Hey there, folks, sorry for the delay, was unavailable due to a personal matter Monday....
Folks, I'm as surprised as you are, how this is turning into a season of some surprises. And this week was a bit of a doozy, because there were not one, but THREE upsets that happened on NBC's "The Voice," as the Battle Rounds continue. And since the Battle Rounds continue, so do my blow by blows-here we go.....
Battle #1-Pip vs Nathan Parrett, Team Adam, singing "You Know I'm No Good" by Amy Winehouse
Two young showmen squared off in this battle, as set up thru "coach" Adam Levine. Even though an Amy Winehouse tune might have thrown the young star named Pip, it was clear that it was his battle to win or lose. And newcomer Nathan Parrett knew he also had his work cut out for him, even with his best attempt and coaching from R&B singer/producer Robin Thicke. But it didn't take long for Pip to show why he's now become a force to be reckoned with (including his own coaching from Adam and his guest mentor alternative diva Alanis Morissette), even though Nathan had made some good strides during their performance.
MY PICK: Pip
WINNER: Pip
TO THE BATTLERS: Nathan, you found the strength to go ahead and come out not long ago (and join a respected member of The Voice "family" (as some of us might say)), and also found a way to at least break out of some of your nervousness. I'm sure you'll find your confidence, given time. Pip, Christina mentioned your doing some Broadway type shows and how it fueled your own experience, and that really showed. It looks like you're destined to be at least a top contender for the Finals, just keep it up.
Battle #2-Erin Martin vs Tristan & Rory Shields (The Shields Brothers), Team Cee-Lo,
singing "What's Love Got To Do With It?" by Tina Turner
Cee-Lo said it best when it was all over, this was the most odd duo of the evening, and probably one of the most entertaining. Erin, with her VERY quirky voice (that reminds me a bit of Macy Gray), versus the all too boisterous Shields Brothers, who "love it loud," to quote a line from KISS, and both of them doing a Tina Turner tune that calls for some serious slinky edge to it. But the Shields Brothers were given a chance to find their softer side, thanks to R&B producer Kenny "Babyface" Edmunds, and newcomer R&B sensation Ne-Yo helped find Erin her own spin on the tune (although Erin seems to be a bit more critical than you might think she would be). How you merge two high-energy brothers and the eclectic sound of Erin was VERY interesting, but it appeared Erin had a much better grip on the tune than the Shields. It might have not been the ideal tune for either, but it proved to be quite unique.
MY PICK: Erin Martin
WINNER: Erin Martin
TO THE BATTLERS: Rory and Tristan, your energy and type of "in your face" rock n' roll is still as wild as ever, and you guys need to follow your heart in that direction, but I'm sure the time you had on the show will also help your development. Erin, I know you're still finding your niche, but you'll need to temper that slight ego that developed this week. Give Cee-Lo and company a chance to work with you, to make sure you know how to use that quirky, wonderful tone of yours.
Battle #3-Johnathas vs Ashley De La Rosa, Team Christina,
singing "No Air" by Justin Sparks and Chris Brown
This one was tailored quite well for Johnathas, considering his background with R&B. But it turns out that Ashley was willing to let herself and her own voice develop, with the right coaching. And even though Johnathas picked up on the instruction from Christina Aguliera and her backup, former Commodore Lionel Richie, it was Ashley who probably got the message more from Christina and the other guest mentor, singer/songwriter Jewel (who herself tweeted about The Voice now being one of her new favorite shows). Johnathas proved to be his own worst enemy, when his performance seemed to be rather "usual," giving Ashley a chance to push on thru and find her own ability.
MY PICK: Johnathas
WINNER: Ashley De La Rosa (FIRST of the night's three upsets)
TO THE BATTLERS: Johnathas, it's not that you didn't put up a good effort, it just needed a little more push and a little less show. Ashley, you've found that confidence, now put it to good use.
Battle #4-Jermaine Paul vs AlyX, Team Blake, singing
"Get Out Of My Dreams, Get Into My Car" by Billy Ocean
This time, it was another case of the seasoned veteran, managing to take command, despite the best efforts of Alyx, a very promising up and comer. In Jermaine's case, it was evident his years of being a back-up singer for R&B star Alicia Keyes paid off, even blowing away Blake's guest mentor, former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. Blake's wife, country star Miranda Lambert, helped guide Alyx, but they knew they had a tough road ahead, fortunately, even with Jermaine putting on a solid performance, Alyx was able to let loose a bit and have some fun on stage performing.
MY PICK: Jermaine Paul
WINNER: Jermaine Paul
TO THE BATTLERS: Alyx, it's not always about being serious about the music, as Blake had told you. Sometimes it IS OK just to let loose, and make sure you can have fun performing for an audience. I'm sure you'll find out that as you continue to perform and grow. Jermaine, it looks like now, Jesse Campbell (of Christina's team) may need to watch out, you've begun to show a confidence that could have you can go neck and neck with him to the Finals. And tonight's performance definitely proves I'm right.
Battle #5-Angel Taylor vs Katrina Parker, Team Adam, singing "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis
Taking on a tune that already got one person in last year (Christina's young star Raquel Castro) is something, but it's also something when you try and put your own spin on it. Forunately, the more seasoned Angel and the former office worker Katrina seemed able to make sure to find their own way around it, with help from Robin Thicke (who assisted Angel) and Alanis Morissette (who helped Katrina). But what should have been a chance for Angel to shine, Angel did keep things a bit safe, giving Katrina a chance to bring out her own surprising vocal power.
MY PICK: Angel Taylor
WINNER: Katrina Parker (that's UPSET #2)
TO THE BATTLERS: Angel, you did a good job, just played it safe a little much, allowing Katrina to step in and seize the moment. But there's no doubt about your strength of voice and of character. And to the former North Carolina (Holly Grove, Katrina's hometown) native, I know we're proud of you for making it into the Live Shows, Katrina. Your confidence has begun to grow, and your voice, too, don't stop.
Battle #6-Gwen Sebastian vs Erin Willett, Team Blake, singing "We Belong" by Pat Benatar
Even though this isn't exactly a country tune, I had a feeling that Gwen Sebastian might have been able to pull this one. What happened was that would be pop singer Erin Willett found determination and dedication, all spurred by the fact her sick father took a bad turn before the Battle Round took place. (And unfortunately, her dad did happen to pass away not long after the episode was taped.) But Gwen and Erin did find some strength in each other, and in Blake's coaching, along with help from Miranda Lambert (who helped Gwen find her niche) and Kelly Clarkson (who helped focus Erin's voice). The fact that these two had become close friends, it made it easier to push thru, but it certainly didn't make things easier when both performed rather well, in certain spots during.
MY PICK: Gwen Sebastian
WINNER: Erin Willett (UPSET #3, but I won't say this win wasn't deserved)
TO THE BATTLERS: Gwen, you were one of my favorite artists coming into this season, and I hope your time on the show means there will be a chance that you can make your mark in the country field. I wish you all the best, my dear. Erin, I know your late dad would be proud of you and the effort you made in the Battle Round shown Monday night. And I know you'll try and make sure your voice rings loud and true heading to the Live Shows.
That's it for now, folks. As I have said before, please check out The Voice on NBC.com, where you can also find out more on the artists, and even interviews with all involved. You can also check out their Facebook page as well, for more goodies. I'm sure they'll appreciate your input as well.
This is the Wolffe, until next time, take care, be good, God bless, I'm gone, bye bye. NUFF SAID!
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