Well, guys, the Battle Rounds are over on NBC's "The Voice," and the stage is set for the Live Shows, set to start off Monday, April 2. Now, the four coaches and their teams have to "face the music," and see if America will vote them into the Semi-Finals, or if the coaches need to give them a "helping hand." (And stick around, I'll give you an idea how you can help your favorite star move on in the competition.) But it's time to see who just might have what it takes to win it all-as I did before the Battle Rounds, this time, weakest to strongest, teams and artists, starting with....
TEAM CEE-LO GREEN (aka "Team Red Zone")
Last year, Cee-Lo, as I mentioned had a powerful, yet eclectic team, featuring among others, rocker Vicci Martinez and blues rocker Nakia, which proved to be a one-two punch heading towards the Finals. This year, however, the team seems to be a bit subdued-or at least it seems that these guys are becoming the "dark horses" of the competition. Can Cee-Lo ignite a fire that gets these guys into the winner's circle? Some of the song choices have been surprising, to say the least, but here's how things are going for them....
6) Erin Martin---the most eclectic voice, indeed, that I think I've ever heard in this or any competition. Cee-Lo pegged it right when he called Erin's vocals "very bizarre," but it's worked out well in her favor. BUT, Erin, we saw a little bit of a "diva" during your Battle Round with the Shields Brothers-attitude can work in your favor, TOO MUCH attitude, even with the fans' help, can turn on you in a heartbeat. I'm hoping you have enough early support, much like Vicci racked up last year, but to be honest, humble up, and listen up to what Cee-Lo advises you to do.
5) Cheesa--a big surprise, since I thought Angie Johnson won their duel in the Battle Rounds, but she's proved she has the pipes. The question is whether she can learn the control the vocal power, that will be the key, hopefully the right song choice will work itself out.
4) James Massone--a kid with heart and talent, the vocal ability IS there. But James, step up your confidence level a bit. As Cee-Lo showed you, you'll have to be able to trust yourself in whatever songs are chosen, and what kind of performance you want to give. You've got the "chops," as Christina has said (I call it "pipes"), now just remember you ARE that talented, and let it show, and let it flow.
3) Jamar Rogers--you came onto this show, hoping to land a spot with your favorite coach, Cee-Lo, and you did, buddy. And your vocal talent PROVED you're worthy of being part of the "Red Zone." Now, it's just a matter of making sure it STAYS that way, don't lose that fire and intensity. Believe me, you're one of a handful of folks I HOPE to God makes it thru, after knowing your background.
2) Tony Vincent--probably one of the most seasoned performers I have met, and that background in theater absolutely shows why you're in the competition. You know your rock n' roll, and the level of passion knows few limits. Don't let up on that delivery, I know you've got a legit shot at being part of the Finals.
1) Juliet Sims--could Juliet become Cee-Lo's next "Vicci" or "Beverly?" Her performance makes it clear to a lot of folks that she deserves her own shot at the title, but I hope she can deliver the performances of her life right now. I can see her in the Finals, just as far as winning, it's a toss-up.
TEAM BLAKE SHELTON (aka, "Team Big Country")
Last season, Blake and his team shocked the competition when he took both country and pop stars into the Top 16, and his pop stars proved to be the bigger surprise, with Xenia making the top 8, and Dia Frampton becoming runner-up of the whole season. THAT takes guts and determination, but right now, it's gonna take more determination to get Blake's team back to a chance at the title. Blake, you'd better step up the game like you did last year, there's been at least a couple surprises (including one of my favorites sent packing), but at least the line-up IS quite convincing...
6) Erin Willett--she proved she has the vocal strength, beating out favorite Gwen Sebastian. And she's also proved she's a fighter, now fighting for the memory of her father. Erin, all I can say is the battle has gone to a new level, step up your control of the vocals, and keep fighting. I know your dad would have been proud.
5) Naia Kete--Naia, I get the same feeling from you that Blake got from Dia last year, thinking you could be a big surprise in this competition. Somehow, your smooth reggae flavored sound just might be the thing that makes you an ultimate "wild card." Fortunately, being a street musician, you know how to work your sound, and the crowd. I advise you to keep that up.
4) RaeLynn--I don't think there was any doubt you'd wind up on the show, with your heart felt country sound, and a little bit of an edge (hmm, just like Blake's wife Miranda <G>). Just make sure you know you will have to adapt to whatever song gets thrown your way, I know you had a challenge with that in the Battle Round (and I'm not sure if the song choice helped you or Ashley Stump). I hope whatever song is picked, make it managable for your sound.
3) Jermaine Paul--you've improved a LOT in the competition in my eyes, and may just be the one to give Christina's soul singer Jesse Campbell a legit run for the money during the Live Shows. Thank God for your own background with being a back-up for R&B star Alicia Keyes, that certainly helped. You've also proved that "swagger" doesn't necessarily mean overconfidence, something some of your fellow artists can learn.
2) Jordis Unga--confidence and control are your key issues, my dear. We know that you have the vocal ability, even if your own Battle Round was a little bit askew, as I call it. Now it's just a matter of making sure your emotions don't get the better of you, but I'm sure you can find that strength and control if you work on it enough.
1) Charlotte Sometimes--my dear, you've proven to be one very big force to be reckoned with. It took me a couple of times to listen to your audition, but I heard the "alternative diva" in you, one I'm sure Alanis Morisette would even take notice on. And the Battle Round proved it as well, but here we go again, leave "cocky" to Blake, too much attitude has a way of working against you if you're not careful. I'm seeing aggressiveness, but it needs to be tempered, dear, or that can turn off potential fans and votes.
Okay....two teams down, two to go. Who's got what it takes to win what's proven to be a very successful season of The Voice, one that now makes it the new #1 show in the USA? We'll see April 2nd, and I'll be back SOON to let you know how good Adam's and Christina's teams are, and how you can help your favorite stars. This is the Wolffe, take care, be good, God bless, I'm gone, bye bye! NUFF SAID!
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