THE VOICE: S03 BLIND AUDITIONS E06

The Voice S03 Episode 06

 

Here’s where we stand so far on the teams: Adam – 11; Blake – 7; Cee Lo – 10; and Christina- 11.

 

First up:

 

Michelle Brooks Thompson –age 28 from Massachusetts. Her husband made it to the NFL but was dropped before he even touched the field for the first game. For her audition she sings Proud Mary. Cee Lo and Adam turn around when she hits the note in “proud”. She has a nice voice and it was a fun version of the song. Christina turned her chair around for Michelle’s last note. Adam calls her incredible; Christina said she was waiting for a crack and a flaw, but figured she would have to be an idiot to not see what was going on behind her chair; Cee Lo said it was a very seamless vocal. Which team does she go for?  TEAM ADAM!

 

Diego Val – Age 25, originally from Peru but lives in Miami, Fl.  When he was 8, he was afflicted with a disease that was supposed to cripple him for life. Since he spent so much time in the hospital as a child, he now works with a non profit organization singing to kids in the hospital. Such a dope guy. For his audition he sings Animal accompanied by the guitar. Cee Lo is the only coach to press his button.  He did a good job. It was a win for TEAM CEE LO!

 

Lauren Brooke – Age 24 from Paulie (sp), NY. They are playing country music in the background while talking about her, so I wonder if she sings country. For her audition she sings Cowboy Casanova.  She seemed to lose her confidence in this audition. She had good moments, but none of the coaches turned around. General consensus isshe was a little pitchy but with a little correction she could be good.

 

Suzanna Choffel – Age 32 from Austin, Tx (!!!!). For her audition she sings Landslide. Adam presses his button really fast. Her voice is really unique. She reminds me of a raspier indie version of Dolly Parton. Blake also turns around. Cee Lo said he could tell it was a grown woman singing the voice. Adam said its hard to come on stage and sound refreshingly unique, which is what she did. Between Adam and Blake which does she choose? TEAM BLAKE!

 

Michaela Paige – singing “Sober” for TEAM BLAKE

 

Ryan Jirovec  – singing “Amazed” for TEAM BLAKE

 

Dez Duron – 22 year old from Shreveport, LA, who also auditioned last season. He is back. For his audition he sings “Sara Smile”.  The girls are screaming while he is singing. He has a good voice and suddenly Blake presses his button. When he recognizes him, he yells out in surprise. Then he turns to Christina and says playfully “you don’t want that one” and she presses her button, it seems to spite him. LOL. That was awesome. Cee Lo is the last to press his button. Dez finishes his song and struts around the stage in celebration. They all fight for this dude. Christina just kept going on and on. LOL. And Blake had a serious man crush. I thought Dez was going with Blake for sure, but who does he go for? TEAM CHRISTINA!

 

VJ – Age 25 from Bellflower, California and he teaches music at a conservatory.  He wants to take the next step from being a teacher to a full fledged performer. For his audition he sings “Forget You.” He sings in falsetto a lot and has a high register. I just don’t think this was the best song for him. None of the coaches turned around. Christina said he was missing the spank in the song. Cee Lo said he had great taste in music. Then he gets up to sing the song and accidentally sings fuck. LOL. Then they sing the song together onstage. Good stuff. Honestly that probably left the best impression VJ could get from Cee Lo after not getting picked on a team.

Alexis Marceaux – 23 year old from New Orleans, LA.  For her audition she sings “Go Your Own Way”. I am not familiar with this song, but she reminds me a little of Cheesa from last season. Cee Lo is the only coach to turn around for her. He says her voice is wonderfully impeccable. It’s another team member for TEAM CEE LO!

 

Sam James – singing “Imagine” for TEAM ADAM!  I really liked this guys voice, even though he had about 10 seconds on screen.

Laura Vivas -  singing “Whataya Want From Me” for TEAM CHRISTINA!

 

Lelia Broussard – singing “We Can Work it Out” for TEAM BLAKE! She is really familiar to me. I wonder if she is related to Marc Broussard.

 

Brandon Mahone  – 17 year old from Chicago but living in Indianapolis. For his audition he sings “I Wish It Would Rain.” I love his tone. Adam turns around first. But the best part is his mom back stage screaming at the television like she is watching a football game. Cee Lo presses his button followed by Christina. They all feel his voice very experienced. No one felt he was imitating being a soul singer. Who does he choose? TEAM ADAM!

 

Jeffrey James – 25 year old from Indianapolis as well. For his audition he sings “A Little Less Conversation.” He has a good voice. Its really difficult to sing so many words at once and articulate to where anyone can understand. But no one turns around. Wow. That really surprised me. That sucks. I hate when Adam says you’re really good but he didn’t turn around.

 

Jordan Pruitt – 21 year old from Loganville, GA. Former Disney star that is tired of doing the kid Disney music. For her audition she sings “The One That Got Away”. Christina is the only coach to turn around. Afterwards she tells her she has been waiting for her and loved her falsetto parts.

Terisa Griffin – a lovely 42 year old woman. Already I smell a diva. LOL. She seems really nice. For her audition she sings “Someone Like You”. I love this song, so I wasn’t feeling the song, until it got to the chorus. Blake is yelling at Christina to press her button, and when she finally does, he pushes his as well. Blake tells her he was prompting Christina to turn around, but then thought to himself to hell with Christina. Who does she pick in the end? TEAM BLAKE!

 

Highlights for me: Sam James, Brandon Mahone, Dez Duron

THE VOICE: S03 BLIND AUDITIONS E05

Here’s where we stand so far on the teams: Adam – 9; Blake – 7; Cee Lo – 7; and Christina- 9.

 

First up:

 

Trevanne Howell -33 year old from Bronx, NY currently working as a receptionist with 2 kids. And really beautiful, reminding me a little bit of Kerry Washington. For  her audition she sings “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston. She did a really great job but none of the coaches turned around.

 

Collin McLoughlin – age 24 years old from Bedford, NY. For his audition he sings “Wild World” accompanied by acoustic guitar (he looks like john francis daley, sweets, from BONES).  Cee Lo and Blake turn around. Adam turns around as well. His voice is good and he landed his dream, so I hope his parents don’t frown too much on his dropping out of college, though he is getting closer to his dream, he still may be Blake said he was sold immediately. Christina said it was a little mellow for her, which is why she didn’t  push her button. It turns out to be a win for TEAM ADAM!

 

Joselyn Rivera – age 17 out of Pembroke Pines, Fl.  She was born prematurely, had a learning disability, was prescribed music from a specialist, and she blossomed. For her audition she sings “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson. I like the way she does her small runs. There is something about her I really appreciate. Christina and Blake push their buttons.  Blake makes a joke that Christina has made people quit music after they have met her. But in the end, she goes to TEAM CHRISTINA!

 

Benji – age 24 from Orlando, FL and a former Formula 1 race car driver.  For his audition he sings “Knocking On Heaven’s Door.” This guy has a nice voice and Adam recognizes it immediately.  When Benji scream sings “YEAH!” it pulled Cee Lo in and he pushes his button.  Adam said his dynamic was really surprising and said he could wind up winning this competition. Christina said she loves his screams with really great moments, and said she heard a little bit of Adam in his voice, to which Blake said he disagrees because he doesn’t hear a jackass at all. LOL. Whose team does he choose? TEAM ADAM!

 

Todd Kessler – singing “Maggie May” for TEAM CEE LO!

 

Ben Taub – singing “Feelin Good” for TEAM CEE LO!

 

Emily Earle – singing “Ring of Fire” for TEAM CEE LO!

 

Lorraine Ferro – a 52 year old woman with a great sense of humor out of New York City, NY. She is a voice coach, performance coach and a songwriting coach. Her energy is extremely contagious. She loves to laugh and it makes me want her to get on someone’s team. For her audition she sings “Skyscraper” and I felt it was ambitious until she got into it. She has power. Unfortunately no one turned around. It would’ve made a good show.

 

Mycle Wastman– 40 year old from Seattle, WA. And this dude doesn’t look 40 to me at all. His parents died very young so he was raised by his grandfather and unfortunately he passed away just recently. For his audition he sings “Let’s Stay Together”. Adam and Cee Lo turn around immediately! Soon Blake turns around. Mycle has a great voice. He reminds me a little of Adam Levine. And then suddenly he ends the song in this dope falsetto! This guy is very entertaining. He gets a standing O from Cee Lo.  Of course Cee Lo calls his “soul brotha” and says he is most excited about Mycle than anyone else today. Adam laughed that when he turned around he didn’t expect Mycle to look like he does.  Blake said he is the best vocalist they have heard today. Christina prompts him to make a decision. Mycle decides to go to TEAM CEE LO!!

 

It was a great episode. I am still waiting for that one person to really WOW me this season. There are a ton of talented vocalists, but I haven’t found the ultimate favorite.  Well, maybe. Trevin Hunte is really really good. We shall see!

THE VOICE: S03 BLIND AUDITIONS E04

Obviously I have some catching up to do, but here is the my synopsis of Episode 4 of the Blind Auditions for the Voice.

And here’s where we stand so far on the teams: Adam – 5; Blake – 5; Cee Lo – 4; and Christina- 7.

 

First up:

 

Melanie Martinez – a 17 year old photographer from Baldwin, NY. She is an artist through and through. She takes great photos and she is a singer. Tonight she sings “Toxic” by Britney Spears, accompanied by the guitar and the tambourine, which she played with her feet. Of course Blake Shelton turns around, followed by Adam Levine. I really dig her version. As she progresses, Cee Lo turns around. Adam compared her to Bjork, said she was amazing looking and he wanted her on the team. Blake said he didn’t hear anyone else when he heard her sing, he just heard her originality and uniqueness of her voice. Who does she pick? TEAM ADAM!

 

Cupid – age 32 from Lafayette, LA, singer of the “cupid shuffle”.  The “Cupid Shuffle” is a HUGE song that is played everywhere. Everyone loves is at the club, its played at weddings, and many types of parties, so I am surprised to see him on here. Again this just goes to show how fame in the music industry works. You can have a hit, but it doesn’t necessarily propel you to lasting stardom. For his audition song he sings his own song, The Cupid Shuffle.  He wants the coaches to hear him sing the song and have them think it sounds better than the original.  I think that this isn’t the best sound choice.  If you are trying to step away from something, why do the same thing?  Unfortunately no one turned around for him. Cee Lo asked him what he was doing the show, and then told him the song was awkward to do on this show.

 

Brian Scartocci – 26 years old from Austin, Texas (representing ATX!) For his audition song he sings “Isn’t She Lovely”. Adam, Blake and Cee Lo turn around at the same time. I really enjoy his tone. He does this really great scream towards the end and finishes the song by falling to his knees but bouncing back immediately. A very fluid move. Which team does he go with? TEAM ADAM!

 

Beat Frequency (Sean and Natasha) – a married duo from Vancouver, WA.For their audition they sing “E.T.” by Katy Perry.  Natasha started off really beautiful, and suddenly Sean comes in and he has a HIGH RANGE; as they sing, Christina presses her button, and I think she thinks they are both girls. They had cool moments during the song, and some weak moments. I think the best part of the performance was the end where they were singing the chorus at full strength. TEAM CHRISTINA!

 

Tyler Lillestol – age 23 from Riverside, CA and a former baseball  player with a passion for music. For his audition he sings “U Got It Bad” by Usher (I am reminded of Jonathas of last season). Unfortunately none of the coaches turn around for him.

 

Liz Davis– 25 years old from Madison, MS. She is a country gal! She looks like one of the girls from The Real Housewives of Orange County (not that I’ve ever watched it…) For her audition she sings “Here For The Party.” She has a great attitude and presence. Great Voice! Surprisingly Christina and Adam turn around first. Finally Blake turns around! Why wasn’t he first?? In the end she picks TEAM BLAKE!

                                                                               

JR Aquino– age 24 from Anchorage, AL who does not live in an igloo, who used YouTube as a vehicle to share his music with people all over the world. For his blind audition he sings “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars. Christina and Adam press their buttons first. Cee Lo holds off til the last note to press his button. Adam said he sounds a lot like Bruno Mars. Christina said his pitch got her. Cee Lo explained why he pressed his button last is because of the pitch problems while singing “the way you are”. In the end it’s a win for TEAM CEE LO to which Adam boos him playfully.

 

Agina Alvarez- 22 originally from San Diego, living in Burbank, CA. At 10 she was signed to Sony Records, then at 18 she was signed to a Latin label. And then she was shelved. For her audition she sings “Turn The Beat Around.” As soon as hear her, I can hear a little bit of Cheesa. Honestly, it was a great audition, and no one turned around.

 

Nicholas David – a 31 from Egan, MN. He played with a band for a while when he was younger, drank a lot and ballooned to 300lbs. He met his future wife, had a child and began to focus.  For his audition he sings “Stand By Me.” Cee Lo is the only coach to turn around. I liked his version of Stand by Me. Adam said he was awesome. TEAM CEE LO!

 

Alessandra Guercio– 17 years old from Brooklyn, NY, attending a performing arts school. For her audition she sings “The Climb.” I think she will go far in the competition. She has a really good voice. Adam turns around first. Then Cee Lo turned around. Adam asked how old she was, she replied 17 and Blake barked in surprise. LOL. TEAM ADAM!

 

Adanna Duru – 15 year oldsinging “Edge of Glory.” TEAM ADAM!

 

Kelly Crapa – 15 year old singing “Sparks Fly.” TEAM BLAKE!

 

Paulina – 16 year old singing “You Make Me Feel.” TEAM CHRISTINA!

 

Avery Wilson – a 16 year old dancer from Hamden, CT. For his audition he sings “Without You” by Usher.  He has a great voice. 16 year old?? Adam, Cee Lo and Christina all turn around. When Avery hits this high note and holds it, Blake turns around. The only 4 chair turn around this episode! Adam said it was the most spirited reaction they have heard from the crowd. They really begin fighting for this kid. In the end he picks TEAM CEE LO!

 

THE VOICE: S03 BLIND AUDITIONS E03

As we kick off Episode 3 of The Voice with the coaches teams as follows: Adam – 2; Blake – 4; Cee Lo – 3; and Christina- 4.

First up:

Samuel Mouton – 19 years old from Fort Collins, Co. His family owns restaurants and they seem to have a good sense of humor. For his audition he sings Redemption Song, and this dude’s voice is killer with a rasp I love. Adam turns around immediately, followed by Cee Lo and Christina Aguilera. I wonder if they thought he was black because of the accent while he was singing. Christina said she would love to get to know him better to see what his “turn ons are” (more flirting by Christina), Cee Lo said he could tell he loves Bob Marley by the inflections in his voice while he sang, Adam said he impacted all of the coaches by doing something special by doing very little. Samuel’s choice? TEAM ADAM!

Chris Trousdale – Age 26 from Grand Rapids, MI who is a former boy band member of Dream Street.  His story is so familiar to many artists, whose music has influenced fans in many places and yet is working that 9 – 5. For his audition song he sings Glad You Came by The Wanted.  He moonwalked! He was commanding the stage, and his voice was a little shaky but no one turned around for him. Of course Christina was remorseful she didn’t pick him and then she got Blake to get up and show a little dance moves, to which he moonwalks! In the end they told Chris that it seems he is more of a dancer than a singer.

Nelly’s Echo – 32 year old from Baltimore, MA by way of Nigeria. His family fled due to the unrest, though they left their father behind because he was incarcerated for something he didn’t do.  His father had since been exonerated and came out with a brother in support.  For his audition he sings Ain’t No Sunshine accompanied with guitar.  Christina turned around first, fanning herself with her black lace fan. Lol. Adam soon followed suit. Christina said she had so much fun right off the bat and pointed out she was the first to press her button. Adam said the payoff was after the “I know, I know…”  Its down to the decision and Nelly’s Echo chooses to be on TEAM CHRISTINA!

2Steel Girls (Allison and Crystal Steel) – the mother-daughter duo out of Wellston, OH. This is a first for this singing competition. I really want them to be good. The whole family (brother and father included) perform together. The mother had to quit her job to come out and audition for The Voice. For their audition they perform Carrie Underwood’s Before He Cheats. Their performance was really entertaining. I love voices that blend well. Cee Lo and Blake turn around at the same time. It was a job well done. Adam called them a “freight train of angry, jilted women.” Cee Lo said equally they sounded really good but together really impressive. Blake said he wanted to be the guy to protect the mother daughter relationship in a savage angry world of entertainment. Who do they choose? TEAM BLAKE! I would’ve been really surprised if they picked Cee Lo. Of course, duo’s last season didn’t last long so we will see how long 2Steel lasts!

Lisa Scinta – singing Teenage Dream by Katy Perry ( I hate these fast auditions where they show 15 seconds) going to TEAM CHRISTINA!

MarissaAnn – singing Part Of Me (another 15 second blip) to TEAM CHRISTINA!

Loren Allred – singing When Love Takes Over by Kelly Roland to TEAM ADAM!

Domo- 26 from the Bronx, NY. She is a professional hip hop dancer. She has a list of accomplishments they run through, which made me laugh, but also it let me know that she has been working very hard and is ready for her chance to be in the limelight. For her audition she sings Don’t Cha, which I think Cee Lo wrote for his wife, and she released but then the Pussy Cat Dolls took it and took the charts by storm. Of course, Cee Lo was the first to turn around. She strut around the stage like she owned it and Cee Lo loved every minute of it.  She is a firecracker. She has great energy and a really positive attitude.  Cee Lo said he feels she is a better singer than the song even allows. Another win for TEAM CEE LO!  All of the coaches offer their “sympathies” it seems since with her he will definitely have his “hands full.” I think she is a great addition to the team, but we will see!

Nicole Nelson – a 35 year old self proclaimed hippie from Vermont.  For her audition she sings Hallelujah.  Adam was the first to turn, followed by Christina, Blake and Cee Lo. It was a great performance, but I would like to hear more from her.  Christina began with the pleas, Adam made it a point to say he turned around for her first, then Cee Lo gave praise to her voice.  Nicole began how she takes really good care of her voice, how she lives an organic lifestyle. Blake suddenly interrupts that he too lives an organic lifestyle, and Adam said the bull that comes out of Blake’s mouth is organic. All jokes aside, when it comes down to which team Nicole chooses, she ends up on  TEAM ADAM!

I think my favorites of the night were 2Steel Girls, Samuel Mouton and Domo. Will they be able to keep up the momentum into the Battle Rounds, or will the other artists rise to the top? We have a ways to go.

Next week The Voice airs on Monday  and Tuesday, bringing us more Blind Auditions. Until next time!!

THE VOICE: S03 BLIND AUDITIONS E02

its another night of THE VOICE and lets get right into it!

Adriana Louise – age 22 year old waitress/bartender from Brooklyn, NY. For her audition she sings Domino by Jessie J. She has really cool control over her voice. I would listen to her if she came out with an album. Cee Lo and Adam are the first to turn around. Christina and then Blake turn around. The second person to receive all 4 chairs and a great way to start off the episode. The coaches are really fighting for her in this episode with Christina making the most passionate plea, also throwing in that Cee Lo is “pervy”. In the end Adriana chooses TEAM CHRISTINA!

 

Casey Muessigmann – pronounced “MUSICMAN” The singing wrestler. He gets major points for saying 180 degree turnaround. LOL. A lot of people mistakenly say 360 turn around.  For his audition he sings Sweet Home Alabama.  This dude has a great soulful voice. I think he is one of the best country voices yet. Blake of course is the first to around. Cee Lo also turns around to Blake’s dismay.  Blake really enjoyed the “ass-spanking” as well as the southern rock country element. In the end Casey chooses TEAM BLAKE!

 

Aquile – A biracial kid, 24 years old born in San Diego raised in Wyoming. When he was 19 he was punched in the jaw and had his mouth wired shut until he was healed. Craziness. For his audition he sings Your Song by Elton John, one of my favorite songs. Christina and Adam immediately turn around.  Cee Lo turned around towards the end of the song. The guy will be the lady killer of the show methinks.

All of the coaches make their pitch, but Christina took a page from Cee Lo’s book and started in with the flirting saying she would love a “private show.” In the end Aquile goes with TEAM CHRISTINA! Hmm. She has a lot of vocal powerhouses on her team. I hope this isn’t his undoing. Her battles tend to be powerhouse against powerhouse and this dude is awesome but really smooth.

 

Ryan Fogarty – 28 year old dude from Nashville Tennessee and he is the Tour Production Coordinator for LeeAnn Rimes. Well that isn’t too shabby. That is some star power backing him. For his audition he sings Tomorrow by Chris Young.  You can tell he is a little nervous, but he has a nice voice. Unfortunately no coaches turn around for him. Cee Lo said “Wow what a surprise” and Ryan responded quickly with “I love country.”  That moment when the coaches find out that it’s a black dude singing country. LOL.  Ryan you don’t have to defend yourself!!!  It was a good audition. Blake said he was looking for something different than what Chris Young would do but it never happened.

 

Mackenzie Bourg – out of Lagayette, LA he is 19 year old who contracted a virus that shuts downs organs. Not good obviously.  For his audition he sings Pumped Up Kicks, and the guy also plays guitar. He has a really good indie sound. Cee Lo took his time to press his button, but when he did Mackenzie’s dad flipped out. Christina said she enjoyed his performance and was waiting for that “moment” but she didn’t hear it. Blake said he loved the Harry Potter vibe. Christina said he looked like Justin Bieber, but Mackenzie said “let’s go back to Harry Potter.” Another win for TEAM CEE LO! His last name is BOURG. Like the BORG. From Star Trek. Lol

 

Julio Cesar Castillo – the final artist of the night out of Chicago, who is hoping The Voice can help him break free of his musical roots. He plays in a Mariachi band to support his family.  His dad has epilepsy so it’s hard for him to get a job. For his audition he sings LA BAMABA, becoming the first artist to sing a song entirely in Spanish on The Voice. Blake turns around immediately. My favorite part of this show is when the family/friends celebrate backstage when a chair turns around. Cee Lo also turns around, and of course Blake hates this, calling him a “jackass.”  In the end Julio goes to TEAM BLAKE!

 

Alright another cool night of The Voice. I have one more episode to catch up on. Who were some of your favorites of the episode?

THE VOICE: SEASON 3 PREMIERE

 

Its another season of The Voice and I am late catching up. My band and I have been on the road. I debated back and forth whether or not I was going to continue blogging about the show because its a lot to devote hours out the day for a tv show. After watching the first episode, I was reminded why I love this show so much. So here we go. 

The mission: To discover and develop America’s next great voice.

Some changes to note before gearing up with the Blind Auditions:

Bigger teams – 16 artists per team

And a twist to be revealed later

 

First things first, there is another awesome song performance by the 4 coaches. I really enjoyed how well Blake and Christina’s voices blend.

 

Terry McDermott – Scottish rocker-dude living in New Orleans. He has a dope accent. He was in a 6 piece band called Drive Blind but they disbanded. For his audition he sings Baba O’Reilly by The Who. He has really good voice and great control in going from high notes to low notes. Adam, Cee Lo and Blake all press their buttons.  Blake said exactly what I was thinking when he told Terry that he would win it if he just gets up there and talk. Adam said he wants Terry to sing on his team, Cee Lo said he wanted Terry to rock on his team but in the end he chooses TEAM BLAKE! Awesome choice.

 

So… I’m guessing Purrfect the Cat is out of the picture. Now we have a bird? A Pink bird?

 

De’Borah – From Chicago Heights, IL and I’m not gonna lie. Her choice in dress and style of hair made me think she was a dude. Never judge a book by its colorful cover.  She grew up in the church. She reminds me of Whoopi Goldberg when she speaks. I can’t help but smile when she is on screen because she seems like a dope person to hang out with. She comes right out with it saying she is gay. Her song: Hey, Soul Sister by Train. She has a great voice. And I love her attitude. She might be a favorite of mine already. Christina and Cee Lo turn around at the same time. These coaches are taking a while leaving everyone hanging til the last minute to turn around. She chooses TEAM CHRISTINA!

 

Gracia Harrision – from Virden, IL and the first Country artist and yodeler to audition. For her audition she sings I Want To Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.  Adam turns around immediately, followed by Blake. She begins to yodel and Cee Lo turns around, to Blake’s dismay.  Adam said by far she is the best country singer on the show.  Cee Lo uses the word exceptional again (he loves that word) and he says he is a fan of the yodeling. Blake says he hates to think what would happen to her in the long run if she was influenced by either of the other coaches who turned around. He said she is what needs to be brought back to country music. She chooses TEAM BLAKE! Country doesn’t have a good track record on his team, so we shall see if it works in her favor. Adam jumps out of his chair and tells Blake he hates him. Lol.

 

Garrett Gardener – a 16 year old out of Ringwood, NJ.  His father was a jazz musician who played with many famous musicians, but died of cancer a couple years ago. For his audition he sings Have You Seen The Rain. He has a good voice, but unfortunately none of the coaches turn around. Blake tells him he has a really unique sound and tone, but lack of control when he travels from note to note. Christina calls him a cutie pie and loves his rasp, but she seconds Blake’s suggestions.  It seems tough for him to be on stage, but Christina runs up to him and hugs him. Adam grabs him before he leaves the stage and tells him that he is so much better than Adam was when he was 16.

 

Devyn Deloera – 20 years old from Snyder, Tx (WEST TEXAS BABY!!!). She looks like she needs to be an actress. A really beautiful girl. For her audition she sings “Ain’t No Other Man” by Christina Aguilera. Christina pushes her button.  Then Adam and Blake press their buttons.  She put forth a good effort with such a hard song. Christina said she wants to nourish her talent, Adam said it was ballsy and a courageous choice, Blake said she made him. Devyn asks which coach is going to keep her around, and who will keep in contact with her after the competition. Christina dodges by saying it’s a matter of keeping up with conversations, but Adam says his label signed Tony Lucca after Season 2.  Christina says she has label connections, to which Adam says he HAS a label. Blake says that he took Dia Frampton on tour but hasn’t had the chance to work with Jermaine Paul because he is still doing press from WINNING last season. Funny no one mentions Javier Colon though. She ends up with TEAM CHRISTINA!

 

Bryan Keith – 22 year old from the Bronx. His father is a grammy award Latin singer, but he doesn’t want to use his father’s connections.  For his audition he sings It Will Rain by Bruno Mars.  Blake turns around, followed by Christina, followed by Cee Lo, and finally Adam, to be the first to get all 4 coaches! He has a really great rasp and a clear voice.  Adam says he is very special, Cee Lo says his voice has all the qualities he aspires for, Christina says he is a raw quality and gift, and Blake says he knows Brian is the real deal because he sounds like the same guy from the start to finish, not like an singer trying to emulate someone else. In the end he goes with TEAM ADAM! He almost had me as a huge fan for this episode until he said he “felt like something like that would happen.” I’m hoping he isn’t overly cocky for real, because that always turns me off from great singers.

 

Danny Rosa – from last season, he didn’t make it. I remember him as well. I hope he gets to move on. For his audition he sings Somebody I Used to Know by Goteye. He sings a really cool version, kind of outlaw bluegrass or something. Cee Lo and Blake turn around and they freak out because they recognize them, which I think intrigues Adam and Christina.  Adam rushes the stage afterwards to hug him. BEST MOMENT  of the episode. Adam said one of his biggest regrets was not giving him a hug.  Cee Lo said he sounded cool as a muthafucka. Lol. Which they beeped.  Then the coaches go on about how not to give up on your dream. In the end, he goes to TEAM CEE LO! Now how will Danny fare when Cee Lo has favored aggressive performers in the past? I think Danny will go far. He is a pretty inspirational guy.

 

Anita Antoinette – a 22 Jamaican girl singing No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley. She looks like she can sing. And she is really beautiful. She sang her heart out but none of the judges turned around. Adam said she is a great singer with a great voice, but the spirit of the song wasn’t being delivered. She requests to sing it a capella, to which they let her, and she begins a more mournful tone. Which I feel changed the whole feel of the song. The band was playing a happier tone which didn’t really allow for the feeling she began to emote.  The audience stands up and cheers, along with the coaches (minus Christina). As she steps off the stage, Blake asks Anita to come back next year.

 

Joe Kirkland -  24 year old from Fort Worth, Tx.  He was signed to a label with a band as a musician, the lead singer bailed, he stepped up to the plate to sing but the label didn’t believe in him so they were dropped. For his audition he sings Gives You Hell, to which Adam Levine and Blake Shelton turn around. He reminds me of the lead singer from Blink 182. He has good sound. Christina was eager to see what he looked like. Adam said he has control over his aggressive tone and he has never had anyone like that on his team. Blake said he is a believer and thinks that he has star quality. Blake said he also wears vests, matching when they do duets together. He ends up on TEAM LEVINE.

 

Jessica Sharpe – 23 year old out of Greensboro, NC.  A hairdresser who also sings in a cover band and is “big stuff” in Greensboro. She is cute with a fun personality. She sings Son of a Preacher Man.

Unfortunately no one turned around for her.  Christina said she was waiting for the magical moment to happen but it didn’t. Blake said she needs to promise that she will try out for Season 4 and Christina again went up to offer a warm hug.

 

Trevin Hunte – 18 year old from Queens New York. The part of his story that gets me the most is when he spoke on the opportunity he had to attend a performing arts school, on condition he had 4 recommendations from his teachers. He acquired 3, but the 4^th teacher he approached told him he was wasting his time. Who says that to a kid? But Trevin mustve had more than 4 teachers he knew. Someone else could’ve written that recommendation right?  For his song he performs Listen by Beyonce. What a song to choose. And Christina  immediately turned around, followed by Blake. Then Cee Lo. What a fucking voice. This dude took that song and ripped it to shreds. He ripped it. I replayed this twice. Blake screamed at Adam to press his button, but he didn’t. Christina said she was completely blown away so please pick her. In the end he went with TEAM CEE LO! MAJOR CONTENDER HERE.

 

My favorite performances of the night go to Terry McDermott and Trevin Hunte.  Can’t wait to see more of them!!

 

Tje Austin “Dreamin Big” Album Photoshoot Sneak Peak

 

My album “Dreamin Big” is set to come out October 30th with the album release party in Austin, Tx at Antone’s on October 26th. We have been finishing up all of the mixing and mastering of the songs, finalizing the artwork, and gearing up for the new website. I wanted to share some of the behind the scenes from the album photoshoot at Swift’s Attic, before the awesome photographer Ainsley Joseph releases his images that are sooo dope. My stylist for the shoot, Ashley Hargrove Anthony of DTK AUSTIN, never disappoints. She knows what I like. Enjoy!

 

 

Photography: Ainsley Joseph

Stylist: DTK Austin (Ashley Hargrove Anthony)

Makeup: Gertie Murray