I almost forgot how annoying the coaches are at this stage of The Voice, complimenting every performance, in the exact same way–even those that are clearly lacking. Also, there’s the lathering of praise and hyperbole on good but not great performances.
The Voice 9 Top 12 Performances Recap and VIDEOS
For instance, Zach Seabaugh clearly wasted his pimp spot, delivering a generic and amateurish performance of “My Love”, but the coaches raved about his professionalism and readiness to headline big tours. Blake and Adam invoking the tragedy in Paris to lavish praise on Jordan Smith bordered on tacky and opportunistic. The simple mention of the terrible event at the top of the show should have been the one and only mention. The coaches are beginning to repeat themselves, too. Cut back on the critiques. Make the taped mentoring sessions longer.
There were some good performances, but overall tonight was uneven. The problems began with the song choices. “Against All Odds,” “Renegade,” “Right Here Waiting,” “This is It.” Boo. The best song picks were “Hotline Bling,” for Amy, and Jeffery’s “Let it Go.” Is it my imagination, or is The Voice song selections more oldie-heavy than in the past? I might be the only person who liked Madi’s take on “Who Will Save Your Soul,” but there it is. “Blame it on Your Heart” was good in theory for Emily Ann, but she needs to improve her stage presence. Good for her, it’s doing OK on the iTunes chart.
Once again, a religious hymn smashes the iTunes Top 5. Jordan Smith went immediately into the Top 10, and subsquently into the Top 5 and now he holds the #1 position. Not only did he topple the mighty Adele, but he kicked Justin Bieber’s whiny ass. It’s a little disconcerting that the coaches are pulling the Christian card for iTunes sales. I just KNOW that Blake is holding back on Barrett Baber’s Jesus Moment until closer to the final.
Amy’s visually stunning “Hotline Bling” has hit #10 on the chart, and will probably to higher. I hope Jeffery Austin manages to make that milestone as well. His performance was my personal favorite. Madi Davis is going to have to get back into her box next week. The little departure she took tonight didn’t work for her. Folks aren’t feeling Shelby Brown in a big way. Her vocal wasn’t perfect, but it was heartfelt. That should count for something. Zach Seabaugh’s chart position seems pretty good until you remember he had the pimp spot.
The bottom four doesn’t surprise me, except for Braiden. He hasn’t even cracked the Top 100! I’m sure he will, but I expected him to have a bigger impact. He probably needs to stick to grandma approved ballads. Look at Pharrell holding 3 of the bottom 5 spots. He totally screwed Evan McKeel and Mark Hood over with those song choices. Gwen is lucky to have Jeffery, because other than him, she’s got nothing.
Now, it’s time to vote for your favorites. Results, predictions and iTunes chart numbers tomorrow afternoon!
Favorite Performance
Favorite Team
Grade the Episode
iTunes Chart as of 1:15 am ET
1. Jordan Smith – Team Adam – Great is Thy Faithfulness
10. Amy Vachal – Team Adam – Hotline Bling
15. Jeffery Austin – Team Gwen – Let it Go
19. Barrett Barber – Team Blake – Right Here Waiting
27. Emily Ann Roberts – Team Blake – Blame it On Your Heart
39. Zach Seabaugh – Team Blake – My Love
47. Shelby Brown – Team Adam – In Color
49. Madi Davis – Team Pharrell – Who Will Save Your Soul
70 – Korin Bukowski – Team Gwen – Titanium
71. Evan McKeel – Team Pharrell – This is It
76 – Mark Hood – Team Pharrell – Against All Odds
104 – Braiden Sunshine – Team Gwen – Renegade
