The X Factor: We're Down to Six

Tonight’s The X Factor results show promises to be suspenseful, or maybe Mario is just talking about waiting to hear the fate of his contract renewal….either way. Once again two acts will be sent home, and now each judge faces the possibility of being eliminated completely from the competition as all four have two acts remaining. Here is how the contestants were ranked after America’s votes:

1.       Carly Rose Sonenclar (again!)

2.       Tate Stevens (again!)

3.       Emblem3

4.       Fifth Harmony

5.       CeCe Frey (wow!)

Coming in last with no opportunity to sing for her life, Paige Thomas is given an unceremonious goodbye, and I am bummed. I was rooting for her tonight based on the fact that Wednesday night's performance was hers and she held her ground against Demi. I also thought she had her strongest performance this week. Too bad, kid.

In the bottom two tonight, we have Vino “not a pop star” Alan and Diamond White. I did worry for these two in my post yesterday as well. Vino chooses “Trouble” as his save me song, which suits his voice for sure, but he’s been singing that song since the auditions. Not a smart choice for someone whose main criticism has been “we see the same thing from you every week.” Diamond takes on Beyonce’s “I Was Here,” and has a couple of pitch problems. Between the two of them though, I am hoping Diamond stays...which you never would have heard me say when the Top 13 debuted a few weeks ago.

Time for the judges to vote. Neither Britney nor LA will be voting to send their own contestants home, so it comes down to Simon and Demi. Both of them vote to send Vino home, and he is not happy. He tells us that “America didn’t get to hear what I had,” and he can thank his mentor for that…and join Arin Ray in the “I gotta be me” eliminated finalists club.

Next week the Top 6 take the stage again keeping hope alive for that $5 million prize. Simon and Brit Brit both have two acts remaining, while LA and Demi are both down to one. We’ll see if the tides turn next week. Til then!

The X Factor: Scream and Shout

Tonight on The X Factor the final eight contestants compete for spots in the Top 6, and Mario tells us that acts have to really “dig deep” this week. Thanks for that. This happens right before the hosts read from the teleprompter, realize they were supposed to walk to the center of the stage, then awkwardly walk and continue to kind of read from the teleprompter. Oh hell. Just bring on the performances.

 

 

Act: Diamond White

Team: Britney
Song: “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

More Whitney? Why? Are there a limited number of artists the contestants have to choose from each week? This kid sang “I Have Nothing” during the live shows already. Sigh. Diamond starts seated on a set of stairs singing a very slow (but pretty) version of the song….then she tells everyone to get up, and the dance music kicks in. She looks incredibly uncomfortable with the second half of the song, but Brit Brit is right – a 13 year old can’t sing ballads every week and win the show.

 
Judges Say: LA gives her an “A” for effort and a “B” for execution. Demi loves that Diamond had fun but she needs to bring more to it. Simon thinks Demi is crazy because Diamond took on a challenging song based on the tempo and choreography. Britney is very proud and would dance with her anytime.
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Act: Vino Alan
Team: LA
Song: “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” by The Righteous Brothers

Vino initially wanted to sing “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” but after several rehearsals, LA was not having it. Honestly, this isn’t much better than what we were seeing in rehearsals. If LA wasn’t satisfied with Vino’s number 3 spot last week, I imagine he is going to be all sorts of pissed off this week.

Judges Say: Britney says we see the same thing every week, and we need something fresh. Demi was not entertained at all (which is fine because she haaaaates Vino anyway). Simon says Vino has a great singing voice, but this wasn’t the song for him. LA completely disagrees with everyone. Of course he does.

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Act: Paige Thomas

Team: Demi
Song: “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley

 

Paige and Demi fought about how Paige would perform this song – Demi wanted a stripped down version and Paige wanted to dance. I guess they compromised because the song starts off slow (well, the first 15 seconds of it), but then the beat kicks up and Paige works a wooden beam like a stripper pole. She is joined by backup dancers as she makes her way to the middle of the stage, and I really, really like this. I hope she is safe tomorrow and is able to make her own choices next week.

 

Judges Say: LA has an ear to ear grin and says that this was by far Paige's best performance. Britney thinks what Paige did with the staging and dancing worked well for her tonight. Agreed, and Paige should be very proud of herself for telling Demi to stuff it. Simon thinks this is the first night Paige has looked and sounded like a legitimate pop star, and he really liked what she did with the performance. Demi says that when she and Paige work together, the performance really clicks. Translation: when I listen to you and it works, I take partial credit.

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Act: Fifth Harmony

Team: Simon
Song: “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)“ by Kelly Clarkson
 

Poor Ally lost her grandfather this week and is going through an array of emotions as she prepares for this performance. I feel for her. There’s nothing like an awesome, supportive grandpa. She holds it together here and seems very empowered by the song, and really…I love their performance. I was hoping they would work the stage a little but that is a very minor complaint. Well done, kids. 

Judges Say: LA thought the performance was good but not groundbreaking because he is a jerk. Britney thought the song really worked for them. Demi says this is one of the group’s best performances but also notes that they should have moved around more. Simon tells them they gave a fantastic performance and Ally’s grandfather would be very proud.

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Act: Carly Rose Sonenclar

Team: Britney
Song: “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

I worry about this. I really feel like the Adele covers should stop. However, Carly Rose is so good. SO good. There’s really nothing about her rendition that I don’t like, but I still don’t encourage Adele covers on these singing competitions.

Judges Say: LA says this was not her best performance, but even her second best is better than everybody else’s first best. At least that's still a compliment. Demi thinks she is amazing. Simon tells her the first half of the song was good and the second half of the song was sensational. Britney thinks Carly Rose took the competition to the next level.

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Act: Tate Stevens

Team: LA
Song: “Somebody Like You” by Keith Urban    

Tate plays the guitar! Not that I needed another reason to love him, but now I have one. He’s having a great time with this song and really just fits the role of a country star so easily – almost in a Garth Brooks kind of way. This is my favorite performance of his, hands down.

Judges Say: Britney is convinced Tate will be accepting a country music award someday. Demi loves how much fun Tate had on stage tonight. Simon tells Tate that he is back with passion (because coming in #2 last week instead of #1 is grounds for needing a comeback?). LA says Tate is lovable and the performance was great.

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Act: CeCe Frey
Team: Demi
Song: “Lady Marmalade” by Christina Aguilera

Whoa. I feel like Lyric 145 just completely hijacked CeCe’s performance, because this takes me back to their “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” debacle a few weeks ago. There is just SO much going on here. Furniture! Props! Dancers! Confetti! My brain is going to explode! But the kicker is – her vocals are pretty much on point tonight. What to do?

 

Judges Say: LA says CeCe is a fighter, and he really enjoyed the performance. Brit Brit thinks CeCe stepped it up a notch. Simon felt like he had eaten 62 portions of chocolate cake, meaning there were too many distractions. He tells her to pack her bags. Demi says CeCe came out swinging and she’s very proud.

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Act: Emblem3

Team: Demi
Song: “I’m a Believer”…seems to be Smash Mouth’s version

I definitely understand why the boys got the pimp slot at the end of the show. Sure, this is a little over the top, but unlike poor CeCe’s performance, there is nothing desperate about it. The guys are overwhelmed because they keep getting recognized in public (where a camera crew is following them around….they’re not exactly just taking a stroll incognito), but I do think they are on the path of One Direction and The Wanted. Good for them.

 

Judges Say: LA says the guys have “the x factor” and he would sign them immediately. Britney is a fan of the group, but she didn’t like the song choice. Demi says she isn’t sure what Simon is doing with them and thinks the guys are predictable every week….but will still get votes because they are young and good-looking. Simon thinks Demi criticizing him is ironic. “I’ve sold over 300,000,000.00 records, sweetheart.” She has no response for that. Clearly. Simon then says the guys have turned into real pop stars.

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It's been quite a night. We  had the world premiere of Will.i.am and Britney's new music video "Scream and Shout," and I'll say that it was nice to hear the return of the words "it's Britney, bitch." It was comforting in a very strange but wonderful way.  We also saw Simon really shut Demi up for the first time this season. I can't believe he hasn't made her sit next to LA yet.

 

The X Factor will lose two more acts during the results show, and for crying out loud (no pun intended), I hope Fifth Harmony makes it through – they were only one spot ahead of CeCe last week. However, will CeCe head home this week for sure? Did LA screw Vino with the song choice? Was Diamond’s performance graded an “A” for effort but an “F” because it’s easily forgettable? We’ll find out tomorrow. Til then!

The Voice: Just Another Pretty Face?

Welcome to this week’s live elimination show of The Voice! The coaches are all antsy tonight – Xtina in particular because she only has one contestant from her team remaining. Cee-Lo is actually the only coach who is guaranteed to still be relevant next week as his team still has three artists. Results!

Alas, Team Xtina is no more. Dez Duron is eliminated tonight along with Mr. Sassypants, Cody Belew from Team Cee-Lo. Xtina is not happy, but she then goes on to tell Dez that she, Britney and Justin never won TV competitions either, and they all have gone on to have big careers. To be fair, the people that have won on this TV show do not have big careers, so Xtina’s point is not totally useless.

Here’s how the teams shape up for the Top 6 -

Team Adam: Amanda Brown, Melanie Martinez

Team Cee-Lo: Trevin Hunte, Nicholas David

Team Xtina: The tribe has spoken

Team Blake: Cassadee Pope, Terry McDermott

These results shows are always so packed with filler, and I am usually going insane by the time we find out who is eliminated. If there is one thing to take away from this episode though, it’s Cee-Lo’s performance with Kermit the Frog. Yes. That happened.

Next week they take the stage again, vying for spots in the upcoming finale. We’re getting so close! Is it still anyone’s game to win? After the elimination of Dez, who undoubtedly had much of the teenage girl votes (and screams), I would say so. We’ll see what happens when our Top 6 perform – til then!

The Voice: Anyone's Game?

Tonight’s episode of The Voice the remaining contestants fight once again to keep themselves and their coaches in the competition. We only have a few weeks to go before the finale, and it will be interesting to see which coach(es) fare the best now that the odds are no longer even. Let’s get on with the performances!

 

 

Contestant: Amanda Brown

Team: Adam

Song: “Someone Like You” by Adele

 

I had SO hoped that we were beyond covering Adele at this point. Adam wants her to make this song a rock song like “Dream On” because, you know, the two songs are similar. She does a fair amount of shouting and makes the song more of an “I’m pissed off and not going to take it anymore” break-up anthem rather

 

Coaches Say: Blake enjoyed it because she took an Adele song and made it an Amanda Brown song. Xtina says this was another very dynamic power vocal performance.  Cee-Lo is pleased to see that Amanda is taking risks. Adam compliments Amanda, saying the performance was special.

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Contestant: Cody Belew

Team: Cee-Lo

Song: “Somebody to Love” by Queen

 

This is quite the change of pace from Cody's Beyonce throw down last week. "Somebody to Love" is probably my favorite Queen song ever, and he is faithful to the song for sure. I enjoy his rendition. I do. But I’m not sure if it will be memorable when the show ends this evening.  After Amanda did an Amanda Brown version of Adele, Cody is doing a Freddie Mercury version of Freddie Mercury.

 

Coaches Say: Adam says the performance was great, and Blake is impressed with how far Cody has come in this competition. Xtina loves that Cody is not afraid to keep changing it up. Cee-Lo says Cody performs with poise and confidence.

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Contestant: Terry McDermott

Team:  Blake

Song: “Over You” by Blake Shelton

 

During the rehearsal package Blake says that this song is far more suited for Terry than it ever was for him. I’m inclined to agree. I still prefer “Classic Rock Terry” to “Country Cover Terry,” but I still think this is a solid performance.

 

Coaches Say: Xtina says Terry’s voice shines more in his upper register but she liked the performance. Cee-Lo thinks Terry reminds him of all of the great rock vocalists. Adam calls Terry one of the best vocalists in the competition. Blake says Terry did everything vocally that he could never do.

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Contestant: Melanie Martinez

Team: Adam

Song: “Too Close” by Alex Clare

 

Melanie goes all Taylor Swift on us this week with her stage setup. Thank goodness she chose to keep her own wardrobe and not put on one of those country tablecloths from Taylor’s previous awards show performances. The good news for Melanie is – her performances have gotten slightly better each week, and she seems to have quite a fan base. While I am still not a huge fan, I think this is her best performance.  

 

Coaches Say: Blake says Melanie’s voice melt him. Xtina thinks the set is dope. Yes, those were her words. She also thinks the song fit her well. Cee-Lo believes Adam is really doing right by Melanie and she could probably make a really cool record. Adam says Melanie is an artist who is concerned with every aspect of the performance.

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Contestant: Dez Duron

Team:  Xtina

Song: “U Smile” by Justin Bieber

 

Realllllllllllly? Oh Xtina. She wants us to know that Dez is not a one trick pony and he can sing a crooner song as well as a Justin Bieber song. But, um, he’s crooning a Justin Bieber song. I think this is unfortunately a step back for Dez, and not a good week to have a setback. At least he’s hot?

 

Coaches Say: Xtina gives Dez a standing ovation, and the ladies in the audience go wild. Cee-Lo says this was not his best performance but he’s still a fan. Adam thinks Dez has a lot to be proud of. Blake thinks last week was his best performance, but the big band thing really works for him. Xtina says “you killed it, killed it, killed it, killllllllllllled it.”

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Contestant: Trevin Hunte

Team: Cee-Lo

Song: “Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston

 

Trevin is backed by a choir for this song, and he truly feels the lyrics. I’m so glad he has returned to the power ballads. Not my favorite performance of his, but I think this Whitney cover is very well done. I tend to cringe when I hear someone say “Tonight, I’m singing Whitney Houston,” but for Trevin, I am greatly relieved.

 

Coaches Say: Adam says that he hopes when he gets to Heaven, this is it. Blake thinks Trevin is the guy to beat when he gives performances like that. Xtina says Trevin’s voice is a gift from God. Cee-Lo is certain that Whitney would be proud.

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Contestant: Nicholas David

Team: Cee-Lo

Song: “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye

 

Nicholas grows his beard out when he has a baby on the way, and currently baby number three is due in February, so Nicholas is going to stay Nicholas. During rehearsals, Bill Withers surprises him and serves as a guest mentor this week. Nicholas plays the keyboard, sounds great, and is wearing sunglasses….which I don’t really understand, but I guess it helps set the mood of the performance? It works for me. If Bill Withers loves this guy, it’s hard to argue.

 

Coaches Say: Adam loves what Nicholas brings to the show and he is a huge fan. Blake feels that he learns something new about Nicholas every week and thanks him for coming to The Voice. Cee-Lo just loves Nicholas and says a lot of stuff about “what’s goin on” in the world.

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Contestant: Cassadee Pope

Team: Blake

Song: “Are You Happy Now?” Michelle Branch

 

Cassadee gets the pimp slot at the end of the show after hitting number 1 on the iTunes chart last week. The first time I heard Cassadee sing on this show, I thought she reminded me a lot of Michelle Branch. This song is actually perfect for her. She’s not as emotionally driven this week as she was last week (obviously), but she is a contender for sure, and I hope she makes it through to next week.

 

Coaches Say: Cee-Lo says Cassadee as a great voice and did a wonderful job. Adam thinks Cassadee is a front runner. We don’t seem to be talking to Xtina anymore tonight. Blake says that America is seeing something important because Cassadee is every bit as good a singer as anyone else in the competition.

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Based on the performances tonight, I think anyone could be eliminated this week because there were no clear stand outs. Tomorrow the Top 8 will be whittled down to the Top 6 in the elimination show. Will Xtina remain in the competition? Will all three of Cee-Lo’s contestants be the last ones standing? We’ll find out in the coming weeks. Til then!

The X Factor Results: Happy Thanksgiving?

Tonight on The X Factor, we wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and in the true holiday spirit, we also crush the hopes and dreams of two more acts.  We are getting to that point in the season where the results show isn’t just filler…it’s ridiculous. Let’s get to the rankings!

Coming in dead last and automatically eliminated tonight is Arin “I gotta be me” Ray. I guess America was not interested in seeing him dance next week. Here’s how the rest of the contestants fared:

1.       Carly Rose Sonenclar (woohoo!)

2.       Tate Stevens (dethroned!)

3.       Vino Alan

4.       Emblem3

5.       Diamond White

6.       Paige Thomas

7.       Fifth Harmony

This leaves Beatrice Miller and CeCe Frey in the bottom 2. Singing for her life (or for one more week in the show…really? “Sing for your life?”), CeCe chose Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You.” Listen, CeCe… I have been pulling for you despite your pitch problems, but if you butcher this song, it’s over. She doesn’t butcher it per se, and it’s probably her best performance in weeks, but should she get another chance after being in the bottom so often? Beatrice chooses Dido’s “White Flag,” wearing a hat that says “Popular.” Oh honey – wrong wardrobe choice for the evening. She seems nervous when the song starts, and she is emotional throughout the performance, but I see hers as more heartfelt and honestly hope she stays.

When the judges weigh in, Britney chooses to send CeCe home and Demi chooses to send Beatrice home, obviously. LA also chooses to send Beatrice home, and Simon has the opportunity to let the viewers decide or seal Beatrice’s fate. Saying he believed the competition was just too much for her, Simon votes to send Beatrice home and she bawls. Luckily, Khloe is there to ask “Are you okay?” She doesn’t seem to have a follow up when Beatrice’s sobs “no.”

And there you have it – our Thanksgiving week ends with the emotional elimination of two contestants from Team Britney, and only eight acts remain. Each judge now has two acts left (Simon SO did that on purpose), and next week they will compete again. Will CeCe survive once more? Will we see a Carly Rose vs Tate finale? We’ll find out soon enough!

The Voice Results: Again...I Half-Agree

This week’s results episode of The Voice will send two more hopefuls packing, as we get closer to the December 17^th finale. But first, did you know that Xtina has a new released a new album? It hasn’t been mentioned yet tonight, so Carson is going to give it a plug: “Our own coach Christina Aguilera has a new record out….and it’s good!” Quite the salesman, our Carson Daly. With all of the Lotus promotion, I have to wonder how Xtina feels about The Voice contestants dominating the iTunes charts each week (Cassadee’s “Over You” is currently number 1).

Throughout the hour the contestants perform with their coaches, special guests take the stage, and one by one the Top Eight are revealed. As we near the end of the show, we are down to four artists waiting to hear their fate: Trevin Hunte, Amanda Brown, Bryan Keith and Syliva Yacoub. At this point, I am hoping for Bryan and (pains me to say it) Trevin to go home. Amanda gave one hell of a performance last night, and I still prefer Sylvia to Dez on Team Xtina. I wasn't a fan of Trevin's jump to Usher-land, and though Bryan has a great voice, his Monday night performance put me right to sleep.

After the commercial break, Trevin and Amanda are declared safe, and we say a very quick goodbye to Bryan and Slyvia (booooo). Our teams are now definitely lopsided. Here’s where they stand:

Team Adam: Amanda Brown, Melanie Martinez (really?)

Team Blake: Terry McDermott, Cassadee Pope

Team Cee-Lo: Nicholas David, Cody Belew, Trevin Hunte

Team Xtina: Dez Duron

Next week our Top Eight take the stage again, and with only three more performance episodes to go before finale week, the competition is (finally) getting exciting…though you wouldn’t know it by listening to Carson. Will Melanie make it through to the end? Will Team Xtina be eliminated before the finale? We’ll find out in the coming weeks. Til then!

The X Factor: Giving Thanks for the Ladies of Team Britney

This week’s “special Thanksgiving” episode of The X Factor will feature our remaining contestants dedicating their performances to the ones they are most thankful for. I anticipate a ton of emotions this evening, but unfortunately the first emotion I experience is anger as our hosts welcome us to the show. I am SO not thankful for them. Moving right along…
 

Act: Tate Stevens
Team: LA
Song: “I’m Already There” by Lonestar

Tate is thankful for his father, and as he sings, I think we are all a little thankful for Tate’s father. I just want to give Tate a big ol hug every time he sings. I wish someone would put a stop to the out of control swaying arms in the audience (this isn’t “Hip Hop Hooray,” kids)…otherwise, I greatly enjoy the performance.

 

Judges Say: Britney says Tate’s performances are always so special and touching. Demi says this wasn’t Tate’s best performance, “but it’s still incredible.” How’s that? All of his other performances were divine and this one is just incredible? Simon loved the song, loved the story behind it, but he notes that Tate’s voice was shaky. LA says Tate sings with a lot of confidence and America will keep him at the top.

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Act: Diamond White
Team: Britney
Song: “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion

 

Tonight Diamond is giving thanks for her mom because "she has given up her life to make mine awesome. She’s my everything.” Wow.  I love that someone so young acknowledges the sacrifices her mother has made. Regardless of how this song goes, Diamond just jumped leaps and bounds in my book. No need to worry about the song though – this is her best performance of the season. Britney’s emotional, I’m emotional, and I’m glad this girl was brought back into the competition for the Top 13.

Judges Say: LA says Diamond has had a lot of moments on the show, but she has never had a moment like that. Demi cries because she is thinking about her own family. She tells Diamond she is blown away. Simon says Diamond is both fearless and incredible, and he believed every word of her performance. Britney tells her the whole thing was beautiful.

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Act: Emblem3
Team: Simon
Song: “Secrets” by OneRepublic

The boys are dedicating their song to their youth leaders, who helped them become the talented young men they are today. I cringe when the song starts only because I can’t stand Ryan Tedder and obviously all OneRepublic covers make me think of him. This is an okay rendition, but having a boy band follow Diamond was going to be tough. Let’s hope all those shrieking teenage girls pick up their phones tonight.

Judges Say: LA hates Simon, so he didn’t like their performance. Britney thinks this was a nice change of pace from all of their other performances. Demi agrees with Britney, and Simon calls LA a Grinch. Ha!

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Act: Arin Ray
Team: Britney
Song: “Hero” by Enrique Iglesias

Arin’s older brother is his hero, and I’m sure he greatly appreciates this dedication. That being said, Arin looks like a deer caught in the headlights through most of the performance. This is definitely better than his version of “Crazy for You,” but I’m not sure that he’s an artist who will ever be known for power ballads.

 

Judges Say: LA liked the song choice but says it was too big for Arin. Demi doesn’t think Arin brought his "A" game. Simon asks Arin (who is starting to give some attitude) what isn’t working for him. Arin responds “I gotta be me. I wanna be me onstage.” Britney thought the performance was really good. Khloe decides to destroy all of my remaining brain cells and asks Arin “What is you?” Arin apparently wants to dance. He's at the bottom of my list now.

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Act: CeCe Frey
Team: Demi
Song: “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler

CeCe is thankful for her sister Kelsey, who died from cerebral palsy as a child, calling her “my guardian angel.” And now I am back to Diamond’s performance and hoping to hold it all together.  She sings an acoustic version of this song and is crying and shaky from the start. There are some nice moments in her performance, but I don’t think this will be CeCe’s “comeback.”

Judges Say: LA praises CeCe’s emotion, saying the performance was real. Britney says it’s hard to critique someone when they are pouring their heart out like that, but she thought it was amazing. Simon tells CeCe she is a tryer and he admires her for that. Demi is  crying and tells her she is awesome.

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Act: Fifth Harmony
Team: Simon
Song: “I’ll Stand by You” by The Pretenders

Fifth Harmony is giving it up to God this evening as all of them are very strong in their faith and believe He has put them all together. As always, their voices sound beautiful together (except for when the choir kicks in, and then I can’t hear them at all). It’s a pleasant performance, but the theme of the night is gut-wrenching sorrow, right?

Judges Say: LA says the performance was great. Britney thinks it was a beautiful rendition of the song. Demi loves watching the girls together but wasn’t crazy about the song choice. Simon, on the other hand, was crazy about the song choice and says they have clicked as a voice.

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Act: Beatrice Miller
Team: Britney
Song: “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol

 

Beatrice’s little sisters are Vietnamese twins who were adopted when they were premature and fighting for life. She gives thanks for them and their strength, and man I am just so impressed by the kids on this show. Honestly, this might be the best performance Beatrice has had since the live shows started. Her emotions start to get her at the end of the performance, but it’s lovely. Nicely done.

 

Judges Say: LA says Beatrice is an inspiration to all of the other little girls like her in the country. Demi thinks Beatrice is adorable but wonders if she is progressing each week. Booooooooo. Demi, Jennel called - she was wondering when you were going to let her do something different? Simon disagrees, saying the song really meant something to Beatrice. Brit Brit says this was her best vocal performance so far. Agreed.

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Act: Vino Alan
Team: LA
Song: “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood (should I just cry now?)

 

Vino is thankful for the entire U.S. Military tonight, noting that he’s had family members that have served and he himself performs shows for the troops whenever he can. I greatly appreciate what Vino is doing here – it’s really very touching. I initially worried that this song choice could prove to be cheesy, but he actually delivers a pretty subtle performance all things considered. This is another “moment” Vino can be proud of on this show.

 

Judges Say: Standing O! Britney says this is the first performance for Vino that has been “spot on.” Demi still doesn’t like Vino, but she acknowledges that there is something special in him Simon loved that he was sincere and predicts that Vino might be number 1 tomorrow. LA is very proud of Vino, saying he is “the truth.”              

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Act: Paige Thomas
Team: Demi
Song: “Everytime” by Britney Spears

 

Paige is giving thanks for Colleen, who took Paige in after her mother was killed in a car accident. She has played a maternal role for both Paige and Paige’s daughter throughout this process. Taking on a Britney song is risky, and Paige is crying before it even begins. Like CeCe’s performance, there are some really pretty moments, but once she says “this song is my sorry,” it all goes downhill after that.

Judges Say: Britney thinks Paige performed the song beautifully. LA is a jerk. Simon says her emotions got the best of her. Demi acknowledges the pitch problems but is proud of Paige for pouring her heart and soul onto the stage.

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Act: Carly Rose Sonenclar
Team: Britney
Song: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland

Carly Rose’s big brother Russell helps her get through everything, and she dedicates this song to him. Good for Russell, but seriously, this kid is just unreal in her vocal ability. Howwwwww does she sing like this?!??!?!?! Best of the night. Best performance she’s had so far. I love her. And just for kicks, I love Russell too. Call me.

Judges Say: LA says she only needed one big note but she pulled out two. Demi doesn’t believe Carly Rose is only 13 and says she has a long career ahead of her. Simon tells her he has heard that song a lot of times….but this was one of the best versions of it.  Britney agrees with everything the other judges say.

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After America’s votes, two more acts will be sent packing in this week’s results show. Will Brit Brit finally have to say goodbye to one of her teens? In my mind, Arin showed too much attitude this evening which could hurt him for sure. I’m also not sure that either of the group performances were super strong. Will Simon’s acts remain, or will he end up knocked out of the competition early the way Paula did last year? We’ll find out during the elimination nail biter. Til then!

The Voice: It's a New Dawn, It's a New Day.

This week’s performance episode of The Voice will feature the Top 10 performing live, with some special encouragement from some guest mentors. Team Xtina worked with Ron Fair this week, Scott Hendricks advised Team Blake, and Cee-Lo called in Jennifer Hudson (J-Hud if you’re nasty). Let's see how they affected our contestants this week.

 

 

Contestant: Sylvia Yacoub

Team: Xtina

Song: “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keyes

 

Sylvia is back behind the piano this week, performing a very faithful rendition of the Alicia Keyes tune. She emerges from the piano bench and struts in front of the flames on the screen behind her. I’m definitely a Sylvia fan – Xtina better home everyone else is too.

 

Coaches Say: Cee-Lo thinks the song choice was great and she has gained confidence. Adam says this was Sylvia’s most polished performance. Blake believes this is one of those first performances that people will still remember at the end of the show.  Xtina says Sylvia was on fire and hit notes she didn’t touch during rehearsals.

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Contestant: Terry McDermott

Team: Blake

Song: “Summer of 69” by Bryan Adams

 

Terry is awesome. I’m not sure that he will ever not be awesome for me. When the performance ends, I decide that I will be purchasing my first iTunes download from The Voice this season.

 

Coaches Say: Carson calls “Summer of 69” an American Classic….which I’m sure is exactly what Bryan Adams, one of Canada’s most famous singers, was going for. Ow. Xtina notices that Terry sings on his tip toes, and she really enjoys watching him perform. Cee-Lo says Terry reminds him of everything he loves about rock n’ roll and Blake agrees.

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Contestant: Melanie Martinez

Team: Adam

Song: “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

 

Unsurprisingly, my favorite cover of this song is here. Just sayin. Melanie does a slower, less rockish rendition here, and I don’t mind it….but I think she is at a point now where she doesn’t have much more to show us, if that makes sense.  

 

Coaches Say: Blake likes that Melanie went back to playing an instrument and he wishes he could work with her. Xtina thinks there is something cool and unique about her voice, but she needs to push herself a little more. Cee-Lo says what Melanie does is very necessary. Adam is very proud of Melanie for sticking to her guns and wanted to make this song happen.

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Contestant: Cody Belew

Team: Cee-Lo

Song: “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce

 

Whaaaaaaaaaaat? Before I can even start to process this song choice, the look on J-Hud’s face sums it all up. Holy hell! He is even incorporating Beyonce’s dance moves! This is another one of those performances that I want to hate. However, I am so thoroughly entertained, I can’t possibly say a bad thing about it. Does that make me less of a person? Probably.

 

Coaches Say: Adam says Cody is so cocky and comfortable and he cracks Adam up. Blake also really enjoyed to performance and says it’s a big night for him. Xtina tells Cody he was like a true diva. She was like “oh heeeyyyyyy.” Cee-Lo is still laughing, saying Cody brings him so much joy.

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Contestant: Bryan Keith

Team: Adam

Song: “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel

 

Bryan is from New York and loves New York. Adam says Bryan embodies New York. What’s the song about again? This is a timeless Billy Joel song, which I love dearly, and I think Bryanzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…. puts me to sleep here.

 

Coaches Say: Blake says Bryan reminds him of Michael Buble, and Xtina thinks the song was a perfect fit for Bryan. Adam says Bryan did the song justice, and he connected with it and “kicked its booty.”

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Contestant: Amanda Brown

Team: Adam

Song: “Stars” by Grace Potter

 

I'm not familiar with Grace Potter or this song, but it doesn’t matter – Amanda sings the hell out of it. She gets very emotional, but her performance is all the better for it. Welcome back, girl. I think I enjoy this song more than her rendition of “Dream On” a few weeks ago.

 

Coaches Say: Blake doesn’t know the song either but he is glad it was introduced to him by Amanda. Xtina thinks the song showed how strong Amanda's voice is. Cee-Lo is very impressed by the performance and compliments Adam on the song choice. Adam says Amanda did her job. He is very proud.

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Contestant: Nicholas David

Team: Cee-Lo

Song: “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers

 

Upon learning who the guest mentor is this week, Nicholas says “holy buckets – that woman is Jennifer Hudson,” and now I like him just a little bit more. Nicholas sings behind a piano, backed by a choir, and he sounds great. He’s not someone I am rooting for to go all the way, but I can’t deny that he is incredibly talented.

 

Coaches Say: Adam loves how ambitious Nicholas’ song choices are, and Blake says tonight’s episode is the best they have ever had. He thinks watching Nicholas perform is “like watching a legend.” Xtina says the performance was soothing to her soul. Cee-Lo heard the voice of a generation in that performance, and the performance was so sweet, it made him cry.

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Contestant: Trevin Hunte

Team: Cee-Lo

Song: “Scream” by Usher

 

Both Cee-Lo and J-Hud advise Trevin not to do this song. Trevin wants to remind America that he is 18 and has a fun side. That’s cool, man – just show your sense of humor via your Twitter account. I’m not a fan of the Trevin turned Usher vibe we have going on stage right now at all. Please bring back the power ballads. Stat.

 

Coaches Say: Adam believes Trevin can sing anything, but this is not Adam’s favorite performance. Xtina says this is her favorite moment for Trevin. Hmm. Okay. Cee-Lo says Trevin’s risk paid off. I don’t agree with that at all.

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Contestant: Cassadee Pope

Team: Blake

Song: “Over You” by Miranda Lambert

 

Whoa. Really? This song is so personal and so emotional for Blake (and Miranda), as they co-wrote this song about Blake’s brother who died as a young man. I’m really surprised he is okay with letting Cassadee sing it. Trevin should take note though as this is a risk that actually does pay off. I’m trying to keep my wits about me and not get emotional….but then this happens:

 

Coaches Say: Standing ovation. Xtina says this was a special moment for her and then finds a way to plug her own album. Classy. Cee-Lo tells Cassadee’s voice was flawless, and Adam says this song suited her and she should take on more country music. Blake says Cassadee made him feel like he was hearing the song for the first time. Wow! Hope Miranda isn’t going home to load her shotgun.

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Contestant: Dez Duron

Team: Xtina

Song: “Feeling Good” by Michael Buble

 

It has to be difficult to not only follow Cassadee’s performance but close the show as well. Dez has a full on “big band” going behind him, and this is his best performance. Well played, Xtina – he’s not just a pretty face.

 

Coaches Say: Cee-Lo has to wait for all of the girls to stop screaming, and all he really has time to say is he loved it. Blake congratulates both Xtina and Dez. Xtina is proud of him and loves that he “dug deep.” We still talking about the song?

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On tomorrow’s results show we will lose two more contestants. Will team Cee-Lo and Team Adam lost a contestant and even out the numbers, or will one coach be a step closer to being knocked out of the competition? We’ll find out during elimination – til then!