hill. She's been singing she was six years old. She works at a front desk of a hotel. She sings "I'm Going Down" by Mary J. Blige. All the boys urge Christina to hit her button. She does. And then she grabs a microphone and sings a chorus with her and they trade runs and Sera is overwhelmed but cute and does well. Christina's team is now complete.
We get a tease for the coaches prepping their teams for the battle rounds.
Adam, Blake, and Christina need two more singers and Cee Lo needs three.
First up is Whitney Myer who plays with her dad and her uncle in a band that does pop-soul-funk. She sings "No One" by Alicia Keys in a kind of rootsy arrangement. She's cute and good. Adam turns first, then Cee Lo, then Blake, then finally Christina. They fight over her. She picks Adam.
Next up is David Dunn who has a petroleum engineering degree which he got to work at his dad's oil company. His dad seems a bit skeptical of David's chances. He sings "The Man Who Can't Be Moved." He's fine but it doesn't have a lot of dynamic range to it. And none of the judges is moved. The crowd liked him though. They tell him to keep singing. His dad gives him a big hug and says he won the audience.
Next is the rock duo of Rory and Tristan Shields, the Shields Brothers who live on a farm. Their dad is very supportive of them getting on the road and making some money. They want to punch America in the face with rock and roll. They sing "Dancin' With Myself" by Billy Idol. Cee Lo turns first and is the only one who does. All the coaches says they are in the right hands.
Next is Cheesa (pronounced Chessa) and she is from Hawaii. Her parents believed in her so much they moved to L.A. and weathered financial storms. She sings "If I Were a Boy" by Beyonce. It starts very low and kinda shaky. It gets better in the higher, belting chorus. It's a little shouty and flat in places though. Cee Lo turns at the very last moment at Adam's urging. Cee Lo was the coach she wanted.
Next up is Preston Shannon aka the King of Beale St. a 64-year-old blues musician from Memphis. He's still open to some training.He's adorable, nattily dressed in a suit. He rocks out on "In the Midnight Hour." He's got a classic gruff blues voice and plays well. Blake considers pushing his button but doesn't and neither does anyone else. Adam is mad he didn't press his button. He gets some nice praise from the judges. They feel bad no one picked him.
Next is Lex Land an Austin, TX gal who studied classical voice and has switched to jazz gigs for extra income. She teaches at girls rock camp. She is very nervous. She sings "I Can't Make You Love Me." Adam and Cee Lo turn almost simultaneously-- although Cee Lo did go first-- even though the performance is clearly showing her nerves and it gets worse. Blake eventually turns. Christina makes faces at some of the awkwardness of the performance. Cee Lo admits that there were pitch problems and he and Adam agree she got more nervous when they turned around. She picks Blake.
Next up is Cameron Novack who considers himself a triple threat since he raps, sings pop and opera. He sings "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette. He's a little awkward and theatrical but the chorus is strong and flamboyant. He drops a little weird clip-clop beatboxing into the bridge. It is not enough to get anyone to turn. He drops a freestyle on them though good-naturedly. Cee Lo says he made a mistake and says he should've picked him. Adam asks if they can break the rules. The crowd chants "cheat,cheat,cheat" and Cee Lo says they can't it ruins the integrity of the show to break the rules. Cameron is angry and bummed.
Carson goes on one of his field trips to give an invite to Orlando Napier who is from L.A. He had a misspent youth and did some time in jail. He plays in a band with his dad. He sings "Waiting on the World to Change" accompanying himself on piano. Adam turns almost immediately. He does a sort of bluesy, slow arrangement. The other coaches are unmoved. Adam's team is complete and he's thrilled.
Next up is Lee Koch who works at a bakery and loves it. He wants to be a musician who bakes not a baker who pursues music. He sings "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan. He's fine. Adam likes him. Christina turns at the last minute. She loved his harmonica playing. She promises not to disappoint him even though they're an odd pairing.
Next up is Wade an 18-year-old from Alabama who worships soul music. He says he mostly imitated other singers. His mom and grandma are very supportive. He sings "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse in a funky, Memphis-style arrangement. He shows off a good range low to high and doesn't sound imitative at all. Cee Lo presses his button first and is the only one who does. Cee Lo's team is now complete.
Next up is Adley Stump a country singer from Oklahoma. She sings "I Don't Even Know His Last Name' by Carrie Underwood. It's okay, shaky on the ends of phrases like she doesn't have the best breath control, there a few clunkers too. Blake and Christina both turn at the end. They fight hard for her and Christina "jokingly" says Blake is not a real vocalist. She picks Blake.
Blake's team is now complete so now everyone left needs to court Christina's favor.
We see a montage of folks she rejects, deservedly as they all have pitch problems.
The final auditioner and therefore one we know Christina picks is named Sera Hill. She's been singing she was six years old. She works at a front desk of a hotel. She sings "I'm Going Down" by Mary J. Blige. All the boys urge Christina to hit her button. She does. And then she grabs a microphone and sings a chorus with her and they trade runs and Sera is overwhelmed but cute and does well. Christina's team is now complete.
We get a tease for the coaches prepping their teams for the battle rounds.
Mon, Mar 5, 2012
"The Voice" - "The Battles Begin" - March 5, 2012
Carson explains that the 48 members of the 4 teams are about to head into the battle rounds against their own teammates. The coaches will mentor the contestants as well as celeb mentors.
Team Adam:Robin Thicke and Alanis Morissette Team Blake: Kelly Clarkson and wife Miranda Lambert Team Cee Lo: Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Ne-Yo Team Xtina: Jewel and Lionel Richie Each judge/coach will eliminate 6 of their team members.
We start with Team Adam. His first match-up is Tony Lucca vs. Chris Cauley, they will be "singing in harmony and trying to kill each other" as Adam says. They'll be doing "Beautiful Day" by U2. Adam coaches them and says it will be a tough choice. Alanis arrives to offer advice to Tony. Adam tells him to not strain so much, not work so hard. Robin Thicke helps coach Chris. Robin tells him to open up his body language. Adam tells him to imbue the lyrics with more emotion. They enter the ring. Tony begins and sounds good even though it's a bit low. Chris chimes in and also sounds good but his body language is still receding. They sound lovely together as well. This is going to be a tough decision. Blake says to go with Chris for pitch reasons. Christina likes them both. Cee Lo likes Tony. Adam liked them both and says it was very close but he ultimately picks Tony. Chris leaves saying he's a big a fan of Adam as a man as well as a musician. He says very gracious things about Tony.
Next up is Team Blake. The first match up is Adley Stump vs. RaeLynn. They'll be doing "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty. Blake chose them because they're very different. They rehearse the song and Adley is much stronger. The mentors will be for Raylin and Adley will be Miranda Lambert and Kelly Clarkson. Blake tells Raylin to concentrate on being solid and Miranda tells her to be herself. Kelly tells Adley not to be nervous and to also go soft and show she has dynamics like Raylin. They get in the ring. RaeLynn comes out swinging, way off key and doing the hitching voice thing. Adley comes in to harmonize and sounds a little off because RaeLynn. She's great on her own and when RaeLynn comes in it's not so great. RaeLynn improves a bit but each time they come together it is rough. Adley is clearly the winner. Cee Lo thinks it should be Adley. Adam is all for RaeLynn because she's more unique. Blake inexplicably picks RaeLynn. Adley says her goodbyes sweetly and thanks Blake for believin g in her.
Next up is Team Christina. Her first match-up is Chris Mann and Monique Benabou and they'll be singing "The Power of Love" by Celine Dion. They start working on their song and Monique is intimidated by Chris's experience but Christina is impressed by Monique's power. Lionel Richie comes in to counsel Chris and he's freaked out, Lionel tells him to stop being such a perfectionist because that's where the magic is. She tells him to be in the moment. Jewel comes to talk to Monique, and they watch her blind audition. They get in the ring. She starts off a little shaky vocally but looks smashing. He's much stronger at the start. They have nice interplay. The chorus harmony feels a little off but it's hard to tell who, until it's clearly him. She kills the bridge. And so does he. It's very sweet. Cee Lo says to go with Chris. Adam also goes with Chris. Blake goes with Monique. Christina goes with Chris. Monique gives big ups to Xtina.
Next up is Team Cee Lo. His first match-up is Cheesa and Angie Johnson. They'll be singing "Total Eclipse of the Heart." They rehearse at the piano and Cheesa wants to sing it up a half-step. Babyface comes in to help Cheesa. The key is now too high for her and he wants her to hold the end notes and she probably won't be able to. Ne-Yo comes to help out Angie and he likes that she has tough and gentle parts to her voice. He tells her not to hold back onstage.They enter the ring. They both start off well enough. And they actually make their way through pretty equally. It's all a little melodramatic but, hey, that's the song. Adam says they were both really powerful but says he'd pick Cheesa maybe. Blake would go with Angie because she had better diction. Christina would go with Angie. Cee Lo picks Cheesa. Angie thanks Cee Lo for the shot.
Next up is Team Blake and he matches up Jordis Unga vs. Brian Fuente to sing "Ironic" and Alanis Morissette. He calls them his "rockers" and wants to be throwing up devil horns and "I Love You" in sign language. Brian is worried about the key and that he's the rocker. Jordis seems to be struggling more she says she needs to "become" the song. Brian gets advice from Kelly Clarkson, she says he seems hesitant and needs to commit to the notes. Blake tells him not to hold back or he will get steamrolled. Miranda helps Jordis. She's worried about hitting the notes and Blake tells her to get out of her head. They enter he ring and she seems a little nervous. In the chorus she has a leg up. He's much softer and more off key during his solo portion. This is not a good song for either one of them and it ends weakly. Christina says there were pitchy and shaky in the whole performance and says she'd pick Jordis. Cee Lo would go with Brian. Adam says he'd pick Jordis. Blake thought the whole performance was kind of a mess and he picks Jordis.
Next up is Team Christina and she's pairing Anthony Evans and Jesse Campbell and they're singing "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys. They both seem nervous. They rehearse and Jesse seems to do some intimidation tactics. Lionel Richie counsels Jesse not to "outdo" and tells him to take his time. Anthony's adviser Jewel. Jewel tells him not to do extra runs and trills for vanity but to have that emotional. Jewel thinks he has an advantage being considered an underdog. They get into the ring and both sound great from the get go. Their harmony is also lovely. This is the toughest call of the night. They get a standing ovation. Cee Lo was blown away. Adam also thinks they're insanely good and can't choose and will only say Jesse because he wanted him. Blake also goes with Jesse. Christina says she's so upset to make this decision but she chooses Jesse. Anthony has no regrets which feels like winning to him.
Carson explains that the 48 members of the 4 teams are about to head into the battle rounds against their own teammates. The coaches will mentor the contestants as well as celeb mentors.
Team Adam:Robin Thicke and Alanis Morissette Team Blake: Kelly Clarkson and wife Miranda Lambert Team Cee Lo: Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Ne-Yo Team Xtina: Jewel and Lionel Richie Each judge/coach will eliminate 6 of their team members.
We start with Team Adam. His first match-up is Tony Lucca vs. Chris Cauley, they will be "singing in harmony and trying to kill each other" as Adam says. They'll be doing "Beautiful Day" by U2. Adam coaches them and says it will be a tough choice. Alanis arrives to offer advice to Tony. Adam tells him to not strain so much, not work so hard. Robin Thicke helps coach Chris. Robin tells him to open up his body language. Adam tells him to imbue the lyrics with more emotion. They enter the ring. Tony begins and sounds good even though it's a bit low. Chris chimes in and also sounds good but his body language is still receding. They sound lovely together as well. This is going to be a tough decision. Blake says to go with Chris for pitch reasons. Christina likes them both. Cee Lo likes Tony. Adam liked them both and says it was very close but he ultimately picks Tony. Chris leaves saying he's a big a fan of Adam as a man as well as a musician. He says very gracious things about Tony.
Next up is Team Blake. The first match up is Adley Stump vs. RaeLynn. They'll be doing "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty. Blake chose them because they're very different. They rehearse the song and Adley is much stronger. The mentors will be for Raylin and Adley will be Miranda Lambert and Kelly Clarkson. Blake tells Raylin to concentrate on being solid and Miranda tells her to be herself. Kelly tells Adley not to be nervous and to also go soft and show she has dynamics like Raylin. They get in the ring. RaeLynn comes out swinging, way off key and doing the hitching voice thing. Adley comes in to harmonize and sounds a little off because RaeLynn. She's great on her own and when RaeLynn comes in it's not so great. RaeLynn improves a bit but each time they come together it is rough. Adley is clearly the winner. Cee Lo thinks it should be Adley. Adam is all for RaeLynn because she's more unique. Blake inexplicably picks RaeLynn. Adley says her goodbyes sweetly and thanks Blake for believin g in her.
Next up is Team Christina. Her first match-up is Chris Mann and Monique Benabou and they'll be singing "The Power of Love" by Celine Dion. They start working on their song and Monique is intimidated by Chris's experience but Christina is impressed by Monique's power. Lionel Richie comes in to counsel Chris and he's freaked out, Lionel tells him to stop being such a perfectionist because that's where the magic is. She tells him to be in the moment. Jewel comes to talk to Monique, and they watch her blind audition. They get in the ring. She starts off a little shaky vocally but looks smashing. He's much stronger at the start. They have nice interplay. The chorus harmony feels a little off but it's hard to tell who, until it's clearly him. She kills the bridge. And so does he. It's very sweet. Cee Lo says to go with Chris. Adam also goes with Chris. Blake goes with Monique. Christina goes with Chris. Monique gives big ups to Xtina.
Next up is Team Cee Lo. His first match-up is Cheesa and Angie Johnson. They'll be singing "Total Eclipse of the Heart." They rehearse at the piano and Cheesa wants to sing it up a half-step. Babyface comes in to help Cheesa. The key is now too high for her and he wants her to hold the end notes and she probably won't be able to. Ne-Yo comes to help out Angie and he likes that she has tough and gentle parts to her voice. He tells her not to hold back onstage.They enter the ring. They both start off well enough. And they actually make their way through pretty equally. It's all a little melodramatic but, hey, that's the song. Adam says they were both really powerful but says he'd pick Cheesa maybe. Blake would go with Angie because she had better diction. Christina would go with Angie. Cee Lo picks Cheesa. Angie thanks Cee Lo for the shot.
Next up is Team Blake and he matches up Jordis Unga vs. Brian Fuente to sing "Ironic" and Alanis Morissette. He calls them his "rockers" and wants to be throwing up devil horns and "I Love You" in sign language. Brian is worried about the key and that he's the rocker. Jordis seems to be struggling more she says she needs to "become" the song. Brian gets advice from Kelly Clarkson, she says he seems hesitant and needs to commit to the notes. Blake tells him not to hold back or he will get steamrolled. Miranda helps Jordis. She's worried about hitting the notes and Blake tells her to get out of her head. They enter he ring and she seems a little nervous. In the chorus she has a leg up. He's much softer and more off key during his solo portion. This is not a good song for either one of them and it ends weakly. Christina says there were pitchy and shaky in the whole performance and says she'd pick Jordis. Cee Lo would go with Brian. Adam says he'd pick Jordis. Blake thought the whole performance was kind of a mess and he picks Jordis.
Next up is Team Christina and she's pairing Anthony Evans and Jesse Campbell and they're singing "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys. They both seem nervous. They rehearse and Jesse seems to do some intimidation tactics. Lionel Richie counsels Jesse not to "outdo" and tells him to take his time. Anthony's adviser Jewel. Jewel tells him not to do extra runs and trills for vanity but to have that emotional. Jewel thinks he has an advantage being considered an underdog. They get into the ring and both sound great from the get go. Their harmony is also lovely. This is the toughest call of the night. They get a standing ovation. Cee Lo was blown away. Adam also thinks they're insanely good and can't choose and will only say Jesse because he wanted him. Blake also goes with Jesse. Christina says she's so upset to make this decision but she chooses Jesse. Anthony has no regrets which feels like winning to him.
Mon, Mar 12, 2012
"The Voice" -"The Battles, Week 2" - March 12, 2012
First up is Team Christina it's Geoff McBride vs.Sera Hill They'll be singing "Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin. The rehearsal is strong. Lionel Richie coaches Geoff who is very powerful. Lionel and Christina want swagger, personality, and character. Sera meets with Jewel. Jewel tells Sera to bring more heart since Geoff is just bringing power. They enter the ring and it is as expected, very loud. They sound great together and have great chemistry. She has attitude and he has power. They were both great and the judges tell them that. Christina picks Sera.
Next up is Team Blake with Charlotte Sometimes vs. Lex Land. They'll be singing "Pumped up Kicks" by Foster the People. At rehearsal they harmonize nicely but their personalities are very different, with Charlotte very boisterous and Lex very shy. Kelly Clarkson tells Charlotte not to be too crazy and to battle more strategically so it doesn't look like she's running roughshod. Lex meets with Miranda Lambert who tells her that she's mysterious so her shyness and darkness works for her but is hoping she turns on her confidence. Blake tells her to not seem intimidated. They enter the ring and Charlotte is very hitching in her approach and Lex is softer. This is just a preference issue. I like Lex better, she's more pleasant sounding and less affected. It seems very adversarial between them. The judges really like them. Blake picks Charlotte.
Next up is Team Cee Lo and it's Sarah Golden vs Juliet Simms. They'll be singing "Stay With Me" by Rod Stewart. Juliet is much louder and showier and grittier but Sarah sounds better and less obnoxious. Babyface comes in to help out Sarah and tells her to make it country. Ne-Yo tells Juliet to pick her spots with her gravelly scream and not to give it away and to let the performance build. They enter the ring. Juliet is in leather hot pants and very aggressive and Sarah is sweeter and smoother. Juliet is more upright and confident and Sarah is a little more physically awkward but in an endearing way. The judges love it. Cee Lo picks Juliet.
Next up is Team Adam and it's Whitney Myer vs. Kim Yarbrough. They'll be singing "No More Drama" by Mary J. Blige. Alanis Morisette comes to help Whitney and tells her to be more punchy on the words and Adam tells her not to try to overpower Kim. She seems nervous. Alanis tells her to be present. Kim gets an assist from Robin Thicke who wants her to have a little more tension in her voice and says for her knowing when to tame the beast is most important since she's so powerful. Kim feels confident. They enter the ring and Kim does seem more confident but she feels more technically showy than emotionally connected. They sound nice together. Blake and the other judges were impressed. Adam picks Kim.
Next up is Team Christina and it's Lee Koch vs. Lindsey Pavao. They'll be singing "Heart-Shaped Box" by Nirvana. She knows the song better than he does which makes him nervous. Jewel and Christina look nervous for Lee and Jewel says he needs to understand the lyrics for himself and isn't enunciating enough. Lionel Richie tells Lindsey to listen to her lyrics and to bring it out and Christina tells her to use her eyes more and perform more and get out of her head more. They enter the ring He plays it close to the melody and she takes more risk. They actually sound kind of lovely together. The arrangement is very sinuous and cool. He really steps it up. The judges like it although Blake doesn't know that song. Christina picks Lindsey.
Next up is Team Cee Lo and its Jamar Rogers vs.Jamie Lono who are buddies. They'll be singing "I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner. Cee Lo wants them to go for the knockout but Jamie is very nervous and his voice keeps cracking. Babyface tells him to loosen up and asks what the song means to him. Babyface is nervous for Jamie and tells him to let his voice lead the way. Jamar with meets with Ne-Yo and he tells him to use his emotion more strategically and that the song needs to flow more. They enter the ring and have a nice hug. They harmonize nicely on the open. Jamie brings it and sounds strong. But Jamar is clearly the better natural singer and more decisively owns the stage. Cee Lo picks Jamar.
First up is Team Christina it's Geoff McBride vs.Sera Hill They'll be singing "Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin. The rehearsal is strong. Lionel Richie coaches Geoff who is very powerful. Lionel and Christina want swagger, personality, and character. Sera meets with Jewel. Jewel tells Sera to bring more heart since Geoff is just bringing power. They enter the ring and it is as expected, very loud. They sound great together and have great chemistry. She has attitude and he has power. They were both great and the judges tell them that. Christina picks Sera.
Next up is Team Blake with Charlotte Sometimes vs. Lex Land. They'll be singing "Pumped up Kicks" by Foster the People. At rehearsal they harmonize nicely but their personalities are very different, with Charlotte very boisterous and Lex very shy. Kelly Clarkson tells Charlotte not to be too crazy and to battle more strategically so it doesn't look like she's running roughshod. Lex meets with Miranda Lambert who tells her that she's mysterious so her shyness and darkness works for her but is hoping she turns on her confidence. Blake tells her to not seem intimidated. They enter the ring and Charlotte is very hitching in her approach and Lex is softer. This is just a preference issue. I like Lex better, she's more pleasant sounding and less affected. It seems very adversarial between them. The judges really like them. Blake picks Charlotte.
Next up is Team Cee Lo and it's Sarah Golden vs Juliet Simms. They'll be singing "Stay With Me" by Rod Stewart. Juliet is much louder and showier and grittier but Sarah sounds better and less obnoxious. Babyface comes in to help out Sarah and tells her to make it country. Ne-Yo tells Juliet to pick her spots with her gravelly scream and not to give it away and to let the performance build. They enter the ring. Juliet is in leather hot pants and very aggressive and Sarah is sweeter and smoother. Juliet is more upright and confident and Sarah is a little more physically awkward but in an endearing way. The judges love it. Cee Lo picks Juliet.
Next up is Team Adam and it's Whitney Myer vs. Kim Yarbrough. They'll be singing "No More Drama" by Mary J. Blige. Alanis Morisette comes to help Whitney and tells her to be more punchy on the words and Adam tells her not to try to overpower Kim. She seems nervous. Alanis tells her to be present. Kim gets an assist from Robin Thicke who wants her to have a little more tension in her voice and says for her knowing when to tame the beast is most important since she's so powerful. Kim feels confident. They enter the ring and Kim does seem more confident but she feels more technically showy than emotionally connected. They sound nice together. Blake and the other judges were impressed. Adam picks Kim.
Next up is Team Christina and it's Lee Koch vs. Lindsey Pavao. They'll be singing "Heart-Shaped Box" by Nirvana. She knows the song better than he does which makes him nervous. Jewel and Christina look nervous for Lee and Jewel says he needs to understand the lyrics for himself and isn't enunciating enough. Lionel Richie tells Lindsey to listen to her lyrics and to bring it out and Christina tells her to use her eyes more and perform more and get out of her head more. They enter the ring He plays it close to the melody and she takes more risk. They actually sound kind of lovely together. The arrangement is very sinuous and cool. He really steps it up. The judges like it although Blake doesn't know that song. Christina picks Lindsey.
Next up is Team Cee Lo and its Jamar Rogers vs.Jamie Lono who are buddies. They'll be singing "I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner. Cee Lo wants them to go for the knockout but Jamie is very nervous and his voice keeps cracking. Babyface tells him to loosen up and asks what the song means to him. Babyface is nervous for Jamie and tells him to let his voice lead the way. Jamar with meets with Ne-Yo and he tells him to use his emotion more strategically and that the song needs to flow more. They enter the ring and have a nice hug. They harmonize nicely on the open. Jamie brings it and sounds strong. But Jamar is clearly the better natural singer and more decisively owns the stage. Cee Lo picks Jamar.
Mon, Mar 19, 2012
"The Voice" - Battle Rounds - Week Three - March 19, 2012
First up is Team Adam who pits Pip vs Nathan Parrett. They'll sing Amy Winehouse's "You Know I'm No Good."
At rehearsal Pip feels that Adam favors Nathan. Alanis Morissette and Adam advise Pip to keep it simple. Robin Thicke and Adam try to help Nathan get his nerves under control.
They enter the ring. Pip starts strong but Nathan is surprisingly solid when he comes in. Pip is definitely more in the battle spirit. They're both good but Pip has a performance edge. Blake is favoring Pip. As is Christina. Cee Lo is on Team Nathan. Adam picks Pip.
Next up is Team Cee Lo and it's Erin Martin vs. the Shields Brothers. They'll be singing Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do With It."
The brothers say they're a little scared of Erin. At rehearsal with Cee Lo, he shows them a swinging re-arrangement. It's a real clash of styles and volume levels. Babyface advises the Shields Brothers. He thought of "Wayne's World" in the first run-through. He tells them not to go so hard all the time. Cee Lo advises a little vulnerability. They find it and Babyface was impressed. Ne-Yo advises Erin, he wants to hear more of the emotional element of the song. Cee Lo tells her it's a grown woman song. She doesn't understand the difference between attractive and sexy. Ne-Yo wants her to bring more than cute.
They enter the ring and it is indeed a clash. She's all hitching girlishness and they're all bro power. She has no power at all and compensates with squeaks, squeals, and affectations. And a sexy outfit. They power chord it up. It is bizarre. None of it works.
Adam thought it was really weird and Erin went too far out there, he'd pick the brothers. Blake liked her outfit and would've picked her. Christina loved the whole thing and would've picked the brothers. Cee Lo thought it was wonderfully strange and picks Erin because she's stranger.
Next up is Team Christina who pits Ashley De La Rosa vs Jonathas. They will sing No Air by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown.
At rehearsal Christina tells Ashley to put some push into it. Lionel Richie and Christina advise Jonathas to bring more of his flavor and not imitate his heroes. They practice with Christina singing the girl's part. Lionel tells him not to come out of character when the other person is singing. Jewel and Christina advise Ashley to be more extroverted and herself.
They get in the ring. He's immediately much stronger than she is. She starts well in the chorus but then struggles a bit. They interact nicely. She's getting more confident but she's hitting occasional bum notes. They have nice chemistry but it's not a spectacular blend. Cee Lo thought it looked good and Ashley stretched more. Adam thought they were comfortable and he'd pick Ashley. Blake also is on team Ashley even though she got pitchy because she stretched more. Christina picks Ashley.
Next up is Team Blake with Alyx vs. Jermaine Paul. They will sing "Get Outta My Dreams (Get Into My Car)" by Billy Ocean.
At rehearsal, Alex struggles a bit. Miranda Lambert thinks Alex is too guarded and doesn't know how to let go yet. They don't think she knows how to have fun. She doesn't seem to respond to the have fun advice. Kelly Clarkson thinks his voice is great and offers to have him come sing on tour. They tell him not to underestimate Alex.
They enter the ring. He is jaunty and she is overly serious and looks kind of angry at him and the song. (Of course the song is ridiculous. I would be mad at it too.) He is so clearly outshining her in every way that this isn't much of a contest. She's just a so-so singer, he's a professional. (Although he's pushing it a little too hard.) They have zero chemistry.
Christina thinks Jermaine made the song is own. Cee Lo loves Jermaine confidence. Adam loves Jermaine too. No one even really bothers to say anything about Alyx. Blake picks Jermaine.
Next up is Team Adam pitting Angel Taylor vs. Katrina Parker. They'll be singing "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis.
At rehearsal Adam advises it's not a vocal aerobics competition. Robin Thicke advises Angel to give more of herself and more passion. He thinks she can win. Adam tells her not to get too big in the chorus because it makes her pitchy and to be more confident. Adam thinks she sounds great. Alanis Morissette tells her when she's nervous she uses the first verse as a place to clean out the cobwebs. They pretty much think she's great.
They enter the ring. Katrina starts and sounds great. Angel sounds fine but her posture and breath control cold be a lot better. They don't have much chemistry but that's more the nature of the song. Katrina is much stronger but Angel is holding her own.
Blake likes them both and Angel's break in her voice but Katrina flat out won. Christina likes Angel's rasp as well and thinks Katrina won also. Cee Lo thought Angel was uncomfortable and Katrina owned it. After much deliberation and shouts from the crowd Adam picks Katrina.
Next up is Team Blake and pits Gwen Sebastian vs. Erin Willett. They will sing "We Belong by Pat Benatar.
At rehearsal they divide up the parts and sound nice. Miranda advises Gwen to keep up her intensity and emotional attachment. Kelly Clarkson tells Erin to know when to belt for emotion vs. power. Erin gets a call about her dad's condition taking a turn and she feels like she needs to stay and he told her to.
They enter the ring. They both sound good. Gwen sounds more affected but Ern muffs the words at one point. This was a pretty even match with my edge going to Erin just because she seemed a little more likable.
Christina loved it and gravitated more towards Erin. Cee Lo goes with Gwen. Adam thought they were both good and he gravitated toward Erin as well. Blake picks Erin.
First up is Team Adam who pits Pip vs Nathan Parrett. They'll sing Amy Winehouse's "You Know I'm No Good."
At rehearsal Pip feels that Adam favors Nathan. Alanis Morissette and Adam advise Pip to keep it simple. Robin Thicke and Adam try to help Nathan get his nerves under control.
They enter the ring. Pip starts strong but Nathan is surprisingly solid when he comes in. Pip is definitely more in the battle spirit. They're both good but Pip has a performance edge. Blake is favoring Pip. As is Christina. Cee Lo is on Team Nathan. Adam picks Pip.
Next up is Team Cee Lo and it's Erin Martin vs. the Shields Brothers. They'll be singing Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do With It."
The brothers say they're a little scared of Erin. At rehearsal with Cee Lo, he shows them a swinging re-arrangement. It's a real clash of styles and volume levels. Babyface advises the Shields Brothers. He thought of "Wayne's World" in the first run-through. He tells them not to go so hard all the time. Cee Lo advises a little vulnerability. They find it and Babyface was impressed. Ne-Yo advises Erin, he wants to hear more of the emotional element of the song. Cee Lo tells her it's a grown woman song. She doesn't understand the difference between attractive and sexy. Ne-Yo wants her to bring more than cute.
They enter the ring and it is indeed a clash. She's all hitching girlishness and they're all bro power. She has no power at all and compensates with squeaks, squeals, and affectations. And a sexy outfit. They power chord it up. It is bizarre. None of it works.
Adam thought it was really weird and Erin went too far out there, he'd pick the brothers. Blake liked her outfit and would've picked her. Christina loved the whole thing and would've picked the brothers. Cee Lo thought it was wonderfully strange and picks Erin because she's stranger.
Next up is Team Christina who pits Ashley De La Rosa vs Jonathas. They will sing No Air by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown.
At rehearsal Christina tells Ashley to put some push into it. Lionel Richie and Christina advise Jonathas to bring more of his flavor and not imitate his heroes. They practice with Christina singing the girl's part. Lionel tells him not to come out of character when the other person is singing. Jewel and Christina advise Ashley to be more extroverted and herself.
They get in the ring. He's immediately much stronger than she is. She starts well in the chorus but then struggles a bit. They interact nicely. She's getting more confident but she's hitting occasional bum notes. They have nice chemistry but it's not a spectacular blend. Cee Lo thought it looked good and Ashley stretched more. Adam thought they were comfortable and he'd pick Ashley. Blake also is on team Ashley even though she got pitchy because she stretched more. Christina picks Ashley.
Next up is Team Blake with Alyx vs. Jermaine Paul. They will sing "Get Outta My Dreams (Get Into My Car)" by Billy Ocean.
At rehearsal, Alex struggles a bit. Miranda Lambert thinks Alex is too guarded and doesn't know how to let go yet. They don't think she knows how to have fun. She doesn't seem to respond to the have fun advice. Kelly Clarkson thinks his voice is great and offers to have him come sing on tour. They tell him not to underestimate Alex.
They enter the ring. He is jaunty and she is overly serious and looks kind of angry at him and the song. (Of course the song is ridiculous. I would be mad at it too.) He is so clearly outshining her in every way that this isn't much of a contest. She's just a so-so singer, he's a professional. (Although he's pushing it a little too hard.) They have zero chemistry.
Christina thinks Jermaine made the song is own. Cee Lo loves Jermaine confidence. Adam loves Jermaine too. No one even really bothers to say anything about Alyx. Blake picks Jermaine.
Next up is Team Adam pitting Angel Taylor vs. Katrina Parker. They'll be singing "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis.
At rehearsal Adam advises it's not a vocal aerobics competition. Robin Thicke advises Angel to give more of herself and more passion. He thinks she can win. Adam tells her not to get too big in the chorus because it makes her pitchy and to be more confident. Adam thinks she sounds great. Alanis Morissette tells her when she's nervous she uses the first verse as a place to clean out the cobwebs. They pretty much think she's great.
They enter the ring. Katrina starts and sounds great. Angel sounds fine but her posture and breath control cold be a lot better. They don't have much chemistry but that's more the nature of the song. Katrina is much stronger but Angel is holding her own.
Blake likes them both and Angel's break in her voice but Katrina flat out won. Christina likes Angel's rasp as well and thinks Katrina won also. Cee Lo thought Angel was uncomfortable and Katrina owned it. After much deliberation and shouts from the crowd Adam picks Katrina.
Next up is Team Blake and pits Gwen Sebastian vs. Erin Willett. They will sing "We Belong by Pat Benatar.
At rehearsal they divide up the parts and sound nice. Miranda advises Gwen to keep up her intensity and emotional attachment. Kelly Clarkson tells Erin to know when to belt for emotion vs. power. Erin gets a call about her dad's condition taking a turn and she feels like she needs to stay and he told her to.
They enter the ring. They both sound good. Gwen sounds more affected but Ern muffs the words at one point. This was a pretty even match with my edge going to Erin just because she seemed a little more likable.
Christina loved it and gravitated more towards Erin. Cee Lo goes with Gwen. Adam thought they were both good and he gravitated toward Erin as well. Blake picks Erin.
Mon, Mar 26, 2012
"The Voice" - "The Battles, Week 4" - March 26, 2012
The final battles are at hand.
First up is Team Cee Lo who pits James Massone vs. Wade who will be singing "True Colours" by Cyndi Lauper. At rehearsal James is nervous because he doesn't really know the song. He meets with mentor Ne-Yo, which also made him nervous since he loves him. Cee Lo and Ne-Yo tell him he needs to get his nerves under control and have confidence. Wade meets with Babyface who thinks he really feels the song and he reminds him of Al Green and Luther Vandross and tells him to sing every word like he means it. Cee Lo cries at their final rehearsal and says he's proud of them.
They enter the ring and James starts off smooth and sweet. And Wade matches him nicely. It's all very gentle and nice. Their harmonies aren't perfect but solo they sound nice. Adam thought James' voice grabbed more attention. Blake thinks they're both good but James took it. Christina thinks Wade was strong and pitchy and she loved James. Cee Lo picks James.
Next up is Team Adam who pits Nicole Galyon vs. Mathai. They'll be singing "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles. They're both surprised and a little scared. At the first rehearsal Adam says he wants Nicole to play piano but doesn't want her to get bogged down behind the piano but she thinks of it as an advantage. Nicole meets with Robin Thicke and he says he wants to take her to prom. He thinks she's adorable but wants her to embody more of the sweetness of the song physically. Mathai meets with Alanis Morissette. Adam wants her to stretch the notes out a little more. Alanis wants her to paint a little more. At the final rehearsal Adam puts the kibosh on the piano so she can focus on singing. It makes Nicole nervous.
They enter the ring and Nicole starts off a little breathy and nervous and Mathai comes out with more swagger. Nicole's voice seems weaker but that may be nerves hurting her breath control. They sound nice together. Blake thinks Nicole had breathing problems and would pick Mathai. Christina thought Mathai was better too. Cee Lo thinks Nicole is a little generic and likes Mathai better. Adam was a little letdown by the whole thing and picks Mathai.
Next up is Team Christina who pits Moses Stone vs. the Line (the country duo) . They'll be singing "(I Can't Get No)Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones. It's hip-hop vs. country. At the first rehearsal the Line struggles with harmonizing and are worried it's not a country song. Moses is confident. Moses meets with Lionel Richie. Christina thinks Moses has a lot of potential. Lionel agrees and thinks he has a unique sound. The Line meets with Jewel. Jewel does not look pleased and she thinks they sound like wedding singers. She tells them to tap into their personal angst from not being satisfied with each other romantically. At the last rehearsal Christina coaches Moses not to crowd the Line and for the Line to use more of the stage.
They enter the ring and start off with a nice call and response. Moses has got great attitude and spunk and they seem sort of stiff even though they're probably better singers. He also gets a mid-song rap breakdown.It's all fun and weird. Cee Lo really enjoyed it and would pick Moses. Adam thought it was fresh and Moses performance was good but the Line were better singers. Blake thought it was weird and would go with the Line because it's a show about singing. Christina picks Moses.
Next up is Team Adam who pits Karla Davis vs. Orlando Napier. They'll sing "Rich Girl," by Hall and Oates. Orlando doesn't know the song. At the first rehearsal Adam realizes the song is wrong for them. They switch to "Easy" by the Commodores which makes Orlando happy because he knows it. Carla meets with Alanis. Adam worries that Karla is nervous but they build her up.Orlando meets with Robin Thicke who thinks Orlando is a painter with a voice. Robin tells him to use the vowels to give himself some power and projection.
They enter the ring and both seem really nervous. He starts off and he's very stylized and ad-libby but his voice sounds good and he seems more confident as he sings. She starts off on a bad note but gets into a groove. Her shoulders are tight but the vocals are confident even though she hits a few more clunkers. They never really mesh. Blake doesn't think anyone ran away with the battle but would choose Orlando. Christina thought it was lackluster but that Karla was more entertaining. Cee Lo would go with Orlando. Adam picks Karla who seems overwhelmed.
Team Blake is up and it pits Jordan Rager vs. Naia Kete. They'll sing "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. Jordan doesn't know the song and worries Naia has the edge because it's a pop song. At the first rehearsal Jordan continues being nervous about the style and the fact that he can't do harmonies really. Jordan meets with Miranda Lambert. They tell him he needs to be more confident with the harmonies. Naia meets with Kelly Clarkson. Kelly likes her and feels she's committed. Blake tells her to save the tricks for the end. At the final rehearsal they sound nice on he harmonies.
They enter the ring and Naia starts off sounding really comfortable and they hit the harmonies. Jordan has stepped it up and is making the song work for him. Then Naia breaks it down. They are cute together. Christina thought Jordan was solid but Naia had more of a natural groove but had some pitch issues but she would pick her. Cee Lo thought Jordan could use more confidence and he would pick Naia. Adam thinks Jordan was outside his comfort zone and he would pick Naia. Blake was surprised by pitch issues on both sides and he picks Naia for her experience.
Next up is Team Cee Lo who pits Tony Vincent vs. Justin Hopkins. They'll sing "Faithfully" by Journey. At the first rehearsal Tony takes to the song easily but Justin has some power too. Cee Lo is brought to tears by them. Tony meets with Babyface. Babyface tells him to hold the high notes in a stronger way. Justin meets with Ne-Yo and likes that his voice is naturally emotional.
They enter the ring and Tony starts off tender and theatrical. Justin follows up in similar fashion but a little more natural. Tony's kind of intense and is wearing that faux-military kind of outfit. He sounds good but he looks like he's acting. Justin is more natural. They both sound good though. Adam thought Justin was passionate and Tony put on a great performance, but would go with Justin. Blake says Tony may be more versatile but Justin was more solid. Christina thinks Justin is solid but Tony is more versatile. Cee Lo agrees with Christina and talks about how the song relates to both to them but thinks Tony is more interesting and dramatic and Justin has heart and soul. Cee Lo picks Tony.
The final battles are at hand.
First up is Team Cee Lo who pits James Massone vs. Wade who will be singing "True Colours" by Cyndi Lauper. At rehearsal James is nervous because he doesn't really know the song. He meets with mentor Ne-Yo, which also made him nervous since he loves him. Cee Lo and Ne-Yo tell him he needs to get his nerves under control and have confidence. Wade meets with Babyface who thinks he really feels the song and he reminds him of Al Green and Luther Vandross and tells him to sing every word like he means it. Cee Lo cries at their final rehearsal and says he's proud of them.
They enter the ring and James starts off smooth and sweet. And Wade matches him nicely. It's all very gentle and nice. Their harmonies aren't perfect but solo they sound nice. Adam thought James' voice grabbed more attention. Blake thinks they're both good but James took it. Christina thinks Wade was strong and pitchy and she loved James. Cee Lo picks James.
Next up is Team Adam who pits Nicole Galyon vs. Mathai. They'll be singing "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles. They're both surprised and a little scared. At the first rehearsal Adam says he wants Nicole to play piano but doesn't want her to get bogged down behind the piano but she thinks of it as an advantage. Nicole meets with Robin Thicke and he says he wants to take her to prom. He thinks she's adorable but wants her to embody more of the sweetness of the song physically. Mathai meets with Alanis Morissette. Adam wants her to stretch the notes out a little more. Alanis wants her to paint a little more. At the final rehearsal Adam puts the kibosh on the piano so she can focus on singing. It makes Nicole nervous.
They enter the ring and Nicole starts off a little breathy and nervous and Mathai comes out with more swagger. Nicole's voice seems weaker but that may be nerves hurting her breath control. They sound nice together. Blake thinks Nicole had breathing problems and would pick Mathai. Christina thought Mathai was better too. Cee Lo thinks Nicole is a little generic and likes Mathai better. Adam was a little letdown by the whole thing and picks Mathai.
Next up is Team Christina who pits Moses Stone vs. the Line (the country duo) . They'll be singing "(I Can't Get No)Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones. It's hip-hop vs. country. At the first rehearsal the Line struggles with harmonizing and are worried it's not a country song. Moses is confident. Moses meets with Lionel Richie. Christina thinks Moses has a lot of potential. Lionel agrees and thinks he has a unique sound. The Line meets with Jewel. Jewel does not look pleased and she thinks they sound like wedding singers. She tells them to tap into their personal angst from not being satisfied with each other romantically. At the last rehearsal Christina coaches Moses not to crowd the Line and for the Line to use more of the stage.
They enter the ring and start off with a nice call and response. Moses has got great attitude and spunk and they seem sort of stiff even though they're probably better singers. He also gets a mid-song rap breakdown.It's all fun and weird. Cee Lo really enjoyed it and would pick Moses. Adam thought it was fresh and Moses performance was good but the Line were better singers. Blake thought it was weird and would go with the Line because it's a show about singing. Christina picks Moses.
Next up is Team Adam who pits Karla Davis vs. Orlando Napier. They'll sing "Rich Girl," by Hall and Oates. Orlando doesn't know the song. At the first rehearsal Adam realizes the song is wrong for them. They switch to "Easy" by the Commodores which makes Orlando happy because he knows it. Carla meets with Alanis. Adam worries that Karla is nervous but they build her up.Orlando meets with Robin Thicke who thinks Orlando is a painter with a voice. Robin tells him to use the vowels to give himself some power and projection.
They enter the ring and both seem really nervous. He starts off and he's very stylized and ad-libby but his voice sounds good and he seems more confident as he sings. She starts off on a bad note but gets into a groove. Her shoulders are tight but the vocals are confident even though she hits a few more clunkers. They never really mesh. Blake doesn't think anyone ran away with the battle but would choose Orlando. Christina thought it was lackluster but that Karla was more entertaining. Cee Lo would go with Orlando. Adam picks Karla who seems overwhelmed.
Team Blake is up and it pits Jordan Rager vs. Naia Kete. They'll sing "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. Jordan doesn't know the song and worries Naia has the edge because it's a pop song. At the first rehearsal Jordan continues being nervous about the style and the fact that he can't do harmonies really. Jordan meets with Miranda Lambert. They tell him he needs to be more confident with the harmonies. Naia meets with Kelly Clarkson. Kelly likes her and feels she's committed. Blake tells her to save the tricks for the end. At the final rehearsal they sound nice on he harmonies.
They enter the ring and Naia starts off sounding really comfortable and they hit the harmonies. Jordan has stepped it up and is making the song work for him. Then Naia breaks it down. They are cute together. Christina thought Jordan was solid but Naia had more of a natural groove but had some pitch issues but she would pick her. Cee Lo thought Jordan could use more confidence and he would pick Naia. Adam thinks Jordan was outside his comfort zone and he would pick Naia. Blake was surprised by pitch issues on both sides and he picks Naia for her experience.
Next up is Team Cee Lo who pits Tony Vincent vs. Justin Hopkins. They'll sing "Faithfully" by Journey. At the first rehearsal Tony takes to the song easily but Justin has some power too. Cee Lo is brought to tears by them. Tony meets with Babyface. Babyface tells him to hold the high notes in a stronger way. Justin meets with Ne-Yo and likes that his voice is naturally emotional.
They enter the ring and Tony starts off tender and theatrical. Justin follows up in similar fashion but a little more natural. Tony's kind of intense and is wearing that faux-military kind of outfit. He sounds good but he looks like he's acting. Justin is more natural. They both sound good though. Adam thought Justin was passionate and Tony put on a great performance, but would go with Justin. Blake says Tony may be more versatile but Justin was more solid. Christina thinks Justin is solid but Tony is more versatile. Cee Lo agrees with Christina and talks about how the song relates to both to them but thinks Tony is more interesting and dramatic and Justin has heart and soul. Cee Lo picks Tony.
Mon, Apr 2, 2012
"The Voice" - Live Performance, Week 1 - April 2, 2012
We get a long recap of what's happened thus far in the competition.
Carson tells us that we're live now and there are many ways for us to vote: phone, text, online etc. and there are 12 hours to vote.
Up tonight will be Team Christina and Team Blake. Teams Cee Lo and Adam have the night off and will compete next week.
Contestant/Team: Jermaine Paul (Blake) We get video of Jermaine rehearsing and talking about this show being a "faith walk."
Song:"Livin' on a Prayer," Bon Jovi
Performance: As two women pound huge drums, Jermaine rises in a cloud of smoke and then descends a staircase as he souls up the Bon Jovi hit. He runs center stage. He sounds good and works the stage but it's pretty straightforward. It gets a little shrieky towards the end which seems like a breath control issue.
Judging: Christina was impressed with the way he worked the stage but she didn't like the song choice. Blake thought it was great and that it will be climbing iTunes shortly and reminds Jermaine to enjoy himself even though it's going by fast because he's experiencing his dreams right now.
Contestant/Team: Chris Mann (Christina) He's the opera singer. Christina wants him to connect emotionally with the song.
Song:"Bridge Over Troubled Water," Simon and Garfunkel.
Performance:He starts with just voice and piano accompaniment. He's steady but there's a lot of vibrato. He monkey with the cadences a bit. He's very dramatic and yet mannered at the same time. His feet are distractingly restless. He's hitting all the big notes though.
Judging:Cee Lo thought it was wonderful. Adam thought it was great. Christina thought it was beautiful and heartfelt and he owned it.
Contestant/Team: RaeLynn (Blake) Blake counsels her on her timing.
Song:"Wake Up Call," Maroon 5
Performance: She is so affected and stylized curling up the ends of phrases and overdoing vowels on words like "baby" and "maybe." It's way overdone. It feels like she's playing dress up as a "badass." She's also having breath control issues and it's affecting her pitch when it gets shouty. She certainly does have the range of original singer Adam Levine. She runs and gives Adam a hug when she's done.
Judging: Christina thinks she's a sassy little thing and thinks she has a stage presence. Adam thought it was darn good. Blake says she's representing the new generation of country music really well. He said folks were talking about her at the ACMs last night.
Contestant/Team: Moses Stone (Christina) Christina thinks the song will allow him to show off all his sides.
Song: "Stronger" and "Power" Kanye West
Performance: He starts out singing and it's okay, the falsetto is a bit weak. Then it ratchets up to a loud rap on the verses. He has a cadre of dancers backing him up. The band is really loud. He busts a few moves and hits his knees. Christina stands and spurs him on.
Judging: Cee Lo thought it was a nice choice and he thinks he's a natural onstage. Adam says there's no doubt he knows how to entertain people but personally he thinks he has more potential as a singer than a rapper. Blake can hear that Christina is already making a difference in improving his vocals. Christina says he made her so excited. She says most people are auto-tuned and he wasn't and says he's all in one.
Carson chats with Betty White who is in the audience and is there to promote her NBC show.
Contestant/Team: Naia Kete (Blake) She's switching up the groove to reggae. But Blake wants her to keep it closer to the original.
Song: "Turning Tables," Adele
Performance: It starts out gentle and a little tremulous just her voice and guitar. It's very whispery. She sounds nervous and is having trouble finding much power. The band and string section kick in. She has nice bits but also a few cracks and rasps that don't sound like choices.
Judging: Christina thought it was cool and thinks she might've liked the reggae choice and thought there were moments that weren't great. Blake wanted her to prove she's more than reggae and that she did that and he thought it was beautiful and tender.
Contestant/Team: Lindsey Pavao (Christina) Christina wants to showcase the next level of Lindsey. She wants her to match the energy of the band on the choruses.
Song: "Somebody That I Used To Know," Gotye
Performance: Sitting on a bench with dancers in masks and top hats she starts softly and gets a little stronger in the choruses. It's fine, not spectacular, not awful.
Judging: Adam thought the dudes in the clown suits freaked him out and he thought it was great but he was missing the power in the chorus. Christina credits her with the arrangement and loves that she brings her own unique style. She could listen to her all day.
Contestant/Team:Jordis Unga (Blake) Blake wants her to stop panicking in her head. She hopes it's a redemptive performance.
Song:"Alone," Heart
Performance: She is seated as the string section leads her in. The song starts off a little low. When she gets to the chorus it sounds like she flubs the words a bit. The song is chopped/edited oddly. She is working her way through it and there are some strong bits but this is not her best performance.
Judging: Cee Lo thought the high notes signified her talent. Blake thought it was the opposite of playing it safe.
Contestant/Team: Sera Hill (Christina) She thinks it's her time to shine. Christina wants her to connect with the lyrics and to sing it hard.
Song: "Find Your Love," Drake
Performance: Lots of beefcake surrounds Sera on the stairs. She looks great and she sounds good, but she may be leaning a little too hard on the "Mary J. swag" that Christina counseled. And when she moves she has trouble regulating her breathing. She has a good, natural confidence though. And it ends nicely.
Judging: Blake was distracted by the male strippers on the stage but he thought she was good. Christina thinks she looks gorgeous and that she sounded phenomenal and looked like she owned it.
Contestant/Team: Erin Willet (Blake) Erin's father had pancreatic cancer and he passed away right befor e the battle rounds. Blake thinks Erin overthinks things.
Song: "Living For the City," Stevie Wonder
Performance: There is a whole juke joint set up on stage with dancers and tables. Erin starts out at the piano and then gets up and works the stage. She's got a lot gusto and stage presence and she sounds pretty strong especially on the last few notes.
Judging: Cee Lo thinks that under the circumstances he calls her a champion and she had a lot of soul and charisma. Blake says that was the best performance technically and passionately thus far for either his or Christina's team.
Contestant/Team: Ashley De La Rosa (Christina) Christina thinks the song is perfect to show off her angsty, rocking side.
Song:"Right Through You," Alanis Morissette
Performance: It's a little imitative at the beginning. And when the band kicks in it's a little overpowering. She's clearly having fun which is nice but there are some mic handling issues that cut off her sound, but she ends strong.
Judging: Adam thought she was the most improved he's seen by far. Christina agrees with Adam and impressed her how she brought it.
Contestant/Team: Charlotte Sometimes (Blake) Blake thinks Charlotte has a shot at winning the whole thing. She wants to soften the song up. Blake also thinks she's full of crap like him.
Song: "Misery Business," Paramore
Performance: She's doing "serious" face and slowly waving her arms around as she walks around in a shroud of smoke between the string section. She's got plenty of power but not a ton of range but she works well with what she's got. Again, the band seems much too loud.
Judging:Adam thought it was great and she's very unique but he thought there were some pitch issues. Christina thought it was very dynamic. Blake gives her credit for the arrangement and he thinks she's a true artist and he says he didn't hear the pitch problems.
Contestant/Team: Jesse Campbell (Christina) Christina thinks he can sing the phone book. Christina counsels him to try and connect emotionally.
Song: "What a Wonderful World," Louis Armstrong
Performance: It's a very enunciated open. It remains very stylized but technically the notes are good. It's a little lounge singer-esque but it has some twist of notes and ends well.
Judging: Cee Lo thought it was beautiful and thinks if somoene from his team doesn't win, Jesse might. Adam agrees and tells his team in the audience that very thing, that Jesse is the one to beat. Christina thought it was beautiful and fantastic and he can sing the alphabet and the phone book.
We get a long recap of what's happened thus far in the competition.
Carson tells us that we're live now and there are many ways for us to vote: phone, text, online etc. and there are 12 hours to vote.
Up tonight will be Team Christina and Team Blake. Teams Cee Lo and Adam have the night off and will compete next week.
Contestant/Team: Jermaine Paul (Blake) We get video of Jermaine rehearsing and talking about this show being a "faith walk."
Song:"Livin' on a Prayer," Bon Jovi
Performance: As two women pound huge drums, Jermaine rises in a cloud of smoke and then descends a staircase as he souls up the Bon Jovi hit. He runs center stage. He sounds good and works the stage but it's pretty straightforward. It gets a little shrieky towards the end which seems like a breath control issue.
Judging: Christina was impressed with the way he worked the stage but she didn't like the song choice. Blake thought it was great and that it will be climbing iTunes shortly and reminds Jermaine to enjoy himself even though it's going by fast because he's experiencing his dreams right now.
Contestant/Team: Chris Mann (Christina) He's the opera singer. Christina wants him to connect emotionally with the song.
Song:"Bridge Over Troubled Water," Simon and Garfunkel.
Performance:He starts with just voice and piano accompaniment. He's steady but there's a lot of vibrato. He monkey with the cadences a bit. He's very dramatic and yet mannered at the same time. His feet are distractingly restless. He's hitting all the big notes though.
Judging:Cee Lo thought it was wonderful. Adam thought it was great. Christina thought it was beautiful and heartfelt and he owned it.
Contestant/Team: RaeLynn (Blake) Blake counsels her on her timing.
Song:"Wake Up Call," Maroon 5
Performance: She is so affected and stylized curling up the ends of phrases and overdoing vowels on words like "baby" and "maybe." It's way overdone. It feels like she's playing dress up as a "badass." She's also having breath control issues and it's affecting her pitch when it gets shouty. She certainly does have the range of original singer Adam Levine. She runs and gives Adam a hug when she's done.
Judging: Christina thinks she's a sassy little thing and thinks she has a stage presence. Adam thought it was darn good. Blake says she's representing the new generation of country music really well. He said folks were talking about her at the ACMs last night.
Contestant/Team: Moses Stone (Christina) Christina thinks the song will allow him to show off all his sides.
Song: "Stronger" and "Power" Kanye West
Performance: He starts out singing and it's okay, the falsetto is a bit weak. Then it ratchets up to a loud rap on the verses. He has a cadre of dancers backing him up. The band is really loud. He busts a few moves and hits his knees. Christina stands and spurs him on.
Judging: Cee Lo thought it was a nice choice and he thinks he's a natural onstage. Adam says there's no doubt he knows how to entertain people but personally he thinks he has more potential as a singer than a rapper. Blake can hear that Christina is already making a difference in improving his vocals. Christina says he made her so excited. She says most people are auto-tuned and he wasn't and says he's all in one.
Carson chats with Betty White who is in the audience and is there to promote her NBC show.
Contestant/Team: Naia Kete (Blake) She's switching up the groove to reggae. But Blake wants her to keep it closer to the original.
Song: "Turning Tables," Adele
Performance: It starts out gentle and a little tremulous just her voice and guitar. It's very whispery. She sounds nervous and is having trouble finding much power. The band and string section kick in. She has nice bits but also a few cracks and rasps that don't sound like choices.
Judging: Christina thought it was cool and thinks she might've liked the reggae choice and thought there were moments that weren't great. Blake wanted her to prove she's more than reggae and that she did that and he thought it was beautiful and tender.
Contestant/Team: Lindsey Pavao (Christina) Christina wants to showcase the next level of Lindsey. She wants her to match the energy of the band on the choruses.
Song: "Somebody That I Used To Know," Gotye
Performance: Sitting on a bench with dancers in masks and top hats she starts softly and gets a little stronger in the choruses. It's fine, not spectacular, not awful.
Judging: Adam thought the dudes in the clown suits freaked him out and he thought it was great but he was missing the power in the chorus. Christina credits her with the arrangement and loves that she brings her own unique style. She could listen to her all day.
Contestant/Team:Jordis Unga (Blake) Blake wants her to stop panicking in her head. She hopes it's a redemptive performance.
Song:"Alone," Heart
Performance: She is seated as the string section leads her in. The song starts off a little low. When she gets to the chorus it sounds like she flubs the words a bit. The song is chopped/edited oddly. She is working her way through it and there are some strong bits but this is not her best performance.
Judging: Cee Lo thought the high notes signified her talent. Blake thought it was the opposite of playing it safe.
Contestant/Team: Sera Hill (Christina) She thinks it's her time to shine. Christina wants her to connect with the lyrics and to sing it hard.
Song: "Find Your Love," Drake
Performance: Lots of beefcake surrounds Sera on the stairs. She looks great and she sounds good, but she may be leaning a little too hard on the "Mary J. swag" that Christina counseled. And when she moves she has trouble regulating her breathing. She has a good, natural confidence though. And it ends nicely.
Judging: Blake was distracted by the male strippers on the stage but he thought she was good. Christina thinks she looks gorgeous and that she sounded phenomenal and looked like she owned it.
Contestant/Team: Erin Willet (Blake) Erin's father had pancreatic cancer and he passed away right befor e the battle rounds. Blake thinks Erin overthinks things.
Song: "Living For the City," Stevie Wonder
Performance: There is a whole juke joint set up on stage with dancers and tables. Erin starts out at the piano and then gets up and works the stage. She's got a lot gusto and stage presence and she sounds pretty strong especially on the last few notes.
Judging: Cee Lo thinks that under the circumstances he calls her a champion and she had a lot of soul and charisma. Blake says that was the best performance technically and passionately thus far for either his or Christina's team.
Contestant/Team: Ashley De La Rosa (Christina) Christina thinks the song is perfect to show off her angsty, rocking side.
Song:"Right Through You," Alanis Morissette
Performance: It's a little imitative at the beginning. And when the band kicks in it's a little overpowering. She's clearly having fun which is nice but there are some mic handling issues that cut off her sound, but she ends strong.
Judging: Adam thought she was the most improved he's seen by far. Christina agrees with Adam and impressed her how she brought it.
Contestant/Team: Charlotte Sometimes (Blake) Blake thinks Charlotte has a shot at winning the whole thing. She wants to soften the song up. Blake also thinks she's full of crap like him.
Song: "Misery Business," Paramore
Performance: She's doing "serious" face and slowly waving her arms around as she walks around in a shroud of smoke between the string section. She's got plenty of power but not a ton of range but she works well with what she's got. Again, the band seems much too loud.
Judging:Adam thought it was great and she's very unique but he thought there were some pitch issues. Christina thought it was very dynamic. Blake gives her credit for the arrangement and he thinks she's a true artist and he says he didn't hear the pitch problems.
Contestant/Team: Jesse Campbell (Christina) Christina thinks he can sing the phone book. Christina counsels him to try and connect emotionally.
Song: "What a Wonderful World," Louis Armstrong
Performance: It's a very enunciated open. It remains very stylized but technically the notes are good. It's a little lounge singer-esque but it has some twist of notes and ends well.
Judging: Cee Lo thought it was beautiful and thinks if somoene from his team doesn't win, Jesse might. Adam agrees and tells his team in the audience that very thing, that Jesse is the one to beat. Christina thought it was beautiful and fantastic and he can sing the alphabet and the phone book.
Tue, Apr 3, 2012
"The Voice" - Live Results, 4 Go Home - April 3, 2012
Team Christina and Team Blake kicked off the live rounds last night and now that America has voted some folks are going home.
After some recap filler we get some results.
Those "saved" by the vote on Team Blake are Erin Willet, Jermaine Paul, and RaeLynn.
Those "saved" by the vote on Team Christina are Jesse Campbell, Lindsey Pavao, and Chris Mann.
The remaining six contestants have to sing for their lives and one from each team will be saved by their coach and four will go home.
Team Blake is up first.
Naia Kete sings "If I Were a Boy" by Beyonce. Blake wishes she'd done a reggae song but Naia says the producers wouldn't let her.
Charlotte Sometimes sings "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls.
Jordis Unga sings "Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones
The other coaches weigh in and Christina, Adam, and Cee Lo all say they would save Jordis. Blake agrees and chooses to save Jordis.
Team Christina is up next.
Ashley De La Rosa sings "Paris (Ooh La La)" by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
Sera Hill sings "Vision of Love" by Mariah Carey.
Moses Stone sings "Breakeven" by the Script.
The other coaches weigh in and Cee Lo would save Sera, Adam would save Ashley, and Blake would save Ashley as well. Christina listens to Adam and Blake and saves Ashley.
Team Christina and Team Blake kicked off the live rounds last night and now that America has voted some folks are going home.
After some recap filler we get some results.
Those "saved" by the vote on Team Blake are Erin Willet, Jermaine Paul, and RaeLynn.
Those "saved" by the vote on Team Christina are Jesse Campbell, Lindsey Pavao, and Chris Mann.
The remaining six contestants have to sing for their lives and one from each team will be saved by their coach and four will go home.
Team Blake is up first.
Naia Kete sings "If I Were a Boy" by Beyonce. Blake wishes she'd done a reggae song but Naia says the producers wouldn't let her.
Charlotte Sometimes sings "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls.
Jordis Unga sings "Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones
The other coaches weigh in and Christina, Adam, and Cee Lo all say they would save Jordis. Blake agrees and chooses to save Jordis.
Team Christina is up next.
Ashley De La Rosa sings "Paris (Ooh La La)" by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
Sera Hill sings "Vision of Love" by Mariah Carey.
Moses Stone sings "Breakeven" by the Script.
The other coaches weigh in and Cee Lo would save Sera, Adam would save Ashley, and Blake would save Ashley as well. Christina listens to Adam and Blake and saves Ashley.
Mon, Apr 9, 2012
"The Voice" - Live Performances, Week 2- April 9, 2012
Tonight, the members of Team Adam and Team Cee Lo have their first live performances before the first elimination.
We get a recap of last week's shows and results and Carson reminds us the many ways we can vote.
Contestant: Katrina Parker/Team Adam Adam says the elephant in the room is Adele and tells her to hear more of her own voice.
Song: "Tonight, Tonight," Smashing Pumpkins
Performance: If Adele is the elephant in the room it's odd tha they've chosen to dress her up like the British singer. As with last week, the band is nearly overpowering her. She sounds good, if a little wispy in places.
Judging: Christina thought it was an interesting song choice and thinks her voice is gorgeous. Cee Lo thought it was a commendable effort but it didn't connect like Billy Corgan. Adam thinks the song feels theatrical and is really happy with Katrina.
Contestant: Cheesa/Team Cee Lo She's ready to prove her place here.
Song: "Don't Leave Me This Way," Thelma Houston
Performance: She starts off atop the stairs, backlit, and singing slowly. The chorus kicks in and the beat picks up and she descends the stairs. She's okay, occasionally hitting rough notes. She has great energy though. She does a little choreography that's cute. Judging: Blake says he loved it and says it was like watching "Solid Gold." Adam agrees that it had Cee Lo written all over it. Adam says she's a great singer but it didn't pop so much that he freaked out. Cee Lo thought it was wonderful and electrifying.
Contestant:Tony Lucca/Team Adam Adam tries to coach Tony on his falsetto which has never been his strong suit.
Song:"In Your Eyes," Peter Gabriel
Performance:He starts off very strong, surrounded by the band. He backs off the falsetto and does it a bit lower but it suits his voice better. This is an undeniable song and the band and backing singers are doing a great job supporting him. He heads to the front of the stage and slaps hands with audience members and sort of paces around.
Judging:Christina thinks he's very one-dimensional and hopes that celebrity support from friends like her-- um, really?-- and Justin Timberlake isn't what keeps him on the show, because she thinks there are better voices on the show. Adam loves that song and the way he worked his way around the falsetto problem and he feels like he rose to the challenge.
Contestant: Kim Yarbrough/Team Adam Adam thinks it's going to be a mega-moment but it has to be perfect.
Song: "Rolling in the Deep," Adele
Performance: She starts off strong. She has to stay fairly still to keep it right on point. She has a little trouble in the very first chorus but she recovers. She's very intense.
Judging:Blake thought it got better as it went along even though it was sharp in the first chorus. Cee Lo thinks Adam should've had her sing something different. He doesn't know if he loved it but he loves Kim. Adam loves her too but he says he would be remiss if he didn't admit there were problems with it and Adele is so amazing that made it hard.
Contestant: James Massone/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo wants to give him some flair.
Song: "Don't Know Why," Norah Jones
Performance: Sitting on a park bench in front of a cheesy James Ln street sign he croons his happy tune. He struggles a little with the high notes but it doesn't matter because Ladies Love Cool James.
Judging: Blake says he almost threw his panties on the stage and says he wants to vote for him. Christina liked the more subtle approach and says there were some pitch problems but it was dope. Cee Lo is very proud and hopes James is proud as well. Wishes he was a little more attentive to the high notes but understands how he was distracted by the ladies.
Contestant: Juliet Simms/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo thinks her voice is classic rock but she doesn't want to be pigeonholed in that way.
Song: "Roxanne," The Police
Performance: Shrouded in dry ice and red lights, she starts off slow and hitching and way overdoing it with her affect. Shekeeps it slow through the chorus, most of which she shouts, and then the band kicks in and kicks up the groove.
Judging:She gets a standing ovation from the judges and Carson loved it. Adam says he's pissed off because he wanted her on his team and says she gave the best performance he's seen so far. Christina says she was so into it and her voice is dope. Blake says it was the first time he's ever really heard her sing and it was so good. Cee Lo says just wow.
Contestant: Mathai/Team Adam Adam says she's so good it's like she's from another planet.
Song: "Ordinary People," John Legend
Performance: She starts off a cappella and it's strong, very Corinne Bailey Rae-esque. She has very sweet energy, a beautiful smile, and a nice feel for the rhythms of the song. It's not terrifically dynamic but it's well done. Pitch-wise, she's probably been the best of the night.
Judging: Christina likes her voice and the moments she chose with her ad libs, she thought it was a little lounge-y, she'd like to see more energy. Blake loves her confidence. Adam thinks she's magical.
Contestant:Tony Vincent/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo wants him to be commanding and bigger than life without turning it into a showtune.
Song: "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," Tears For Fears
Performance: He stands at a vaguely intimidating podium with weird masked and red-eyed dancers. The whole thing has a weird SS vibe. For him, he's very restrained, just singing the melody straight without a lot of embellishment. He sounds strong if not mind-blowing. When he comes off the podium and siles he's a lot more relatable.
Judging: Blake felt weird about the evil staging which made it hard for him to pay attention to the music. Christina knows Blake fears production but she loves big staging, she felt like the song restricted him vocally and she wanted to hear more. Cee Lo agrees and apologizes for restricting him with the song and he think Tony is a lover and appreciator of art and says the staging was all about love, and says he's a far better singer than one performance can show and that makes a plea for votes.
Contestant: Karla Davis/Team Adam Adam loves her boldness but wants her to bring her energy up.
Song: "Airplanes," B.o.B
Performance: She's standing on an airplane wing with the words "Team Adam" emblazoned on it. She starts out a little tentatively and although she's keeping up with the rap portion it seems like a bit of a struggle from a breath control standpoint.
Judging: Christina was surprised by the song choice and the cowboy boots but thought she did a good job and think it was a little too whispery. Blake thought he did as well as she could with that song and wishes there had been more singing. Adam was impressed that she was in the pocket in rehearsal but in performance she had energy that didn't work for her and he felt breathiness and nerves but he loved the choice.
Contestant: Erin Martin/Team Cee Lo She knows her voice is an acquired taste. Likes that song is unique, quirky, and sexy like her.
Song: "Walk Like an Egyptian," The Bangles
Performance: She comes out being dragged on a chariot by dancers in Cleopatra garb. She is surrounded by dancers. The song is probably too fast for her quirky little girl voice and it doesn't give her much room to show off any power if she has any. She does a little strut at the end.
Judging: Blake didn't like the "male stripper" dancers and she did as well as she could with that song. Christina says she needed to bring it and she has a unique voice but it could've been better and more aggressive. Cee Lo agrees with Christina and thought the staging might have been a distraction and that she did a good job and says the lyrics were hard and he wants her to be more aggressive.
Contestant: Pip/Team Adam Adam wants him to make sure it's not too smooth and to have more depth.
Song: "When You Were Young," the Killers
Performance: Wearing an ill-advised leather jacket with his trademark bow-tie he sounds good but as Adam feared, too smooth. He wants to rock but he might not have him in it yet.
Judging: Christina appreciates his vocal ability but she thought he came off trying too hard. and she thought it was pitchy at the start. Adam says it was a surprising choice but he wanted him to be more dangerous and scary and they need to work harder on the intent behind his singing.
Contestant: Jamar Rogers/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo says he ain't broke so he doesn't need to fix anything.
Song: "Are You Gonna Go My Way," Lenny Kravitz
Performance: He struts down the glowing steps and sings confidently. It's all at 11 from the jump so it's not super dynamic in terms of volume and intensity but he's got great energy. And for some reason he's surrounded by female guitar players on stilts. He gets a huge ovation from the crowd.
Judging: Blake thinks the staging was too much and Jamar is too good to have all that crap going on around him. Adam wants to say something. Cee Lo asks if he heard the love of the crowd and pumps him up. Adam has to say that they need to forget about teams and Jamar embodies what the show is.
Tonight, the members of Team Adam and Team Cee Lo have their first live performances before the first elimination.
We get a recap of last week's shows and results and Carson reminds us the many ways we can vote.
Contestant: Katrina Parker/Team Adam Adam says the elephant in the room is Adele and tells her to hear more of her own voice.
Song: "Tonight, Tonight," Smashing Pumpkins
Performance: If Adele is the elephant in the room it's odd tha they've chosen to dress her up like the British singer. As with last week, the band is nearly overpowering her. She sounds good, if a little wispy in places.
Judging: Christina thought it was an interesting song choice and thinks her voice is gorgeous. Cee Lo thought it was a commendable effort but it didn't connect like Billy Corgan. Adam thinks the song feels theatrical and is really happy with Katrina.
Contestant: Cheesa/Team Cee Lo She's ready to prove her place here.
Song: "Don't Leave Me This Way," Thelma Houston
Performance: She starts off atop the stairs, backlit, and singing slowly. The chorus kicks in and the beat picks up and she descends the stairs. She's okay, occasionally hitting rough notes. She has great energy though. She does a little choreography that's cute. Judging: Blake says he loved it and says it was like watching "Solid Gold." Adam agrees that it had Cee Lo written all over it. Adam says she's a great singer but it didn't pop so much that he freaked out. Cee Lo thought it was wonderful and electrifying.
Contestant:Tony Lucca/Team Adam Adam tries to coach Tony on his falsetto which has never been his strong suit.
Song:"In Your Eyes," Peter Gabriel
Performance:He starts off very strong, surrounded by the band. He backs off the falsetto and does it a bit lower but it suits his voice better. This is an undeniable song and the band and backing singers are doing a great job supporting him. He heads to the front of the stage and slaps hands with audience members and sort of paces around.
Judging:Christina thinks he's very one-dimensional and hopes that celebrity support from friends like her-- um, really?-- and Justin Timberlake isn't what keeps him on the show, because she thinks there are better voices on the show. Adam loves that song and the way he worked his way around the falsetto problem and he feels like he rose to the challenge.
Contestant: Kim Yarbrough/Team Adam Adam thinks it's going to be a mega-moment but it has to be perfect.
Song: "Rolling in the Deep," Adele
Performance: She starts off strong. She has to stay fairly still to keep it right on point. She has a little trouble in the very first chorus but she recovers. She's very intense.
Judging:Blake thought it got better as it went along even though it was sharp in the first chorus. Cee Lo thinks Adam should've had her sing something different. He doesn't know if he loved it but he loves Kim. Adam loves her too but he says he would be remiss if he didn't admit there were problems with it and Adele is so amazing that made it hard.
Contestant: James Massone/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo wants to give him some flair.
Song: "Don't Know Why," Norah Jones
Performance: Sitting on a park bench in front of a cheesy James Ln street sign he croons his happy tune. He struggles a little with the high notes but it doesn't matter because Ladies Love Cool James.
Judging: Blake says he almost threw his panties on the stage and says he wants to vote for him. Christina liked the more subtle approach and says there were some pitch problems but it was dope. Cee Lo is very proud and hopes James is proud as well. Wishes he was a little more attentive to the high notes but understands how he was distracted by the ladies.
Contestant: Juliet Simms/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo thinks her voice is classic rock but she doesn't want to be pigeonholed in that way.
Song: "Roxanne," The Police
Performance: Shrouded in dry ice and red lights, she starts off slow and hitching and way overdoing it with her affect. Shekeeps it slow through the chorus, most of which she shouts, and then the band kicks in and kicks up the groove.
Judging:She gets a standing ovation from the judges and Carson loved it. Adam says he's pissed off because he wanted her on his team and says she gave the best performance he's seen so far. Christina says she was so into it and her voice is dope. Blake says it was the first time he's ever really heard her sing and it was so good. Cee Lo says just wow.
Contestant: Mathai/Team Adam Adam says she's so good it's like she's from another planet.
Song: "Ordinary People," John Legend
Performance: She starts off a cappella and it's strong, very Corinne Bailey Rae-esque. She has very sweet energy, a beautiful smile, and a nice feel for the rhythms of the song. It's not terrifically dynamic but it's well done. Pitch-wise, she's probably been the best of the night.
Judging: Christina likes her voice and the moments she chose with her ad libs, she thought it was a little lounge-y, she'd like to see more energy. Blake loves her confidence. Adam thinks she's magical.
Contestant:Tony Vincent/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo wants him to be commanding and bigger than life without turning it into a showtune.
Song: "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," Tears For Fears
Performance: He stands at a vaguely intimidating podium with weird masked and red-eyed dancers. The whole thing has a weird SS vibe. For him, he's very restrained, just singing the melody straight without a lot of embellishment. He sounds strong if not mind-blowing. When he comes off the podium and siles he's a lot more relatable.
Judging: Blake felt weird about the evil staging which made it hard for him to pay attention to the music. Christina knows Blake fears production but she loves big staging, she felt like the song restricted him vocally and she wanted to hear more. Cee Lo agrees and apologizes for restricting him with the song and he think Tony is a lover and appreciator of art and says the staging was all about love, and says he's a far better singer than one performance can show and that makes a plea for votes.
Contestant: Karla Davis/Team Adam Adam loves her boldness but wants her to bring her energy up.
Song: "Airplanes," B.o.B
Performance: She's standing on an airplane wing with the words "Team Adam" emblazoned on it. She starts out a little tentatively and although she's keeping up with the rap portion it seems like a bit of a struggle from a breath control standpoint.
Judging: Christina was surprised by the song choice and the cowboy boots but thought she did a good job and think it was a little too whispery. Blake thought he did as well as she could with that song and wishes there had been more singing. Adam was impressed that she was in the pocket in rehearsal but in performance she had energy that didn't work for her and he felt breathiness and nerves but he loved the choice.
Contestant: Erin Martin/Team Cee Lo She knows her voice is an acquired taste. Likes that song is unique, quirky, and sexy like her.
Song: "Walk Like an Egyptian," The Bangles
Performance: She comes out being dragged on a chariot by dancers in Cleopatra garb. She is surrounded by dancers. The song is probably too fast for her quirky little girl voice and it doesn't give her much room to show off any power if she has any. She does a little strut at the end.
Judging: Blake didn't like the "male stripper" dancers and she did as well as she could with that song. Christina says she needed to bring it and she has a unique voice but it could've been better and more aggressive. Cee Lo agrees with Christina and thought the staging might have been a distraction and that she did a good job and says the lyrics were hard and he wants her to be more aggressive.
Contestant: Pip/Team Adam Adam wants him to make sure it's not too smooth and to have more depth.
Song: "When You Were Young," the Killers
Performance: Wearing an ill-advised leather jacket with his trademark bow-tie he sounds good but as Adam feared, too smooth. He wants to rock but he might not have him in it yet.
Judging: Christina appreciates his vocal ability but she thought he came off trying too hard. and she thought it was pitchy at the start. Adam says it was a surprising choice but he wanted him to be more dangerous and scary and they need to work harder on the intent behind his singing.
Contestant: Jamar Rogers/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo says he ain't broke so he doesn't need to fix anything.
Song: "Are You Gonna Go My Way," Lenny Kravitz
Performance: He struts down the glowing steps and sings confidently. It's all at 11 from the jump so it's not super dynamic in terms of volume and intensity but he's got great energy. And for some reason he's surrounded by female guitar players on stilts. He gets a huge ovation from the crowd.
Judging: Blake thinks the staging was too much and Jamar is too good to have all that crap going on around him. Adam wants to say something. Cee Lo asks if he heard the love of the crowd and pumps him up. Adam has to say that they need to forget about teams and Jamar embodies what the show is.
Tue, Apr 10, 2012
"The Voice" - Live Eliminations - April 10, 2012
Carson reminds us that Team Adam and Team Cee Lo were up last night and that three from each team will be saved by the public vote than the remaining three will sing for their lives and the coaches will pick one.
We get a recap of last night.
Performance: Jessie J performs her single "Domino" with Team Christina on back up vocals. She's a judge on "The Voice" in the U.K.
Saved on Team Adam: Mathai, Tony Lucca, and Pip.
So Katrina Parker, Kim Yarbrough, and Karla Davis have to sing for their lives.
Saved on Team Cee Lo: Juliet Simms, Jamar Rogers, and James Massone
So Tony Vincent, Cheesa, and Erin Martin have to sing for their lives.
Up first for Team Adam is Kim Yarbrough. She sings "Spotlight" by Jennifer Hudson. She is strong but very still and hits a rough patch in the middle but eventually recovers.
Up next is Karla Davis who sings "I Can't Make You Love Me," by Bonnie Raitt. (These are weird choices so far, "I don't like living in your spotlight"? "I can't make you love me if you don't"? Do they want to stay?). It's okay but she's hitting some bum notes, even her family looks a little nervous. She recovers nicely but she's clearly very nervous.
And finally from Team Adam is Katrina Parker who sings "Don't Speak" by No Doubt. She looks even more Adele-esque tonight. (And again "I can't believe this could be the end"? Prophetic, perhaps?) She sounds good. She's not bringing a ton of energy to this.
Blake, Christina, and Cee Lo all say they would save Katrina. Adam agrees and picks Katrina.
Now it's time for the Team Cee Lo performances
Up first is Tony Vincent who sings "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics. He's back in creepy mode. This is not the best song to showcase range but he sounds fine.
Next is Cheesa who sings "All By Myself," by Eric Carmen.The verse is low but sturdy enough and the chorus is fine if a little growly. She clearly really wants it though and she's pouring on the energy.
And finally Erin Martin sings "Your Song," by Elton John. She hitches, hiccups, and girlishly trills her way through it as is her style.
Adam, Blake, and Christina would all save Cheesa. Cee Lo agrees and picks Cheesa.
Carson reminds us that Team Adam and Team Cee Lo were up last night and that three from each team will be saved by the public vote than the remaining three will sing for their lives and the coaches will pick one.
We get a recap of last night.
Performance: Jessie J performs her single "Domino" with Team Christina on back up vocals. She's a judge on "The Voice" in the U.K.
Saved on Team Adam: Mathai, Tony Lucca, and Pip.
So Katrina Parker, Kim Yarbrough, and Karla Davis have to sing for their lives.
Saved on Team Cee Lo: Juliet Simms, Jamar Rogers, and James Massone
So Tony Vincent, Cheesa, and Erin Martin have to sing for their lives.
Up first for Team Adam is Kim Yarbrough. She sings "Spotlight" by Jennifer Hudson. She is strong but very still and hits a rough patch in the middle but eventually recovers.
Up next is Karla Davis who sings "I Can't Make You Love Me," by Bonnie Raitt. (These are weird choices so far, "I don't like living in your spotlight"? "I can't make you love me if you don't"? Do they want to stay?). It's okay but she's hitting some bum notes, even her family looks a little nervous. She recovers nicely but she's clearly very nervous.
And finally from Team Adam is Katrina Parker who sings "Don't Speak" by No Doubt. She looks even more Adele-esque tonight. (And again "I can't believe this could be the end"? Prophetic, perhaps?) She sounds good. She's not bringing a ton of energy to this.
Blake, Christina, and Cee Lo all say they would save Katrina. Adam agrees and picks Katrina.
Now it's time for the Team Cee Lo performances
Up first is Tony Vincent who sings "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics. He's back in creepy mode. This is not the best song to showcase range but he sounds fine.
Next is Cheesa who sings "All By Myself," by Eric Carmen.The verse is low but sturdy enough and the chorus is fine if a little growly. She clearly really wants it though and she's pouring on the energy.
And finally Erin Martin sings "Your Song," by Elton John. She hitches, hiccups, and girlishly trills her way through it as is her style.
Adam, Blake, and Christina would all save Cheesa. Cee Lo agrees and picks Cheesa.
Mon, Apr 16, 2012
"The Voice" - Quarterfinals - April 16, 2012
Tonight the final four of Team Blake and Team Christina will perform. Carson tells us that at the end of the night that each coach will have to immediately eliminate one of their contestants. Christina is really upset about the instant elimination "twist." The other judges agree that it sucks. Except Adam who thinks it's good, who likes control.
Contestant: RaeLynn/Team Blake Blake is happy that she is a true country girl from a farm. He tells her her rasp is cool but half as much growl. (This is excellent advice.)
Song: "She's Country," Jason Aldean
Performance: She's putting a little too much affected strut into this and her breah control could be better but without all that forced growling she's much better than last week, especially in terms of pitch.
Judging: Christina says she's a fan and she made her want to sing country. Cee Lo thinks it's the best performance she's done. Adam agrees it was the best moment she's had. Blake says this is the most proud moment he's had for any member of his team. He thinks she proved country can kick ass.
Contestant: Jesse Campbell/Team Christina In rehearsal he admits the song is a challenge and that he tends to play it safe. She wants him to be more adventurous.
Song: "Halo," Beyonce
Performance: These contemporary rhythms aren't really his forte and he's having some pitch problems but he's doing the best he can. When he hits the repetitive "halo" part he gets stronger and he freestyles nicely at the end and really gets into it. He blows kisses to his daughter.
Judging: Cee Lo thought it was wonderful. Adam thinks he's a huge favorite. Blake thought it was great. Christina thinks he really brought it on an emotional level.
Contestant:Jordis Unga/Team Blake She loves the song. He thinks it's a chance to hear Jordis the singer not the screamer.
Song: "A Little Bit Stronger," Sara Evans
Performance: She looks lovely in a pink dress and it starts off tenderly. She seems more assured this week. It's a much cleaner performance vocally but she is rushing the tempo a bit with her vocal.
Judging: Christina likes when she shows her vulnerable side. Cee Lo agrees it was very touching. Adam loves that she was so emotional. Blake is really proud and thinks she did perfect.
Christina talks about her philanthropic work. with her team in a Starbucks at Crenshaw and they go visit a local choir at Crenshaw High School. When Christina and her team walk in the choir-- mid song-- is so excited to see her. She invites them to sing on TV with her team.
Performance: Team Christina performs. First Christina come out alone wearing a cowboy hat and a leotard and not much else and has male strippers flank Blake. She then ditches the hat and the whole gang do "Fighter" with the choir.
Contestant: Ashley De La Rosa/Team Christina Ashley's chosen to do the song in a sort of Evanescence style.
Song:"Foolish Games," Jewel
Performance: She sits in a shroud of dry ice and starts out purposefully tremulously and then the jagged guitars and drums kick in and her rhythm and pitch are thrown off a bit but she's got real presence and dedication. And one really great long note.
Judging: Cee Lo enjoyed it. Adam thinks she's the biggest surprise. Blake thinks Christina saving her has been the smartest decision on the second season of the show, he sees her improving each week. Christina thinks she made it her own.
Performance: Maroon 5 and Wiz Khalifa perform "Pay Phone."
Contestant:Erin Willett/Team Blake Blake wants her to believe how special she is since she feels like she doesn't fit in the industry with her looks. They talk sweetly about the recent loss of both of their fathers.
Song: "Set Fire to the Rain," Adele
Performance: Erin is a good singer and she gives a game performance. No one but Adele should sing this song. (Her straightened hair also looks beautiful.)
Judging: Christina thinks she sang her heart out. Cee Lo thinks she did the song a great justice. He thinks she was good but he thought her phrasing was a little bit off. Blake was excited for her to do that song.
Contestant:Lindsey Pavao/Team Christina Christina wants her to use her voice in a bigger way and be fearless. They start with a Rihanna song but Lindsey wasn't connecting with the song so she wanted to change it. Christina thinks it's a more one-dimensional performance.
Song: "Part of Me," Katy Perry
Performance: She is definitely using more of the power in her voice this week. She's moving more confidently as well. There are some pitch problems from the middle to the end.The song is kind of a yawn though.
Judging: Cee Lo enjoyed it and he liked the staging but he didn't know the song so he had nothing to compare it to. Adam thought it was really great but says there were pitch problems. Blake heard the pitch issues as well but he's already a fan so it doesn't matter and he downloads her songs off iTunes. Christina adores her and like Cee Lo she wasn't familiar with the song and she trusted her and she thinks it paid off.
Performance: Team Blake sings "Heartache Tonight" by the Eagles.
Contestant: Jermaine Paul/Team BlakeJermaine says Alicia has been reaching out and supporting him. Blake hopes to showcase a softer side of him.
Song: "Against All Odds," Phil Collins
Performance: (Confession: I love this song.) He starts with just strings. It is silky and lovely. It is both heartfelt, emotional, controlled, and a great showcase. Far and away my favorite performance of the night.
Judging: Christina names his as her favorite on Team Blake. Cee Lo and Adam love it but Adam thinks he overembellished a bit. Blake thinks will be a pivotal moment in Jermaine's career.
Contestant: Chris Mann/Team Christina She thinks he will take people by surprise. He's really feeling Christina's advice.
Song: "Viva La Vida," Coldplay
Performance: For some reason the female string section is dressed like the women from those Robert Palmer videos from the '80s. Chris is, of course, impeccable and in tune, if a little mannered. He gets really into the "whoa-oh-ohs."
Judging: Adam loves that song but thought he was going to be more moving in an operatic way. Christina loves that he stepped out of his comfort zone and thought he made it his own.
Instant Eliminees: Jesse Campbell and Jordis Unga.
Tonight the final four of Team Blake and Team Christina will perform. Carson tells us that at the end of the night that each coach will have to immediately eliminate one of their contestants. Christina is really upset about the instant elimination "twist." The other judges agree that it sucks. Except Adam who thinks it's good, who likes control.
Contestant: RaeLynn/Team Blake Blake is happy that she is a true country girl from a farm. He tells her her rasp is cool but half as much growl. (This is excellent advice.)
Song: "She's Country," Jason Aldean
Performance: She's putting a little too much affected strut into this and her breah control could be better but without all that forced growling she's much better than last week, especially in terms of pitch.
Judging: Christina says she's a fan and she made her want to sing country. Cee Lo thinks it's the best performance she's done. Adam agrees it was the best moment she's had. Blake says this is the most proud moment he's had for any member of his team. He thinks she proved country can kick ass.
Contestant: Jesse Campbell/Team Christina In rehearsal he admits the song is a challenge and that he tends to play it safe. She wants him to be more adventurous.
Song: "Halo," Beyonce
Performance: These contemporary rhythms aren't really his forte and he's having some pitch problems but he's doing the best he can. When he hits the repetitive "halo" part he gets stronger and he freestyles nicely at the end and really gets into it. He blows kisses to his daughter.
Judging: Cee Lo thought it was wonderful. Adam thinks he's a huge favorite. Blake thought it was great. Christina thinks he really brought it on an emotional level.
Contestant:Jordis Unga/Team Blake She loves the song. He thinks it's a chance to hear Jordis the singer not the screamer.
Song: "A Little Bit Stronger," Sara Evans
Performance: She looks lovely in a pink dress and it starts off tenderly. She seems more assured this week. It's a much cleaner performance vocally but she is rushing the tempo a bit with her vocal.
Judging: Christina likes when she shows her vulnerable side. Cee Lo agrees it was very touching. Adam loves that she was so emotional. Blake is really proud and thinks she did perfect.
Christina talks about her philanthropic work. with her team in a Starbucks at Crenshaw and they go visit a local choir at Crenshaw High School. When Christina and her team walk in the choir-- mid song-- is so excited to see her. She invites them to sing on TV with her team.
Performance: Team Christina performs. First Christina come out alone wearing a cowboy hat and a leotard and not much else and has male strippers flank Blake. She then ditches the hat and the whole gang do "Fighter" with the choir.
Contestant: Ashley De La Rosa/Team Christina Ashley's chosen to do the song in a sort of Evanescence style.
Song:"Foolish Games," Jewel
Performance: She sits in a shroud of dry ice and starts out purposefully tremulously and then the jagged guitars and drums kick in and her rhythm and pitch are thrown off a bit but she's got real presence and dedication. And one really great long note.
Judging: Cee Lo enjoyed it. Adam thinks she's the biggest surprise. Blake thinks Christina saving her has been the smartest decision on the second season of the show, he sees her improving each week. Christina thinks she made it her own.
Performance: Maroon 5 and Wiz Khalifa perform "Pay Phone."
Contestant:Erin Willett/Team Blake Blake wants her to believe how special she is since she feels like she doesn't fit in the industry with her looks. They talk sweetly about the recent loss of both of their fathers.
Song: "Set Fire to the Rain," Adele
Performance: Erin is a good singer and she gives a game performance. No one but Adele should sing this song. (Her straightened hair also looks beautiful.)
Judging: Christina thinks she sang her heart out. Cee Lo thinks she did the song a great justice. He thinks she was good but he thought her phrasing was a little bit off. Blake was excited for her to do that song.
Contestant:Lindsey Pavao/Team Christina Christina wants her to use her voice in a bigger way and be fearless. They start with a Rihanna song but Lindsey wasn't connecting with the song so she wanted to change it. Christina thinks it's a more one-dimensional performance.
Song: "Part of Me," Katy Perry
Performance: She is definitely using more of the power in her voice this week. She's moving more confidently as well. There are some pitch problems from the middle to the end.The song is kind of a yawn though.
Judging: Cee Lo enjoyed it and he liked the staging but he didn't know the song so he had nothing to compare it to. Adam thought it was really great but says there were pitch problems. Blake heard the pitch issues as well but he's already a fan so it doesn't matter and he downloads her songs off iTunes. Christina adores her and like Cee Lo she wasn't familiar with the song and she trusted her and she thinks it paid off.
Performance: Team Blake sings "Heartache Tonight" by the Eagles.
Contestant: Jermaine Paul/Team BlakeJermaine says Alicia has been reaching out and supporting him. Blake hopes to showcase a softer side of him.
Song: "Against All Odds," Phil Collins
Performance: (Confession: I love this song.) He starts with just strings. It is silky and lovely. It is both heartfelt, emotional, controlled, and a great showcase. Far and away my favorite performance of the night.
Judging: Christina names his as her favorite on Team Blake. Cee Lo and Adam love it but Adam thinks he overembellished a bit. Blake thinks will be a pivotal moment in Jermaine's career.
Contestant: Chris Mann/Team Christina She thinks he will take people by surprise. He's really feeling Christina's advice.
Song: "Viva La Vida," Coldplay
Performance: For some reason the female string section is dressed like the women from those Robert Palmer videos from the '80s. Chris is, of course, impeccable and in tune, if a little mannered. He gets really into the "whoa-oh-ohs."
Judging: Adam loves that song but thought he was going to be more moving in an operatic way. Christina loves that he stepped out of his comfort zone and thought he made it his own.
Instant Eliminees: Jesse Campbell and Jordis Unga.
Tue, Apr 17, 2012
"The Voice" - Quarterfinals, Results - April 17, 2012
Carson explains how it will all work: America will save one person from both Team Christina and Team Blake. The two remaining contestants will sing for their lives and their respective coaches will decide which person will advance.
We get a lengthy recap of what has transpired already.
Performance: British boy band the Wanted performs "Chasing the Sun" with Team Blake
The coaches and Carson talk about last night's instant eliminations with Blake and Christina defending their choices. Christina babbles for a long time about how her fearlessness is unassailable.
Results: America has saved Chris Mann from Team Christina which means Lindsey Pavao and Ashley De La Rosa will sing for their lives. America has saved Jermaine Paul from Team Blake which means RaeLynn and Erin Willett will sing for their lives.
Performances:
Ashley De La Rosa sings "You and I" by Lady Gaga. She sounds good but the slow tempo never really allows her to break out. Adam likes her but was underwhelmed. Blake is already ready to pick Ashley over Lindsey.
Lindsey Pavao sings "Please Don't Go" by Mike Posner. It's a quiet piano ballad that suits her girlish voice. She cries at the end. It's fine but no knockout. Christina tears up. Cee Lo thinks she's wonderful and endearing. Blake sticks with Ashley. When it comes to decision time Christina gets emotional again and talks about how much she loves them both but she goes with Lindsey.
Justin Bieber arrives to bask in the screams of the audience and tease the world premiere of a clip from his new video for "Boyfriend."
Performances:
Erin Willett sings "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. It is sassy and well sung. Christina loved her spirit and energy.
RaeLynn sings "If I Die Young," by the Band Perry. She pours on the twang but still has some breath control issues and a couple of pitch problems. It's kind of meh. Adam says he was a fan and thinks he would've curbed the inflection and it wasn't his favorite personally. Blake chooses Erin.
So going forward into the semi-finals: Chris Mann, Jermaine Paul, Lindsey Pavao, and Erin Willett
Carson explains how it will all work: America will save one person from both Team Christina and Team Blake. The two remaining contestants will sing for their lives and their respective coaches will decide which person will advance.
We get a lengthy recap of what has transpired already.
Performance: British boy band the Wanted performs "Chasing the Sun" with Team Blake
The coaches and Carson talk about last night's instant eliminations with Blake and Christina defending their choices. Christina babbles for a long time about how her fearlessness is unassailable.
Results: America has saved Chris Mann from Team Christina which means Lindsey Pavao and Ashley De La Rosa will sing for their lives. America has saved Jermaine Paul from Team Blake which means RaeLynn and Erin Willett will sing for their lives.
Performances:
Ashley De La Rosa sings "You and I" by Lady Gaga. She sounds good but the slow tempo never really allows her to break out. Adam likes her but was underwhelmed. Blake is already ready to pick Ashley over Lindsey.
Lindsey Pavao sings "Please Don't Go" by Mike Posner. It's a quiet piano ballad that suits her girlish voice. She cries at the end. It's fine but no knockout. Christina tears up. Cee Lo thinks she's wonderful and endearing. Blake sticks with Ashley. When it comes to decision time Christina gets emotional again and talks about how much she loves them both but she goes with Lindsey.
Justin Bieber arrives to bask in the screams of the audience and tease the world premiere of a clip from his new video for "Boyfriend."
Performances:
Erin Willett sings "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. It is sassy and well sung. Christina loved her spirit and energy.
RaeLynn sings "If I Die Young," by the Band Perry. She pours on the twang but still has some breath control issues and a couple of pitch problems. It's kind of meh. Adam says he was a fan and thinks he would've curbed the inflection and it wasn't his favorite personally. Blake chooses Erin.
So going forward into the semi-finals: Chris Mann, Jermaine Paul, Lindsey Pavao, and Erin Willett
Mon, Apr 23, 2012
"The Voice" - Live Quarter-Final Performances - April 23, 2012
Apparently, Cee Lo has bad gas and it's distracting Adam and Xtina as Carson tries to talk to the judges.
Contestant: Jamar Rogers/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo tells him that this is his story. We learn again about his HIV status and coming clean off drugs. Cee Lo's music helped him.
Song: "It's My Life," Bon Jovi
Performance: He gives it a slowed down, stripped-down, slightly more dramatic and percussive performance. The song doesn't have much range and he's pretty much at 11 from the start but he's charismatic to make it work and the crowd loves it.
Judging: Adam thinks he's amazing. (He informs us that he was the first person they heard in the blinds even though TV made it seem different.) Blake agrees that Jamar's pairing with Cee Lo is great. Christina loves that she made it his own. Cee Lo tells him to listen to the love of the crowd. The crowd cheers.
Contestant: Katrina Parker/Team Adam Adam tells her what fuels success is getting back up and she did that and that she's beaten the odds already. She doesn't want to go back to her cubicle.
Song:"Jar of Hearts," Christina Perri
Performance: It is a piano ballad. Her hair is down and long and looks lovely. The song is just okay, but she sings it well all the way through.
Judging: Blake calls it awesome and says she stepped out on her own. Christina agrees that she owned it. Cee Lo says it was like seeing and hearing her for the first time and she was flawless. Adam is so proud of her and says she wasn't one of his favorites at first but thinks she has evolved so much.
Performance: Team Cee Lo performs "Dancin' in the Streets" by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. It's shot in black and white first for a throwback look.
Contestant:Mathai/Team Adam He says she was born to sing this. She's worried she sounds like Nelly. Adam says she doesn't. He tells her to eat the song for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Song: "Like a Bird," Nelly Furtado
Performance: She's really cute and does her thing while an aerialist swings above her.
Judging: Blake says she sang well but didn't like the aerialist. Christina says she thought Katrina was better and felt like she didn't connect with the song and it was force fed to her. Adam disagrees with Christina and he thought it was great but also didn't like the "sketchy dude" aerialist. He thinks her energy is infectious.
Contestant:James Massone/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo wants him to play to the ladies. Cee Lo also wants him to be confident to break out onstage.
Song: "Just the Way You Are You," Billy Joel
Performance: He sings on the stairs up to a girl in the window. Like Mathai he's very cute and does his thing. He plays with the melody a bit but it's working for him. It's mild but sweet.
Judging: Blake thought he sang it well but he felt like it kind of laid there. She agrees it was a little too much like last week. Adam loved it a lot. Cee Lo enjoyed it and thinks his voice is genuine and natural and the ladies love it.
Performance: A reunited Goodie Mob performs it's new single "Fight to Win" in weird silver armor with glowing grills in their mouths. It's space age Spartacus hip-hop soul.
Contestant: Tony Lucca/Team Adam He wants to take a chance that's interesting. Adam agrees and thinks he needs to use his roots to push people to respond. It's such a risk they won't even name the song.
Song: "Hit Me Baby (One More Time)," Britney Spears
Performance: Wow funny and risky! He rocks up the arrangement and sings it pretty fiercely. He definitely gives off more intensity than he ever has. And he sings it well. The crowd goes wild.
Judging: Christina says let's get Britney Spears and Justin out here and have a real Mickey Mouse Club reunion. She says it was fun and different and thoroughly enjoyed it. Blake thinks it was really smart. Adam says he loves him and he feels like the MMC haunted him and he stared it down and he thought it was different and refreshing and is very proud.
Contestant: Cheesa/Team Cee Lo Cheesa says she wants to be a diva like Whitney Houston and Beyonce.
Song: "I Have Nothing," Whitney Houston
Performance: It starts out a little breathy and a wee bit flat. Her straight hair looks great though. It gets better in the power part of the chorus but it still feels a little cloudy and shouty. She's giving her all though.
Judging: Christina thought it was very brave to tackle that song and that she did her own thing. Cee Lo grins at her and says she did a wonderful and jobs and looks exceptional. He thinks he's ready for her to be the next powerful vocalist.
Contestant: Pip/Team Adam Pip is disappointed in his last perfomance and Adam wants to help him fit into the right pocket. Adam tells him he's fighting for his life.
Song: "Somewhere Only We Know," Keane
Performance: He starts at the piano. He hits a bum note right away but rights himself. He hits the falsetto bits nicely. He stands as the band kicks in and still seems to be "acting" intensity rather than feeling it The moving around also messes with his breath and pitch control. And the falsetto towards the end is also much more shaky.
Judging: Blake thought it was overall a good performance until the end but wonders where his bowtie was. Adam liked the lack of bowtie. He thought it was good but there were some imperfect moments and but of course nobody's perfect and he's proud of him.
Performance: Team Adam performs "Instant Karma" by John Lennon with Adam, who starts out of drums. Pip lays keys, Tony plays guitar.
Contestant: Juliet Simms/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo says she was born to do this. She feels a sense of vindication since she's struggled to make it in the biz.
Song: "Cryin'," Aerosmith
Performance: Wearing big black wings on her back, she gives a very girlish-raspy start to the song. She leans into the chorus with a little more power. It's not the prettiest vocal and it's a little herky-jerky from a performance standpoint. But again, she's giving her all. Feathers start to fall from the sky and she shouts even louder.
Judging: Blake thought it was a double bonus because she's a great singer and it brought back memories of duck season. Christina thinks she's fabulous and loves that she roars onstage. Cee Lo thought she was amazing.
Instant Eliminations: Adam sends Pip home. Cee Lo sends James home.
Apparently, Cee Lo has bad gas and it's distracting Adam and Xtina as Carson tries to talk to the judges.
Contestant: Jamar Rogers/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo tells him that this is his story. We learn again about his HIV status and coming clean off drugs. Cee Lo's music helped him.
Song: "It's My Life," Bon Jovi
Performance: He gives it a slowed down, stripped-down, slightly more dramatic and percussive performance. The song doesn't have much range and he's pretty much at 11 from the start but he's charismatic to make it work and the crowd loves it.
Judging: Adam thinks he's amazing. (He informs us that he was the first person they heard in the blinds even though TV made it seem different.) Blake agrees that Jamar's pairing with Cee Lo is great. Christina loves that she made it his own. Cee Lo tells him to listen to the love of the crowd. The crowd cheers.
Contestant: Katrina Parker/Team Adam Adam tells her what fuels success is getting back up and she did that and that she's beaten the odds already. She doesn't want to go back to her cubicle.
Song:"Jar of Hearts," Christina Perri
Performance: It is a piano ballad. Her hair is down and long and looks lovely. The song is just okay, but she sings it well all the way through.
Judging: Blake calls it awesome and says she stepped out on her own. Christina agrees that she owned it. Cee Lo says it was like seeing and hearing her for the first time and she was flawless. Adam is so proud of her and says she wasn't one of his favorites at first but thinks she has evolved so much.
Performance: Team Cee Lo performs "Dancin' in the Streets" by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. It's shot in black and white first for a throwback look.
Contestant:Mathai/Team Adam He says she was born to sing this. She's worried she sounds like Nelly. Adam says she doesn't. He tells her to eat the song for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Song: "Like a Bird," Nelly Furtado
Performance: She's really cute and does her thing while an aerialist swings above her.
Judging: Blake says she sang well but didn't like the aerialist. Christina says she thought Katrina was better and felt like she didn't connect with the song and it was force fed to her. Adam disagrees with Christina and he thought it was great but also didn't like the "sketchy dude" aerialist. He thinks her energy is infectious.
Contestant:James Massone/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo wants him to play to the ladies. Cee Lo also wants him to be confident to break out onstage.
Song: "Just the Way You Are You," Billy Joel
Performance: He sings on the stairs up to a girl in the window. Like Mathai he's very cute and does his thing. He plays with the melody a bit but it's working for him. It's mild but sweet.
Judging: Blake thought he sang it well but he felt like it kind of laid there. She agrees it was a little too much like last week. Adam loved it a lot. Cee Lo enjoyed it and thinks his voice is genuine and natural and the ladies love it.
Performance: A reunited Goodie Mob performs it's new single "Fight to Win" in weird silver armor with glowing grills in their mouths. It's space age Spartacus hip-hop soul.
Contestant: Tony Lucca/Team Adam He wants to take a chance that's interesting. Adam agrees and thinks he needs to use his roots to push people to respond. It's such a risk they won't even name the song.
Song: "Hit Me Baby (One More Time)," Britney Spears
Performance: Wow funny and risky! He rocks up the arrangement and sings it pretty fiercely. He definitely gives off more intensity than he ever has. And he sings it well. The crowd goes wild.
Judging: Christina says let's get Britney Spears and Justin out here and have a real Mickey Mouse Club reunion. She says it was fun and different and thoroughly enjoyed it. Blake thinks it was really smart. Adam says he loves him and he feels like the MMC haunted him and he stared it down and he thought it was different and refreshing and is very proud.
Contestant: Cheesa/Team Cee Lo Cheesa says she wants to be a diva like Whitney Houston and Beyonce.
Song: "I Have Nothing," Whitney Houston
Performance: It starts out a little breathy and a wee bit flat. Her straight hair looks great though. It gets better in the power part of the chorus but it still feels a little cloudy and shouty. She's giving her all though.
Judging: Christina thought it was very brave to tackle that song and that she did her own thing. Cee Lo grins at her and says she did a wonderful and jobs and looks exceptional. He thinks he's ready for her to be the next powerful vocalist.
Contestant: Pip/Team Adam Pip is disappointed in his last perfomance and Adam wants to help him fit into the right pocket. Adam tells him he's fighting for his life.
Song: "Somewhere Only We Know," Keane
Performance: He starts at the piano. He hits a bum note right away but rights himself. He hits the falsetto bits nicely. He stands as the band kicks in and still seems to be "acting" intensity rather than feeling it The moving around also messes with his breath and pitch control. And the falsetto towards the end is also much more shaky.
Judging: Blake thought it was overall a good performance until the end but wonders where his bowtie was. Adam liked the lack of bowtie. He thought it was good but there were some imperfect moments and but of course nobody's perfect and he's proud of him.
Performance: Team Adam performs "Instant Karma" by John Lennon with Adam, who starts out of drums. Pip lays keys, Tony plays guitar.
Contestant: Juliet Simms/Team Cee Lo Cee Lo says she was born to do this. She feels a sense of vindication since she's struggled to make it in the biz.
Song: "Cryin'," Aerosmith
Performance: Wearing big black wings on her back, she gives a very girlish-raspy start to the song. She leans into the chorus with a little more power. It's not the prettiest vocal and it's a little herky-jerky from a performance standpoint. But again, she's giving her all. Feathers start to fall from the sky and she shouts even louder.
Judging: Blake thought it was a double bonus because she's a great singer and it brought back memories of duck season. Christina thinks she's fabulous and loves that she roars onstage. Cee Lo thought she was amazing.
Instant Eliminations: Adam sends Pip home. Cee Lo sends James home.
Tue, Apr 24, 2012
"The Voice" - Quarterfinals Pt. II- Eliminations - April 24, 2012
Tonight it's judgement time for Team Adam and Team Cee Lo. America will save one member of each team. The two remaining contestants will sing for their lives and the judges will make an instant elimination.
Performance: Florence + the Machine play their new single "No Light No Light" with help from Team Cee Lo.
Results: From Team Adam America saved Tony Lucca. From Team Cee Lo America saved Jamar Rogers.
Mathai sings for her life with "Cowboy Casanova" by Carrie Underwood. It's fine but perhaps not the best choice in terms of the rapid fire nature of the lyrics which is challenging her breath control. Blake says it's hard not to love her because she's so cute and he likes she's embracing her hillbilly side. Christina says she could feel the nerves but is glad she got to showcase her more aggressive side. Cee Lo agrees with Christina.
Katrina Parker sings "Perfect" by Pink. She's more confident than Mathai and sounds pretty good. (Adam looks very stressed out.) Blake says Tony may have gotten the vote but Katrina's the best singer on Adam's team. Christina agrees with Blake and thinks she's good at picking songs for herself. Cee Lo agrees on the song choice and she sang with clarity and conviction.
At elimination time Blake and Christina say they'd save Katrina. Cee Lo goes with Mathai. Adam chooses Katrina.
Cheesa sings for her life with Kelly Clarkson's "Halo," perhaps not the best choice for the "we were always meant to say goodbye" and "someone's got to go." It's a very Cheesa performance shouty, a hair flat, impassioned. Blake says he detected some flatness but the good big notes erased that. Christina agrees with Blake about the pitch issues and she proves she's someone to be reckoned with. Adam agrees with them and says today wasn't as strong as last night.
Juliet Simms sings for her life with "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia. She seems a little sad and nervous but then gets really into it. This is already a better performance than last night. It's less showy yes but it's more in key and emotional and melodic. Blake says he wasn't a believer at a beginning but he loves her now. Christina didn't like the softer voice she used in the verses. She preferred "Roxanne."
At elimination time Blake and Christina would save Juliet. Cee Lo picks Juliet.
Tonight it's judgement time for Team Adam and Team Cee Lo. America will save one member of each team. The two remaining contestants will sing for their lives and the judges will make an instant elimination.
Performance: Florence + the Machine play their new single "No Light No Light" with help from Team Cee Lo.
Results: From Team Adam America saved Tony Lucca. From Team Cee Lo America saved Jamar Rogers.
Mathai sings for her life with "Cowboy Casanova" by Carrie Underwood. It's fine but perhaps not the best choice in terms of the rapid fire nature of the lyrics which is challenging her breath control. Blake says it's hard not to love her because she's so cute and he likes she's embracing her hillbilly side. Christina says she could feel the nerves but is glad she got to showcase her more aggressive side. Cee Lo agrees with Christina.
Katrina Parker sings "Perfect" by Pink. She's more confident than Mathai and sounds pretty good. (Adam looks very stressed out.) Blake says Tony may have gotten the vote but Katrina's the best singer on Adam's team. Christina agrees with Blake and thinks she's good at picking songs for herself. Cee Lo agrees on the song choice and she sang with clarity and conviction.
At elimination time Blake and Christina say they'd save Katrina. Cee Lo goes with Mathai. Adam chooses Katrina.
Cheesa sings for her life with Kelly Clarkson's "Halo," perhaps not the best choice for the "we were always meant to say goodbye" and "someone's got to go." It's a very Cheesa performance shouty, a hair flat, impassioned. Blake says he detected some flatness but the good big notes erased that. Christina agrees with Blake about the pitch issues and she proves she's someone to be reckoned with. Adam agrees with them and says today wasn't as strong as last night.
Juliet Simms sings for her life with "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia. She seems a little sad and nervous but then gets really into it. This is already a better performance than last night. It's less showy yes but it's more in key and emotional and melodic. Blake says he wasn't a believer at a beginning but he loves her now. Christina didn't like the softer voice she used in the verses. She preferred "Roxanne."
At elimination time Blake and Christina would save Juliet. Cee Lo picks Juliet.
Mon, Apr 30, 2012
"The Voice" - Live Semi-Final Performances - April 30, 2012
Carson explains that all 8 contestants will perform. At the end of the night the coaches will give each of the contestants a score. After the show America will vote and that will be combined with the coach vote. Tomorrow night, the four highest vote getters will go to the finals.
Contestant: Tony Lucca/Team Adam
Song: "How You Like Me Now," the Heavy
Performance:In a natty black suit and surrounded by dancers and a band he lays into a somewhat affected "R&B" performance. He is a longtime professional so he sounds good and he's very passionate but the style doesn't feel authentic. The audience loves it.
Judging: Blake didn't know the song and thought it was Robert Palmer-esque and badass. Christina gives herself credit for clearing the song for the show for her contestant Moses, she thought it was good and then needles him for no apparent reason. Cee Lo liked it. Adam loves what a great collaboration they're having and thinks he killed it.
Contestant: Erin Willett/Team Blake
Song: "Without You," David Guetta feat. Usher
Performance: It's a big ballad and she sounds okay to start and then she goes on a run of flat notes that sounds as if she can't hear herself. She seems very heartfelt and there are good strong parts but she crackles in places and seems to struggle a bit and the band is drowning her out a bit as well. Clearly, she's emotional because of her dad but what's coming across is struggle not grief. Blake gives her a nice standing ovation.
Judging: Christina thought it was bold and unique and is proud she was so emotional. Cee Lo likes seeing modern music getting it's own spin. Blake thinks she looks beautiful and he says he would give anything to have a tenth of the talent that she has and even more her strength.
Contestant: Chris Mann/Team Christina
Song: "Ave Maria," Traditional
Performance: On a stage festooned with candles, curtains and dry ice, Chris is basically doing an audition for a PBS pledge special. He sounds like a talented popera singer singing "Ave Maria." Judging: Cee Lo thinks his voice is powerful and pure. Adam thought it was so cool, classy, simple, and beautiful. Christina felt the heavens open up and humbled by his performance. She goes onstage to hug him.
Contestant: Jamar Rogers/Team Cee Lo
Song: "If You Don't Know Me By Know," Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes/Simply Red Performance: He sticks with the melody but mixes up the rhythms and instrumental arrangement adding some synths and hand claps. Thus far he's relied on big rock energy and this is a pretty staid ballad- except for a tacked on wanky guitar solo-- so he's going overboard vocally to inject that same sense of "excitement." It's in tune and heartfelt but a big long run of it is shouty and showy.
Judging: Adam says he is purely a fan of what Jamar does. Blake says that was the most laid-back performance and he liked it. Christina says she was motivated to start singing and shows off just how well she could've if she had. Cee Lo, of course, loved it and thinks the story of his life will be a best seller.
Performance: Team Adam and Team Cee Lo team up to perform the Killers' "All of These Things I've Done."
Contestant: Jermaine Paul/Team Blake
Song: "Open Arms," Journey
Performance: He sings this cheesy ballad with a big, sincere grin which helps a lot. Plus, he sounds great.
Judging: Christina thinks he's crazy talented and that he murdered the song. Cee Lo loved hearing a strong male vocal on such a sweet, sentimental song. Adam says he is no longer a background singer. Blake says Jermaine is the frontrunner.
Contestant: Katrina Parker/Team Adam
Song: "Killing Me Softly With His Song," Roberta Flack/the Fugees
Performance: This is a great choice for her. Familiar, right in her vocal wheelhouse, a good tempo, highlighting that hitching thing she does a la Lauryn Hill but also showing off she can be smooth like Roberta. She actually seems a little nervous but she sounds great.
Judging: Blake says she sounds seasoned already and has a great tone. Christina says she's truly fallen in love with her over the course of the competition. She tells Adam to not be swayed to Tony but to really give a look to Katrina. Cee Lo actually brings up Roberta Flack nicely, and thinks Katrina reinvented the song again. Adam points out that Lauryn Hill was a template for people like Adele and Amy Winehouse and that Katrina is in that line and she was true to the original but still sounded like herself.
Performance: Blake Shelton performs his single "Over"
Contestant: Lindsey Pavao/Team Christina
Song: "Skinny Love," Bon Iver
Performance: Accompanying herself on guitar she sings the acoustic folk pop in her familiar girlish warble. Her voice gts stronger as the song progresses. She's lovely when she smiles as her confidence builds.
Judging: Cee Lo says he's glad she got up on the microphone like Christina told her to. Adam again loves how different everyone on the show is. Blake thought it was good and it was good strategy to remind viewers why they liked her in the first place. Christina really enjoyed it and liked seeing her in her element.
Performance: Team Christina and Team Blake team up to sing "Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga
Contestant: Juliet Simms/Team Cee Lo
Song: "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World," James Brown
Performance: (Wonder if Christina will mention that she once famously sang this song?) We start in tight close up. Juliet sings well, showing some restraint at the beginning which actually lends power to the performance when she unleashes more power. It's one of her most dynamic yet, less shouting, more nuance. The crowd loved it. Cee Lo gives her an ovation.
Judging: Adam thought it was something special and she captivated them all, he says she's the one to beat. Christina says Juliet takes her back to a special time and place when she sang the song at the Grammys and she thinks Juliet is like her and sings for herself. Cee Lo says she killed it.
Carson instructs the judges to divide their 100 points between their artists and has a guy collect their scores.
Carson explains that all 8 contestants will perform. At the end of the night the coaches will give each of the contestants a score. After the show America will vote and that will be combined with the coach vote. Tomorrow night, the four highest vote getters will go to the finals.
Contestant: Tony Lucca/Team Adam
Song: "How You Like Me Now," the Heavy
Performance:In a natty black suit and surrounded by dancers and a band he lays into a somewhat affected "R&B" performance. He is a longtime professional so he sounds good and he's very passionate but the style doesn't feel authentic. The audience loves it.
Judging: Blake didn't know the song and thought it was Robert Palmer-esque and badass. Christina gives herself credit for clearing the song for the show for her contestant Moses, she thought it was good and then needles him for no apparent reason. Cee Lo liked it. Adam loves what a great collaboration they're having and thinks he killed it.
Contestant: Erin Willett/Team Blake
Song: "Without You," David Guetta feat. Usher
Performance: It's a big ballad and she sounds okay to start and then she goes on a run of flat notes that sounds as if she can't hear herself. She seems very heartfelt and there are good strong parts but she crackles in places and seems to struggle a bit and the band is drowning her out a bit as well. Clearly, she's emotional because of her dad but what's coming across is struggle not grief. Blake gives her a nice standing ovation.
Judging: Christina thought it was bold and unique and is proud she was so emotional. Cee Lo likes seeing modern music getting it's own spin. Blake thinks she looks beautiful and he says he would give anything to have a tenth of the talent that she has and even more her strength.
Contestant: Chris Mann/Team Christina
Song: "Ave Maria," Traditional
Performance: On a stage festooned with candles, curtains and dry ice, Chris is basically doing an audition for a PBS pledge special. He sounds like a talented popera singer singing "Ave Maria." Judging: Cee Lo thinks his voice is powerful and pure. Adam thought it was so cool, classy, simple, and beautiful. Christina felt the heavens open up and humbled by his performance. She goes onstage to hug him.
Contestant: Jamar Rogers/Team Cee Lo
Song: "If You Don't Know Me By Know," Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes/Simply Red Performance: He sticks with the melody but mixes up the rhythms and instrumental arrangement adding some synths and hand claps. Thus far he's relied on big rock energy and this is a pretty staid ballad- except for a tacked on wanky guitar solo-- so he's going overboard vocally to inject that same sense of "excitement." It's in tune and heartfelt but a big long run of it is shouty and showy.
Judging: Adam says he is purely a fan of what Jamar does. Blake says that was the most laid-back performance and he liked it. Christina says she was motivated to start singing and shows off just how well she could've if she had. Cee Lo, of course, loved it and thinks the story of his life will be a best seller.
Performance: Team Adam and Team Cee Lo team up to perform the Killers' "All of These Things I've Done."
Contestant: Jermaine Paul/Team Blake
Song: "Open Arms," Journey
Performance: He sings this cheesy ballad with a big, sincere grin which helps a lot. Plus, he sounds great.
Judging: Christina thinks he's crazy talented and that he murdered the song. Cee Lo loved hearing a strong male vocal on such a sweet, sentimental song. Adam says he is no longer a background singer. Blake says Jermaine is the frontrunner.
Contestant: Katrina Parker/Team Adam
Song: "Killing Me Softly With His Song," Roberta Flack/the Fugees
Performance: This is a great choice for her. Familiar, right in her vocal wheelhouse, a good tempo, highlighting that hitching thing she does a la Lauryn Hill but also showing off she can be smooth like Roberta. She actually seems a little nervous but she sounds great.
Judging: Blake says she sounds seasoned already and has a great tone. Christina says she's truly fallen in love with her over the course of the competition. She tells Adam to not be swayed to Tony but to really give a look to Katrina. Cee Lo actually brings up Roberta Flack nicely, and thinks Katrina reinvented the song again. Adam points out that Lauryn Hill was a template for people like Adele and Amy Winehouse and that Katrina is in that line and she was true to the original but still sounded like herself.
Performance: Blake Shelton performs his single "Over"
Contestant: Lindsey Pavao/Team Christina
Song: "Skinny Love," Bon Iver
Performance: Accompanying herself on guitar she sings the acoustic folk pop in her familiar girlish warble. Her voice gts stronger as the song progresses. She's lovely when she smiles as her confidence builds.
Judging: Cee Lo says he's glad she got up on the microphone like Christina told her to. Adam again loves how different everyone on the show is. Blake thought it was good and it was good strategy to remind viewers why they liked her in the first place. Christina really enjoyed it and liked seeing her in her element.
Performance: Team Christina and Team Blake team up to sing "Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga
Contestant: Juliet Simms/Team Cee Lo
Song: "It's a Man's, Man's, Man's World," James Brown
Performance: (Wonder if Christina will mention that she once famously sang this song?) We start in tight close up. Juliet sings well, showing some restraint at the beginning which actually lends power to the performance when she unleashes more power. It's one of her most dynamic yet, less shouting, more nuance. The crowd loved it. Cee Lo gives her an ovation.
Judging: Adam thought it was something special and she captivated them all, he says she's the one to beat. Christina says Juliet takes her back to a special time and place when she sang the song at the Grammys and she thinks Juliet is like her and sings for herself. Cee Lo says she killed it.
Carson instructs the judges to divide their 100 points between their artists and has a guy collect their scores.
Mon, May 7, 2012
"The Voice" - Final Four Perform - May 7, 2012
This is the final live performance competition show.
Carson reminds us that the contestants' fate lies solely in the hands of the voters and that they will be performing one solo song and one song with their coaches. Carson also tells us that in a surprise to their coaches the contestants will be singing one of their judges songs as a surprise.
Then we get a recap.
Contestant: Jermaine Paul/Team Blake Solo song.
Song: "I Believe I Can Fly," R. Kelly
Performance: Backed by both a choir and a string section all decked out in white the performance is appropriately uplifting and majestic. The song is corny but Jermaine sings the hell out of it and you can see the conviction on his face. It's too bad he had to go first, this is a real closing number.
Judging: Christina is impressed he got her to stand up and thought he was classy and positive. Cee Lo thinks it was a perfect song choice and liked the staging. Adam thought it was a powerful presentation and it was elegant and riveting. Blake says his heart is in his throat and says although he's listened to that song many times but he's never heard it.
Contestant: Juliet Simms/Team Cee Lo Coach tribute
Song: "Crazy," Gnarls Barkley
Performance: Considering the song's title, this is a pretty restrained performance for her, very melodic and light.
Contestant: Chris Mann/Team Christina Coach duet.
Song: "The Prayer," Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion
Performance: She starts it off and he joins in and they sound lovely together.
Contestant: Tony Lucca/Team Adam Solo
Song: "99 Problems," Jay-Z
Performance: He's doing it in a bluesy, band arrangement with a little Southern/Delta flair. It shockingly makes sense. He glosses over the word "bitch" in the chorus. It is staged with the band around him including a washboard player and an upright bass player. It's very engaging and catchy, a great arrangement.
Judging: Blake thought it was a lot of fun and really cool. Christina thought he sounded great and he has a really good voice and is glad his family is there but thinks the song is derogatory to women but that it was good fun. Cee Lo loved it and thought it was hard. Adam is totally proud of Tony and schools Christina on the metaphor of the song. Christina fights back and Adam takes off his shirt and shows a Team Xtina shirt on underneath it.
Contestant: Chris Coach tribute
Song: "The Voice Within"
Performance: It's a pretty piano ballad that suits him well.
Contestant: Juliet Coach duet
Song: "Born to Be Wild," Steppenwolf
Performance: They make a nice pair and are both decked out in leather and spikes and it's a fun rendition.
Contestant: Tony Coach duet
Song: "Yesterday," the Beatles
Performance: It is lovely and they harmonize beautifully.
Contestant: Jermaine Coach tribute
Song: "God Gave Me You"
Performance: He does a great job injecting to soul in the track.
Contestant: Chris Solo
Song: "You Raise Me Up," Josh Groban
Performance: Obviously, the song choice is a very smart move. He sings it simply with very little staging beyond a sign language interpreter and a small string orchestra and sounds strong and confident. It closes with a young choir all signing.
Judging: Cee Lo thinks he's one of the most incomparable vocalists he's ever heard. Christina was very emotional during the performance and is still tearful during the final judgement saying how great he is.
Contestant: Jermaine
Song: "Soul Man," Sam & Dave
Performance: It's very fun and peppy and Jermaine is very loose and sassy, they make a good pair.
Contestant: Tony Coach tribute
Song: "Harder to Breathe"
Performance: It's another smart choice. He can't come near Adam's higher register but the funky rhythms and strong melody work well for his voice and he imbues it with lots of energy.
Contestant: Juliet Solo
Song: "Freebird," Lynyrd Skynyrd
Performance: Oy, this song, really? She sings it fine even though the high parts are in a somewhat shrill part of her voice and the whole thing is sort of overwrought in the huge billowing costume and geysers of stage smoke kind of way.
Judging: Adam thinks what she does is so incredible. Thinks she's amazing and she loves the song and her performance and commends her for perfoming sick. Cee Lo says with Juliet on his team he has "No Problems" which is what his t-shirt says.
This is the final live performance competition show.
Carson reminds us that the contestants' fate lies solely in the hands of the voters and that they will be performing one solo song and one song with their coaches. Carson also tells us that in a surprise to their coaches the contestants will be singing one of their judges songs as a surprise.
Then we get a recap.
Contestant: Jermaine Paul/Team Blake Solo song.
Song: "I Believe I Can Fly," R. Kelly
Performance: Backed by both a choir and a string section all decked out in white the performance is appropriately uplifting and majestic. The song is corny but Jermaine sings the hell out of it and you can see the conviction on his face. It's too bad he had to go first, this is a real closing number.
Judging: Christina is impressed he got her to stand up and thought he was classy and positive. Cee Lo thinks it was a perfect song choice and liked the staging. Adam thought it was a powerful presentation and it was elegant and riveting. Blake says his heart is in his throat and says although he's listened to that song many times but he's never heard it.
Contestant: Juliet Simms/Team Cee Lo Coach tribute
Song: "Crazy," Gnarls Barkley
Performance: Considering the song's title, this is a pretty restrained performance for her, very melodic and light.
Contestant: Chris Mann/Team Christina Coach duet.
Song: "The Prayer," Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion
Performance: She starts it off and he joins in and they sound lovely together.
Contestant: Tony Lucca/Team Adam Solo
Song: "99 Problems," Jay-Z
Performance: He's doing it in a bluesy, band arrangement with a little Southern/Delta flair. It shockingly makes sense. He glosses over the word "bitch" in the chorus. It is staged with the band around him including a washboard player and an upright bass player. It's very engaging and catchy, a great arrangement.
Judging: Blake thought it was a lot of fun and really cool. Christina thought he sounded great and he has a really good voice and is glad his family is there but thinks the song is derogatory to women but that it was good fun. Cee Lo loved it and thought it was hard. Adam is totally proud of Tony and schools Christina on the metaphor of the song. Christina fights back and Adam takes off his shirt and shows a Team Xtina shirt on underneath it.
Contestant: Chris Coach tribute
Song: "The Voice Within"
Performance: It's a pretty piano ballad that suits him well.
Contestant: Juliet Coach duet
Song: "Born to Be Wild," Steppenwolf
Performance: They make a nice pair and are both decked out in leather and spikes and it's a fun rendition.
Contestant: Tony Coach duet
Song: "Yesterday," the Beatles
Performance: It is lovely and they harmonize beautifully.
Contestant: Jermaine Coach tribute
Song: "God Gave Me You"
Performance: He does a great job injecting to soul in the track.
Contestant: Chris Solo
Song: "You Raise Me Up," Josh Groban
Performance: Obviously, the song choice is a very smart move. He sings it simply with very little staging beyond a sign language interpreter and a small string orchestra and sounds strong and confident. It closes with a young choir all signing.
Judging: Cee Lo thinks he's one of the most incomparable vocalists he's ever heard. Christina was very emotional during the performance and is still tearful during the final judgement saying how great he is.
Contestant: Jermaine
Song: "Soul Man," Sam & Dave
Performance: It's very fun and peppy and Jermaine is very loose and sassy, they make a good pair.
Contestant: Tony Coach tribute
Song: "Harder to Breathe"
Performance: It's another smart choice. He can't come near Adam's higher register but the funky rhythms and strong melody work well for his voice and he imbues it with lots of energy.
Contestant: Juliet Solo
Song: "Freebird," Lynyrd Skynyrd
Performance: Oy, this song, really? She sings it fine even though the high parts are in a somewhat shrill part of her voice and the whole thing is sort of overwrought in the huge billowing costume and geysers of stage smoke kind of way.
Judging: Adam thinks what she does is so incredible. Thinks she's amazing and she loves the song and her performance and commends her for perfoming sick. Cee Lo says with Juliet on his team he has "No Problems" which is what his t-shirt says.
Tue, May 8, 2012
"The Voice" - Live Finale - May 8, 2012
Carson basically tells us this two hour broadcast will be a filler fest with a half dozen guest performances and performances from booted contestants before the announcement of the winner.
Performance: Finalist Jermaine Paul brings back Pip, Jamar Rogers, and James Massone to sing "I Want You Back' by the Jackson 5. They make an adorable quartet and sound great together. (But why not 5?) "Take that boy bands," says Carson.
Video Package: We get bloopers from the coaches.
Performance: Flo Rida performs a medley of his hits "Whistle" and "Wild Ones" with an assist from finalist Juliet Simms.
Performance: Finalist Chris Mann brings back Lindsey Pavao and Katrina Parker to sing "Bittersweet Symphony" by the Verve. This is a good choice for Chris and Katrina but it doesn't favor Lindsey's quirk at all. They sound a little bizarre together.
Video Package: A compendium of clips that illustrates Adam and Blake's "bromance."
Performance: Hall and Oates sing "Rich Girl" with an assist from Jermaine Paul, Tony Lucca, and Chris Mann. Hall and Oates do not need the help but they make a nice trio of backing vocalists.
Video Package: A clipfest of the judges talking about the other judges.
Performance: Naia Kete, Kim Yarbrough, Cheesa, and Sera Hill sing "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder. They are cute and sassy.
We get a "Parks and Recreation" spoof with Cee Lo visiting Pawnee.
Performance: Finalist Juliet Simms calls back Erin Willet, Jamar Rogers, and RaeLynn to help her sing the Joe Cocker version of the Beatles "With a Little Help From My Friends."
Video Package: We get a compendium of clips of "Cee Lo's cat" Purrfect. Seriously.
Performance: Lady Antebellum sing their song "Wanted You More"
Performance: Tony Lucca brings back Jordis Unga to help him "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac
We get a "Saturday Night Live" spoof with Kenan Thompson as Cee Lo.
Video Package: We get a clip package of the Final Four doing press, attending parties, and hanging out with their coaches. Carson also announces that all four of them won a car from Kia. And then we get a Kia commercial from Carson.
Performance: Justin Bieber performs his new single "Boyfriend." Say what you will but the kid can move.
Carson announces the final results.
Fourth place: Chris Mann Third place: Tony Lucca Second place: Juliet Simms
Winner: Jermaine Paul from Team Blake
He semi-sings his final song "I Believe I Can Fly" in between the embrace of his wife and fellow contestants and family and friends. Confetti falls. And that's a wrap.
Somewhere Alicia Keys is beaming to be sure.
Carson basically tells us this two hour broadcast will be a filler fest with a half dozen guest performances and performances from booted contestants before the announcement of the winner.
Performance: Finalist Jermaine Paul brings back Pip, Jamar Rogers, and James Massone to sing "I Want You Back' by the Jackson 5. They make an adorable quartet and sound great together. (But why not 5?) "Take that boy bands," says Carson.
Video Package: We get bloopers from the coaches.
Performance: Flo Rida performs a medley of his hits "Whistle" and "Wild Ones" with an assist from finalist Juliet Simms.
Performance: Finalist Chris Mann brings back Lindsey Pavao and Katrina Parker to sing "Bittersweet Symphony" by the Verve. This is a good choice for Chris and Katrina but it doesn't favor Lindsey's quirk at all. They sound a little bizarre together.
Video Package: A compendium of clips that illustrates Adam and Blake's "bromance."
Performance: Hall and Oates sing "Rich Girl" with an assist from Jermaine Paul, Tony Lucca, and Chris Mann. Hall and Oates do not need the help but they make a nice trio of backing vocalists.
Video Package: A clipfest of the judges talking about the other judges.
Performance: Naia Kete, Kim Yarbrough, Cheesa, and Sera Hill sing "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder. They are cute and sassy.
We get a "Parks and Recreation" spoof with Cee Lo visiting Pawnee.
Performance: Finalist Juliet Simms calls back Erin Willet, Jamar Rogers, and RaeLynn to help her sing the Joe Cocker version of the Beatles "With a Little Help From My Friends."
Video Package: We get a compendium of clips of "Cee Lo's cat" Purrfect. Seriously.
Performance: Lady Antebellum sing their song "Wanted You More"
Performance: Tony Lucca brings back Jordis Unga to help him "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac
We get a "Saturday Night Live" spoof with Kenan Thompson as Cee Lo.
Video Package: We get a clip package of the Final Four doing press, attending parties, and hanging out with their coaches. Carson also announces that all four of them won a car from Kia. And then we get a Kia commercial from Carson.
Performance: Justin Bieber performs his new single "Boyfriend." Say what you will but the kid can move.
Carson announces the final results.
Fourth place: Chris Mann Third place: Tony Lucca Second place: Juliet Simms
Winner: Jermaine Paul from Team Blake
He semi-sings his final song "I Believe I Can Fly" in between the embrace of his wife and fellow contestants and family and friends. Confetti falls. And that's a wrap.
Somewhere Alicia Keys is beaming to be sure.