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 14 – The Shock Heard Round The World

I am still stunned by tonight’s episode.

Tonight Team Xtina and Team Blake performed. The catch? Each coach was going to send one of their members home immediately afterwards. Tomorrow, 2 more will go home. The coaches seemed surprised by this move.

RaeLynn (Team Blake) @RaeLynnOfficial –  Singing She’s Country by Jason Aldean. Before her performance, Blake asked her if she had a bf, to which she said no because she is a heart breaker. As of tonight, she is the only Country artist left in the competition. She has a great swagger about her when she performs. Honestly this is my favorite performance of the competition. I think her fire and spunk make her really enjoyable. This was a great way to start out the night. She still had those weird moments in her voice, but I think tonight worked in her favor. Blake said she proved to America that Country can kick ass. I agree. She has a kick ass attitude. 1-855-VOICE-01

Jesse Campbell (Team Xtina) @singjessesing – Singing Halo by Beyonce. As soon as they announced it, I was worried. Beyonce fans are harsh, and a guy singing a Beyonce song can go really wrong with all of the high notes she has in her songs.  He has a high register though, so I hope he can pull it off. I like what he was wearing, and it was cool he was standing in a huge picture frame. I still think he looks Cuba Gooding, Jr. And around him, there were photos of his daughter, as tonight’s performance was dedicated to her. It started off okay, but then as it got further into the song  this dude started really feeling it and he had some really cool moments vocally. His performance rocked the house.  1-855-VOICE-02

Jordis Unga (Team Blake) @jordismusic – She was in the bottom 3 but when she performed Wild Horses, Blake saved her. Tonight she has to prove to the world that she belongs in the competition. She is singing A Little Bit Stronger by Sara Evans. It started off a little weak. She looks beautiful in the white dress. Then her voice gets stronger when she hits the high notes. Xtina said she came out looking lovely, appreciating Jordis showing off her vulnerable side. Cee Lo and Adam agreed. Blake said its so opposite to what she does and she is a singer songwriter as well, and he wanted to show that off. 1-855-VOICE-03

Team Xtina went to Crenshaw to visit a choir and invite them to perform with her team in the live rounds.She started off singing with male strippers dancing around Blake. Then she kicked Fighter into high gear. Team Xtina looked and sounded like they were having fun. To have the chance to sing with their coach has to be an amazing experience. And The Voice band was on point as always. The choir was a really nice touch to this song.

Ashley De La Rosa (Team Xtina) @UKnowAshleyDLR – Singing Foolish Games by Jewel. When she started off, it was weak, but it quickly got better. But it was really hard to hear her. The arrangement of this song was sick though! It seemed she was lost in the instrumentation, but then she hit that note and held it. That one note was dope! Cee Lo said everyone seemed to enjoy it. He said she started out low but when she got to her feet she got into that character. Adam said he felt Cee Lo had an underwhelmed response. He then goes on to say she was the biggest surprise.  Blake said the smartest decision for this season was Xtina’s choice to save her. 1-855-VOICE-04

As soon as Adam (Maroon 5) started singing this song Pay Phone, I fell in love with it. Best quote from my friends during the performance: There’s a black guy in Maroon 5?? Haha. They bleeped something out in his lyrics though. I really want to know what he was saying that wasn’t appropriate for TV.

Erin Willett (Team Blake) – Singing Set Fire To The Rain. I wasn’t a fan of the way she started off the song. I was really waiting for her to get to the pre-chorus. The chorus was really nice. The bridge was better. That is my favorite part in the song. If you don’t know me, this is my favorite Adele song and it has been in my set list for a couple months now. I am huge fan of this song. Xtina said that Erin sang her heart out, but is always wary of when someone does a song on that record. Adam said she did great, but try working on her phrasing because Adele has great phrasing.  1-855-VOICE-05

Lindsey Pavao (Team Xtina) @lindseypavao – Singing a medley of S&M and We Found Love at first. But then they decided to change it singing Part of Me by Katy Perry. She is this season’s darling on The Voice. They did a darker more dramatic version of the song. I know so many people are going to love this version but it was kind of okay to me. Cee Lo wasn’t familiar with the song. Adam said there were really big powerful notes that were pitchy but all artists do that. Blake said he heard the pitch things as well, but he is already a fan and feels people across the country feel the same way. Xtina said she adores Lindsey. 1-855-VOICE-06

Team Blake sings Heartache Tonight by The Eagles.  Out all of the team members singing Jermaine was the best. Hands down. Though Jordis sounded much better than she did earlier tonight.

Jermaine Paul (Team Blake) @JermainePaul – Singing Against All Odds by Phil Collins. This is the chance that Jermaine has been tweeting about. To show a softer side of him. The dude has a voice on him. This was nice version of the song. He sounded a little like R Kelly in the chorus. Xtina said she feels he is a phenomenal singer. She said he is her favorite. Cee Lo said he looked sharp and he said Phil Collins is one of his favorite singers. He also said he is definitely one of the strong contenders in the competition.  Adam said I love you 3x time think at this point. (not playing the @shieldsbrothers drinking game tonight and very grateful). Blake said tonight’s performance tonight was a turning point. From that, I feel Jermaine is not going home tonight. Or he is sending him home and he was just telling him to remember his performance. That would suck. 1-855-VOICE-07

Chris Mann (Team Xtina) @IamChrisMann – Singing Viva La Vida by Coldplay. I am a huge fan of Coldplay. I saw them perform at ACL and the ACL theater. He seemed a little nervous about singing current music. I am still very iffy with Chris Mann. I dont listen to Josh Groban either. Not to say they dont have great voices, but he just dont pull me in. But the oh’s were really good. It just seems like the wrong song for him. The thing is, I don’t think they have found “the right” song for him. Adam said he looked sharp, and being a huge fan of that song, he really wanted to be moved by the song in that way, but he wasn’t moved. Adam said he would rather hear him sing opera. Xtina says he is showing growth and she thinks he is great. 1-855-VOICE-08

So…

Xtina is the first coach to eliminate. First she says she says some people are more open to advice then others. Then she says is going to make enemies tonight from her decision but the person going home is: Jessie Campbell. I am in shock. I didn’t think this at all. Crazy. But maybe he is not open to taking her advice and she just wasnt feeling his attitude. Xtina said she was going to make some enemies tonight. Nothing worse than a diva scorned. Or ignored.

Team Blake eliminated Jordis Unga tonight.  He said he was basing his decision on her performance two weeks ago. I think that is a terrible reason to eliminate someone. Not a good reason at all. Adam Levine was even shaking his head when both artists were eliminated.

Tonight was definitely a shocker. Do you agree with the decision the coaches made tonight?

THE VOICE: SEASON 2 EPISODE 12

This week the remaining members of Team Xtina and Team Blake were in the audience while Teams Cee Lo and Adam were in the hot seat, as 12 artists compete for the top spots.  Who will rise to the top?

Katrina Parker (TEAM ADAM) – singing Tonight Tonight by Smashing Pumpkins. She really looked like Adele: the hairstyle, the dress and everything! Is this because they know I love Adele and are looking to sway my vote? I have never heard this song before but she is doing an awesome job. Xtina said her voice captivated her, though she wanted Katrina to rock it out more. Cee Lo said the song should never be a show tune. Adam said he disagrees, he said she has a beautiful voice and she killed it. 1-866-U-LOVE-01

Chessa (TEAM CEE LO) – singing Don’t Leave Me This Way by Thelma Houston. She and Cee Lo discuss the conflicting opinions on twitter after her battle round with Angie; apparently there were a lot of people that disagreed with his decision.  Tonight, she started off in her low register. She still gives me a Toni Braxton vibe. She sounds good, but I don’t think the votes will be there for her. I am not a fan of the sound choice. Cee Lo has interesting choice in music… Blake said he loved it and it was a perfect sound choice for her. Adam said it had Cee Lo all over it, but the only problem is with so many great singers what will make her stand out. Cee Lo of course disagrees, and he feels disco is an era where you can have a fusion of power lead vocal, power and excitement. 1-866-U-LOVE-02

Tony Lucca (TEAM ADAM) – singing In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel. This is a favorite song of mine. And Tony starts off great. This man has a voice on him!!  It didn’t bore me. I really enjoyed this performance. I think that he is already going to be a top contender (have you seen this man’s twitter followers). Xtina says he is very one dimensional and she wants him to continue. She said this competition is about The Voice and she hopes that the celebrity sway behind him isn’t the only reason he stays. Adam is shocked and says she was honest. But he says how proud he is of Tony and Tony did a great job.  1-866-U-LOVE-03

Kim Yarbrough (TEAM ADAM) – singing Rolling in The Deep by Adele. I love THIS SONG. Those background singers are badass. She sang the song well. It was a different tone, and I don’t think I enjoyed it as much as I enjoy Adele. Blake said he thought it was good, but sharp. Cee Lo commended Adam as a coach for letting her do what she wanted to do, but Adam should’ve done something different, as Cee Lo felt it was a safe choice for doing such a current song. Adam said there was some problems, then he calls Adele is a freak, and there were issues he was worried about. The song wasn’t perfect but it shows everyone her potential. (he loves her to death 3x. DRINK) 1-866-U-LOVE-04

James Massone (TEAM CEE LO) – singing Don’t Know Why by Norah Jones. Another of my favorite songs. The girls were going crazy but he was pitchy. He has a nice tone otherwise. The flower petals don’t hurt I guess. Cee Lo looks like a proud papa in the background. Blake said he almost threw his panties on the stage. LOL. Christina said there were some pitchy notes, to which Blake said he almost pitched his panties. CARSON quoted me on how Cee Lo looks like a proud papa. Cee Lo said he hopes James is proud of himself, being cool, calm and collected (UKNOWWHATIMSAYING #DrinkTheVoice)      1-866-U-LOVE-05

Juliet Simms (TEAM CEE LO) – singing Roxanne by The Police    … Wait  5 record deals she has had??? There is no denying that she can sing. She sounded like she was singing her heart out and the Voice Band version gave me a No Doubt vibe. I like it. Carson like it. Adam said it just pisses him right off because he really wanted her on his team. He said she is the best performance he has seen so far. Xtina said her voice is awesome and wanted her on Xtina’s team as well. Blake said it was the first time he actually got to hear her sing for the first time and its so good.  Cee Lo said she did an amazing job!  1-866-U-LOVE-06

Mathai (TEAM ADAM) – singing Ordinary People by John Legend. She has an incredible voice. She started off acapella. And it was beautiful. Her falsetto is lovely. Listening to her made me smile so hard. TEXAS TALENT CANT BE DENIED!!! Xtina said she likes her voice a lot and she has interesting choices with the adlibs, but it was a little loungy maybe bringing the energy next time.  Adam said she was magical up there. 1-866-U-LOVE-07

Tony Vincent (TEAM CEE LO) singing Everybody Wants to Rule The World by Tears for Fears. I do love this song, but I am getting tired of all of the 80’s songs coming from Cee Lo. He has a great voice, but I don’t know if this was the song to do him justice. Of course, Cee Lo gives him a standing ovation. Blake said he doesn’t know how he feels about the performance, with the hellishness. Haha. Xtina says she is from the pop world so she loves it. Congrats new daddy. Cee Lo went on a weird tangent. Haha. But all in all Cee Lo loves Tony and wants him to continue in the competition. 1-866-U-LOVE-08

Karla Davis (TEAM ADAM) singing Airplanes by B.O.B. I don’t know if the sound was messed up but it was really hard to hear her, like she was singing in a whispery voice.  I really like the idea of this performance, but she was really pitchy. I think this might work against her. I think her background singers were off too.  This was not her best performance. Adam didn’t really look happy. Xtina said she was surprised by the song choice, but she said she did a good job. Blake said he thinks it was as good as she could do with that song, but he doesn’t think that song allowed her to show her versatility with the rapid fire lyric. Adam said she was in the pocket and appreciated that, but he thinks that there is a huge problem when you get up on stage its not as good as it was in the room. She could’ve been better, but overall he loves it. 1-866-U-LOVE-09

Erin Martin (TEAM CEE LO) singing Walk Like An Egyptian by The Bengals. Again Cee Lo came in trying to defend his decision with keeping Erin as there were a lot of nay sayers on twitter that thought the Shields Brothers should’ve won. She had an awesome entrance, coming out in a chariot pulled by dudes and everyone was in Egyptian garb.  I couldn’t really hear her voice. She is hot. It was consistent. Cee Lo did not give her a standing ovation. Blake said here we go again with the male strippers. He said he thinks she could do as well as she could do with that song. Xtina started twirling her hair, said she loves theatrics, but when Erin is up there she has to bring it. Cee Lo said he commends her because the song is almost like a rap song, and he thinks she did a good job. He wants her to be more aggressive. 1-866-U-LOVE-10

Pip Andrew (TEAM ADAM) singing When You Were Young by The Killers.  He was rocking his signature bowtie and an awesome pair of red pants.  He sang really well, but I feel like his clothes didn’t match the song, like he was trying something that wasn’t him. I don’t know how else to describe that. But the guy’s voice is solid. Xtina smiled and said she appreciated the vocal ability, but it came off as trying too hard. Adam said the song was an interesting choice but how it went, he wanted to Pip to be more dangerous and scary.  He felt Pip was too trust worthy. 1-866-U-LOVE-11

Jamar Rogers (TEAM CEE LO) singing Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz. This is my favorite dude on the show this season. Hands down. I’m throwing it out there. I want him to succeed.  The music is too loud to hear his voice. But his vocals are on point! Fire. His red jacket is something the dude needs to send my way! I know that wardrobe can hook it up!! Haha. The crowd was going crazy after his performance. Clearly a favorite. Blake says he doesn’t know what the people on the stilts have to do with his performance, and Jamar is too good for all of that. Cee Lo pointed out how much the crowd roared for him. 1-866-U-LOVE-12

BEST VOICE TWEETS OF THE NIGHT

So who are my favorites of the night???

Jamar, Mathai, and Katrina.

I do think that Tony is safe.  As well as Juliet Simms.

Who were your favorites tonight?

Tomorrow we will find out who goes home, and apparently Jessie J is performing tomorrow with Team Xtina. That should be tiiiiiight.  Tomorrow my blog will be delayed as me and the band will be in Oklahoma performing at the same time. I almost cancelled my show. Haha. j/k

The Voice Season 2 Episode 9 – The Final Battle Rounds

Team Cee Lo – James Massone and Wade singing True Colors

After hearing Cee Lo announce this battle, I agree with him that this could be really good. Both of these guys have an R&B sound, though I feel Wade has a stronger voice and James has a more radio friendly appeal about him. During practice James was nervous about not knowing the song, but after taking the time to learn it, during rehearsal with Cee Lo, they moved him to tears literally. His final words of advice: live it, love it, and just be in the moment. Listening to both of them sing the song, it was sweet, kind of reminded me of a 90’s boy band, if you combined Aaron Neville with Lloyd. I am a huge fan of Wade, but a couple of his mistakes were more apparent than James Massone’s.

Coach’s Picks:

Adam: James Massone

Blake: James Massone

Xtina: James Massone

It came down to Cee Lo’s decision. He was very impressed by the change in James’ attitude. With Wade, Cee Lo felt he was too nervous. Again, Cee Lo became emotional. He openly admitted he was a little biased with Wade, wanting to make Wade “Soul Brother #2”.  The Winner: James Massone.

 

Team Adam – Nicolle Galyon and Mathai singing Love Song

Adam picked a song that seems catered to Nicolle because of the piano, but Mathai is a big favorite this season.  As Carson narrated that Adam had said he believed in her, my heart sank. LOL. I just remember Adam putting his stamp on another artist this season and she was cut.  Mathai was a good catch for Adam’s team though. During practice Nicolle TOWERS over Mathai, which I thought a little funny.  The piano scenario didn’t work, and Mathai was right in saying that it was a big part of the advantage Nicolle had over her. For the Battle, Nicole opened up and sounded sweet but nervous.  Then Mathai busts in no holds barred.

Coaches Pick:

Blake: Mathai

Xtina: Mathai

Cee Lo: Mathai

The decision is Adam’s and he said he wasn’t really happy with it in general, that it was better in rehearsal. The Winner: Mathai.

Team Xtina – Moses Stone and The Line singing Satisfaction

This battle is one I have been eager for. I didn’t know who Xtina was going to pair Moses against. I already felt bad for whoever because going against the first mc on The Voice seems like an automatic death sentence. Obviously, The Line wanted a song that was more Country.  Moses seems at a disadvantage because he isn’t a singer, but he has a decent voice, especially when he gets the high notes.  Jewel did not have a satisfied look on her face while The Line were singing.  She wanted them to not give the impression they were a wedding band. Xtina said The Line has great harmonies and vocals, but they needed to perform more. I think its crazy and maybe sometimes The Coaches struggle with remembering that the show is called The Voice because sometimes even when your voice is amazing, when the person you are battling has such awesome stage presence, your voice gets lost in a flurry of movement. I wonder why The Line didn’t use their guitars. If Xtina wanted more from their performance, their performance includes guitar, so maybe that would’ve worked to their advantage.  For the battle, both groups started off really strong.  Moses took the first verse, and it was good. The Line took the second verse and they came in strong.  Their vocals were on point.  The harmonies sounded really good.  But it also felt like they were Moses Stone’s background singers in a rap song.

Coaches Picks:

Cee Lo: Moses

Adam: The Line

(he said because the TV show is called THE VOICE and that is what he is focusing on. I think Adam appears to disagree with the decision of having Moses as an MC on the show. But Adam, in all his defense of trying to keep the integrity of the show judging solely on THE VOICE has made decisions to allow people through to the live rounds based on performance, not necessarily The Voice. I feel using that line is weak.)

Blake: The Line

The final decision is Xtina’s and she immediately defends Moses by stating The Voice doesn’t have to be this specific thing on the show, not an over the top vocal, or straight country, soul or R&B. Cee Lo lends his agreement with a “mmph. Preach.”  The coaches are clearly divided by this issue: BROMANCE (adam and blake) vs SOULMANCE (xtina and cee lo). The Winner: Moses.

Haley looked pissed.

 

 

Team Adam – Karla Davis and Orlando Napier singing Rich Girl Easy Like Sunday Morning

Karla Davis is a country singer and Orlando is a blues guy, so this is an interesting pairing. Adam quickly changes the song from Rich Girl to Easy Like A Sunday Morning.  We soon were introduced to Bertha, Karla’s inner big girl. LOL. Bertha needs a little more work, but I think Karla is on the right track with her coach and advisor. Orlando’s advisor Robin Thicke made a point I felt was very cool.  Vowels are were the strength of the voice comes from. Very dope. During this battle, I liked the shirt that Orlando was wearing.  The song sounded very much like Orlando’s type and he did really well singing it. I wasn’t a fan of Karla’s background vocals. Then she came in with her verse, and she has an interesting style that sounds like she could break out of the country and venture over to singer-songwriter.  She reminded me of Winona Ryder on stage, if Winona sings. She has this awkward sexiness about her.

Coaches Pick:

Blake: voice Karla/performance Orlando

Xtina: Karla

Cee Lo: Orlando

The final pick goes to Adam. He says that Orlando is very specific, but Karla has blossomed. The Winner: Karla.

 

Team Blake – Jordan Rager and Naia Kete singing I’m Yours

Jordan had a hard time with singing harmonies. He wasn’t hitting the notes and it appeared to really frustrate him.  Naia was giving too many vocal tricks at first and Blake suggested she tone it down until the end of the song.  During practice with Naia and Jordan, Jordan showed out and was hitting all of the harmonies in all the right places. And it clearly impressed Blake.  For the battles, Jordan sounded better than Naia for this performance. His voice on this song wasn’t spectacular, but he had cool moments where I could hear the potential. Naia had a verse that just didn’t sound her best. Her energy was there, but the notes weren’t.

Coaches Pick:

Xtina: Naia

Cee Lo: Naia

Adam: Naia

Final pick goes to Blake. He was surprised by Naia’s vocals because he expected her to be right in the pocket since the song seemed to be catered to her. Jordan impressed him. In the end The Winner is: Naia. In the back, she was sad that she won by experience and not by her vocal performance. I know that she will take this battle with her into the live rounds and rock it out.

Team Cee Lo: Tony Vincent and Justin Hopkins singing Faithfully

The battle of the Family-Men.  They both have really great voices. I loved both of their blind auditions. During practice, this duet brought Cee Lo to tears.  Tony started the battle, with a sweet tone. Then Justin came in with that rasp. This was a perfect song for the two.  This is one of my favorite battles from this season. Its an emotionally charged song. I felt like I was at a rock concert.  And when that electric guitar came in towards the end… SWEET BABY JESUS.

Coaches Pick:

Adam: Justin

Blake: Justin

Xtina: Tony

The final pick rests with Cee Lo. He becomes emotional all over again. He agrees with Xtina’s thoughts. The Winner: Tony

The Battle Rounds are over! 24 people made it to the Live Rounds which air on NBC, 4/2.

Are you satisfied with the coaches’ decisions tonight?

What can you do? LOL.

Its great television and a great singing competition.

If you disagree with any decisions, do your part to support your favorite artists, because its not the end of the road for any of them.