The Voice 10 Recap – Blind Auditions #2 Live Blog and VIDEO

The telecast is a bit delayed for a Super Tuesday update. Who ARE these people voting for Trump? Sigh. OK. Here we go. First a look back at what went down last night.

Blake and Adam bromance bit: Adam and Blake celebrate 10 seasons with champagne and gifts. A six pack of beer from Adam to Blake. And a mirror for Adam. Hardeeharhar.

Joe Vivona – Dreaming with a Broken Heart by John Mayer – His family owns a New Jersey amusement park. Cute grandpa alert! He started the business. Joe studied audio engineering and became interested in performing after recording his own voice. He hopes the coaches can help him with his stage fright. He describes his style as soulful/rock. He is a big fan of Adam and Pharrell.  He’s raspy and soulful but also vulnerable, which is a compelling combination. The verse is so sweet and quiet, the big notes on the chorus come as a surprise. Yeah, there’s some pitchy stuff here and there, but he connects to what he’s singing. Adam and Blake turn quickly. Pharrell at the last minute. Xtina didn’t turn because of the pitch stuff. Adam calls him a story teller. Pharrell tells a nervous Joe to take a deep breath. He’s going to help him with his nerves. “Test results are in…you get to live!” says Blake. He felt his voice electrified the room. Not a perfect vocal, but it did what music is supposed to do. Joe chooses cute grandpa’s favorite–Pharrell! –  Joe chooses Team Pharrell – Download from iTunes

https://youtu.be/FhlXgHOKcDY

Shalyah Fearing – What is Love from Empire by V Bozeman – Teen singer (15!) comes from a HUGE family and she loves it. After her mom mom lost her job, the family moved to a smaller house.  She is the lead singer in the family band–momager books them in local coffee shops. Nevertheless, the family understands her solo aspirations. The family borrowed money to fund her music.  This performance is pretty amazing. Shalyah is an extremely mature singer. It’s hard to believe she’s only performed in coffee shops around town, because she sounds like a pro with experience. Girl has some SERIOUS chops. But does she have the emotional maturity to handle the competition? Christina turns IMMEDIATELY. Wow. Only Christina turned. Maybe the other coaches decided to allow her to have that one. Adam notes her mature voice and thinks Xtina is a good fit. Pharrell promises she’s in the best hands. And that’s that.  Shalyah is on Team Christina – Download from iTunes

https://youtu.be/RWT9VSzUFpk

Adam Wakefield – Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton (George Jones) – He works in Nashville by way of New Hampshire. He grew up on his family’s hippie farm. Tragically, his brother suffered from mental illness and died from a drug overdose. His girlfriend keeps him grounded. She convinced him to move to Nashville. He’s made connections in town, opening and co-writing with known artists. The singer is a country artist with a strong blues and soul influence. The voice is strong and passionate with a ferocious rasp on the big notes. He’d fit right into a southern rock band.  Adam wastes no time pushing his button.  Blake turns next and Adam is pissed. Now the fight begins! “Finally there’s going to be a studly Adam on the show!” Pharrell compliments his runs. Adam notes his varied influences including rock and soul. Adam shows off that he knows the score–all about George Jones and his Nashville connections. Adam turns his nose up at Nashville’s cliquishness. He won’t stick the hopeful in a box! Blake says it IS a club and he’s protecting the genre. Adam W says rubbing elbows is OK but it’s talent that matters. But in the end, he chooses Blake. Sorry Adam…Blake really is the best fit. Adam W said he hoped Blake would turn. – Adam Chooses Team Blake –  Download from iTunes

https://youtu.be/SiKjWU5pBE8

Caroline Burns – So Far Away by Carole King – She’s a returnee and still only 15.  She went home and got back with her band to sing classic rock. She works at kids parties in her spare time. It was Dad who introduced her to older music. She still sounds SO YOUNG. Like a 12 year old, to be honest. Adam turns immediately, so she’s in. Hm….she still needs more time. A few years rather than a few months were in order.  Her voice cracks uncomfortably as the song ends. Nope. Not ready yet. Still Blake turns just as she finishes. I don’t get it. Adam remembers her. He’s proud that she improved in “leaps and bounds.” Uh. Not really? Blake loves when they come back and make it. “Never had a pitch problem.” Uhhhhh. NOT REALLY. Caroline picks Adam. I’ll eat my hat if she makes it past the battles. Caroline chooses Team Adam  –  Download from iTunes

https://youtu.be/g7-Xdlb0afU

Natalie Clark – All Right Now by Free – A former teacher, she has a clipped Scottish accent and dad who plays jazz guitar. She feels pulled to America and a career in music. She sang for Sir Richard Branson at some teleconference. He calls in to wish her good luck.  Blake is braced to push his button, but doesn’t do it. She’s got a decent, gritty rock voice voice, but doesn’t really take the song anywhere. She has pitch problems on the high notes too. She sure as hell was better than the 12 year old who got through. Blake felt she was restraining herself.  Adam suggests she strengthen her upper register. Christina sings a couple of lines to show her how it’s done. Boy does she ever! She was waiting for Natalie to play more with the melody. Agreed. She really held back.  –  NO TURNS.

Time for another Super Tuesday update!

Emily Keener – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John – She lives on forested land in Ohio with her family. She’s been playing guitar since 10 years of age, songwriting began at 12.  She’s got a strong Lorde/Lana Del Rey vibe going, only with noticeable and distracting pitch problems. Is this the Sara Bareilles cover she’s singing? Blake turns first, the rest in short order.  She got a standing ovation for that. Really. They’re bowled over by her stylized vocals it seems. Blake calls her voice a completely new sound. (NOPE) Adam was drawn “magnetically” to her voice. Pharrell was impressed that she used different tones. That’s one way to describe pitchy! “I won’t change you,” he promises. Christina babbles on about how unique, talented and important she is. Blake notes his success with young artists.  She’s only 16. She’s another one who could have used an extra year or so. CLIFFHANGER. Back from break  and she picks Pharrell. Xtina called it! Emily was drawn to Pharrell and his”cool strategies.” –  Emily chooses Team Pharrell – Download from iTunes

https://youtu.be/YXSpu18OPB0

Laith Al-Saadi – The Letter by Joe Cocker (Boxtops) – He started singing in choirs as a kid, began playing guitar as a young teen. Laith is 36, unmarried and has been as a working, touring musician since age 16. He loves old soul and R&B. He’s opened from some of his favs–BB King and Greg Allman. His voice is super flemmy. I don’t like it. His super old-fashioned vibe means he won’t last.  He’s a deft guitar player, however. But it’s called The Voice, right? Blake and Adam turn at the same time. Blake is a fan of his voice. He can tell he’s been touring a lot. Adam appreciates his   Pharrell wants to watch him play, Laith tosses off a little solo. Pharrell takes the stage to shake his hand. As a rocker at heart, Laith had to choose Adam. Laith Chooses Team Adam –   Download from iTunes

https://youtu.be/LGjRyz5q5xs

Angie Keilhauer – I Hold On by Dierks Bentley – Her family moved to Georgia from El Salvador. Her mother introduced her to Dolly Parton. That’s when she became interested in songwriting. In order to earn a living in music, she became a cruise ship singer. She’s hoping The Voice experience can kick her career up a notch. Angie is a country singer, but would love to be on Xtina’s team–she identifies with her as a vocalist.  Angie has a pleasant and recordable country vocal. Her control and pitch are really good, but she’s missing star quality. Christina correctly guesses cowboy boots as she enters the stage.  Adam, Pharrell and Blake turn. Pharrell invites her entire loud and HUGE family out on stage. Pharrell liked her control. Adam loved the raw break in her voice. By the end, she was spectacular, he thought. Blake calls her wild like a “loose cannon.” He thinks it’s about time a girl take that approach in country music.  Pharrell reminds her that he invited her family on stage. But in the end, it’s Blake. Pharrel calls her runs crazy! Although Angie Chooses Team Blake –  Download from iTunes

https://youtu.be/GcBqrwqreXM

I correctly predicted tonight’s montage! Lacy and Jonathan were one-chair turns. Blake and Adam battle over Katherine. Adam wins.

Lacy Mandigo – Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield – Download from iTunes – Team Christina
Jonathan Bach – Born This Way by Lady Gaga – Download from iTunes – Team Pharrell
Katherine Ho – Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift  – Download from iTunes – Team Adam

https://youtu.be/A9whcPQE-W4

Theron Early – Amazed by Lonestar – He began singing and playing in youth choir. These days, he performs at a piano bar in Florida. His mom is a little skeptical of his musical career, he wants to prove her wrong. He’s hoping to work with either Blake or Pharrell.  He performs the country classic in a soulful way, but the song doesn’t show off his soulful voice. Nobody turns. Even a stretched out glory note at the end didn’t do it.  Adam wasn’t expecting a young black man when he turned. Blake was CLOSE to pushing the button. Adam wanted there to be a little more ease. They suggest he work on it and come back. They all agreed he needed to vary the textures and dynamics of his vocal. Theron admits nerves got the best of him. – NO TURNS

Kata Hay – Redneck Woman by Gretchen Wilson  – She moved to Nashville with her girlfriend. When she got there, she realized how competitive the atmosphere is. She’s hoping The Voice brings her big break. She grew up in a triple wide in Oklahoma. (!!!) She sang at pageants and fairs growing up. Her childhood sounds like something out of Honey Boo Boo. She was 24 when she learned she was adopted (!!!),  Her mom died recently, and she’s still grieving. On the very last note, Adam, Pharrell and Christina all turned. I swear they choreograph this stuff ahead of time for dramatic effect. Kata rushes the panel to give them all big hugs. Adam jumps on stage to demonstrate the clomping he heard when his chair was turned.  A little disappointed Blake didn’t turn because she sang with him at the Oklahoma Opry. He obviously doesn’t remember her. This chick is pretty hilarious. She flirts with Xtina who suggests they make out.  CLIFFHANGER. Back from break. They kiss chastely on the lips. Pharrell freaks out anyway.  “If you pick me, there’s more of that to come,” teases Xtina. The stinkeye from her girlfriend backstage is strong.  Christina delivers the hard sell. Much to the girlfriend’s chagrin, Kata Picks Christina  –  Download from iTunes

https://youtu.be/QwbSTGOP1NY