Tonight’s Wildcard performances were mostly underwhelming. You might think, with a last shot on the stage, the singers would give it everything they’ve got. Nope. Several contestants performed as if they should have guzzled a few cans of Red Bull first.
Reagan James wasn’t even trying AT ALL with “Put Your Records On.” It’s hard to remember why I believed she was a front runner. “Zombie” was a fitting song title for Jessie Pitts’ performance.
Ryan Sill’s “Marry Me” was fine…until he hit that falsetto. Ouch. Sorry. I didn’t believe Damien would catch a “Grenade” for ANYBODY. Where was the pleading? The passion? There were more bum notes tonight, too.
John Taylor Williams completely lost his mojo. His arrangement for “Wicked Game” was boring before he launched into what sounded like an impersonation of a dying animal. Something had died. That would be his The Voice run. Bye bye front runner. ETA: HOLY COW. His iTunes recording is charting highest, at #30, right now (10:30 et). He’s DEFINITELY got people, and may get back in the game yet.
Maybe Taylor’s mojo was stolen by Luke Wade. He sang the best he has in weeks. With a spot at the end of the lineup, and a fan base ready to vote, he’s in a good position to nab that 4th wildcard spot. Throwing her chance away was DaNica Shirey who hit many off pitch shouty notes as she clumsily ad libbed “Without You.”
My favorite of the night, however, was Anita Antoinette’s jazzy island-centric rendition of “Waiting on the World to Change.” That jazz run was unexpected and gorgeous. Sugar Joans was surprisingly good. She dialed back the big notes and channeled her inner Amy to sing a slinky, soulful version of “Back to Black.”
So what say you? Who do you think will join Chris Jamison, Matt McAndrew and Craig Wayne Boyd (NO SURPRISES THERE) for next week’s final?
REMINDER: You have until ONLY 3 am ET to vote. THE RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE NBC TODAY SHOW in the morning. I expect the result to be revealed by Carson in the 8:30-9:00 half hour.
POLLS!
The Voice 7 – Vote For your FAVORITE Performance
The Voice 7 – Which Remaining Contestant Wins The Wild Card?
