The Voice 8 Blind Auditions #3 Live Blog and VIDEOS

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There were only a few standouts on The Voice tonight. The only 4 chair turn, was India Carney who blew the coaches away with her unusual phrasing and tone, and jazzy style. And then there was the bluesey soul singer, Travis Ewing, who performed a slow, sexy flip of “Say My Name.”  Honorable mentions go to young retro country singer Kelsie May and the stylish and soulful rocker, Kimberly Nichole. Bren’nae DeBarge, a young member of the musical family, auditioned but she was montaged! Go figure. Speaking of montages. Each of the coaches picked up 3 more singers tonight, except Adam who picked up FIVE. THREE of those auditions were montaged.

Next week…The Battles begin!

We’re live blogging the 3rd night of The Voice 8. Tonight, it’s The Blind Auditions #3. Join the discussion below.

Kelsie May – 15 – “You’re Looking Like Country” – She’s a sophomore in high school! But very shy. When she uploaded videos to Youtube at her parents insistence, she had an overwhelming response.  She has only recently begun performing for crowds. She becomes very emotional speaking about losing her best friend to cancer. This audition is for him. Kelsie loves Loretta Lynn and old school country. It’s taking awhile for the chairs to turn.  She’s good, she’s got spunk, but seems really nervous. She hasn’t completely grown into her artistry yet. Finally, Blake turns. Christina and Pharrell are next. Blake thought it was the perfect song for the Kentucky girl. Christina loved her “runs” and notes her own history as a child star. She can help her! Pharrell thinks it’s great to see such a young singer know the direction she wants to take. Blake namechecks the successful country artists he has coached previously on The Voice (did he forget to mention, the obvious, Danielle Bradbery?). And. Miranda Lambert! Christina promises Kelsie would be her ONE AND ONLY country voice. But of course, Kelsie Picks Team Blake.

http://youtu.be/pjfCNayNH2w

Kimberly Nichole 32 – “Nutbush City Limits” – People call her the “rock ballerina” because she wears custom made tutus. She’s the singer/mc at The Box in New York city. She got a degree in economics from Spelman college and worked in human resources for awhile, but couldn’t stay away from show business. She explains tearfully how she hit a brick wall in her career. That’s why she’s at The Voice. She is a striking woman. I bet they’d all go for her if the SAW her. Definitely has the Tina Turner rock tinged soul thing going on in spades. She’s pretty fierce. It’s taking them a minute to turn. Blake turns first. Pharrell pushes at the last minute. Adam is totally Team Pharrell! And of course, like I said–Christina got one look at her and regretted not turning. “Your voice is amazing,” says Pharrell. “I’m not a soul singer, but I have a soul,” says Blake. Blake promises her rock songs! He would make sure there was momentum behind her and the spotlight was shining on her the entire time. Despite Blake’s efforts, Kimberly Picks Team Pharrell

http://youtu.be/-2KXhn0YFl0

Michael Leier – 20 – “Last Kiss” – Michael is from Fargo and rolls his eyes at the “doncha know” accent. Nobody really talks like that in Fargo! He started playing music in a high school band and quickly hit the bar scene. The rents chaperoned them. After high school, he did pre-med for a year. He’s thinking now, he wants to chase his dream. He’s giving The Voice a shot. IS HE KIDDING WITH THIS SONG. This HORRIBLE HORRIBLE Pear Jam cover. Adam turned. I’m not feeling this at all. He’s got a rather affectless rock thing going. There’s no verve or energy. Maybe my blind hatred for the song is clouding my judgement. Pharrell thinks he has a “unique tone.” Adam thinks it’s one of the coolest covers ever. No, Adam. No. It sucks. Adam loved that he did his own thing with it. He was blown away by his power. “You have this strength and grip on your vocal, you don’t sound like anybody else,” says Blake.  This dude isn’t going to make it out of the Battle/Knockout rounds. Michael wanted to choose Adam all along. – Michael Picks Team Adam.

http://youtu.be/R8s5O8jWBUs

Hannah Ellis – “This One’s for the Girls” – She moved to Nashville in 2013 and interned at a label in town. She’s played smaller shows while working odd jobs here and there. She’s a nanny and a substitute teacher. She also works for her dad, selling doors and windows. She really wants to do music full time. No chairs. Not surprised. There just wasn’t anything special happening there–limp phrasing and pitch problems. She’s cute, but no charisma. Blake liked her tone, but thought she sang sharp the whole time. Christina wanted the song to build. Pharrell encourages her to come back – No Chairs.

A montage of singers who didn’t advance. SADS! Some shouting, some nerves. etc etc.

Travis Ewing – 23 – “Say My Name” – Full time musician plays all over town in New Orleans. He does the loop pedal thing when he performs. He beatboxes too. He went to LSU, played some steady gigs. It’s been tough for him to break into a new scene. His 7th grade teacher, who had a huge impact, wishes him good luck online. Christina turns immediately. She’s into it! It takes a bit, but Blake and Pharrell turn next. I like what Travis did with this song. He slowed it up–made it bluesey and sexy. He’s got a warm, syrupy tone that’s very appealing. Adam didn’t turn, he calls himself an idiot and Travis says “I agree,” but he was talking about his critique! The panel stands to give Travis a standing O. Heh. Christina loves the silkiness and charm of his vocal. She’s impressed that he arranged the song himself. Blake feels out of his league, but stresses that he’s successfully coached singers outside of his genre. Pharrell thought he was in the pocket. He turned last, because he was listening. He would really love a shot at helping Travis “mix things up.” Travis chooses after the break! And Travis Picks Team Pharrell

http://youtu.be/gpkkl1jZxu8

Noelle Bybee (Team Pharrell), Bren’nae DeBarge (Team Adam) and James McNeice (Team Adam) all advance – Wow. They really montaged someone from the DeBarge family?

http://youtu.be/zpG6N7m0FkA

Adam decides to do a blind audition. He sings “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John and everyone turns around. “C’mon Adam, don’t be a hold out!” he yells at his empty chair. Pharrell gets up to push his button. Ha ha. The coaches sing along. He picks Christina as coach! She says they have a few tweaks to make, but she can take Adam to the very end. Blake says he only turned to “see what the freak looked like.” Cute.

http://youtu.be/G_jYqw-UPe4

The Voice season 5 winner, Tessanne Chin stars in a Clear Scalp & Hair commercial! YAY!

http://youtu.be/O5icpHzQ6M0

Sonic – 23 – “Money on my Mind” –  When she was 14, she had a label deal, but felt a “diva like” image was “made up” for her. “It definitely wasn’t who I am,” she says.  After 4 years with the label, her album never came out. She’s a jewelry designer and deaf in her right ear. She doesn’t hear music the way others do, but it has informed her artistry in a unique way. Adam and Christina turn really first. But Pharrell and Blake are hesitant. I see why. Her tone is really strident, and she has pitch problems. Christina loves her. Pharrell thought some of the pitchy moments were very emotional. Adam thought it was legit. She lost it a bit, but came back. Christina loves her range. Really, Christina is SO excited, Sonic should pick her, and she does. Sonic Picks Christina.

http://youtu.be/7_kuY7SUxCE

Ella Khorov – 17 – “I Can’t Stand the Rain” – This New Orleans native has been influenced by many styles of music. She’s a competitive swimmer. Her mom battled cancer, but has made a full recovery. Ella doesn’t perform a lot, so singing for the celebrity coaches is a huge deal. Aw. Nobody turned. The entire performance was off, though–pitch issues and nervousness abounded. The situation swallowed her up. The coaches encourage her to come back after she gets a a little more experience under her belt. . No Chairs

Jacob Rummell – 18 – “Count on Me” – His sister was born with a genetic birth defect, so they adopted him and another sister.  He’d rather do The Voice than go to college! He LOVES Christina Aguilera. He’s got a sweet, high voice. The coaches will be VERY surprised to find a boy when they turn around. Adam pushes his button first, Blake next. His voice is unusual, but flaccid. “WHOA IT’S A GUY” says Blake. When Pharrell gets a look at him, he wished he pressed his button. Adam notes the pitchy moments, but likes that he wasn’t trying to do something that everyone else does. Pharrell is doubly disappointed when Jacob name checks Bruno Mars.  “Where is your inner fire?” asks Christina. She didn’t turn around and that’s my problem with Jacob. He sings like a high school choir boy. Adam compares him to a young Michael Jackson and talks such a good game it’s a pretty big surprise when Jacob goes for Blake.  “Keep doing nothing,” says Adam to Blake, “It’s doing really well for you!” In return, Blake gives him a big smooch. Hijinks!  Jacob picks Blake.

http://youtu.be/JauIHdzFNwk

Barry Minniefield – 52 – “Me and Mrs Jones” – He was the executive chef at the Hollywood Improv. He couldn’t stop singing on the job! He’s met all the greats. Some of his favorite pals helped him start a catering company. Recently, he retired from cooking, moved to Palm Springs where he sings at country clubs.  Jay Leno drops him a good luck message online! Well, that’s an interesting backstory. But, he needs to stick to singing at the country clubs in Palm Springs. This is karaoke amature hour. But then Adam turns! Oh please.  “Amazing,” says Christina. Pharrell appreciates his classic tone. Adam calls him “My soul brother #1.”  When Adam saw that he turned for an older man, I think he regretted it.  Adam Turns his Chair.

http://youtu.be/EzYQVkaayAc

More montages! Nicolette Mare (Team Adam) Clinton Washington (Team Christina) Matt Snook (Team Blake)

http://youtu.be/kBuFN00UreA

India Carney – 21 – “New York State of Mind” – She’s graduating from the UCLA music school. Her parents aren’t musical, but she has been pursing musical education since middle school. She attended the Fame school in NYC. She’s classically trained, but her heart is pulled toward pop music. After hearing her sing opera, I’m surprised by her throaty alto. Her tone is really interesting, with a unique vibrato. She seems really nervous though! Nevertheless, there’s something really special going on here. She’s got insane timing and great little adlibs. It’s the only 4 chair turn of the night, and rightfully so.  Now the fight begins. Xtina feels the connection! Loved her jazz adlib near the end. “You are a vocal beast,” she says. Blake fell in love with her voice immediately. Pharrell breaks it down. If she doesn’t pick him, he’ll steal her! “You’re going to the end of this thing,” says Adam. He promises to NEVER make her available to be stolen. She chooses the person who was a big part of her childhood… India Picks Christina.

http://youtu.be/cEyq8pzw0pI

Team Adam

  • Tonya Boyd-Cannon
  • Blaze Johnson
  • Deanna Johnson
  • Michael Leier
  • James McNeice
  • Bren’nae DeBarge
  • Nicolette Mare
  • Barry Minniefield

Team Pharrell

  • Lowell Oakley
  • Meghan Linsey
  • Sawyer Fredericks
  • Anthony Riley
  • Mia Z
  • Kimberly Nichole
  • Travis Ewing
  • Noelle Bybee

Team Christina

  • Rob Taylor
  • Treeva Gibson
  • Gabrielle Wolfchild
  • Joe Tolo
  • Sonic
  • Clinton Washington
  • India Carney

Team Blake

  • Sarah Potenza
  • Cody Wickline
  • Joshua Davis
  • Brooke Adee
  • Kelsie May
  • Jacob Rummell
  • Matt Snook

About mj santilli 34830 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!