If there's been one way to describe last season's "The Voice," it was to "expect the best talent in the country." This season, it looks like we're also bound to "expect the unexpected." And for this past Monday night's Battle Rounds, that was never a more apt phrase, including a couple of upsets that even took out a top act in the competition. Ready? Here's the blow by blow...
Battle #1--James Massone vs Wade, Team Cee-Lo, singing "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper
The coaches have been making some surprising choices of songs for their artists, and this was one that was definitely from left fiield, even from the very "funkafied" Cee-Lo Green. But apparently, the choice of song for James and Wade proved to be one that moved the usually cool Cee-Lo to tears at one point. Cee-Lo and his guest advisors-Kenny "Babyface" Edmunds, who coached Wade, and new R&B star/producer Ne-Yo, who coached James-clearly had their hands full. But even though Wade (one of Cee-Lo's personal favorites) got the idea of the song a lot better than James, James proved to be a little more in control (even if it sounded a bit stiff) during the duel. Sometimes your own worst enemy can be yourself, and Wade learned that the hard way.
MY PICK: James Massone
WINNER: James Massone
TO THE BATTLERS: Wade, you gave it a good effort and a right amount of passion, but there was a point you started to overdo it, and it carried in your voice. I know this experience will make you stronger.
James, all it takes is a matter of confidence and believing in your own abilities. You managed to find that out and stay consistent in your battle, and now it just means building on that and taking it to the next level. And that next level will be a big step, trust me.
Battle #2--Nicole Gallyon vs Mathai, Team Adam, singing "Love Song" by Sarah Bareilles
Nicole, the musician and singer, had a tough battle on her hands with Mathai going into this duel, but Adam had thought by choosing a piano-influenced tune, that might even the odds. But even with R&B/pop star and producer Robin Thicke guiding Nicole, and alternative diva Alanis Morissette helping Mathai, Adam found out that the piano isn't exactly what the doctor-or the duet-ordered. That proved to be Nicole's challenge, and even though she put a mighty effort into it, Mathai's proven stage confidence was the ultimate factor, soundly giving her the win in the duel.
MY PICK: Mathai
WINNER: Mathai
TO THE BATTLERS: Nicole, you found your voice, in a matter of speaking, at the end, and hopefully by playing on that as well as on the piano, this won't be the end of your career, I promise.
Mathai, you know your strengths, especially in performing, play onto that and work on the vocals, that should make sure you're a force for Adam's team heading to the Live Shows.
Battle #3--Moses Stone vs The Line (Hayley & Leland), Team Christina, singing
"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones
If you thought Erin Martin versus The Shields Brothers was a wild pairing, Christina made an almost wackier pairing of the country/pop duo The Line and hip-hop/rap artist Moses Stone. Thank goodness both parties were willing to go along, even though it felt terribly uncomfortable at times, and it took just a little coaching from guest advisors Lionel Richie (who was impressed by Moses' vocal strength) and Jewel (who helped get The Line in a good frame of mind) to point them towards one very powerful performance. In the end, though, Moses' delivery proved to be just the right "satifaction" to score what I call one of the BIGGEST upsets of this season's Battle Rounds.
MY PICK: The Line
WINNER: Moses Stone (and yes, I said BIG upset, dangit)
TO THE BATTLERS: To Hayley & Justin...I sincerely hate the fact that you two were outdone on a Stones tune, and that you won't be a part of this competition any longer. You were one of my favorite acts, and certainly one of the better acts of this season. I know that you'll take what you've learned here and make sure to put it to use to get you further down the line. I'm proud to have crossed "The Line" and enjoyed you guys, you're a damned good duo.
Moses, I have to admit, I was impressed by your talent during the auditions, even though it was only shown briefly. But it looks like you stepped up the game when you needed to, and it also looks like The Voice will be recognizing a lot more hip-hop/rap talent (as X Factor has done, admittedly) from now on, thanks to you and Christina. Keep up the "A" game as you head to the Live Shows, I think we'll be nicely surprised.
Battle #4--Orlando Napier vs Karla Davis, Team Adam, had chosen "Rich Girl" by Hall & Oates, then switched to "Easy" by Lionel Richie & The Commodores
For Orlando and Karla, the original choice of "Rich Girl" seemed to be what Adam would have liked them to sing. But for once during the Battle Rounds, one of the coaches did the RIGHT thing, by finding a song that suited the vocal styles a lot better. Thus, "Easy" proved to be as easy like Sunday morning (my apologies to Lionel himself there <G>) for the competitors to try their hand at, with a little help from Adam, Robin Thicke (who advised Orlando), and Alanis Morissette (who assisted Karla). It still wasn't the best choice of song for the duo, even admittedly by the coaches as a whole, but Karla's vocal control proved to be somewhat better than Orlando's attempt at a little flair.
MY PICK: Orlando Napier
WINNER: Karla Davis (again, an "upset," considering)
TO THE BATTLERS: Orlando, you proved to be as good a musician as your dad, and I think this experience will help you grow in that fashio, and make your dad even prouder.
Karla, work on that vocal strength, I'm sure that's going to help you out during the Live Shows, just make sure to find your own identity within as well.
Battle #5--Naia Kete vs Jordan Rager, Team Blake, singing "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
Putting a street musician/reggae artist like Naia against a country loving preacher's kid like Jordan may sound far-fetched, but the song that Blake chose proved those two worlds could collide rather nicely. The flavor of the tune does favor Naia, but I'm sure that Jordan could borrow the feel from Zac Brown and songs like "Toes" (and he used Zac's hit "Chicken Fried" to qualify) to get the idea, and did. It also didn't hurt to have Blake's wife, singer, Miranda Lambert, to help him along the journey, while Naia's own style impressed Blake and her special guest advisor, former American Idol Kelly Clarkson. But it was the experience of Naia that carried her past the developing talent of Jordan (and his voice did happen to have some good range), and now is carrying her to a wider audience.
MY PICK: Naia Kete
WINNER: Naia Kete
TO THE BATTLERS: Jordan, there's no doubt, I think you've stumbled into something good and that you're starting to find your way. Blake isn't the only one who thinks you've got what it takes in country music.
Naia, you're nervous, but carry some very serious experience, and that will definitely be a factor as you head into the Live Shows. I hope you can keep it up, and develop that voice, and I say so because I now see you as a "dark horse" that could be reckoned with. Somehow, you've given me the same vibes Blake had when Xenia and Dia Frampton competed for him last season-I've become a fan of Dia, and I now see the same potential in you.
Battle #6--Justin Hopkins vs Tony Vincent, Team Cee-Lo, singing "Faithfully" by Journey
Finally, we end it all with one of the most emotional battles of the tournament so far-Broadway star Tony Vincent, and his trained vocal talent, against Justin Hopkins, musician and circuit singer (and former member of the band of Voice host Carson Daly's late night talk show). And both have become friends, knowing the stakes were very high for them and their families, as Cee-Lo himself also acknowledged. So the choice of song wasn't necessarily a shocker, since it is such an intense tune, and it took some very intense preparation thanks to Cee-Lo, and advisors Babyface (who helped Tony) and Ne-Yo (who helped Justin). Much like the Tony Lucca vs Chris Cauley duel, either one of these singers could have advanced-and the fact they both gave a commanding performance made that crystal clear. But Cee-Lo chose the person who he felt could better represent the team and his own point of view, and for Tony, the stage was set for the Live Shows.
MY PICK: Tony Vincent
WINNER: Tony Vincent
TO THE BATTLERS: Justin, you are someone I have grown to appreciate during your time on The Voice, with your vocal talent, and your love for the performance. I know that Cee-Lo and your old pal Carson are as proud of you as your fans are, and this won't be the end of the road for you. We'll be watching.
Tony, I was drawn to your voice as much as Cee-Lo was, being that it is such a unique and polished vocal talent, capable of adapting with just about any song that gets thrown your way. Believe me when I say that you and Jamar Rogers are two folk that really deserve the opportunity to shine in the Live Shows, I have grown to respect you that much. And I look forward to seeing what "spectacles" you can offer down the line.
WHEWWWWW.......that's it for the Battle Rounds, folks. A lot of surprises, a bit of drama, and more than one twist come to pass. Next Monday, April 2, begins the Live Shows, where you and I will help choose who moves on to the Finals, or at least gets one step closer, anyway. But this weekend, I'll be back on with more observations from The Voice, and give you an idea WHO'S got the makings of a great "voice," and who needs to step up their game, and FAST. And you thought LAST year was big with the likes of Javier, Dia, Beverly, Vicci, Frenchie, Nakia, Xenia, Casey, and so on? This one's gonna be a REAL roll of the dice, no questions asked. I just hope the artists left know what needs to be done, and GO SIC 'EM!
Be back this week, folks. Til then, this is the Wolffe, take care, be good, God bless, I'm gone, bye bye. NUFF SAID!
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