My latest style icon: Dia Frampton-I have always loved Meg and Dia’s music and I remember spending hours watching their live performances on YouTube way back when “Monster” came out and I fell in love with them. Although I couldn’t say much about their style then, I feel like Dia really stepped out and showed some legit style when she was on “The Voice”. She was always so classy and demure but still really unique; one of my favorite looks was the suit she wore during her “I Won’t Back Down” performance with Shelton. That Phillip Lim number at the very top is my ultimate fave along with that wonderful crimson red dress. I can’t wait to see what other future style picks she and her band will have. Now that she’s brought a little more attention to her band, I’m sure designers will be falling out of trees wanting to dress them :)
No analysis here, the votes are in and it’s been decided. Whatever happens, happens.
I’m just gonna focus on Dia tonight because I really want her to win but honestly, it’s anyone’s win….k, but for real, I’ll be a little pissed if Vicci wins because I feel like she rode on the spectacle of her stage sets (drums, a bunch of warrior baby-kids flipping around, Cee Lo’s red Mohawk, etc)
I will simply make some random observations:
Xtina finally got rid of the crimps and went with some waves instead…she still looks a little cheap but it’s an improvement.
Love the glittery lace overlay on Dia’s dress…gosh, she even LOOKS like a winner.
Didn’t notice the unsightly sweat stains on Adam’s armpits the first time when he raised his arms the moment Javier took his hat off…he’s still sexy as hell though…
Wow, Stevie Nicks is one well-preserved lady. I love how she directed Javier throughout the whole song with her very intricate hand movements…
Diiiiiia’s part!!!!!!!
“This is someone who has a vision,” Blake says. Hell yes.
Blake might have a little crush on her…she reminds him of his wife…?
Dia and Miranda’s performance of “The House that Built Me” was beautiful.
Her hair…..wow. I didn’t realize how beautiful she would look if her hair was even shorter….
Miranda was rocking the hair feathers….a little out of place honestly, considering how straight and simple that dress was. I feel like feathers in the hair only go with ensembles that are either really funky or really bohemian.
I never realized how wonderful this song was until Dia was on it. I saw Miranda’s performance at the Grammys and I thought it was great but Dia’s collaboration was truly a serious upgrade.
I think she got a little emotional when Blake said she was family because she left the stage so quickly…
Oh. My. God..the announcement…I’m dying right now…
“Ladies and Gentlemen, THIS IS IT,” Carson says….
The top two were within 2% of each other…hmmm reminds me that I have to study for my stats/comm exam right now…
Dia is called first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU, JESUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Javier is called second. Expected. He was an early favorite and I know I predicted that he could win…
They both had the best stories…oh gosh, who is it, SAY IT ALREADY, CARSON!!!!
Dia was number one on iTunes….TWICE.
Fuck…Javier won…..whatever.
Well he was the true underdog here. Dia has had records out along with a record deal. And again, NUMBER ONE ON ITUNES TWICE, BITCH. She doesn’t need this show really….I’m getting bitter now…
Now I’m thinking, what if they read it wrong like on the BET Awards and it’s really Dia?
Whatever. Dia Frampton is the Adam Lambert of this season of “The Voice”. She went to #1 on iTunes—TWICE!!!!!! I can’t say that enough because that is a record that goes down in some kind of history which will guarantee her superstar status for the rest of her career.
It really doesn’t matter that she didn’t win. The point is that she has received the recognition she deserves and now, she will be unstoppable. Mission accomplished.
For the few who would like to read all my reviews on “The Voice”:
http://ikintoo.tumblr.com/tagged/the+voice
The Final Four
I’m sorry but, would someone PLEASE take the fucking crimping iron away from Xtina…I am soooo over this look for her…
I like how Dia was in that gorgeous, flowing, crimson red and everyone else was in black and white; she was the star and they were the background. Period.
Even when they were all hugging as Javier was talking about them loving each other or whatever, Dia stood off to the side like, “Don’t touch me, bitch.” She has this quiet confidence about her that I love. I can’t wait to hear her original song/next hit.
Javier Colon, “Stitch by Stitch” …wow, he got Darkchild???? That’s serious.
Image: White shirt + black leather jacket. Love. Newsboy hat…just alright for me.
Performance: Would have liked a more ethereal stage set up for such an emotional song. It’s strange to hear his vocal so controlled…I think I actually miss the runs and adlibs from this guy. It’s like he just sang the words really well but there was this subtle lack of emotion—there was even a moment where it sounded like he was trying to remember the words. Overall, the song was kinda boring for me.
Dia and Blake, “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty
Gosh, they are still going with this stage fright storyline…well, it fits her personality.
Image: She looks so amazing with those Ray Bans on and the suit was awesome.
Performance: Perfection, of course. I liked when Blake sang “I won’t back ‘daooown’,” his voice is actually kinda sexy. Their voices sounded really great together too. Perfect song choice. The lyrics will communicate very positive things to voters as well. Well done.
Vicci Martinez, “Afraid to Sleep”
Image: Hair feathers…kinda weird to see them on such a short cut. The rhinestone lapel was great.
Performance: I don’t care for this song at all. It’s a little overly dramatic. She fucked up her run a little…her hopping around was annoying; she’s always so physical with her performances which I usually like but tonight, I’m just not as into it as she seemed to be.
Pitbull and Ne-Yo performance
I love Pit’s voice: “I’ll make it riiiiiiiiight baby…”
I loved Xtina’s enthusiasm when the dancers were around her…their booty shaking was a little out to place though…isn’t this a family show???
Ne-Yo looked like he was about to go grocery shopping but then decided to put some shades and a hat on and hop up on stage…his look was so blah. Just because he’s only a featured singer doesn’t mean he shouldn’t put a little more effort into his stage ensemble.
Xtina and Beverly singing “Beautiful” (this song choice was super predictable)
Question: Does Xtina think if she puts an annoying amount of crimps in her hair it will hide her chins???
Image: Um…they both looked gross. I’m not even going to break down their grossness…disappointing.
Performance: Vocally, it was undeniably amazing. I really liked the stage set up too all the guitarists made it look authentically stripped down.
Catherine McFee…wow, she’s employed. Good for her. Now we get to hear her sing “Beautiful” during the preview of the show “Smash”. I’m really glad she went back to brunette…she looked a little cracked out as a blond… “Smash” looks amazing actually. Hopefully this is yet another step in the right direction for NBC.
Diiiiiiiiiiiaaaaaaaaaaa! Singing “Inventing Shadows”
Her laugh was so cute when she was in the booth…
Image: I want that dress.
Performance: She’s on the piano…cool, it makes it look like she was involved in the production of the song even though she wasn’t. The shadow dancers were interesting but completely unnecessary. I love the build of this song, her voice sounds amazing. She sounds breathless and strong at the same time. Beautiful. A little more production would have made this song epic. Not my favorite performance by her but it’s not her fault. I honestly wish they had let her sing one of her own compositions.
Xtina calls out the dancers, asking how Blake can talk about the mimes during Lily’s performance but then use shadow dancers…I agree with her but Blake’s come back was nice “I’ll tell you how, with an amazing singer like Dia Frampton.” Hell yes.
Adam says the dancers were distracting…I agree. But again Blake’s come back was awesome:
“you know what else is going to be distracting, when they turn on their phones and see our record way above theirs…” Love it.
Javier and Adam, “Man in the Mirror” (huge song…oh God)
I would love to hear Javier and Xtina do a duet…that would be amazing.
Image: Adam is so sexy. That’s all I’m going to say with that. Oh, and I loved how tight the camera was on his sexy-ass face…
Performance: Yet another choir, track recording this time. I liked Adam’s wooo’s, they sounded very Jackson-ish. Overall, I thought the vocal was pretty boring actually. Javier had his moments as he usually does but I dunno, it was whatever. I kinda wish they changed it up just a little.
Brad Paisley…whatever. Oh, then Blake joins…that’s cool. Gosh, I think I’m starting to like Blake for his music now….
Beverly M., “Love Sick”…I already hate it based on the title alone.
Image: Better. I really like the studded cinch belt around the back. The vested front was cool.
Performance: All I could think is that this song would work much better in a Broadway show with dancers and the whole bit. Too theatrical for me.
Cee Lo and Vicci, “Love is a Battlefield”
Image: I love Cee Lo’s commitment to every look he puts together. I mean, he glued a red Mohawk to his head. Kick ass.
Performance: Those kids were badass actually. I like how Vicci’s war dance lent itself to the whole “cosmic war hero” vibe. This was clearly the performance of the night. Spectacular.
Everyone did pretty well but for real:
Javier dropped the ball.
Beverly should not be too confident with her performance.
Dia was not as solid as she was previously.
Vicci is now the frontrunner.
Finally getting caught up on my favorite show, I’m gonna try to keep it as short as possible even though it’s a 2-hour episode:
First thing I notice: Xtina’s makeup and hair looked a bit better then the old and overdone look last week…hipster meets porn star but still better.
Her fake crying was super annoying…why did the producers tell her to do that?
America saved Beverly????????? Wow…I’m shocked. I mean she really deserved it but I just figured America’s prejudiced society would just see a fat, bald lesbian and not vote for her. I seriously misjudged the show’s demographic.
I can’t believe it wasn’t Frenchie that got America’s save…she clearly did the best. Good a thing Xtina saved her.
Tori and Taylor Thompson (too many ‘t’s) singing some shit from the 40s that I don’t care to name.
I just have to say, I really don’t like these girls…I think they’re completely talentless.
If the song requires skill and seasoning why the fuck did Cee Lo make them sing it?
Good a thing he kept those glasses on to hide his disappointment…actually, I really couldn’t tell what his glittery fat ass was thinking…
Image: They could have saved it if they had stuck with a more traditional 40’s look with the dresses…the print was completely out of place. The red finger gloves were hotness though.
Performance: Whatever. These bitches can’t sing. All the tumbling the dancers did was completely unnecessary; this performance annoyed me. I liked how Xtina pointed out the “Candyman” theme…
Casey Weston Singing “Black horse and Cherry” Tree by KT Tunstall
Her voice is soooo strong. Every time I see her she just makes me like her more. Good pick Adam and good choice making her do it up-tempo.
This girl has the most potential to get a record deal no matter what happens, she has one of the most distinctive vocals in the competition.
Crazy Eyes is downloading the song…I kinda want to as well…I wonder if they get any money from the sales…
Vicci Martinez singing “Jolene” by Dolly Parton
Performance: I love her vocal here, it fits the song really nicely, she’s not out-matched by the song at all so she’s not doing that borderline yowling thing she used to do.
Image: Her stage set up was perfection; smoldering, sexy and mysterious. The clothes: black leather and a little glitter, love it.
Devon Barley singing “Stop and Stare” by OneRebublic
I hate this kid. He has a face I want to punch…maybe it’s the glasses.
His timing was off in the beginning and he was a little flat but he was clearly nervous so I found myself rooting for him a little.
Then his voice broke during that run and I wanted to punch him again.
Image: He made that leather jacket look really cheap.
Team CeeLo group performance: Nakia and Vicki owned it. I like how they placed the sisters’ vocals in the background, where they belong. Forever.
This song makes me realized he has the most diverse team on the show…I’m kinda rooting for them now…
Backstage with that blond chick whose name I will never remember:
Jeff Jenkins: “I’m still waitin’ on that legal Thompson sister (wink)” I think that poor girl just threw up…I did.
Nakia singing “Sex on Fire” by K.O.L
Let’s hope another Kings of Leon song doesn’t get butchered….
Image: Nakia looks cool with those shades on….I loved the red sneakers too. The hair slicked back is a yes too.
Performance: The fire dancers….a little cheesy…
Oh, my God, he goes to the floor….a little dramatic…
Overall, I’m kinda digging him. He was an early favorite so America will vote for him.
Jeff Jenkins singing “Jesus Take the Wheel” by Carrie Underwood
How many times did we need to know his mom died?…I’m starting to think she didn’t really die and this is just a ploy to get votes….seriously….”this is for you mom”…who is probably watching at home… Danny Goekey from the greatest season of American Idol (the one with Adam Lambert) did this with his dead wife. I thought that was fishy too.
Image: ugh…why didn’t they do something with his hair????
Performance: whatever. Forgettable.
Did he say he and his mom “love” or “loved” that song?…hmmmm….the conspiracy continues…
Side note: NBC is giving the show a second season??? Yes! That’s like, way longer then most shows on the network. Good for them.
Team Adam Performance:
Casey’s waves looked amazing. This is probably the best group performances so far; every single person sounded amazing plus, THEY HAD A FUCKING CHOIR! Once a choir comes out, you really can’t go wrong, it’s like Jesus is singing with you :)
Wait…what the fuck was that noise Adam just made????? Um…okay, I think they just fucked up a performance with a choir…almost impossible to do but they kinda did it. Javier kinda brought it back but that scream Adam made is still ringing in my ear.
Curtis Grimes singing “Addicted to Love” by Robert Palmer
Image: he cleaned his face up, very nice. The dancers would have been better if they either danced better or dressed better or simply were not there at all.
Performance: A little more power behind that deep vocal would have been better but he kinda brought it towards the end.
Javier singing “Angel” by Sarah Mclachlan
This guy is going to make the top three. Period.
Performance: he handled those high notes really well and I think he controlled the adlibbing the best he could.
Image: The hat is his trademark but one day, I would like to see him ditch it because he has such a great face. The cleaned up stage set helped balance out the flare of his vocal too.
This guy could win. Seriously.
My Best of the Night: Casey W.
My Worst of the Night: a tie between Jenkins and that kid I want to punch.
The vote for Blake’s team: YESSSSSSSSSSS! Meg and Dia fans came through and saved Dia Frampton!!!!!!!!!!
I have to download her iTunes performance too. God, I’m sooo happy right now.
I don’t care who he picks now….Xenia. Well, she was the more interesting of the remaining contestants. Her mousey demeanor will not survive the competition. Dia has a similar quiet demeanor but she also has this aggression with her voice that Xenia lacks and that’s what will take her further in the competition.
Opening performance from the team leaders:
Xtina was rocking the hot pants…hard. Loving the platinum extensions too. Her make-up makes her look old though.
Adam looked hot with that guitar…
Crazy Eyes looked like he didn’t belong there…
Cee Lo looked like a giant strawberry Skittle…
They could be a very interesting looking group; like a different version of the Black Eyed Peas…Cee Lo and Xtina would be the stars like Fergie and Will.I.Am and no one would care who Blake Shelton or Adam Levine were like those other two whose names I don’t care to recall right now.
So there’s one viewer save and one coach save…hmmm well, at least there is a guarantee someone good will stay.
Cee Lo has his glasses off…..whoa…his eyes and eyebrows are his best feature…on his whole body…
Raquel singing Blow by Kesha
I’m kinda predicting Raquel will bomb…like seriously bomb. She’s too young and her voice is not developed enough…
Good song choice for her though, Kesha barely sings so it’s not a difficult vocal range and it’s young and fresh
Gosh, she has to do choreography too? This girl is going to bomb….
The Performance: She starts strong…the dance break was so cute but her vocal suffered a little
Image: wow, those dancers were serious…back flips and everything…
Xtina is like a stage mom; she’s like doing all the dance moves with her…that was very cute actually.
She definitely committed to the performance and for a 16-year-old girl she looked completely in control most of the time….her only flaw was kind of not her fault: when Xtina stood up and was getting into the performance, she seemed like she was taking cues from whatever Xtina was doing, she was obviously distracted.
Jared Blake singing “Use Somebody” by K.O.L
Huge song choice…he better not fuck up
Performance: I would have liked this stripped down…the song is so soulful and there is no way he can make it as good as Kings of Leon so he might as well make it his own…he really isn’t though.
Image: There’s something about all the jewelry and the bandanna and the bald head and all the black…and how he locked eyes with that chick with skunk hair at the end…something a little cheesy…
Beverly M. singing “I’m the Only One” by Melissa Ethridge.
Oh, the biggest excuse of all singing competitions…I have a cold, this is my excuse for sucking or for surprising everyone and really rocking it.
Image: A kilt?…a fucking kilt?
The Performance: She sounds more controlled; you can really hear the texture of her voice. Nice. She actually did really good or at least better then Jared. Hopefully the voters can look passed any prejudices they might have against lesbians in kilts and vote for her.
Dia singing “Heartless” by Kanye
Ahhhhhhhhh! So nervous for her right now….
Image: She looks amazing. I found a dress similar to the one she wore during the duel round…I think I might buy it if it’s still at Urban Outfitters:
it had the same lacy overlay and sheer sleeves:
The shimmery eye shadow was so pretty the dress was so cute and quaint just like she is. I loved the bow and the shoes…such a demure, non-threatening image will work well with the American voters.
Blake says, “there’s a thing on YouTube and your playing piano on it”….did he see ALL that other stuff too??? This chick is not just some random thing on YouTube, she’s a freaking professional and I think she could make the final rounds.
Performance: So haunting…this performance will stay with me forever. I have never heard a female singer do this cover either. A lot of people are familiar with The Fray and maybe Kris Allen’s rendition. I can’t think of any female acts though.
I loved her voice when she sang, “like you don’t know me” and the run she took during the second verse was amazing…
Cee Lo calls it the greatest rendition of the song
Blake calls it his favorite moment of “The Voice” because for the first time America gets to see Dia Frampton do what Dia Frampton does…HELL YES.
Team Xtina’s performance: Lady Marmalade
Raquel should not be singing this song…inappropriate. She looked adorable though.
Lily killed it.
That last part where they all take unnecessary runs…that was kind of annoying honestly.
Xenia singing “Price Tag” by Jessie J
Image: My gosh, she looked adorable. Loving the stripes. And the hair. And of course, the bow.
Performance: I think she was a little too quiet for this song…it’s like every time I see her I wait for magic to happen and sometimes it just doesn’t. Overall, pretty underwhelming.
Blake was a total stage dad for her though.
Towards the end: she had this look in her eyes like, can I stop now? Is this song that totally does not match my voice over yet?
Lily Elise singing “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie
Image: There are mirrors on her dress….and I love it. She looks fierce as hell, actually.
Performance: She has dancers. Why?
It’s clear this girl has one of the best vocals in the competition but my problem is some of the vocal choices with the melody are just a little over done…especially towards the end when she squeaked a couple times, deliberately, but still, why? TOO MUCH.
Xtina says she showed control and restraint…more like Xtina’s over-singing version of control and restraint.
It’s strange…I think despite her competent vocals, she will not be as memorable as Dia.
Blake’s Team Performance: Ha, they sing a Maroon 5 song. Adam’s face was so cute.
Xenia should not sing loud songs…EVER. It’s like she has this screaming whisper I can’t get used to…
Dia sounded great…the song actually has a similar tempo to some of Meg and Dia’s stuff.
Patrick Thomas singing “I Hope You Dance” by Lee an Womack
He dedicates it to his sister….um…okay…lil weird to me but whatever…
Image: Best stage set of the night, really gorgeous backdrop Loved the jacket, loved the pants (on), loved the clean white shirt.
Performance: Gosh, his voice is so fucking boring sometimes…it got a little interesting with that run at the end.
Frenchie Davis singing “When Love Takes Over” by David Guetta and Kelly Rowland
Are they saving the best for last? We shall see.
Wow, Xtina tells Frenchie to tone it down with the vocal…that was interesting yet she thought Lily’s over-singing was “controlled”…
Image: She looks incredible: the earrings, the dress, the feathers on the belt…uh-oh, her voice cracked when she said “it never felt so good”, that was bad…
The dancers worked really well here. Second best use of dancers (the first was Raquel)
Over, over, over over, oveeeeeeeraaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrr!
Okay, so I don’t favor the loud over-singing vocal but the truth is, she didn’t over-sing at all, Xtina was right, she was so controlled.
My best of the night: for Team Xtina, Frenchie, hands down. However, I think Raquel had the best presentation so she is in second. For Team Blake’s best: Dia, she’s perfection.
My worst of the night: Jared Blake…ugh, Kings of Leon should sue.
Tonight is supposed to be the night of some “big shocker”, let’s hope it lives up to the hype…
Team Adam
Jeff vs. Casey singing “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” by Elton John
The Rehearsal
I loved Casey’s hair, paisley pants and powder blue kitten heels. Love that she designs her own clothes too.
Interesting how Carson randomly lets people know Jeff’s mother died a year ago…um, that’s sad but really, who cares? Oh, yes, I forgot, the mainstream American viewers who want to be sold on a sob story as well as real talent. Just for that, I’m rooting for Casey.
“Casey is such an incredible talent, she could send me packing,” hmmm, is Jeff saying this to build false suspense?…it is already implied he’s going to win because the producers had Carson pull out his sob story…
Adam’s waaaaay past 5 O’clock shadow is starting to grow on me…
The Battle
Jeff starts…the uber country twang is sort of annoying to me.
Casey has such great stage presence, love the mid-length white jacket and the feathers…
I hated Jeff’s voice when he was like, “losing everythaang” it was annoying…gosh, maybe the whole fat mama’s boy thing is just annoying. Heartless and harsh I know, but I’m very annoyed with this kid.
Actually, now that I hear this, I could give a shit which one gets picked because they both kinda sucked. They’re definitely NOT finalists however, Casey could win votes because I think her image has more appeal, she’s edgy, sexy and cool and that whole image is really hot right now…the whole Riri vibe with her hair doesn’t hurt either. But on the other hand, many might see this as extreme and prefer a fat mama’s boy…
Crazy Eyes loves Casey
Cee Lo goes with Jeff
Xtina is neutral
Again, I could give a shit, but Adam chooses: Jeff…whatever. I guess it could work because he would get sympathy votes as long as Carson/the producers keep pushing that story about his dead mother…but even if she was alive, look at him…why wouldn’t you feel a little sorry for him? Gosh, I’m being a bitch tonight…
Team Crazy Eyes
Xenia and Sarah singing “I’ll stand by You” by The Pretenders
Xenia is going to get it because they spent the most time on her back story and like 2 seconds on Sarah
The Rehearsal
I like Sarah’s blunted bangs…she’s right, Xenia’s tone is incredible. In past episodes, I’ve noticed the contestant that analyzes the strengths of their opponents next to their own usually ends up losing…bye, bye Sarah whateveryourlastnameis.
Awwwww Xenia’s crying…victory tears; she already has it locked up or the producers wouldn’t show her crying like that.
The Battle
Xenia starts…chills as soon as she sang the word “oh”
Sarah sounds really nervous but Xenia sounds so in control despite her 16 years…and her darting, scared-looking eyes.
They both sound really nervous actually, like they’re holding back…
Xenia just can’t seem to leave that quiet place her voice comes from…
Both of them seemed to want to push things further but they just didn’t; they sounded really outmatched by the task at hand…they both kind of failed.
Xtina compliments Xenia’s tone
Adam compliments their youth and says the song wasn’t right (I agree)
Crazy Eyes picks his little Xenia, as expected.
Team Xtina
Lily and Cherie singing Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You Been Gone” (a HUGE song vocally)
This will probably be the best match up, I’m hoping they blow this out of the water. Hmmm BOTH of them are second chance picks, interesting, they both have an equal chance of not getting picked.
The rehearsal
Damn, Lily! Again and again and again and agaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaain! Serious chills, this girl is dangerous…winner? Possibly.
When Xtina sings with Lily, their voices really complement each other…I take this as a sign that she’s got it in the bag.
The Battle
Lily starts, she sounds nervous. Love the Rapunzel braid and the hood…sorta ghetto-tastic with the rest of the outfit but I’ll let it slide since her vocal obviously speaks for itself.
Cherie should drop the country twang if she can…it distorts the melody of the song.
Lily sounded a little sharp when she hit that big note…she is really milking it though, taking runs when she can and overshadowing Cherie a little.
I like the song arrangement too, well done Xtina; she is clearly the only artist that knows how to present her contestants in the best light. So far, she is the only one who did not have a shitty match up and all her song choices were good as well.
Wow, Cherie co-wrote a number one song for Reba…good for her, at least she’ll have a fall back. Little awkward considering she is in a singing competition she’s not going to win and she’s worked for one of the judges…REALLY awkward, actually.
As expected, Lily is chosen; another powerful pop vocal in Xtina’s roster of singers.
Team Cee Lo
Curtis Grimes vs. Emily Valentine (love her name) singing that boring-ass song by Lady Antebellum that makes me change the radio station every time it’s on…
I have no idea how to call this, they both got equal back story time…
The rehearsal
Emily’s star-studded denim jacket was awesome, it really complemented her tattoos.
They imply the two of them are crushing on each other or at least Emily is crushing on Curtis…that would be a weird couple actually; he’s a little too country and she’s a little too rock n’ roll.
Cee Lo promotes himself for no reason, “you know my song, ‘forget you’….” Yes, we ALL know that song, what does it have to do with what’s going on right now????
Can’t wait to see what the shocker is going to be…I don’t even want to call it just so I can be extra shocked when Cee Lo/the producers of the show, make the decision.
The Battle
Emily makes more comments on her crush on Curtis…seriously, I could give a shit who’s crushing on who…I wish this show wouldn’t use such petty things to try to be interesting, it’s completely unnecessary.
Curtis starts, his lower register is sexy…
Emily sounds nervous. She looks like a tatted up Marilyn Monroe; gorgeous blue dress, love the asymmetrical ruffles.
Even though this is a song clearly suited for Curtis’s voice, I sort of like where Emily is trying to go with it…trying, she didn’t quite get there…
Not bad overall, they made a very sappy, annoying song sort of fresh.
Why is Carson still trying to play up this stupid crush thing?…oh God…Crazy Eye’s “duet not do-it” joke was the final straw…so over it.
Adam thinks he sounds like a girl when he sings…more like a whiny boy.
Curtis gets it. I’m sorry, THAT was the big shocker?????? WTF????? Neither one did very badly, honestly, I thought they both did really well…I was completely un-shocked. This just proves how tough the 10:00 p.m. time slot is…the producers had to create a build and a suspense over ABSOLUTELY NOTHING just to keep up whatever ratings they have. I’m starting to worry about this show…
It’s super obvious who has the weakest team: Cee Lo. I mean, he has the Disney sisters, and they suck…that’s like 2 out of 5 people, 40% of his team sucks…any way you do the math, Cee Lo could have used some spice with Emily. Vicki M. is going to have to work extra hard to keep things interesting because Curtis is boring and Nakia’s singing-while-eating-and-screaming vocal will get annoying eventually.
Tonight’s match ups were pretty much the worst of all four of the battle rounds. I felt like everyone got so nervous they were not able to sing at their potential plus the song choices, with the exception of Xtina’s, were all wrong.
It’s going to be super interesting when America votes…image will rule all. I mean, if Taylor Swift can have a career without being able to sing a good note, I am certain some pretty cute people will go far in this competition while singing flat the entire time…but we’ll see.
The most anticipated match up episode to date… this is gonna be interesting…
Team Xtina
Raquel vs. Julia singing “Only Girl in the World”
I remember Julia and how she was so excited about being a soccer player but I was more excited about her voice.
I remember Raquel and how she I thought she was really pretty but still really sucked.
The Rehearsal:
Raquel wants to dance…well at least she has some other talent, because her singing is not that great, however, there was a brief moment when she sounded good in rehersal but then they cut to Xtina saying she thinks they both have a little bit of pitch problems…
Raquel looked genuinely nervous when she said, “oh my God” backstage before her performance. I kinda started rooting for her at that moment.
The Battle
Raquel starts, I could hear her nerves, I like the dancing, this girl’s got spunk…
Julia’s vocal was so hot when she was like, “I’m gonna make you beg for it”, I like how she changed the melody up a little to…
Wow, Raquel is reeeaaaaaallly short.
It’s weird how they both had moments where they sucked vocally then did really well vocally…I think Raquel kinda brought it home because her performing was much better then Julia’s… and she’s waaaaaay cuter then Julia…I liked her little body rolls too.
Julia looked less then enthused about Cee Lo and Crazy Eye’s comments. So sad. She knows she’s going home.
I think it will come down to image…I honestly don’t want it to come down to that but I feel like it will because America is more likely to vote for a pint-sized pretty girl whose singing is mediocre at best then a moderately pretty soccer player whose voice is actually memorable.
Just like I predicted, image won out, Raquel gets it.
Team Crazy Eyes
Dia Frampton vs. Sarah B (dunno who she is and that means Miss Dia will win) singing “You Can’t Hurry Love”
Sarah B’s make-up is annoying it makes her look older then she really is.
I don’t think Reba gives Crazy Eyes any advantage. At all.
Gosh, could two singers be any more different? This is going to be interesting…in a bad way.
How does Miss Dia have stage fright????? I’ve watched her on YouTube performing in front of a lot of people, lots of times…if she has stage fright, she sure hides it well.
Blake once again, gives the “don’t sing too much” advice to Sarah B.
Sarah B: I’m gonna sing my heart out and if that outshines Dia then so be it…that bitch must be crazy if she thinks her wrinkly, dried up looking ass is going to outshine anyone, especially the fresh faced, Dia Frampton. Plus, it seems like she doesn’t agree with Blake’s advice…this is going to get loud and obnoxious at some point.
The Battle
Everyone keeps commenting on how shy and quiet Dia is but her band mates backstage disagree: “She’s not THAT quiet” they say…love it.
Dia starts, her voice is like velvet. I love her dress, the sheer quarter sleeves were great.
Then Sarah goes…ugh, yuck. Xtina looked disgusted…so did I.
Sarah takes some unnecessary runs and ad-libs. Xtina looked weirded out…so was I.
Sarah completely ignored Blake’s advice and sounded like she was trying to squeeze every note out of the song.
I really like how Dia is not trying to match Sarah at all even when she is basically being drowned out of the song by Sarah’s yowling vocal.
Adam goes with Sarah…idiot.
Cee Lo goes with Dia…smart.
Xtina…thinks it’s odd. So do I.
Reba respects Dia for staying true to herself. So do I.
Blake drops some truth on Sarah B: “Sarah, just because you can sing certain notes doesn’t mean you have to do it all the time”…and then he chooses…. DIA! Yaaaaaaaay!!!!!!!!
Definitely have some serious additional comments on this whole portion of the competition…this match up defined ALL singing competitions, really.
Team Adam
Devon vs. Rebecca; singing “Creep”
I remember being super impressed with Rebecca and not so impressed with Devon
The Rehersal
How does Devon NOT know “Creep” ??? It like, helped define 90s rock music. What a little shit.
That last “I don’t belong here” part sounded really good, this battle could be really amazing if that’s what their harmonizing sounds like…
The Battle
I really like Devon’s inflections…really nice actually.
Rebecca sounded so emotional when she came into the song.
Devon’s voice reminds me of a singer named David Condos…not as good but he has a very similar tone.
The “run” line the both sang was epic, really well done. Wow, that has to be the best match up in the whole competition so far.
Blake: Don’t every separate these two! I agree
Xtina: Goes with Devon
Cee Lo: says Devon does not look like his voice…interesting observation, I agree and I think this might either help him or hurt him because he has a memorable voice but a very bland image; I think only the cute boys with mediocre voices win out NOT the mediocre looking boys with great voices. Image is everything.
Shocker: he goes with…DEVON! WHHHHHAT?????? Really bad choice. I guarantee he will be the first member of his team to get voted off here’s why: America will always take a moderately beautiful, “natural-looking” woman with a haunting voice and a great story over a kind of unattractive kid with only moderate talent and not much of an inspiring story, the two are vastly different when you break it down:
Devon: in MED SCHOOL,
Rebecca: fucking LIVES IN HER CAR,
Devon: looks like Doogie Howser… with glasses…and not as cute.
Rebecca: has a relatable image, especially for most women…she’s not super skinny but she’s still pretty and non-threatening. Women are the main voters and they’ll vote for her because they can see themselves when they look at her.
Devon: sounds like a 5th rate Jason Mraz
Rebecca: sounds like nothing I’ve ever heard and would love to hear over and over again.
Basically, really bad choice Adam. At least he has Javier and Casey.
Team Cee Lo,
Tory and Taylor vs. Kelsey Rey singing “Unwritten”
The sisters think Rey’s voice is amazing…um, she’s good but I wouldn’t go that far, girls.
The song is perfect for Rey’s voice…she will probably win.
“Oh no you don’t have to go with my inflection”…Monica, low-key, letting Rey know she can’t sing as well as she thinks she can…
Oh shoot, the blond sister shows her suckyness as her voice cracks.
“At the end of the day”…this is probably the most overused phrase in reality TV competition history.
Cee Lo choreographs them, and recognizes that people will see Kelsey as the odd one out because the sisters are so cute together…hmmm, maybe he is predicting her demise?
The prayer the sisters did was interesting…image-wise, it made them look very wholesome…Disney will come calling eventually.
The Battle
Kelsey starts…very smooth.
The sisters sounded a little off pace to me, but the Disney factor helped them as they “cutesied” their way through the song.
I really like Rey’s voice…and her dress and her shoes and her pretty face.
The dark-haired sister’s voice broke towards the end…my goodness they BOTH suck.
The choreography was cheesy as fuck.
The whole thing was so unremarkable I don’t care who gets picked but I am leaning towards Rey only because she’s pretty and overly talented youth disgust me.
Blake goes with Kelsey
Xtina goes with the sisters…why? Is she still pissed Rey did not pick her as a coach?
Monica goes with Kelsey
CeeLo takes his shades off (OMG, even Carson was like, whoa…) and goes with… THE SISTERS?????? I should have known they’d get picked as soon as they cut to the sister’s mother crying (they always show premature emotional reactions to good news, never bad news)…WTF though, they really sucked….but the whole Disney vibe, the freshness and innocence Cee Lo was referring to, it sells billions of dollars actually, so maybe it was a smart decision.
Overall, tonight was full of really high highs and really low lows. Next week should be interesting and then onward to see who has the best image/talent combo according to America.
Another match up round on “The Voice”
Team CeeLo
The Matchup: Ty and Nakia singing Ne-Yo’s Closer
The black Mormon: “He’s a big white guy doing an R&B song and a lot of people like that.”
Interesting analysis….similar to what the gay Mormon in the first match up round said…I guess he knows he’s gonna lose.
I like how Cee Lo has to reaffirm Monica’s status, cuz I forgot how accomplished she really was; I feel like he just wants her there because she’s pretty.
During rehearsal:
Nakia’s inflections are annoying
Ty is staying under the radar much like Tarralyn tried to do…that did not go well for her though.
I think Ty would look awesome with some cornrows, he has a face for it. Oh, he like„ has black friends even though he was adopted by white people…fascinating.
The Battle:
Ty starts: kinda weak. Predictable vocal too.
Nakia goes: he sorta changes it up. Really strong entry into the verse too.
Wow, their vocals are so different and yet this is not as exciting as I though it would be mostly because Ty was not stepping it up, he sorta brought it down actually. I felt like Nakia was trying to go somewhere with the song and Ty wanted to stick with the melody but when he did take a vocal detour it still sounded predictable.
As they go on, it sounds like Ty is singing backup for Nakia.
My prediction: Another Mormon bites the dust.
Adam says Nakia, Crazy Eyes goes with Nakia, and Xtina goes with Nakia and says something about Ty’s “package”…Monica seems to go with Ty, but it figures she would go with someone unremarkable like herself.
And Cee Lo goes with: Keeeyah. Yaaaaaay for big fat white gay dudes!
Team Crazy Eyes
The Matchup: Elenowen and Jared Blake singing Ain’t no Mountain High Enough
Is it fair that Mr. Blake has to go against two people instead of one? We’ll see.
On Elenowen: why is it still important that they live in her parent’s basement? In this economy, who DOESN’T live in their parent’s basement? I mean REALLY.
During Rehearsal:
That guy on piano during the rehearsal scene is literally the bandleader on every single singing competition…so weird.
Jared: “I’m not beautiful” no, not really, you also kinda have meth-mouth but I guess that makes him more rock and roll.
Crazy Eyes recognizes that they sound like shit together, maybe because it’s kind of an annoying shitty song to sing anyway. It’s been sang so many times on singing competitions that I think it’s probably mandatory that it’s included in the contestant playlist.
The Battle:
Was that Jared Blake’s twin, cheering him on in the back room where the friends and families are?
Jared starts and Elenowen sound like his back singers for the first half of the song.
It’s interesting that when the pair sings separately, they sound like shit.
My Prediction: The rocker’s got it.
Xtina goes with Jared; Cee Lo goes with Jared, Adam goes with Jared
Reba calls out the obvious: Elenowen sucked and Jared rocked it.
Crazy Eyes gets it right.
It’s back to the basement for Elenowen.
Team Adam
The Matchup: Javier vs Angela; does it even matter what they sing? Javier can sing anything.
Another second chance vs. a first pick match up
During Rehearsal:
I remember not being very impressed with Angela, but I like her braided Native American style head band….is it maroon because of Adam?
Don’t try to sing it too much…good advice once again…this seems to be a reoccurring note on such singing contests….MORE ON THIS LATER.
The Battle
Oh, God, Javier….he’s kinda making me swoon right now.
Angela…okay, I like her studded dress and black booties, very rock and roll…that’s about all I like though.
Javier is getting it all the way.
Angela just hit a flat note, then another.
Interesting that they are singing stand by me when Angela really stands waaaay behind Javier when it comes to singing.
Xtina underhandedly disses Angela and says she has “a sweet presence” but Javier sang really well; translation: basically, Angela ur pretty but you can’t sing, Javier is better then you. Crazy Eyes echoes this…he was swooning over Javier too.
Adam goes with Javier; I think this guy might make the top 5, his voice is undeniably one of the best in the competition however, I think it also sounded best towards the beginning of the song when was not ad-libbing so much like.
Team Xtina
Beverly vs Justin Grenin (who?) singing the one song everyone knows by The WHO, Teenage Wasteland.
Before anything happens, I know the Lesbian will probably win because I have no idea who Justin is. After what happened between Vicci and Niki I think who ever NBC gives the most backstory time to.
During Rehearsal:
Bev’s high note was like…chills.
Justin sounds a little out of tune, but he can go pretty high…this might get loud and super annoying.
If I was to make bets on who would win in an actual fight: Bev, her bald head is perfect for head-butting.
The Battle
I like the two old men rooting for Justin in the backroom. That doesn’t make me like him though.
Justin starts but totally forget he’s there when Bev goes.
I’m conflicted as to how much I hate this match up: they’re trying soooo hard to get sooo fucking loud. Yet strangely, they harmonized pretty well together.
At the end of the song, I think Bev got it because she was still trying to sing it out and Justin was talking/trying to rev up the crowd or whatever it was that he was doing that wasn’t actually singing… I get that he didn’t know the song but saying “yeah, c’mon, hear we go, let’s go!” and all that other shit instead of taking a run like Bev did really hurt him. Basically, Bev kinda stomped all over him.
Yes, I agree with Crazy Eyes, Justin does look like a bank teller and he did come out of nowhere.
He should go back to nowhere too.
On Xtina’s critique: As soon as someone starts talking about growth and giving credit…that means they are NOT picking that person who should get credit and has grown.
As I predicted: one more bald-headed woman in the finals to join Frenchie Davis.
Overall, the match ups were definitely not as eventful as the last round…they actually kinda sucked mainly because they had to sing such shitty cliché songs. However, the decisions were clearcut and based on vocals alone; in every match up one person (or two) really sucked and the other shined and it didn’t matter how pretty they were (or were not).
Miss Dia Frampton is going to be in the next round and I can’t wait.
(Source: ikintoo)
Just watched The Voice, I was shocked at how organized the duets were, the previews made it seem like it would be an obnoxious, loud, singing match.
Team Xtina; Advisor: Sia Furler
The Face Off: Tarralyn, vs. Frenchie:
Interesting that Tarralyn went to see Frenchie on Broadway; even more interesting that Frenchie is in this competition in the first place.
Yaaaaaay Sia! I have all her albums including the work she did with Zero 7; she’s incredible.
I like how Xtina does not know what the words are here either…she was like “I never worry about the words” yes, Xtina, about 1 billion people learned that at the Superbowl.
Sia calls Frenchie sharp….whoa, lil’ harsh.
In this corner we have Frenchie and in this corner Tarrayln….yup a super heavy weight boxing match.
It’s funny how Frenchie knows Tarralyn is holding back…this is about to get really fucking loud.
The Battle:
Tarralyn’s dress with the pink glittery cinche belt looked fantastic
Tarralyn’s vocal choices were weird…Sia and Xtina looked at each other like, “what is she doing?” when she took those high notes for no reason.
Frenchie sounded in tune and not as sharp like what Sia said. Her expression was great too.
My Call: I think Frenchie got it this time.
Side Note: Adam needs to shave…BIG TIME…it’s like way passed 5 O’clock shadow, it’s like 8 O’clock scraggly…not feeling it.
Xtina and Sia agree with my call, good for Frenchie…it’s her American Idol second chance.
Team Crazy Eyes (Blake Shelton); Advisor: Reba McEntire
The Faceoff: Patrick Thomas vs. Tyler Robinson
I like how Tyler smartly analyzed Pat’s image against his, “really cute, all American, people will love him” He knows Pat has won already. He’s also probably wishing he didn’t announce he was gay and Mormon.
I also like how Tyler does not know who Reba is or what the song is. He was like, “you’re so pretty….” Do you know the song? “Sorta…”
Crazy Eyes says Tyler should not sing “all over the map”, good advice, it could get annoying if he doesn’t follow it.
The Battle:
Pat is sooo much hotter without that cliché cowboy hat on. He sounded really sexy too in the opening verses.
I think Tyler really held his own….that falsetto thing towards the end was risky…but I like that he took it.
Hard decision.
It will come down to image. Tyler is the favorite with Cee Lo and Adam. But I was right about it coming down to image and Crazy Eyes made a great decision with picking Patrick…he’s soooo cute…oh, and the singing wasn’t bad either.
Team (What About) Adam; Advisor: Adam Blackstone
The Faceoff: Tim Mahoney and Casey Weston (one of my faves)
On Adam Blackstone…okay, dunno who he is but I’m sure his name is all over music credits everywhere because it sounds familiar.
My Call: Experience might come into a play but image is still everything and Casey is too cute so she will get picked. Unfortunately, I think this will be another almost for Tim.
Side Note: Casey sounds like Minnie Mouse sometimes when she talks…she great.
The Battle:
Casey starts…love that little rasp in her voice, didn’t notice it as much before; it makes her sound so mature for 18
Tim’s got a rasp too, but his vocal actually does not sound as compelling or as sure as Casey’s vocal.
Casey’s voice was sooo haunting when she sang “take from me my lace” at the end.
Cee Lo says Casey sounds like Stevie Nicks, I agree. But he goes with Tim because of it…weird.
Xtina, once again, does not want to pick.
Blake is all about Casey…so am I.
Adam chooses: Casey Weston YAAAAAAAAAY!
She has a more appealing image, pretty girl with a pretty voice vs not-so-pretty man with a pretty voice.
Team Cee Lo; Advisor: Monica
The Faceoff: Vicci vs Niki
On Monica: I like how she is strangely still relevant despite not having a hit record since I don’t even know when.
I don’t remember Nicki Dawson at all…she was one of the ones they skipped through during the two rounds…this is a bad sign because it means she doesn’t need to be remembered which means she probably won’t get picked.
My Prediction: This is probably going to be my fave duet because they have the perfect pop vocals: not annoying, not too loud, still really soulful.
The Battle:
Image-wise: They both look great; Niki’s faux fur tails were interesting, reminded me of the singer of Sierra from the band VersaEmerge. I want Vicci’s leggings and asymmetrical zip jacket too.
Whoa….Miss Dawson’s run during the second verse was serious.
Image is evident: Vicci’s “war dance” won out despite the fact that her singing was slightly short of Niki’s efforts. Vicci is also prettier.
Cee Lo to Niki: you call me I’ll see about you…or not.
Can’t wait for next week’s pairings to see who will out-sing and out-pretty the competition!
(Source: ikintoo)
Round 2: The Final 5
Contestant to Contestant w/ Judge Observations
Cherie Oakley
Sooo country: singing backup for Carrie Underwood and Gretchen AND writing for Reba McEntire AND she’s singing Miranda Lambert (Blake Shelton’s fiancé)
Um, maybe she should stay in the background…not that impressed
She did pull out the big note towards the end, which Xtina anticipated of course.
Awwww…Blake didn’t think she beat his wife…that’s sweet.
Adam: You chose her, you’re getting her!…wow, like she’s the unwanted adopted child parents get stuck with…
Devon Barley
med student…at least he has a fall back.
I hate that Jason Mraz song…so overplayed and annoying. And unremarkable. Just like this kid. Go be a doctor.
I love how the family in the back tries to will the judges to turn around like, pick my kid, pick him, c’mon, pick him, push the button, c’mon….awww, my kid’s a loser…
Devon should lose the glasses, I like his eyebrows. That’s pretty much all there is to like really.
Blake: “I’m here!” Thanks for reminding me, cuz I actually forgot.
Joshua Hand
Cutiepie
Oh, he thinks his looks will get him through, interesting…
Interesting version of “Paparazzi”, sounds country-ish, but not like, talented-ish
I like how all the singers Xtina clearly thinks suck and doesn’t turn around for, she goes, “I didn’t turn around because I thought Adam had more to offer you” Love it. Like a subtle slap in the face. Adam’s face.
Raquel Castro
16 years old…ewwww. Overly-talented teenagers make me throw-up.
Luckily, I will be retaining my dinner because she’s barely that talented.
I like how Blake is trying to get Adam or Xtina to turn around and she’s like, still trying to be impressed…so am I.
This girl really sucks…I think Xtina only turned around because she could tell she was really young and she didn’t want to look like a total bitch on national TV by not picking her.
She’s like a charity case. Blake’s like, “I’m glad she went with you.” Like what you tell a homeless kid when they find a home but there’s no way you would take them in yourself.
NOTE: Xtina recognized the potential in her IMAGE not HER TALENT/VOICE…totally interesting, proves my point about the social dynamics embedded in this show. Eventually it will turn into a beauty contest with a talent portion instead of the other way around.
Emily Valentine
Love the tattoos, reminds me of miss Porcelain Black, too bad she can’t sing as well…VERY PITCHY.
She sings Pink…so predictable.
She kinda sucked here, but I see her getting better if she picks a better song, one more rock and roll not pop.
Adam’s name drop joke made me laugh…
Damn, Blake is proving to be less famous once again…some of the contestants probably don’t even know who he is, that’s got to make him feel a little annoyed, at least that’s what his face looked like when Valentine picked Cee Lo over him.
Tim Mahoney
I like how all the singers with an age ending in 9 say it’s their last shot. (I’m 29, it’s my last shot, I’m 39, I’m not getting any younger…) It’s like, you would still suck at age 19 buddy.
This guy was boring.
What’s with the “I’m glad you got picked by whomever” line everyone is dropping? Why???? Isn’t this a competition? Or maybe it’s a backhanded comment like, I’m glad Adam picked you cuz now I have a better chance of winning because you really suck.
Julia Eason
Oh! A SOCCAR PLAYER…why is that remarkable?
Wow. She’s almost good…her nerves got the best of her. Okay vocal, needed the right song.
Xtina proves once again she is the biggest star on the show.
Angela Wolff
Taking on another Miranda Lambert song…oh dear.
side note: I can only imagine what crazy-eyes Blake Shelton and big 5-head Miranda Lambert’s kids will look like…gremlins????
Once again, country loses.
Tyler Robinson
ANOTHER MORMON….A GAY ONE THIS TIME….WOW!
I love how the Mormons are, like, seriously branching out demographic-wise Mitt Romney might have a chance if they continue to embed themselves in pop culture like this (or maybe not…)
Man, why would you tell America your a guy who likes penis before your own father????? (why tell America at all?)
I really enjoyed his vocal actually, I like how it sounded when he said “ain’t that mista, mista”, this song is so overplayed but he made it really fresh.
Blake thought it was Drew Carey…funny. Blake says he didn’t expect WHAT when he turned around…I wonder what the judges first impressions are when they turn around
Nakia…just one big fat white gay dude with a lady name.
He sounds like he’s eating when he sings…Cee Lo’s, like, obligated to take him.
He looks like one of the three tenors…a sweaty, greasy, less-talented one.
Blake turns around….WHY?
I think the fact that Cee Lo dresses like a peacock and batman is probably a plus in this case…Blake loses again
Xtina picks someone for quota purposes…love it.
Adam just took a shot at American Idol…ballzy. Despite the fact that the show sucks now, American Idol is still the overlord of all singing competitions.
Dia Frampton from the band Meg and Dia (one of my faves)…oh my God. I have like two of their records…no wonder I haven’t heard anything from them in so long…my gosh, she’s on a fucking singing competition??? WHY?
Aww…Meg looked so pretty….WHY ARE THEY IN THIS COMPETITION? THEY MADE IT ALREADY…this show just got really weird…I mean this was a band of moderate success and they had two records out and somehow she ended up on a singing competition…whyyyyyy??????
When Carson greeted them I had to wonder if he remembered that they made their television debut on his show singing their indie hit “Monster”…so awkward if he did. It’s like hey, I remember you! Wait, WHY ARE YOU HERE?????
She sounded really good though. Everyone (or anyone reading this) should YouTube the band Meg and Dia. They’re really good, can’t believe she ended up on an effing singing competition with a bunch of nothings…gosh, the music business sucks.
Figures she goes with Blake, Meg and Dia always had a country vibe to their music.
I am seriously racking my brains as to what the hell happened with their band…TWO RECORDS OUT…why were they dropped???
Just tragic…they were definitely worthy of all the love and attention in the world.
Just did some research, they have 2 additional records out: an EP, It’s Always Stormy in Tillamook, and an LP, Cocoon, (both which I will probably be getting)
Cocoon sounded really good sample wise, have to buy and do a full review…I love that they are still committed to putting music out even though they got dropped, that is what defines a true musicians in my book. I gotta keep up with my bands, maybe if I bought more of their stuff they would have made enough money so their stupid label would not drop them…
Still, how is that possible????? Why are record companies so concerned about the bottom line instead of putting REAL music out???
I’m so pissed right now. I hope they get picked up again soon, by a label that recognizes real talent and not some over-packaged, radio-friendly bullshit.
Curtis Grimmes
A Blake Shelton song now…he and Miranda are really getting promoted on this show…yet, their songs don’t seem to move him to turn around
I agree with Cee Lo, he did sound genuinely country without being annoying.
Tori and Taylor Thompson
More overly talented teens. Yuck.
The brunette, is a little stronger then the blond, they actually did not sound as obnoxious as I thought they would…they’re no Aly and AJ, but if Cee Lo didn’t pick them up I’m sure Disney would have.
You can tell they sooooo wanted Xtina to pick them up. They seemed less then enthused when they left the stage, maybe cuz I’m so used to people crying and screaming when they get picked by someone awesome…they were like, Cee Lo? Yay?.
The Second Chance…interesting.
The questions:
Are people going to remember the image now that they can connect the voice with the faces? Is that how people will be picked now?
Life is not about second chances though. This cheapens the show for me.
Lily Elise
When are people going to learn that singing Alicia Keys does nothing for anyone unless you’re Alicia Keys
The girl can blow…but she was unremarkable all because of the song…Xtina seemed to have given her a sympathy button-push.
Sonia Rao
she made the Alicia Keys mistake too, probably why she didn’t get picked. Again.
She sings Adele this time, shows off the texture of her voice…better then the first time…Adam says no. Then realizes it’s her pretty self and calls the chair bullshit. Funny.
Jared Blake
Better song choice. God, I love that sexy vocal. Finally, Blake picks a singer singing a country song, the Dixie Chicks this time.
Casey Weston (fave vocal of the round)
I like that she plays guitar.
I don’t like the wannabe Taylor Swift curls
I don’t like the wannabe Taylor Swift makeup
I love her not-wannabe Taylor Swift voice (not a part of Taylor Swift any singer should want) she had a very unexpected rasp-and-vibrato combination. Really beautiful job.
Angela Wolff
She tries Adele’s Rolling in the Deep, I liked the Lesbian’s version from the first round better. Her voice is a little fuller though. Still unremarkable.
Wow, so in the end Adam being the least popular actually sort of paid off because he ended up with Casey Weston who I think is the best of his pack.
Next Week’s battle round is probably going to be super loud and super annoying with people trying to out sing each other… It’s so going to be an image thing now.
The Group Pick Rankings are still pretty much the same…Adam has two of my favorite vocalist Rebecca Loebe and Casey Weston. Blake has Miss Dia Frampton though who I think enhances his group a ton. Still boggles my mind that she’s there.
I just got into The Voice on NBC…fascinating show…four stars compete to see who is the biggest star!
Xtina seems to be the biggest-most name recognition, most albums sold, etc….when someone picks another “coach” over her, she actually looks a little pissed sometimes, like, REALLY? YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW WHO THAT GUY IS!!! I’M CHRISTINA AGUILERA, YOU FOOL!
Adam Levine-k, so I kinda hate his band, A LOT, but he’s one sexy dude (thank-u PETA, for getting him naked), maybe they just have him there to draw in the female audience (it works for American Idol, cute boys=more viewers). However, his band has stayed so current for the past maybe 5 years??? IDK, I always change the radio station when his annoying falsetto comes on. He sounded really good singing “Crazy” though.
Which brings me to CeeLo- This guy is probably second to Xtina because he has such huge hits and has actually been around longer then she has (Goodie Mob back in the 90s). He seems to be compatible with almost every singer that auditions simply because his music spans over the widest array of genres (rock, pop, rap, r&b, indie, etc)….”hey pretty girl” love him.
Blake Shelton…I have actually heard of him, but because I am not the biggest country fan I had never seen him before or heard any one of his songs (or maybe I have but didn’t know it was him).
I have to judge only his image (ironically) because I barely know anything about him:
He has crazy-cult-leader eyes but the cutest dimples to balance them out.
In the opener where they say all the credentials he had less then Xtina and CeeLo but more then Adam…I think…I dunno, I wasn’t paying attention because I just could not understand why they couldn’t find a slightly bigger star to sit next to Xtina. I like how at one point he was like, “I’m clearly out of my league here,” when Xtina and CeeLo turned around….at least he knows his place.
If I was a judge…
I would want the rules to enable me to turn right back around if I didn’t like what I saw. Some of the singers had images that would be too difficult to sell in the real music market.
If I can’t sell it, why should I buy it?
Even during the golden years of American Idol, Simon often commented on the contestants having a “great look” and there were times when that look is what got them to the next round. He saw something in them/on them that he could sell and it had nothing to do with their talent.
And why not? IMAGE IS EVERYTHING!
I like the idea of judging a person based on their talent not their looks but that one chick, Kelsey Rey, all she needs to do is smile and she’ll get pretty much whatever she wants in life…I found it interesting that this fact dismayed her…why should she be sad though? Looking like her sure beats being ugly and getting passed over when you’re way more talented then the more attractive people you’re competing with.
Ultimately, the people involved are trying to make money. They are trying to sell something to the public that is going to make them lots of money and having a great, “sellable” image is what is going to make the most money.
You know there were times when those judges turned around like, damn, she sounds great, but…can I turn back?…I don’t think anyone’s going buy this troll’s record.
The whole thing is fascinating on so many levels that I find interesting:
Socially: looks always dictate a large part of a person’s success in today’s society (now and forever)
Economically: some of these contestants have greater potential to make a lot more money because they have a look that appeals to a wider market/ wider demographic.
Culturally: American culture dictates that it is not acceptable to openly criticize a person for their looks or openly discriminate against a person for their looks, especially not to their face…but the judges have to eliminate half of their 8 team members eventually, what are they going to base this on? Especially considering they’re human and totally subject to the same social rules used to judge anyone and everyone.
I agree with Carson’s opening dialogue, the show does put vocal ability first but image is a very close second.
The Contestants and the judgment: Round 1
Overall Observations:
I like how Adam is like the smallest star so when the contestants get to choose he like doesn’t get anything, however, this could work to his advantage because they get a limit of 8, if someone maxes out their choices, he would be left to pick whatever he wants, at least in theory…
I think it’s interesting how the contestants start over-singing when one judge turns around (Xtina especially)…they’re like, maybe they think I look gross, better keep them focused on my voice so let me sing even louder…or, Xtina would sing like this so maybe I should start taking unnecessary runs and add-libs…
Cool how the stars have to sell themselves to the contestants and how Xtina is like, who is Adam Levine trying talk over me? Really WHO IS HE???
I also like how Blake just disappears sometimes…shows how country music is still sort of obscure compared to the other genres.
Contestant by contestant:
Tarrayln Ramsey: Xtina’s obvious first choice. I loved her eye shadow, and her vocal, although overdone at some parts were actually really good.
Patrick Thomas: weird how Blake didn’t turn around until after CeeLo and Adam did.
CeeLo says: “that would just be an enjoyable experience for me” but what about for Patrick? That would probably be weird for him.
Jared Blake: yup you have made a lot of bad choices…like having 6 kids! What a tragic audition, interesting they showed a rejection so early. I thought his voice was kinda sexy but the song was not pushed in the rock direction enough. He should have done a Nickleback song or something
Vicki Martinez: I like how they blocked her face…my goodness NBC, this show is quiet compelling maybe it should get more then one season! I thought she sang a little bigger then she was capable of which made her sound like she was straining her voice but she had a very distinctive tone.
Sonia Rao: I liked her because she’s first generation like myself but she committed one of the singing contest sins and sang an Alicia Keys song. People always sound like shit singing Alicia Keys…ALWAYS. Her songs are so slow and the octave range is so weird, no one has really mastered this on any singing show that I can think of.
Elenowen:
Awwwwwww, they look like some indie couple, maybe because of her dress and his beard…
Falling Slowly by Swell Season, really good choice, I like how Blake turned around only because it sounded like something he had never heard despite that fact that he’s probably from the backwoods somewhere…they sounded good the second time I watched it.
I like how CeeLo was like, my thing is “general purpose pop”. He just created a whole new genre on national television. Love it.
Frenchie Davis: the American Idol contestant who got disqualified for showing her pancake tatas on the Internet. Really unexpected and risky song choice. I love how Xtina is such a sucker for a fat black woman with an even bigger voice.
Always weird when someone who has a career is still trying to compete against people with nothing.
The cliffhanger: will Adam get his first team member?
Translation: will Adam prove to be a big enough star that someone actually wants to work with him?
Kelsey Rey: So funny, she’s like, oh my gosh all these European men love me…so weird, I got 3 million views in 3 days on YouTube (she’s getting one more because I will be checking out what THAT is all about*) Her vocal was really nothing compelling, there is no way they could do what they did with Martinez because she just looks too pretty.
Weird choice though, I think she should have gone with Adam…I feel like his vocal is kind of on her level…distinctive but still unremarkable.
*Just checked out the video, it’s basically a Girls Gone Wild promo starring herself and minus the boobie flashing. Very awkward to watch some 19-year-old writhing around on a bed in her bikini …with a mask on…good a thing she can actually sing.
Adam still has no one, that figures.
Jeff Jenkins-Bless the Broken Road is probably one of the few country songs I know, really beautiful song, I thought this kid did a pretty good job…weird how Blake didn’t turn around first, he was like, you can sing anything…um, no, Blake that’s a country boy all the way in my book.
Adam has never heard that song…that figures, no one’s ever heard of Adam either.
Carson says he got the attention of four of the biggest music stars in the planet…um, more like 2…
Again, weird choice, he should have chose Blake, wtf is Adam going to do for him???
Carson continues to make Adam look like a big loser and a small star:
“Adam’s pleas paid off with his lone team member…Xtina, CeeLo and Blake have 6 of eight spots to fill and Adam has seven”…we get it, Carson, Adam is not that big a deal…
Rebecca Loebe-she had the best voice of the first round in my book….Nirvana’s “Come as You Are” wow, amazing rendition, amazing tone to her voice. She too did the over-singing thing as soon as Xtina turned around. She even had her arm in the air.
Xtina stomping on Adams already shriveled up star was funny…Adam really scored big with her though, this girl is really, really, good, I would totally buy her record.
Joann Rizzo: she was just funny to look at.
She was too old and she sounded too old and that’s why she didn’t get picked…Xtina turned around and nodded like, yup I knew it she’s an old lady.
Whattaya gonna do that’s showbiz? She says, Yes Ma‘me, it is.
My Little Xenia: Lovely girl with a lovely voice…If Anne DeFranco and Nora Jones had a baby she would be it. She has a quiet power to her voice that might work for country though. I have no idea what Blake is going to do for her. The way he said her name was funny like, wtf is “Sen-ya???”
I think he freaked her out when he hugged her, he was like a giant crazy-eyed monster stomping towards her…
Ty Austin: the Black Mormon…OH. MY. GOD. K, so I love his hair, mine can’t do this quite yet, but that’s the goal. He had a very standard vocal, nothing too special. Great smile, good attitude, and an even better choice with CeeLo
Carson’s like, “I want to be in this family…” so funny, cuz they might take him too.
Javier Colon: he was really, really great, some of America will root for him…but it does not help that he married and procreated with a white woman…this is much harder to accept in America then a Black Mormon or even white people adopting a black kid…I will be watching to see how image plays out here, his girls are beautiful though. Having cute kids always helps no matter what.
Blake basically turned around for no reason…he says he’s not getting this one. At least he knows it.
Adam says he’s got people too…really, WHO?
Wow, Adam got it though…another weird choice. Adam will do nothing for anyone really…but we’ll see.
Beverly McClellen: I like how she said “this is my girlfriend” not, this is my partner or, my life companion or anything stupid like that…heterosexuals should not own the words girlfriend or wife or husband or boyfriend…just let them call it what it is. I think this even with a slight disdain for butchy lesbians (I just don’t like how they dress). When she wasn’t yelling, her voice was really pretty. She was definitely hard to watch…but easy to listen to.
The teams so far:
Xtina: Beverly, Frenchie, Tarrylyn
Adam: Javier, Jeff Jenkens, Loebe
Blake: Xenia, Elenowen, Thomas
CeeLo: Martinez, Rey, Austin
Clearly Adam has somehow acquired the strongest team…Christina is a close second because her vocalists have the strongest voices
The other two will suffer because their singers will disappear personality-wise but who knows, Blake has a duo, does that count as one singer??? How is that fair? CeeLo clearly has the most modestly talented singers. One of his girls is there only cuz she’s pretty. With all the female viewers tuning in to see Adam, she won’t go very far (especially after they see that video)
