We’re LIVE BLOGGING The Voice 8 Blind Auditions RIGHT HERE! Join us.
I was a little fuzzy on when these blinds were filmed, but apparently, it was BEFORE Pharrell’s team went down the tubes last season. THAT’S why the new singer’s are continuing to buy his BS. Pharrell’s “It’s all about YOU and what YOU want” seemed like clever salesmanship initially. And I guess it is, because it’s still working for him. But knowing how he couldn’t deliver on promises he made to team members last time makes his words seem disingenuous and phoney.
Tonight’s narrative centered on Adam’s inability to lure members on to his team. But damn it, as annoying as he can be, he did right by last season’s runner up, Matt McAndrew, who I am sure would not change anything about his The Voice journey. Unlike Blake, Adam takes chances with his team members, which I appreciate. Pharrell may be a genius when he’s twirling knobs in the studio, but as a Voice player, he’s the worst.
Tonight’s standouts were Meghan Linsey and Sawyer Frederickson. I’d love to see Meghan get her second chance. Seems like she’s had a tough time of it.
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The Voice 8 premiere opens with ALL FOUR coaches, Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Pharrell Williams and Blake Shelton ROCKING OUT to “Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz. The coaches performance has become a premiere tradition! Christina, back after two seasons is in FINE form. HOT GUITARIST IS HOT.
http://youtu.be/CyDkkV5Ld_c
Oh. Look at the coaches ACTUALLY NAMECHECKING AND PROMOTING their team members. Blake and Adam both mentioned the success of Craig Wayne Boyd and Matt McAndrew. Good for them. They are looking to discover and develop “the greatest voice in America.”
Sarah Potenza – 34 – “Stay With Me” by The Faces – She’s an Italian American from Nashville who started a country blues band with her husband. It has been a struggle, but husband has been with her every step of the way. Her dad has Parkinson’s disease, and has been supportive too, encouraging the singer to be “brave.” Sarah likes the idea of the blind audition because “I’m just an ordinary person.” She’s got a strong classic rock voice, reminiscent of Janis Joplin, all raspy and blues soaked. Adam and Pharrell turn quickly. Blake is next. Blake attempts to play the Nashville card. Christina pretty much admits she only turned around last minute to see what all the fuss was about. Pharrell is really into her, “You have given this generation something they’ve never seen before.” Hyperbole alert. Adam takes the stage to put his arms around her. Sarah is a hoot, playing comfortably with all the attention. Adam wants to turn her into a rock n roll star. Pharrell pulls out his typical “It’s all about YOU” cakes. It worked like a charm last season… But in the end, Sarah goes with the winningest coach, Blake. Sarah says she chose Blake because it’s important to her that country music is about storytelling. – Sarah chooses Team Blake Shelton.
http://youtu.be/3m0LiIOG-0I
Lowell Oakley – 19 – “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” – His dad sings in church, but his uncle has studied opera. His high school a cappella group had a big impact on him. He’s an old style crooner. He emphasizes that look and attitude are part of the package. He’s headed to a business career like the rest of his family, but he really wants to do music. Lowell has a nice, rich tone, but still a little immature. Adam turns first. Pharrell thinks for a minute, and also pushes his button. Adam compliments him on charming the crowd. Great timing, charisma, Adam feels he’s got it. Pharrell says that despite his youth, he’s at home in the genre. Adam insists that he KNOWS that world of music and understands what he wants to do in it. Pharrell envisions something new. He uses a clever analogy about building houses using blueprints. In the end, Lowell chooses Pharrell. I think he’s making a mistake. Lowell chose him because he likes the idea of taking his music to a new place. But, likely, Pharrell will make stupid song choices for him and then abandon him in the battle/knockout rounds. Lowell chooses Team Pharrell
http://youtu.be/fXpnXhkPI_4
Rob Taylor – 22 – “I Want You” – He was raised by a single mom. When he was 12 she had a stroke which left her paralyzed on one side. WOW. That’s tough at ANY AGE, believe me. But at 12? I can’t imagine. He’s going out on stage to turn a chair for his mom. Christina turns first. When he hits his falsetto, Pharell and Adam turn. To be honest, those high notes could use some work. His vocals are sloppy. “What’s wrong with you!” Christina shouts at Blake. Uhm. He’s got ears, Xtina. She runs to the stage to hug him. They compliment him on his high notes. Hm. “Do you want some clowns, or do you want someone who will take care of you!” Ha. I love sassy Xtina. She’s giving Rob the hard hard sell. She actually might be able to help him. He picks her! Wise choice, Rob. Christina goes backstage to meet his mom. That was sweet. – Rob chooses Team Christina.
http://youtu.be/cMqvYhTjND0
Ivonne Acero – 16 – “Try” – Her tiny New Mexican town, Aguila, NM is the cantaloup capital. Her Mexican parents work on a farm. They sound very hardworking. Ivonne only joined choir at school last year. This girl seems very raw. And she is. She has a nice tone, but lacks confidence and vocal control. Unsurprisingly, no chairs turned. Adam makes her promise to come back. Pharrell takes the stage to give her some tips. He tells her to loosen her grip on the mic. “You have an enormous gift, don’t wrap it up like that.” Christina encourages her to write in order to figure out who she is as an artist. Blake, already regretting his choice, believes she’s 5 minutes away from getting a 4 chair turn. I don’t think they’re blowing smoke. she is very inexperienced, but has potential. NO CHAIRS
Cody Wickline – 20 – “He Stopped Loving Her Today” – His parents can’t sing. He didn’t start himself until 16. He started playing bars at 17. He entered a nursing program on scholarship. He never flew before heading to Los Angeles for The Voice. He thinks he would pick either Blake or Pharrell. Adam turns immediately. Blake listens with his eyes closed. eventually, he turns around. And then–Pharrell and Christina at the last minute. Cody is a decent vocalist, but his vintage sound isn’t distinct. He’s still imitative of the country greats. Adam points out that he was the first to turn he calls his voice “truly brilliant.” and “the best country performance on The Voice ever.” WTF? No that was not. Not even close. Blake calls the George Jones song important, but hears more Merle. “All you need now is someone to introduce you to Nashville.” Pharrell went to the CMT awards twice. WELL. That makes him qualified. Christina calls Cody’s gift undeniable. Wisely, Cody chooses Team Blake.
http://youtu.be/VhoYhMk7VSg
We’re half way through the episode and Adam has been denied four times. TEAM ADAM ZERO.
Treeva Gibson – 16 – “Young and Beautiful” – She has two deaf parents. She learned to sign before she learned to speak. They can’t hear her voice, but they understand how important singing is to her. Oh. She’s lost some of her hearing, too, in her mid-range. She needs a hearing aid. But can still hear instruments. Interesting. Treeva has a lovely voice, but she seems REALLY nervous. She hits her stride some on the big notes. She’s got an interesting quiver/rasp that really adds to her emotional delivery. With some experience, and good coaching, she could be REALLY great. Christina and Blake turn right away. Adam notes her shaky start, but is impressed with where she ended up. Christina was captivated. She loved the way the song grew. She’s going to work with her to perfect the flaws. Pharrell didn’t turn, he’s wishing he did. Blake feels he heard something he’s never heard before. She signs her answer. Treeva chooses Team Christina.
http://youtu.be/WheDe-6G-xo
Nice. Craig Wayne Boyd’s song being used in a “Night Shift” promo.
Mason Henderson – “Riptide” – Oh. We can’t see the singer either. would we choose? I would. Dude has a nice, raspy voice. Nobody turned though! Boo hoo. Blake didn’t hit his button, because it was too dramatic, on 10 the whole time. Adam suggested he reign it in a little. Christina thought there were timing issues. She might have chosen him if her chair wasn’t turned. Pharrell challenges Mason to explore his range. Mason admits that he overreacted vocally when the chairs didn’t turn. NO CHAIRS
Meghan Linsey – 28 – “Love Hurts” – This girl was part of the duo Steel Magnolia. They won the CMT competition, Can You Duet a few years ago. (We covered that show. Check them out HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.) They got signed to Big Machine records and had some chart success. In 2011, she and musical/personal partner, Josh broke up (He also ended up in rehab, but she does not mention that here). At the time, Meghan felt like she lost her career. She had to go back to square one. The Voice is her second chance. I LOVED Steel Magnolia when they competed on Can You Duet. They were the clear winners. And she’s still great. She calls herself a soul singer first and foremost, and she has a point. That raspy soul vibe made her country singing special. NOBODY turns at first and then at the last minute, everyone but BLAKE turns. Hm. I SMELL A SET UP. Blake recognizes her immediately. She toured with him! He calls her “One of the best singers I’ve ever heard in my life.” Yet he didn’t turn? I think he knew who she was and purposely didn’t push his button. Pharrell senses her soul (wut?) “I would love to garnish you with song selection.” Pharrell is REALLY laying it on thick. Adam loves her combo of raw passion and control. Christina pulls the female card. Meghan choses Pharrell, although she almost goes for Christina. Meghan chooses Team Pharrell
http://youtu.be/vmhy9lBx8rw
Joshua Davis – 37 – “I Shall Be Released” – His guitar was a bar Mitzvah present. He loves old blues tunes. He was part of a folk band for many years. He’s got a family now, another baby on the way. Joshua is a real throw back to 70’s singer/songwriters, but a REALLY dated sound. Pharrell loved his tone, control and character. Christina didn’t turn, but she was impressed with the textures in his voice. Blake calls him different than anything that has come across the stage (More hyperbole. Do the singers really take these overblown compliments seriously?) Adam calls him “soothing and inspiring.” Adam and Blake trade a bunch of smack talk. But eventually, Joshua chooses Team Blake.
http://youtu.be/S_IRqLjdh8o
Bryce Sherlow – 17 – “Cool Kids” – She’s currently in a high school a capella group AND THEY WON NATIONALS! Her dad is from Scotland, and seems really cool. She doesn’t have a very melodic voice, she almost talk/sings the song. It’s an interesting tone, but her range is very limited and she has major pitch issues. No chairs turn. When she reveals her a cappella group sang “Happy” Pharrell asks to sing with her. It’s a very cute moment. I like that the coaches send off these underbaked young ones with a feel good moment. Pharrell asks her to come back next time. But in this case, I’d say NOPE. NO CHAIRS
Sawyer Fredericks – 15 – “A Man of Constant Sorrow” – He lives on his family’s farm. They have a slew of animals. Farms are great, but it’s a lot of work, he says. He’d rather be a musician than a farmer. He’s homeschooled and shy. He admits that his voice is still changing. Literally, after 3 notes, Adam, Pharrell and Christina turn. Sawyer has an old soul sound, way beyond his years. His rootsy vibe is both appealing and intriguing. Blake finally gives in and pushes his button. Adam is getting desperate. At this point he’s begging. Ha. Christina wants to be Sawyer’s BFF. She asks him who his inspirations are. He loves Ray Lamontagne and Creedance. Oddly, considering his answer a sign he should pick her, XTina begs him not to go the obvious route. Blake loves his distorted bad ass sound. Pharrell felt transported to another time. Sawyer chose Pharrell because of his talk of originality and allowing team members to go their own way. “It’s about you and what you want.” Oh Boy. I see regret in Sawyer’s future. Sawyer chooses Team Pharrell!
http://youtu.be/CyDkkV5Ld_c
Adam is totally shut out TOTALLY!
Team Blake – Sarah Potenza, Cody Wickline, Joshua Davis
Team Christina – Rob Taylor, Treeva Gibson
Team Pharrell – Lowell Oakley, Meghan Linsey, Sawyer Fredericks
Team Adam – ZIP!
