Blake and Gwen debuted their new duet: “Go Ahead and Break My Heart” during “The Voice: Season 10” Top 9 show. (Photo and graphic property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
This season started out with so much promise.
We had Christina Aguilera return to the show and in return, the NBC singing competition gave us the incredible talent that had so much promise to join past alums Chris Mann, Gwen Sebastian, Cassadee Pope, the Swon Brothers, Sawyer Fredericks and Jordan Smith in post-Voice glory.
Unfortunately, the viewers quickly turned into sadistic Doctor Frankensteins as the show brought back Nick Hagelin and this monster brought ruin to the season. His minuscule talent and tragic backstory sent home potential superstars such as Tamar Davis, Joe Maye, Emily Keener and Daniel Passino. If we want Team Xtina to win this season, it is time for the fans to back Alisan Porter and Bryan Bautista and eliminate this Ken doll from vocal hell.
Did any artists have the power to stop this monstrosity? Read on to find out!
Team Blake’s Paxton Ingram kicked off the night with Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” At first, I was a little hesitant when I heard that Paxton was going to tackle this insane song. However, by putting a more acoustic twist on the track, Paxton got some major points from me. Despite the arrangement, I was not feeling the performances because of some pitch issues. C+
Mary Sarah tackled Maren Morris’ “My Church.” I liked that she picked a track that is a hybrid between contemporary and classic country music. It is sad to write this, but this performance border lined on being a train wreck. Between the pitch issues and the slurring words, I think Mary might find herself up against Nick tomorrow night. D+
This is the reaction that I get every time Nick Hagelin performs on “The Voice.” BTW, I love the “Britain’s Got Talent” judges: David Walliams, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden & Simon Cowell. (Photo property of iTV)
I still wish that The Voice let several people like Simon Cowell and the rest of the Britain’s Got Talent judges, who have not seen the show come in and bring their buzzers. I believe all four of them would buzz Nick Hagelin when he first opens his mouth. He brutally maimed and tortured Drake’s “Hold On; We’re Going Home.” I wished that Simon would have given him a verbal tongue lashing! F
Hannah Huston is Team Pharrell’s last artist standing! She tackled Jessie Ware’s “Say You Love Me.” Hannah delivered something I have not seen so far tonight…a sturdy and robust vocal performance! She gave me chills, and I believe that she earned the right to be mentored by Pink (who be next week’s guest advisor) and Pharrell next week. A-
After Florida Georgia Line performed their latest single: “H.O.L.Y.” Shalyah Fearing tackled “A Change is Gonna Come.” I wish Shalyah did not sing this song because it means a lot to the history of Reality TV. While Will Champlin soared during his interpretation of this track on Season Five, it was Adam Lambert’s version of the American Idol Season Eight finale that not only was one of the male vocals in Idol history, but I personally believe that it started the conversation on improving the lives of the LGBT community in the United States. Sure, Shalyah delivered a superb performance, but it did not live up to the legacy that Adam and Will created with the song. B+
Laith Al-Saadi continues to be this season’s most diverse artists still left in the competition. From Blues and rock, Laith took a country detour and tackled Kenny Rogers & Sheena Easton’s “We’ve Got Tonight.” If I could describe this impeccable performance in one word, the word would be: outstanding! This was the best male vocal of the season and automatically enters The Voice Hall of Fame! A+
After Blake and Gwen debuted their hot single: “Go Ahead and Break My Heart,” Team Blake’s Adam Wakefield tackled Bonnie Raitt’s “Love Has No Pride.” He delivered a spectacular vocal performance, and I hoped that Ms. Raitt watched the show because she would be beaming with pride. A
I love Alisan, but she should have done her homework before performing Aerosmith’s “Cryin’.” Her friend, Adam Lambert, slayed this song on Idol and Season Two alum Juliet Simms rocked a pair of angel wings as she beautifully tackled this song FOUR YEARS AGO. I hoped that she created her own version instead of relying on the same key that both Adam and Juliet did with their individual performances. I am glad that she lowered the key because it let her vocals shine! I have one thing to say to Alisan: “See you in the finale!” A+
Bryan Bautista is a very brave man! First, he closed out the Top 9 show. Secondly, he tackled Beyonce’s “1+1.” If it went horribly wrong, the Beyhive would have swarmed social media and attacked Bryan’s social media channels. The performance was bombastic, and I think Bryan might surprise us and land in the Top Five. A-
Tomorrow night, James Bay & Andy Samberg perform as “The Voice: Season 10” Top Eight are revealed!
I do not own any of the clips that are featured in this article. They belong to FOX, 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America, Republic Records and NBC.
