The Voice: This One Goes Out to the One I Love

Welcome to The Voice Semi-Finals!  On tonight’s episode the Top 5 contestants will take on two songs again – one chosen by their coaches, and a special dedication they have chosen themselves. Usher kicks off the show with a performance of “Twisted” and I’m disappointed that Michelle Chamuel did not storm the stage with her own dance moves. And even though Usher sports an interesting outfit with his performance, it’s Shakira’s wardrobe that catches my eye this evening. She kind of reminds me of the princess from The Neverending Story. Great movie...enough of that though. Let’s focus on the contestants.

Contestant: The Swon Brothers

Team: Blake

Song: “Turn the Page” by Bob Seger

The Swon Brothers had a close call last week as they were the last ones announced “safe” before Holly was eliminated. They are looking to have a stronger week this week, and the evening begins with the song they have chosen. The Swon Brothers dedicate this song to the band members that they’ve played with over the years…all from Oklahoma, which is where they are from (first time that has been mentioned…tonight). I love the rock sound the boys have going on tonight, and I much prefer this side of The Swon Brothers to the bluegrass-y vibe.

Coaches Say: Usher says The Swon Brothers did an incredible job. Adam appreciates that The Swon Brothers dedicated the song to their other band members and says they gave a great performance. Blake thinks the boys have shown the most growth in the competition.

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Contestant: Sasha Allen

Team: Shakira

Song: “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

Sasha dedicates this song about unconditional love to her children. I’m hesitant about the song choice. Even before Whitney Houston passed away, I still thought “I Will Always Love You” should be on a list of prohibited songs for these singing shows, because, you know, the song is iconic and Whitney’s version of it is untouchable.

Sasha performs "I Will Always Love You" in a white, angelic dress on a foggy stage with backup singers and musicians also dressed in white. With a harp included in this rendition as well, there is a definite heavenly feel happening here. Sasha does not compare to Whitney Houston obviously, and she is emotional from start to finish...but she really delivers a lovely, heartfelt performance.

Coaches Say: Adam thinks that the national anthem and “I Will Always Love You” are the two hardest songs to sing and says Sasha did a great job. Usher thinks the performance is going to keep Sasha here for another week. Shakira’s mom has been driving her crazy because Sasha hadn’t taken on a Whitney song yet. She believes Sasha did Whitney’s fans proud tonight.

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Contestant: Michelle Chamuel

Team: Usher

Song: “Clarity” by Zedd

Wow. There is A LOT going on here. From Michelle’s outfit to her squats to the acid trip of a background going on behind her, I’m not really enjoying this. The show really seems to be pimping Michelle at this point though, so I doubt anyone will agree with me.

Coaches Say: Adam still loves Michelle and doesn’t say anything new. Blake thinks Michelle is always solid…which is frustrating for the coach of an opposing team.  Usher agrees with Blake, saying that Michelle is consistent. And there we have it.

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Contestant: Danielle Bradbery

Team: Blake

Song: “Please Remember Me” by Tim McGraw

Danielle receives a video greeting from Tim McGraw wishing her luck with the song and she looks as though she might start bawling…or pee her pants…or both. She holds it together though, and her vocals are fantastic. Luckily this isn’t one of Danielle’s ballad performances that could put a viewer right to sleep.

Coaches Say: Usher calls the performance “amazeballs.” Adam agrees, saying Danielle could not have sung the song any better than she just did. Blake can’t find a weakness in Danielle’s singing and he just loves her.

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Contestant: Amber Carrington

Team: Adam

Song: “Firework” by Katy Perry

Amber dedicates this song to “the girls” who are her best friends from home. Apparently they spent a lot of time together belting Katy Perry songs. Unfortunately Amber is out of breath during the verse of the song and she does not look super confident. As the song builds though, her vocals get right back on point and she has a very strong finish. Sadly (dare I say it?) this is my least favorite Amber performance.

Coaches Say: Blake loves the power in Amber’s voice. Shakira says the song is difficult to sing but Amber did a good job. Adam thinks Amber sang “Firework” better than anyone else has on the show. I’m not sure how much of a compliment that is given how uneven the previous contestants were on this song.  

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Contestant: The Swon Brothers

Team: Blake

Song: “Danny’s Song” by Kenny Loggins

When the boys traveled home to OKLAHOMA, they had received the Rising Star Award at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame (which I initially didn’t think was a real thing). Switching gears for their second performance of the night, The Swon Brothers sit at a piano for a low key rendition of “Danny’s Song.” I am in love with it. This is probably The Swon Brothers’ strongest night in the competition so far.

Coaches Say: Usher commends The Swon Brothers for making the world love country music. I guess he thinks country music was on its way out before this season of The Voice started? Clearly he has not watched the dozen country music awards shows that air each year, most of which have pretty stellar ratings. Hell, Oklahoma has a Rising Star Award for two guys who don't even have a record deal yet! Adam says this is one of his favorite songs ever and The Swon Brothers did a great job. He also acknowledges that he usually isn’t familiar with the songs they sing. Blake thinks this is The Swon Brothers’ biggest night on the show. Yes indeed.

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Contestant: Sasha Allen

Team: Shakira

Song: “Bad Girls” by Donna Summer

Sasha dances in front of a giant flashing sign of her name and man…she is getting it done. She struts past the coaches, makes some questionable face, and then hits some pretty phenomenal notes. It’s always nice to see her have fun, and I think she’s ended her evening on a high note.  

Coaches Say: Adam says Sasha is amazing every single time she performs. Usher tells Sasha that Donna Summer was a legacy and Sasha did her proud. Shakira thinks Sasha started in the competition as just a voice but she has since become an amazing performer.

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Contestant: Danielle Bradbery

Team: Blake

Song: “Who I Am” by Jessica Andrews

This is such a great song. Danielle dedicates it to her parents and best friend for getting her to do The Voice. Flashing on the screens behind her, pictures of Danielle as she was growing up make me wonder how old she was when this song came out. Regardless, this is a very sweet performance and she delivers another great vocal. Toward the end, Danielle travels from the stage to the audience and sings directly to her family. Moments like these are always tear-jerkers.  

Coaches Say: Danielle’s performance makes Usher want to tell everyone in his family that he loves them. Shakira can’t wait for Danielle’s career to take off so she can tell people she knew Danielle when she was just starting out. Blake thinks Danielle is a star.

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Contestant: Amber Carrington

Team: Adam

Song: “Sad” by Maroon 5

The ever present stage fog consumes Amber’s legs which is mildly distracting at first. I don't think she's super tall to begin with so cutting her off at the knees doesn't do her any favors. For the majority of the song though, the camera consistantly zooms in on Amber’s face, focusing on her emotions as she delivers a FANTASTIC performance. While her first song tonight may have been my least favorite, this one is hands down the best Amber performance (for me). I will be downloading this as soon as I can. I think I even prefer this rendition to the Maroon 5 original. I know, blaspemy, but I am prepared to take the consequences.

 

Coaches Say: Blake can’t wait to buy Amber’s record. Usher tells Amber that everyone in her home town should be proud of her. He says he is blown away. Adam admits that Amber sang the song better than he ever did and he is overjoyed.

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Contestant: Michelle Chamuel

Team: Usher

Song: “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper

Michelle is dedicating this song to Usher because if you hadn’t noticed – they are homies. There is a giant clock behind her when the song stars. See what they did there? Just as the performance is ending and she goes into full Michelle mode, the clock breaks to reveal the band jamming out. That’s pretty neat if you ask me. Personally, I think Amber’s performance was more worthy of the closing slot, but I know this girl has a lot of people rooting for her (including the producers) so I’ll take it.

Coaches Say: Shakira feels that Michelle keeps growing each week and is a permanent crescendo. I’m actually not even sure what that means but I heart Shakira and I feel like we never let her speak enough. Adam still loves Michelle. Usher is touched by the dedication and tells Michelle “you’re the winner.”

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Tomorrow night we will find out who moves on to next week’s finale. Will The Swon Brothers survive or will we be facing an all female throw down?  Will Danielle clean up on the iTunes charts again this week? Should Michelle’s uniqueness overshadow the amazing remaining vocalists and keep her safe? We’ll find out during the results show. Til then!