“The Voice: Season Seven” pose together during a break from rehearsals. (Photo property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Is it just me or will The Voice’s seventh season go down as the show’s worst season?
Do not get me wrong! I like the chemistry of Adam-Blake-Gwen-Pharrell, but everyone except for Blake has made horrible decisions on who would represent their teams in the Live Rounds.
While there are several artists that I do enjoy watching perform (more on them later), I do miss seeing Alessandra Castronovo, Blessing Offor, Toia Jones, Ricky Manning, Taylor Phelan and even Elyjuh Rene on my TV
So, I have low expectations from this season’s artists! But, who delivered? Read on to find out…
Sugar Joans kicked off the Top 12 show! Pharrell gave her Al Green’s classic “Take Me to the River.” This was an interesting choice that Pharrell gave her. She successfully transported the show back to the 1970s where Aretha, Tina, Stevie Nicks and the Wilson sisters reigned supreme! She had an excellent growl with her vocals and I have a feeling that we will be seeing Sugar more in the future. A-
Team Gwen’s Ryan Sill had a lot to prove tonight! Many fans are already to send him packing! In fact, Gwen’s song selection might helped him realize that he needs to start packing his bags! Ryan’s cover was a bloody mess! If you really want to see how Duran Duran’s “Ordinary World” is perfectly done, watch the Sons of Serendip’s astonishing performance. F
Speaking of odd choices, Team Blake’s Jessie Pitts sang Swedish House Mafia’s “Don’t You Worry Child.” I was a little hesitant about Jessie’s arrangement with the song. While it did start out pitchy, once Jessie got the second verse…she was able to blossom. However, going forward in this competition…it would be imperative that she just sings and not add the instrument factor. B+
Radiohead’s “Creep” is an interesting song to sing on a Reality TV show! Jeff Gutt stole hearts during The X Factor USA’s final season, while Jena Irene surprised everyone with her performance….which earned her spot in the American Idol XIII finale. I liked DaNica’s old school R&B take on this track. It featured sultry vocals and showed that she also deserves a spot in the Season Seven finale! Woo Hoo!!!!!! A
One of the night’s uncanny choices of the night belonged to Team Gwen’s Taylor John Williams! The “Don’t Speak” singer challenged him to perform Bread’s “If.” Hearing Taylor’s falsetto was a pleasant listening experience and I think this risk will pay off in the future. B
Team Blake’s Reagan James celebrated her birthday with her mentor during this week’s rehearsal. She took a classic Lenny Kravitz track: “It Ain’t Over Till Its Over.” I loved Reagan’s vibe and she truly enjoyed performing the track. She has a bright future outside this show! A-
Luke Wade celebrated his family with Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” Unfortunately, the audience also saw Luke become the first contestant become the first contestant in show’s history to become so flustered with the performance, that he derailed the entire performance. That tiny mistake will cost him a place in the competition. F
I do not understand why Matt McAndrew is still on the show! I did not see Matt showcase any star quality with any of his previous performances and especially his cover of Hozier’s “Take Me to Church.” There was a lot of shouting and I think it is time for America to wake up from his charisma and send him home! F
Craig Wayne Boyd closed out Team Blake’s portion of the Top 12 night! Blake challenged Craig to sing George Strait’s “You Look So Good in Love.” I loved that he started the tune with a cappella. It captured the beauty of his magnificent voice. Craig remained the only artist tonight to give me chills! I believe that he is going to be this season’s Adam Lambert! A
Chris Jamison might be Team Adam’s most forgettable member of this Top 12! Nick Jonas’ “Jealous” was an interesting choice for the pair to pick! While Chris definitely cleaned up, the vocal was abysmal and did not capture my attention. F
Team Gwen’s Anita Antoinette closed the night with her take on the late Bob Marley’s iconic tune: “Redemption Song.” Last year, Tessanne Chin got into The Voice: Season Five finale with this tune! She had a lot of tall shoes to fill, but Anita delivered a powerful performance that made several members of the audience cry. A
Tomorrow night, “The Voice: Season Seven” Top 12 become 10!
