The blind auditions finally come to an end tonight! Each coach has one more spot to fill, and then it’s off to the battle rounds next week. I’ll be live blogging right here.
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This last night of blind auditions served to tie up loose ends. Each of the coaches had one spot to fill. Out of the six auditions, 2 did not advance. The remaining 4 went to each of the judges. There was very little suspense, to say the least. Oh. Except when Luke Edgemon picked Shakira’s Team over Usher’s. Is he crazy? At least he’ll stand out on a weak team. That’s some consolation.
Don’t get me wrong, Shakira is tons of fun on the panel, but that does not mean she’ll be a great mentor. We shall see next week, when the Battle Rounds begin.
Mark Lennon – “Come Together” by the Beatles – Carson Daly heads to the Witz End to meet a guy who was a member of a legendary Hollywood band called “Venice”. Even Carson knows who he is. Sadly, the dude never hit the big time. Oh dear. Nobody turns around for the guy. It’s sad when these artists who have been kicking around forever don’t get a spin. But the sad truth is, that he’s really not anything special. As generic a rock singer as you’re going to find. “You sound 19!” says Adam, who felt that his sound needed to be dirtier.
Jacqui Sandell – “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac – She’s been singing and dancing since she was very young. She joined a band after college, but now she’s looking to take some risks. Jacuqi has a slinky, retro sounding voice. She could probably slide into country if she has any inclination for the genre. Blake is the first to spin. And then Usher. He’s intrigued by her vocal, but there are some things Usher would like to improve. Blake calls her voice “sneaky” and loves her sexy sound. Blake is way more convincing and enthusiastic about nurturing her talent. And of course she chooses Team Blake.
Amber Carrington – “Good Girl” by Carrie Underwood – She came to the auditions with her grandparents. She planned to move to Nashville, but soon after she moved, her mother died of breast cancer. Adam is the first to turn around. If Blake was still in the game, I don’t think he’d pick her anyway, no matter what he’s saying here to the contrary. Her vocal is wonky and rather generic. The band is totally drowning her out. I guess Adam felt he needed more cannon fodder. But he predicts that she’ll be one of the surprises of the season. – Team Adam.
Dustin Hatzenbeuhler – “Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Buble – His high school band was pretty big in Minneapolis. A struggling musician, he lives with his parents who don’t make him pay rent. Oh dear. His parents really need to have a frank discussion with their son. Like MAYBE MUSIC ISN’T FOR YOU, they need to say. OMG when he hit a horribly off key high note, Shakira’s eyes grew wide. It was pretty bad. Lots of wonky notes, and his tone is reed thin. He’s got no rhythm. Will the coaches be honest with him? Nah. Usher said he lacked the required swag, turning the song into a show tune. No swing. Shakira and Adam tell him to come back. This is the part where Simon or Randy would tell him that the music business isn’t for him. But this is the kinder and gentler The Voice.
Luke Edgemon – “I Can’t Make You Love Me” – We learn that Luke’s dad is a minister, his mom sang in the choir. He grew up singing in the church. He sang background vocals for Mary J. Blige and some others. But what he doesn’t mention is that he auditioned for Idol in season 9 and advanced to Hollywood. After, he auditioned for Glee and was featured in several episodes as a Dalton Warbler (He and Chris Mann must be buds) He’s got an interesting tone and is more soulful than I remember, but he seems nervous. Both Usher and Shakira turn their chairs. His voice is incredible, says Usher. Adam finds his demeanor way different than his singing voice. I’m not sure why that’s important? Shakira reminds him that she was the first to turn around. He’d be CRAZY not to choose Usher. Shakira affects Usher’s leg up and challenges Luke to pick him. OH GEEZ. Luke picks Team Shakira. Alrighty then.
Jessica Childress – “I Think I Want to Marry You” – She worked in public relations, but she was missing something. Her husband urged her to quit her career and pursue music. Oh. When she hit the 2nd verse, she revealed a powerful, raspy voice. But she’s got a softer tone too. Very interesting. She’s got some rough edges, but her voice is soulful with a tinge of rock. I can hear her singing straight pop songs too. Finally Team Usher finds his last member.
