Tonight the remaining contestants face off again on The Voice and Team Blake and Team Jennifer both go into the evening with all three of their artists still in the running for the season 2856235738 title. These past couple weeks of eliminations still have me a little bitter, but let's get to the performances and find out who shines tonight and who should start packing their bags.
Artist: Davon Fleming
Team: Jennifer
Song: "Hurt" by Christina Aguilera
Davon goes from last week's "The Four Faces of Davon Fleming" and cuts it down to a more controlled performance that still shows his range. He's incredibly passionate while delivering this song, and I believe that he believes every lyric he is singing. Great start to the night, but my biggest takeaway from this performance is...I miss Xtina.
Coaches Say: Adam compliments Davon's jacket and says what Davon does is nothing short of miraculous. Blake says it's ridiculous if Davon doesn't make it to the finale. J-Hud had been waving a shoe around throughout the entire performance, and she apparently threw it and lost it at one point. She tells Davon that he represents everything that The Voice is about and then asks for her backup shoes to be brought out to her.
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Artist: Adam Cunningham
Team: Adam
Song: "Maybe It Was Memphis" by Pam Tillis
Adam definitely has something to prove tonight as he has spent the last two weeks singing for the Stupid Twitter Save, and he makes a smart choice here with "Maybe It Was Memphis." I know that he's trying to blend worlds and music styles in his performances, but this country tune is really in his wheelhouse. I think he also really sets the bar high for Red with this performance. That guy has been flying under the radar so far and he should consider this a challenge.
Coaches Say: Pretty sure all articles of clothing are accounted for this go round. Blake says he never would have thought of this song for Adam but thinks it was a great idea. Miley congratulates Adam on a great performance and Coach Adam acknowledges that when Adam C. chooses the song, it works out great. Accurate.
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Artist: Noah Mac
Team: Jennifer
Song: "Ordinary World" by Duran Duran
Finally Noah picks a song that I know really well (not that I'm complaining - dude has been doing great), and he goes with more of a stripped down version of "Ordinary World" tonight. Noah plays the piano through the first chorus and when he stands for the remainder of the performance, I can't tell if the breathy thing happening is for dramatic effect or if he's really running out of air in the verses. I don't think this was one of his best performances, but I do like the arrangement and the opening behind the piano. I was kind of hoping for a bit more after he left the bench, but I don't feel like the song ever actually peaked.
Finally Noah picks a song that I know really well (not that I'm complaining - dude has been doing great), and he goes with more of a stripped down version of "Ordinary World" tonight. Noah plays the piano through the first chorus and when he stands for the remainder of the performance, I can't tell if the breathy thing happening is for dramatic effect or if he's really running out of air in the verses. I don't think this was one of his best performances, but I do like the arrangement and the opening behind the piano. I was kind of hoping for a bit more after he left the bench, but I don't feel like the song ever actually peaked.
Coaches Say: Miley loved the performance and hopes everyone at home got to feel what the in house audience felt tonight. J-Hud says "you did that, honey" and makes me smile. She's very proud of Noah, but I'm too distracted by his smile to hear most of her comments.
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Artist: Shi'Ann Jones
Team: Jennifer
Song: "Diamonds" by Rihanna
Okay J-Hud. We have to find a song that lets this kid be a kid and also show off her voice. While Shi'Ann is not overpowered here like we've seen recently, that lower register really has its struggles in this performance...and that lower register is dominant throughout the performance. We're only nearing the half way point of the show, but I'm thinking this kid should be worried going into tomorrow.
Coaches Say: Adam tells Shi'Ann she looks beautiful and says she is the most improved player in the competition. Kinda sounds like a "you're going home tomorrow, but nice job kid." J-Hud thinks she heard a bit of Beyonce, Mariah and Rihanna in the performance tonight, so we were clearly not watching the same thing.
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Artist: Chloe Kohanski
Team: Blake
Song: "Call Me" by Blondie
Yes, yes, and yes! While several of the remaining contestants are still trying to find their inner entertainer, Chloe throws herself into a concert performance, complete with pyrotechnics and her own personal headbangers. She OWNS this song and the performance and the bar has been set for the second half of the show.
Yes, yes, and yes! While several of the remaining contestants are still trying to find their inner entertainer, Chloe throws herself into a concert performance, complete with pyrotechnics and her own personal headbangers. She OWNS this song and the performance and the bar has been set for the second half of the show.
Coaches Say: J-Hud and Blake are immediately on their feet and the cowboy can't stop smiling. Miley says there is no such thing as "too much" and tells Chloe that performance made her so happy. Blake says "that...just happened" and calls Chloe a star. Can't argue with any of that.
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Artist: Keisha Renee
Team: Blake
Song: "All By Myself" by Celine Dion
Looking back at last week's post, I forgot to add this song to the "please stop" list of tunes that have been overdone. That being said, Keisha does a great job with the second half of "All By Myself." In part 2 of the song she breaks out of her shell and starts doing her own thing, which takes this performance from just another good cover to a "damn girl!" moment. Is it enough to get her to the semi-finals? I honestly hope so.
Looking back at last week's post, I forgot to add this song to the "please stop" list of tunes that have been overdone. That being said, Keisha does a great job with the second half of "All By Myself." In part 2 of the song she breaks out of her shell and starts doing her own thing, which takes this performance from just another good cover to a "damn girl!" moment. Is it enough to get her to the semi-finals? I honestly hope so.
Coaches Say: All four coaches are on their feet and Keisha is very emotional. J-Hud congratulations Keisha on her performance and earning the right to be her own artist on her own platform. Adam mentions that there have been some awful comments made about Keisha (internet trolls?) and he tells her that she showed those cowards up tonight. Blake stands and claps for Adam and then again for Keisha. He says Keisha has set herself from the rest of the pack with that performance.
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Artist: Ashland Craft
Team: Miley
Song: "I Hate Myself For Loving You" by Joan Jett
Oh dear. Ashland has won me over in the past with her country song performances, but I think there was a misstep in choosing a very well-known rock song sung by a total badass woman. Where Chloe excelled with this style earlier, Ashland looks out of place trying to pull this off. Her voice actually sounds great...but the energy this song needs is coming from the band (those ladies are killing it) and not the lead singer. Bummer.
Oh dear. Ashland has won me over in the past with her country song performances, but I think there was a misstep in choosing a very well-known rock song sung by a total badass woman. Where Chloe excelled with this style earlier, Ashland looks out of place trying to pull this off. Her voice actually sounds great...but the energy this song needs is coming from the band (those ladies are killing it) and not the lead singer. Bummer.
Coaches Say: Jennifer says she could not take her eyes off of Ashland tonight and thinks Ashland has found her stride. Miley tells Ashland she loved seeing her bring rock n' roll and country music to the performance tonight.
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Artist: Brooke Simpson
Team: Miley
Song: "Amazing Grace"
It's always risky to take on hymns on these television shows, especially when Meghan Linsey did such a beautiful rendition of this one a couple of years ago, but Brooke chose this song because it has shown her the power of music over the years. Brooke's goal in this performance is to show her heart in the most raw way possible and she undoubtedly accomplishes that. From the a capella start, through the crazy, crazy notes she hits, all the way to the amazing finish with the chorus on stage backing her, this young lady leaves everything she has on stage tonight. At the midway point I have my hand in the air with her and am sporting Steven Tyler's stank face (you American Idol fans know what I'm talking about). And when Brooke starts to get teary in the last couple of lines...I am right there with her. I need her in the finale. I just do.
It's always risky to take on hymns on these television shows, especially when Meghan Linsey did such a beautiful rendition of this one a couple of years ago, but Brooke chose this song because it has shown her the power of music over the years. Brooke's goal in this performance is to show her heart in the most raw way possible and she undoubtedly accomplishes that. From the a capella start, through the crazy, crazy notes she hits, all the way to the amazing finish with the chorus on stage backing her, this young lady leaves everything she has on stage tonight. At the midway point I have my hand in the air with her and am sporting Steven Tyler's stank face (you American Idol fans know what I'm talking about). And when Brooke starts to get teary in the last couple of lines...I am right there with her. I need her in the finale. I just do.
Coaches Say: Another standing ovation! J-Hud says Brooke touched us all from her heart and through her own culture, and she tells Brooke she feels grateful to have been able to sit there and witness it. Blake says Brooke just took the competition to the next level, and Miley (still standing) tells Brooke that she put a band-aid over her heart tonight. Coach Miley was still feeling the sting of losing Janice last week and she has no intention of losing either of her remaining girls this week. I feel that sting too, Miley...and Brooke better not be going anywhere tomorrow.
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Artist: Red Marlow
Team: Blake
Song: "That's What I Love About Sunday" by Craig Morgan
As mentioned earlier, if Adam Cunningham sticks to song choices like tonight's, Red should feel worried. I think Red is probably a hell of a guy, and his smile is contagious, but this performance is just okay for me. Maybe he'll stick around and have a "wow!" moment in the semi-finals, but I'm already baffled on how he's still here and other folks are not.
As mentioned earlier, if Adam Cunningham sticks to song choices like tonight's, Red should feel worried. I think Red is probably a hell of a guy, and his smile is contagious, but this performance is just okay for me. Maybe he'll stick around and have a "wow!" moment in the semi-finals, but I'm already baffled on how he's still here and other folks are not.
Coaches Say: Jennifer says Red is lovable and charming, and Blake thinks Red is going to be around on this show for a long time. Someone should let Mr. Shelton know there's only 2 weeks left.
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Artist: Addison Agen
Team: Adam
Song: "Lucky" by Britney Spears
I'll admit that I 100% rolled my eyes when I heard this song choice. Out of all the songs...even the Britney songs...this one? What Addison does with this song though, I never would have thought of it - she strips down the tune completely and gives it a whole new meaning. I don't think I ever paid enough attention to the lyrics to really understand how dark the song is. Addison delivers that tonight though and I think the performance is nothing short of brilliant.
I'll admit that I 100% rolled my eyes when I heard this song choice. Out of all the songs...even the Britney songs...this one? What Addison does with this song though, I never would have thought of it - she strips down the tune completely and gives it a whole new meaning. I don't think I ever paid enough attention to the lyrics to really understand how dark the song is. Addison delivers that tonight though and I think the performance is nothing short of brilliant.
Coaches Say: We're running out of time now and Carson goes quickly to Addison's former coach. Miley mentions her Britney Spears obsession and says Addison was so creative in this performance. She tells Addison that what she did with the arrangement made it hard to sing along...but in a good way. Adam appears to be beaming with pride. He says that although there are a lot of great voices on the show right now, Addison is the best artist in the competition. Addison is Adam's best bet at winning the season at this point, so he should be doing everything he can to sell her to the voting audience. I'm sure he appreciates the added bonus of her closing the show this evening, and my guess is his team will be represented in both the semi-finals and the finale.
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Tomorrow we will say goodbye to two contestants as we approach the inexplicable 8 person semi-finals. Will Shi'Ann's "almost, but not quite" string of performances land her at the bottom this week? Will Red no longer be under the radar? Will Ashland's misstep cost her a spot in the semi-finals? Or will Adam somehow retain his status in Stupid Twitter Save territory? We'll find out during the elimination hour. Til then!
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