Queen Christina sang with one lucky artist during night four of the Season 10 Blind Auditions. (Graphic property of NBC & United Artists Media Group)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
One of the reasons why Christina Aguilera is my favorite Voice is that she sings with artists during the Blind Audition process.
Among the lucky artists that have sung with Christina at this stage of the competition include Sera Hill (Season Two), Michael Lynch (Season Five) and Team Pharrell’s Caitlin Caporale (Season Eight). Every time, she sings with an artist, her fellow coaches smile, the whole Voice studio audience explodes in delight and fans get chills.
Tonight, one lucky artist had the opportunity of a lifetime to perform with one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers of All-Time. Who sang with Christina and what song did they perform? Read on to find out…
Tamar Davis was the first contestant of the night. At 11-years-old, she was in the first incarnation of Girls’ Time, which eventually became Destiny’s Child. Unfortunately, her parents did not want her to continue with the group. Her luck began to change when she sang with Prince’s backing band and worked with Tyler Perry (who joined the Davises backstage). Tonight, the former demo singer tackled the Queen of Soul’s “Chain of Fools.” Her omnipresent vocals caught the attention of Christina and at the last minute Blake. While Blake pulled the Jermaine Paul card, Christina’s girl power and wanting a girl to win made her enlist on her team.
As Tamar received a congratulatory hug from Tyler Perry, 21-year-old Jessica Crosby prepared to take the stage. She grew up in England but currently lives in Georgia. Despite the culture shock, Jessica performed at small bars and wanted to expand her growth in the music industry by auditioning for The Voice. It was interesting to hear her interpretation of Coldplay’s “Viva La Viva” after Chris Mann did an impeccable cover of it during the sophomore season. Her eloquent cover caught the attention of Adam, Pharrell and Xtina! Despite the best pitches from Christina and (her dream coach) Adam, she decided to go with Team Pharrell. However, Adam might steal Jessica back during the Battle Rounds.
28-year-old Justin Whisnant started singing in grade school, but after he graduated high school…he worked as an oil driller. After his boss gave him an ultimatum, Justin chose music and hope that a chair turned so that he could make his grandparents proud and earn some financial stability. After hearing his cover of “Ain’t Worth the Whisky,” I would eagerly download his album after the show. His cover caught the attention of Shevine. Adam nearly had a temper-tantrum when Justin picked his fellow Okie.
21-year-old Daniel Passano has been building up a music career since he was very young. From taking band in high school to taking opera classes in college, Daniel has been ready to tackle The Voice. I liked his rearrangement of Charlie Puth’s “Marvin Gaye” and I honestly believe he is the second coming of friend-to-the-blog and current Phantom of the Opera star Chris Mann. His superb cover caught the attention of both Christina and Blake. While Blake tried to work his magic, but Daniel chose his inspiration and idol (Christina) to be his mentor.
As Adam met Owen’s family, 31-year-old Maya Smith followed her mom in the postal service. As her mother retired, she hoped that Maya would leave the US Post Office and follow her dream as a musician. Before she took the stage, Maya hoped that both Pharrell and Xtina would turn their chairs around for her. Maya rekindled the classic soul anthem: “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” that caught the attention of both of her musical heroes. While Christina hinted that she might be the next Beyoncé, Pharrell’s words stroke a cord with her and Maya picked the “Happy” singer-producer.
As Christina tried to psyche Blake out behind the scenes, Brittney Lawrence hoped to join a coach’s team. The cheerleader coach always wanted to go into music and with the encouragement of both her mom and her girls, she hit the stage and performed a haunting cover of Demi Lovato’s “Warrior” that caught the attention of her idol: Christina Aguilera (and at the last minute…Blake Shelton). While both Blake and Christina agreed with her vibrato issue, Brittany chose to go with Blake! Hopefully, Christina might have a chance to steal her back during the Battle Rounds.
The artist that had the opportunity to perform with Xtina was Joe Maye! The returning contestant who failed to get the attention of any coaches last season came back to the show with a vengeance. For his Blind Audition, he sang “I’ve Put A Spell On You.” A song that has a history of being covered by Reality TV artists such as Team Christina alum Jacquie Lee, American Idol XIV’s Quentin Alexander and my personal favorite—Rising Star winner Jesse Kinch! I thought no one would be able to match Jesse’s raw performance, but Joe Maye’s powerful interpretation just might top his performance. He sang for his life…something that I rarely see from artists at this stage of the competition. His vocals gave me chills and I was happy that both Christina and Blake turned around for him. As his friends and Voice alums Ellie Lawrence and Mark Hood shouted with delight, Christina joined her new protege on stage to perform a killer duet of “I’ve Put A Spell on You.” This duet gave me chills and it was one of the best moments of the season so far!
Next week, The Blind Auditions conclude and the Battle Rounds begin!
I do not own any of the clips that are featured in this article. “The Voice” clips belong to NBC & United Artists Media Group; Quentin Alexander’s “American Idol” performance belongs to FOX, 19 Entertainment & FremantleMedia North America;
