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: THE FINALS

SEASON 2 EPISODE 19

I can’t believe this journey is almost over. It is the Finals of The Voice and our 4 hopefuls looked really good tonight. Jermaine Paul and Chris Mann were wearing suits, Juliet Simms was looking extremely elegant in a red and gold gown (team cee lo repping the REDZONE) and Tony Lucca rockin the vest and a hat, like usual.  Each artist has put in so much work to get to this point and tonight one person will stand out above the rest. They will perform a solo tribute to their coaches, then they will sing a song with their coach AND sing a song that will be used for the voting proces tonight. And of course, we won’t find out who wins until tomorrow.

THE IMPORTANT PERFORMANCES

Jermaine Paul of Team Blake is first tonight. He is representing all of the background singers who want to be in the spotlight and recognized for the talented artists they are.  Tonight he sings “I Believe I Can Fly.” His vocals were steady and point, but I was ready for the choir (St. James Concert Choir) to come in because the song sounds so empty without it. There was a moment where he held the word “FLY” and it was just one of the highlights of the song.  Christina said he sings with so much heart and emotion and that is what this show is about. Cee Lo said the presentation was perfect. Adam said it was elegant and pretty. Blake said his heart is in his throat. He said he has listened to the song before but he never really heard it until tonight. 1-855-VOICE-01

Tony Lucca (Team Adam) singing 99 problems by Jay-Z. Okay I was skeptical of this but I am digging the vibe he had. This was like an O Brother Where Art Though moment. It was fun and a cool interpretation of the song. I can hear this in a movie.  Christina was hating. Haha. She said she felt it was derogatory to women. Adam tried to say that they were talking about life, not women. Then he said he loved her, took off his flannel and the black shirt underneath had Team Xtina in red glittery letters. @Kuriboi2k6 pointed out to me that Tony’s performance was actually a cover of Hugo’s version of 99 problems. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onDh4P1cE2E 1-855-VOICE-03

Chris Mann (Team Xtina) singing  You Raise Me Up by Josh Grobin. This is the perfect way for him end his time on the voice. This song is so sweet and his voice has never sounded so good. He was accompanied by the James Burrows High School Choir. Cee Lo said he was by far one of the most incomparable vocalists he has ever heard and he is so cool ending with “If I ever fall in love, please sing at my wedding.” AND he brought his coach to tears 1-855-VOICE-04

Juliet Simms (Team Cee Lo) singing Freebird by Lynyrd Skynyrd. She was wearing the red gown she started off in early in the episode with a long flowing cape enveloped in a red haze and she looked awesome. It felt like I was watching a performance that should’ve been at Woodstock. She was alright (performing while sick) but she got me when the end of the song came belting out the lyrics with all of her heart. Cee Lo said with Juliet Simms on his team he has NO PROBLEMS, standing up showing off the white t with black letters reading the same thing.  1-855-VOICE-02

THE TRIBUTES 

(where contestants sing their coaches songs)

Juliet Simms (Team Cee Lo) – singing Crazy. Not my favorite performance at all, but I have to remember she was sick.  I kind of grimaced through this performance. I know she can do better. FEEL BETTER JULIET!

Chris Mann (Team Xtina) –  singing The Voice Within. This guy is definitely going to have a deal. He is going to take on all of Josh Grobin’s fans. Afterwards, Christina went up on stage and said “This is a real man! That respects women!” Wow she just keeps diggin into Tony Lucca.

Jermaine Paul (Team Blake) - singing God Gave Me You. I actually liked his performance. He gave it a little southern drawl at times and he had fun with it.

Tony Lucca (Team Adam) - singing Harder To Breathe. This was the best I have heard Tony tonight.  There were a lot of words in the song and I think he ran out of breath while singing, which caused him to laugh a little bit. But he did a good job.

THE DUETS

(MY FAVORITE PART)

Chris Mann and Christina Aguilera sing a“The Prayer” As soon as Christina started singing I couldn’t  stop smiling. One, Christina’s boobs looked like they were going to spill out of her dress, and THIS DUET WAS AMAZING. Such a smart move. Chris has such a great voice when he is singing songs that are in his lane.

Juliet Simms and Cee Lo sing Born To Be Wild.  This was more in Juliet’s lane. She has a rock sound and needs to stick to it. She was rocking a black leather jacket with spikes and came in sitting on a motorcycle. This was a fun duet that had a stage set up to make it seem like a biker bar or back alley race.

Tony Lucca and Adam Levine sing Yesterday by The Beatles.  This performance reminds me of a 90’s rendition of Yesterday. I am sure all of the girls are going crazy. If Boyz II Men came out, then I would’ve gone crazy.

Jermaine and Blake sing Soul Man. These guys are tall. And they had so much fun singing this song. It was like Jermaine and Blake took us to church. I really like that Blake and Christina both went out of their comfort zones to perform tonight.

Who will take the crown as winner of Season 2 of The Voice???

Find out tomorrow.

Carson Daly also informed everyone in America that free download cards for certain songs from the Final 4 will be available at participating Starbucks. Go out and get em!

THE VOICE: SEASON 2 EPISODE 18 Final Four Cylons Revealed

No last chance performances. No saves. Each coach had 100 points to divide among their two remaining artists in however way they see fit, based on last night’s performance. This could get ugly.

But in true Voice fashion, they don’t give it to us straight off the bat. No, first Season 1 alum Dia Frampton of Team Blake performed her single ‘Don’t Kick The Chair’ feat Kid Cudi. Dia looked lovely standing on a staircase decorated with chairs piled on top of each other.  She did a really good job. This song is in heavy rotation on my ipod. I friggin love it. I like that we get to hear from Season 1 in this episode.

The first reveal was Team Xtina: Chris Mann vs Lindsey Pavao. Last night my favorite performance was Chris Mann. He ripped that song to shreds. Lindsey had a really great performance and it was a little more main stream so that may work in her favor. Either way I am sure these guys are in for a wild ride in the record industry. Christina split the 100 points even between her artists (50/50). With America’s vote the scores changed: Chris -104; Lindsey -96. The first Top 4 contender is Chris Mann. I didn’t expect that at all, but I am happy for him.  That was really close. And heartbreaking when Chris and Lindsey embraced  and she sobbed into his shoulder.

I can tell this is a “bittersweet” episode. (if I may quote the judges)

Next, Season 1 alum Vicci Martinez from Team Cee Lo performed ‘Come Along’ with Cee Lo. This is again my favorite song from Vicci’s EP she just released today.

The second reveal was Team Adam: Katrina Parker vs Tony Lucca. Last night I enjoyed Tony Lucca but Katrina Parker was my favorite singer. Adam split his points giving: Katrina – 40; Tony – 60. The reason? I didn’t really understand the reasoning. It made no sense to me. It was weird. I guess he feels a connection with Tony but he feels she is still incredible. Adding America’s vote:  Katrina – 92; Tony – 108. So Tony advances. If the coaches didn’t have a vote, America’s vote would’ve stood alone with Katrina – 52 and Tony – 48. Crazy. Congrats to Tony.

Season 1 alum Beverly McCllelan of Team Xtina, performing with Cyndi Lauper “Money Changes Everything.” This was crazy. Beverly has such a beautiful voice. I was really trying to figure out if Cyndi usually performs like this or if she a little tipsy. They had a lot of fun onstage. I am not an aggressive guy and these girls were chasing each other across the stage and then there was one point Cyndi hit Bev. Again I say Crazy. Lol. Cyndi was having trouble with her in-ear as the camera caught her trying to adjust it in her ear a couple times. It was an entertaining and weird performance.

Javier Colon, last year’s winner of The Voice, was the next performer singing “A Drop In The Ocean” off of his current album. That man hit some notes in this song!!

Next up was Team Blake’s elimination: Erin Willett vs Jermaine Paul. And today is Erin’s bday. Will Blake or America give her an incredible bday present or will this be the worst birthday ever? Blake divided his points for his teammates 50/50. He explained they are both trying so hard and doing everything they can do. He didn’t want to make that decision. America’s votes added: Erin – 77; Jermaine – 123. Okay I am sure its not the worst birthday present, but it sucks. I love that she pointed at Blake and said “Let’s get drunk!!”

So far, its been all guys to make it to the Top 4.

As I type this, I am nervous for Jamar Rogers. Give me one good reason to get mad and tweet “I AM NEVER WATCHING THE VOICE AGAIN!” And that would be a lie regardless of how this decision goes. But I am crossing my fingers. Will America or Cee Lo cause me to throat chop my television set? We shall see…

Before the commercials started, Christina Milian caught up with Jamar and Juliet backstage and asked if there was anything they wanted to say anything to each other. Juliet almost broke down right there. And that caused me to be okay if Jamar gets voted off. Because she has done really well throughout this competition and ROCKED THE FUCKING HOUSE last night. And she deserves this chance like anyone else. And her breaking down reminded me when I broke down crying backstage in front of Rebecca Loebe before my Battle Round against Nakia from all of the anxiousness.

Okay.

Team Cee Lo was up. Cee Lo first said that he has said many times that he has 2 of the best contestants on the show. Jamar and Juliet started crying before the results were announced and I really felt bad for the both of them. Can’t we just allow both of them to go on?? Cee Lo divided his scores as such: Jamar – 40; Juliet – 60. He said he wanted to be honest, critical and fair. He said Juliet’s performance last night was so beautiful, striking and strong. Jamar has been so consistent and America loves him. He said he couldn’t appreciate everything that Jamar did in that song and he felt it didn’t translate completely. With America’s vote:  Jamar – 79; Juliet – 121. A resounding roar of approval for Juliet. My heart is heavy.  I know it probably only came off this way on t.v, but after the results were revealed and Cee Lo joined the two on stage, it seemed Jamar gave him the dirtiest look ever. I think he was just feeling numb.

The Final 4 artists are: Chris Mann, Tony Lucca, Juliet Simms and Jermaine Paul.

Wow. Did you think any of these guys would make it to the Final 4 when this journey first started?

Maybe.

THE VOICE: SEASON 2 EPISODE 18 The Elite Eight

Craziness. Awesome performances. This is how I would describe this episode featuring the Final 8. So let’s get into it.

Tony Lucca (Team Adam) – singing How You Like Me Now by The Heavy. This was a solid performance. For me it didn’t go up or down, it just stayed consistent. Its not the type of music I would listen to and he honestly doesn’t have the type of voice I listen to on my ipod. But I really liked his suit.  Christina said she cleared the song for Moses, but it fell into Tony’s hands. She asked if Adam taught him the dance moves jokingly. Then she said if this doesn’t work out he and Adam could start a Britney cover band. Cee Lo said it was a pleasant surprise and he became a big fan. I am tired of all the girls screaming when Adam is about to speak. Or maybe its jealousy.  But Adam said this was the perfect song for him to perform tonight.  1-855-VOICE-01

Erin Willett (Team Blake) – singing Without You by David Guetta feat Usher. This is such a crazy song choice for her but she seemed to be working it out during practice and Blake said this could be her break out performance. Her low notes starting out were not in key and some of her high notes were flat. This wasn’t my favorite performance of hers at all. I get that this is an emotional song because of the recent passing of her father.  That is a terrible tragedy. She has such a big voice and she is a very talented singer. I just don’t think this was the right song for her. Billboard’s twitter account disagrees with me. What do they know? Lol. Christina said she was proud that she was emotionally involved in a song and that Erin did an original arrangement. Blake first complimented how beautiful she was. Then he said he would give anything to have a tenth of the talent she has and to have the strength  she would have. 1-855-VOICE-02

Chris Mann (Team Xtina) – singing Ave Maria. He said this is the way he came into the competition so if he goes out, he is going to go out with a band. This was an amazing performance. I couldn’t even type while he was singing. He definitely told a story with the power of his voice. I loved this. And he isn’t always my favorite but this was amazing. Cee Lo was the first judge to comment and he said his voice is so powerful, pure and perfect and said he was the epitome of the show. Adam said Cee Lo was totally right. Christian said she felt the heavens open up and she felt so moved.  She even got up out of her coach’s chair to give him a hug. 1-855-VOICE-03

Jamar Rogers (Team Cee Lo) – singing If You Don’t Know Me By Now. This was a really great performance. I really dug it. It was a cool mix of R&B and Rock. Adam said if you just set aside the competition aspect of this, he is purely a fan. Blake said it was by far the most laid back performance from him and he said it was a really good performance. Xtina said she enjoyed his run and she was motivated to get up there and start singing. Cee Lo, affectionately calling him J-Bird, and thought this was a great performance of a stripped down version of the song. He also said the story of his life would be a best seller, because it is a success story.  Sidenote: I feel that Wardrobe (the people behind the scenes who dress the artists) have a hat filled with photos of items of clothing. They draw from the hat and whatever comes out, they throw on Jamar. He was wearing a shiny vest, bright blue blazer with tails, and the pants to a baseball player’s uniform. 1-855-VOICE-04

Teams Adam and Cee Lo performed together tonight singing “”All These Things That I’ve Done” by The Killers.  This collaboration was the best team collaboration of the season. All of these vocalists really shined and complimented each other.

Jermaine Paul (Team Blake) – singing Open Arms by Journey.  There is no denying this man can sing.  He had a really great performance. Christina said he was a crazy talented vocalist. He came in and murdered the song. Cee Lo said he did a wonderful job and he is consistently impressed by him. Adam said he would like to congratulate him because he is no longer a background singer.  Blake told Adam that Adam should’ve said Jermaine was the guy to beat all along rather than saying “another guy” in previous weeks was the man to beat. 1-855-VOICE-05

Katrina Parker (Team Adam) – singing Killing Me Softly by The Fugees. She looks like a star to me. She really does. And her voice is so effin amazing. She sounded really good but I was wondering the whole time was she going to do the really recognizable breakdown Lauryn Hill.  And she did! And it didn’t come off karaoke at all, which I was afraid was going to happen. Blake reminded her she was sitting in a cubicle months ago and marveled at how she sounds so seasoned. Xtina said she has fallen in love with her over the course of the competition. She also said if she was her coach, she would’ve tried to make the song more “Katrina Parker” rather than try to follow everything that Lauryn Hill sang. Then she said she encouraged Adam to look at Katrina because she was a star. Xtina does not hold back. Adam said at the end of the day, she didn’t sound like Lauryn Hill, she sounded like Katrina Parker so he was beyond happy. 1-855-VOICE-06

Blake Shelton performed his new singing “Over”. It was a good song. The chorus was my favorite part. Blake totally towered over everyone on stage. He is such a tall guy.

Lindsey Pavao (Team Xtina) – singing Skinny Love by Bon Iver.  She is totally an indie girl so she is going for all of those type of songs. I wish I knew the song, but I’m not too familiar with his music.  This was the first time we got to see her play the guitar onstage. This was also my type of set up. I love acoustic songs. At first I didn’t like the way she was singing, but it started growing on me. Then I realized I had heard this song before. I don’t know if that made me like it more but by the end of the song I was a fan.  Cee Lo said he wasn’t really into Skinny Love, he was more into “big love”. He also said the closer she got to the microphone the more confident she became and she did a great job. Adam said he loved that everyone is so completely unique.  Blake said it was really good, but strategy-wise he had to commend Xtina for letting both of her artists go back to how they started. Xtina said she loved seeing her in a coffee shop setting, in her element with her guitar and she really got into the song. Then she got up to give Lindsey a hug. 1-855-VOICE-07

Team Xtina and Team Blake joined each other onstage singing Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga. Jermaine started this song off and it made me wish he had sung this tonight for his song. He killed that one sentence. Haha. Erin had sweet moments. So did Chris Mann. I would actually like to hear him do a rendition of this song too. Lindsey’s voice is so different that it felt like an extreme drop in volume when she would come in. Overall a fun performance.

The last performance of the night goes to:

Juliet Simms (Team Cee Lo) – singing It’s a Man’s World by James Brown. I started smiling when she started singing. She left the tiny gravely voice behind her and just sang. This was the perfect way to end the night. I hate that only one person from each team can go on to next week. Because she rocked the hell out of that song. The roar from the crowd sounded like a standing O. Adam said it was something special and unbelievable. He said she was the one to beat tonight. Christina said it reminded her of the Grammy performance she had when she sang that song. Cee Lo said she killed it. She murdered that record.  1-855-VOICE-08

The coaches have 100 points to divide between both of their artists. They wrote down their scores and we wont know until tomorrow after they reveal America’s vote. Who will the Final 4 be?????

 

‘The Voice’ Drinking Game Part 2

Brought to you by @ShieldsBrothers its another round of The Voice Drinking Game using hashtag #DrinkTheVoice

1. Every time you see @PurrfectTheCat CHUG A MILK =^..^= \m/ (thanks @PurrfectTheCat )
2. Whenever CeeLo says someone looks “exceptionally beautiful” DRIIINNNKKK. Drink twice if it’s a guy. (thx @Pavao_Army)
3. Anytime someone is freaked out by dancers …DRINK!!! Finish you drink if it’s @blakeshelton (thx @ALIYANKS2)
4. Whenever they “this is so hard” without a needed that’s what she said…DRINK (thx @jrufus09)
5. Every time you catch yourself staring at Xtina’s cleavage…DRINK! (thx again @A_RBB)…maybe just sip on this one…
6. Every time one of the coaches says a nice comment about one of the contestant and then says “BUT” DRINK! (thx@Aimeetruejello)
7. Every time they alude to @luccadoes past in the Mickey Mouse Club…DRINK!!!
8. Drinking every time the audience yells “I LOVE YOU!!!!!”…I’d drink twice if Adam looks annoyed. (thx @A_RBB)
9.  Anytime they make reference to “just being honest.” Or when they applaud the contestant for making the song “their own”…DRINK!!!
10. Anytime someone says, “I just love him/her/them SO much!” DRINK. X2 if tears are involved (thx @luccadoes good luck 2night!!!)

I will be playing on West Coast time this evening.  Remember to use #DrinkTheVoice when posting on twitter. And direct it to @ShieldsBrothers because they will RT and/or respond.

Tje Austin

‘The Voice’: The Semis. Who should win Season 2? The return of Javier Colon, Dia Frampton, Vicci Martinez and Beverly McClellan

Tomorrow the semi- finals begin and from a fan perspective I couldn’t be more excited.

Here’s what we have to look forward to:

• The remaining artists are performing “original songs”. Does this mean they wrote the songs or the show hired someone to write new music for them?
• Season 1 contestants Javier Colon, Dia Frampton, Vicci Martinez and Beverly McClellan will all be performing. It is going to be really cool to see how fame has treated them. Javier will be performing his single ‘A Drop in The Ocean’; Vicci Martinez will be singing ‘Come Along’ with Cee Lo; Cyndi Lauper will be performing ‘Money Changes Everything’ with Beverly McClellan; and Dia Frampton will perform ‘Kick The Chair’  with Kid Cudi.
• Teams Cee Lo and Adam are performing together to sing The Killers hit “All These Things I’ve Done”  while Team Blake and Christina will perform “The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga. Not that it would really matter, but I would like them to switch up the team pairings: Team Cee Lo and Blake while Team Christina and Adam perform together.

This seems like a lot to fit into one episode, but we will see.

Who do you think should win Season 2? Who has the strongest team?

I can’t help but love Katrina Parker and Jamar Rogers. I will be putting in my votes. And remember folks, vote for the people you love. You can’t be mad about who goes home unless you take the time to vote.

Signing off until tomorrow

Tje Austin

THE VOICE: SEASON 2 EPISODE 17 AMERICAS SAVES

The results are in. America voted based on last night’s performance and 2 more people are headed home. Last night my favorites were Jamar and Katrina. So I am optimistic about tonights results, as America always votes like I do… Okay not so much. But who goes home?

First,  Florence + The Machine performed No Light No Light. I have never really listened to her music. The only song I know she has performed was a version of Drake’s Take Care and while that was cool to hear live, it wasn’t my favorite interpretation. Her style isnt really my thing. It was cool to see Team Cee Lo in the background performing though. Jamar’s clothes were dope. He looked like a ninja. And ninja’s kick ass.

Team Adam was the first up to reveal America’s top vote, but not before Carson asked Adam about the reaction he received after eliminating “fan favorite” Pip Andrew. Adam said he received hate mail and several people tried to kill him, but he also shared that it was hard for a coach to let go of someone on the spot like that. Who was America’s save? Tony Lucca. No surprise there.

Team Cee Lo was next up and Carson addressed Cee Lo’s elimination of James Massone. Cee Lo said he had a bittersweet day but told his team that they all deserved to make it that far and he is sure America has good taste. The camera showed each face on Team Cee Lo and they all looked really worried. Who was America’s save? Jamar Rogers! His mom looked like she caught the holy ghost!

Mathai (Team Adam) – singing Cowboy Casanova by Carrie Underwood. She sounded much better than last night! I guess she knew she had to bring it. It was a really great vocal performance. You could tell in her eyes she was emotional. Blake said it was hard not to love her because she is so cute and she embraced the hillbilly side. Xtina said she was happy she got to show the aggression in the song. Cee Lo said he loved the aggression that conveyed she wanted to stay.

Katrina Parker (Team Adam) – singing Perfect by Pink. She sounded great on this song! I couldn’t stop thinking about the amazing Battle Round between Niki and Vicci from Season 1. But she sang it like she meant it. Afterwards, Blake said he knows that Tony got the vote from America but Katrina is the best singer on the team. Xtina said she 100 percent agrees with Blake and she said out of everyone on Adam’s team she is most excited to hear original music from her. Cee Lo said he thought it was a great song choice and he commended her for a great performance.

Who stays? Blake said Katrina. Xtina picked Katrina. Cee Lo picked Mathai. Adam first said Mathai had a spark and energy everyone loves about her; with Katrina he felt she was an unpolished diamond, but throughout the competition he felt both surprised him. He said it boils down to who he has seen more from so far and he really didn’t think Katrina was going to make it as far as she did. With Mathai, he has kept waiting for her to explode and he knows she will do it, show or no show, but his decision is Katrina. (YES!)

Cheesa (Team Cee Lo) – singing Already Gone by Kelly Clarkson. I really liked how soft she started out and then when the chorus kicked in she started belting it out. There were a few moments were she wasn’t totally in key, but there was one final note that was killer! Blake said he enjoyed her a lot, especially that note, but she was a little pitchy and the rest of the coaches agreed.

Juliet Simms (Team Cee Lo) – singing Torn by Natalie Imbruglia. When she started, she had this weird gravel tone, but as soon as she got to the chorus you could feel the pain in the song and the growl fit perfectly. Blake said he was the only one that didn’t hit the button because he wasn’t a believer and week after week she comes out and he loves her. He also called her an acquired taste that he has now. Xtina said she was a fan or her voice, but the softer voice she has used isn’t her favorite place for her voice to be, but she wants to hear another song similar to when she performed Roxanne.

A sad decision for Cee Lo. Who gets the save and who goes home? Blake said he picked Juliet. Xtina picked Juliet. Skipping Adam, Cee Lo had to make a decision. He asked to see both of them smile, but the effort seemed to almost break Juliet and Cheesa. Cee Lo said he loved Cheesa so much and she had a voice that sounds classically trained, so it would be ironic for her not to go on because the show is called THE VOICE. With Juliet her voice is like art imitating life, and life isn’t perfect. He feels America is invested in her so he can’t go against that, so in the end he picks Juliet.

This episode was a little sad to me, but I am happy that my some of my favorite folks are still in the show.

Who are my Fantasy Final 4?

For Team Blake – Jermaine Paul/Erin Willett … ugh this is a hard decision

Team Xtina – Lindsey Pavao

Team Cee Lo – Jamar Rogers

Team Adam – Katrina Parker

But who knows? My picks may change by their performances next week. But I don’t think so.

How do you feel about this week’s eliminations?

Until next week,

Tje Austin

THE VOICE: SEASON 2 EPISODE 16 – TEAM CEE LO AND TEAM ADAM

I honestly forgot there was going to be an instant elimination again. So it is going to be a crazy night. I feel that Adam and Cee Lo have really strong teams.  At the end of the night one person from Team Cee Lo and from Team Adam will be sent packing by their coach in an instant elimination. And last’s weeks weren’t pretty. The world went crazy when Xtina sent Jesse Campbell home, and then a few days later I feel everyone got over it. I was shocked. So who is going home tonight?

Jamar Rogers (Team Cee Lo) – singing “Its My Life” by Bon Jovi.  I really hope Jamar wins because I would love to hear a Cee Lo and Jamar collaboration. I really liked Jamar’s performance. He has a great rasp in his tone. I like the 80’s vibe with his clothes and the graffiti. “Its my life,  its now or never.” Great words. Carson Daly obviously enjoyed his performance giving Jamar a big hug afterwards.  Adam said Jamar was the first voice they heard during the blinds, and of course he said he would love to have Jamar on his team. Blake said he doesn’t know if there has ever been a better pairing of a song with a contestant. Xtina said she loved that he made it his own and he sang it like his life was on the line. Xtina said he is one of the favorites in the competition and besides for those on her team she is rooting for him. Cee Lo said he is a strong and sweet spirit and said he loved him. He is definitely an inspirtation, Again. I hope he wins. Hands down. I know there are other people that are great who are still in the competition but I love this dude. 1-855-VOICE-01

Katrina Parker (Team Adam) – singing “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perry. She looked really beautiful. She has a lovely tone in her voice. She really has a way of singing like an American Adele. Her singing Jar of Hearts reminded me of Chasing Pavement. Blake was the first coach to comment and he said it was the first time he heard her sound like someone different from anyone else. Xtina said a lot of people says she sounds like Adele but she is Katrina Parker and she should own it. Cee Lo said he agrees with Blake and her voice sounded flawless. Adam said he was really proud, and then he said she wasn’t a favorite on his team at all, but he said she has one of the best voices now. He said it was incredible. I am glad he finished with that because though he was honest about how he felt about her in the beginning, that was a little harsh. 1-855-VOICE-02

Team Cee Lo performed Dancing In The Street and it was like we stepped into a time machine and emerged in the 60’s. I think the guys sounded the best on this son (JAMAR and CEE LO) but everyone else put forth a good effort. Chessa came in hard with some really great notes. Earlier today on Instagram she showed pictures of bruises on her thigh from hitting it a little too hard with the tamborine. Juliet and James sounded good too. I just don’t know if you know that I know that Jamar should at least be in the top 4.

Mathai (Team Adam) – I really liked her in the Blind Audi\tion and she has done really well in this competition. Tonight she sang “I am Like a Bird” by Nelly Furtado. She started off really sweet and pretty. Her voice was a little shaky but she had some really beautiful moments. I think her voice is so distinct from anyone else’s in the competition that she is sure to be a favorite. Blake said he really thought she sang great, though he didn’t enjoy the acrobatics in the song. Xtina said last week Mathai was the favorite but this week Katrina took eat. She said this week that it was a little force fed and that it was wrong to tell her team mate to just go a long with the song. Adam said minus the sketchy dude was distracting a little bit, he thought she was great and she has an infectious energy. 1-855-VOICE-03

James Massone (Team Cee Lo) – singing “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel. Great song choice. I will admit that I was at rehearsal today so I watched dvr’d the voice and watched it when I got home, but I was scanning twitter during the moments of break. I happened to see The Voice tweet about how people loved James “just the way he is” and a petty part of me felt a little irritated that they gave him what I thought to be the Bruno Mars song for tonight’s performance. So hearing that it was Billy Joel’s song makes me realize how silly I was being. Cee Lo told James he was setting him up to win. This is a classic song. The saxophone was a really nice touch and it was a chick playing it. Good stuff. James did a really great job on the song, but I don’t know if it was good enough to get him the votes. So girls (ladies) lend this man your vote if you want him to remain in the competition.   Blake said he’s been a big fan since the beginning, and though he sang it great, it felt like it laid there. Xtina agreed with him that he has a special voice and he gets the ladies attention but personally she wanted something different from last week. Adam said he loved it. Cee Lo said that James is genuine and sweet, so do what comes natural and he enjoyed it. 1-855-VOICE-04

There was a crazy performance by Goodie Mob afterwards. They looked like a black futuristic version of Earth Wind and Fire. They wore silver armor, with a huge Transformers- like chest plate with long flowing metallic capes. Oh yeah. They had these grills in their mouths. That has to be hard to sing with. Cee Lo’s sunglasses were dope. The song is cool. I will download it later tonight.They showed all of the coaches faces during the performance except Blake I think, but as the camera panned away he was giving them a standing ovation.

Tony Lucca (Team Adam) – Last time we saw Tony perform, Xtina called Tony one dimensional and that caused a dialogue between Adam and Tony and they both felt he has been singing the same type of songs during the competition so they  wanted to show a different side of him surprising everyone. Tonight he sang a Britney Spears “Hit Me Baby One More Time.” It certainly got my attention.  I think it was cool, but I could tell he was nervous while singing it. He definitely added something stand out and interesting to The Voice history. Afterwards, Carson addressed Xtina first (I am sure to see if she might say something negative) but suggested bringing Britney and Justin out to have a real Mickey Mouse Club reunion. She also said she enjoyed it. Blake said it pissed him off because it was really smart.  Adam said he loved Tony. He said that it started off as Tony’s idea, but then he backed off of the idea not wanting to do it, so they fought about it and then figured he should stare his Mickey Mouse Club past in the face and do it. He said Tony embraced it and Adam was very proud of him. 1-855-VOICE-05

Chessa (Team Cee Lo) – She was in the bottom 3 and won Cee Lo’s save. Cee Lo obviously has a special place in his heart for Chessa. She has such a great personality and she is really likeable on tv. Tonight she sings “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston. Tonight I really enjoyed her performance. And she looked really beautiful. She has that power and she was hitting all the notes in the right places.  She got a standing ovation from Xtina. Amazing. Xtina said she applauds her for courage singing such a beloved song, and she hit notes that Whitney didn’t hit, and Xtina said this week Team Cee Lo is where its at. He said she did a wonderful job and he gave Chessa some big shoes to feel. He said he is ready for today’s artists to sing grown women songs and not like today’s auto tuned teeny boppers. 1-855-VOICE-06

Pip Andrew (Team Adam) – Adam told him straight up that he is at risk getting sent home in the instant eliminations; Pips last performance wasn’t the greatest and he is fighting for his life. I am sure that struck some fear in his heart.  Tonight Pip was singing “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane. This is such a great song.  He started off playing the piano and he it was really sweet. I feel he didn’t have the control he wanted while singing. His voice was shaky and he wasn’t hitting all of the notes. His falsetto cracked noticeably towards the end of the song and it seemed to fall apart after that. I paused my tv and just stared at the floor. Its never good to have your bad notes fall apart at the end. Blake said where in the hell is the bowtie? Adam said he likes the no bowtie; it was great overall but he is proud of him and he let Pip do the song that he wanted to do.  1-855-VOICE-07

Team Adam performed Instant Karma (We All Shine On) by John Lennon. While I love Mathai’s voice, I really love Katrina and she just sounded more mature and polished singing this. What I love about this Team performance is Adam didn’t sing at all. Hit was his team singing. And it really seemed like it featured the contestants. This song seemed right up Tony’s alley though Pip put up a great effort.

Juliet Simms (Team Adam) – Her hair seems lighter?  Cee Lo picked “Crying” by Aerosmith and I feel that is such a perfect song for her.  Its emotional and allows her to show off the grit in her voice. She definitely stole all attention by wearing huge angel wings. The beginning of her song didn’t sound great to me. There was way too much rasp. But once the song picked up she ripped into it and let everyone have it. No denying it she could be such a huge force in the industry.  Blake said it was a double bonus because she is a great singer and then it brought back memories of duck season (all of the feathers). Xtina said she was faboulous; she goes it and doesn’t come back, giving it all she has. Cee Lo called her his “little electric guitar” and his little “red corvett”. He said she was impressive and rugged. He respects that in artists. 1-855-VOICE-08

Now this is where things get crazy. Or maybe not.

First up is Team Cee Lo. Between Jamar, Juliet, James and Chessa. He pulled out his blackberry phone and reads a speech he wrote, an apology and message of love. He really seemed emotional. He told them not to lose contact with him after this, but tonight, due to performances he let James Massone go. Damn. Cee Lo said “I got you” over and over. Does that mean there may be something in the works for James?

Next up is Team Adam. Between Katrina, Pip, Tony and Mathai. Adam said he thought it was going to go a different way before the night started. He said it was an amazing night and he said it was a stupid thing (though earlier he said he liked that the coaches had the power) and then he said he wished he had words to say like Cee Lo but if they Tivo the show, it might be better to watch and hear what Cee Lo said than how he was going to be right now. (Really Adam?) He then said that all 4 of them being on the stage is very valuable and when they go home they just have to keep at it. Then he sends Pip home. And unfortunately I saw that coming.

I know it sucks to be eliminated. So please VOTE for your favorite artists if you want them to stay, VOTE!!!

Tomorrow we will find out America’s saves.

Who will stay and who will go home?

Sincerely

Tje Austin

THE VOICE: SEASON 2 EPISODE 10 THE LIVE SHOWS BEGIN

First of all it is really hard for me to watch this show with people. I love my friends, but people are always talking too much and I miss what is going on.  LOL.  I have to take a step back and think is it really that serious.  No.  Okay yes it is! It’s the first time The Voice Season 2 goes live and it is that serious! Tonight only 2 coaches’ teams perform: Christina and Blake.  12 contestants who all deserve many congratulations for their success. Adam and Cee Lo’s teams are able to sit back and watch what happens. Lucky them.

Jermaine Paul (BLAKE) singing Living On A Prayer (Bon Jovi) - Before he even starts singing I am excited by this song choice.  It reminds me of growing up. Jermaine starts off this song rising from the ground. He is singing really hard, riffing, growling and hitting every note. I wonder what he thought of this song because I don’t think it was the best song choice for him. Xtina didn’t understand how it connected to him. Blake said he thinks that Jermaine’s song will be on iTunes in the Top 10. We shall see. Jermaine has such a good voice I don’t think we were really able to hear him in this song. He seemed drowned out by the music. VOTE: 1-866-U-LOVE-01

Chris Mann (XTINA) singing Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon and Garfunkel) – Not sure when they announced it if it was going to be a good choice for him. When he started singing, I didn’t feel the piano sounded as dramatic as his voice.  The guy can sing and it got stronger as the song progressed. It was a really pretty version, but it seemed like a version that would be performed during the Tonys. The guy stayed true to himself. Cee Lo, said he came to be completely critical tonight, especially to the ones not on his team, but he thought it was great. Xtina said he owned it. VOTE 1-866-U-LOVE-02

RaeLynn (BLAKE) singing Wake Up Call (Maroon 5) – She looked cute, and she can growl but I didn’t like this performance.  She had the attitude but her voice wasn’t really there for me.  Xtina said RaeLynn had awesome stage presence, and Adam said she did “darn good” but no one said anything about her voice. VOTE 1-866-U-LOVE-03

Moses Stone (XTINA) singing Stronger/Power (Kanye) - He really brought the energy and I don’t really understand how they are going to judge this.  It would’ve been a respectable performance.  The dude was wearing a kilt i think? LOL. Adam said he feels he has a better chance as a singer than a rapper, and Xtina’s face got dark.  Blake says he sounds like a better singer and singing is what this competition is about. Xtina said he makes her so excited, and others that are the type of vocalist he is (which could go over people’s heads) use auto tune, and he didn’t.  VOTE 1-866-U-LOVE-04

Naia Kete (BLAKE) singing Turning Tables (Adele) -  I love this song so much. She did a really good job. Much better than in her Battles.  And singing Adele is a smart move. I did want more from her. Adele has such a strong voice. Naia was shaky in some parts, and she didn’t have the power, but like Blake said, her tender moments were awesome. VOTE 1-866-U-LOVE-05

Lindsey Pavao (XTINA) singing Somebody That I Used To Know (Gotye) – Another favorite song! The creepy masks were interesting and freaky. Lindsey has this whisper when she sings and the song was cool but I am not sure if it showed off her versatility. There weren’t any moments that really pulled me in. I think I wanted some power and more high notes. But overall the girl is good! VOTE 1-866-U-LOVE-06

Jordis Unga (BLAKE) singing Alone (Heart) – The beginning of the song was okay to me, but when it got to the chorus, she really hit those high notes. I feel like the music sometimes drowns the artists out though. Her family was wearing some interesting garb in the background.  Blake was talking about her tender moments, but I didn’t really feel her tenderness in the song was the greatest. Maybe it was too low for her. Her strength was definitely in those high notes. VOTE 1-866-U-LOVE-07

Sera Hill (XTINA) singing Find Your Love (Drake) – This performance really reminded me of something Mary J Blige. She has a great voice and she was bringing it.  I couldn’t help but smile when she was singing. She made this song her own and I love the arrangement. She had this Lady Marmalaide look about her tonight. Xtina put her stamp all over this. VOTE 1-866-U-LOVE-08

Erin Willett (BLAKE) singing Living For The City (Stevie Wonder) – I didn’t know this song. I am not familiar with a lot of Stevie Wonder’s music. But she has a voice on her. And she plays the piano!  She has a really strong voice. I think she is going to be a top contender. Definitely my first favorite performance of the night! Blake said he felt she was the best vocally and technically of the night. VOTE 1-866-U-LOVE-09

Ashley De La Rosa (XTINA) singing Right Thru You (Alanis Morissette) –  It was hard to hear her tonight because the music was too loud. The band is awesome but I couldn’t hear her.  It was like being in a bar with a bad sound system. This might be bad for her. I know she has a great voice, but it was hard to hear her. Adam said he felt she was the most improved; how we could see the 17 year old in past performances but tonight we see a woman. Xtina agreed. I understand she is 17, but I feel like they beat us over the head with this. VOTE 1-866-U-LOVE-10

Charlotte Sometimes (Blake) singing Misery Business (Paramore) –  Okay this girl eliminated my friend. I don’t know how I feel about it. Well, yes I do. Tonight I am pretending this is the first time I have heard her. She looked pretty and the strings where a really nice touch. This song has to be a difficult one because of how low it starts off.  I don’t think this is her best performance. I think she can do better.   VOTE 1-866-U-LOVE-11

Jesse Campbell (XTINA) singing What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) – He started off as one of my favorites and then he eliminated Anthony Evans Jr. And I was back and forth.  I don’t know. I feel people feel he is Season 2’s Javier Colon, and I disagree. He just happens to be black, bald and have a high range. HAHA. Its like the show wanted the last song to be dramatic and moving.  Jesse can sang though! Xtina was moved to tears. Cee Lo said his voice is almost as beautiful as his hair.  LOL.  The rest of the coaches seem to think he is the one to beat. VOTE 1-866-U-LOVE-12

My favorites of the night: Erin Willett, Moses Stone, and Sera Hill.

I am obviously not an authority on all things “The Voice”  or music, but I am so friggin addicted to this show! Can’t wait until tomorrow.

Who do you think is going home tomorrow? 

Who do you want to stay?