By: Jacob Elyachar
The Blind Auditions are over!
Now, the real game begins on Monday, as 48 artists will head to Battle Rounds for a shot to appear in the Knockout Rounds and more on to the Live Shows!
As the competitors prepare for the upcoming Battle Rounds, here are 20 artists that you need to keep an eye on!
Team Adam:
- Donna Allen: Probably the most experienced artist in the competition. Donna’s powerhouse vocals on “You Are So Beautiful” gave me chills and she will be a force to be reckoned with during the Battle Rounds.
- Will Champlin: He made Gavin DeGraw proud with his Indie rock aspired take on “Not Over You.” Will has also caught the attention of multiple media outlets including PopWrapped and TV Line for his impressive vocals.
- Tessanne Chin: The Jamaica native delivered an outstanding cover of P!nk’s “Try” that caught the attention of all four coaches. If Adam makes a wrong move and eliminate her, she could possibly up for a steal by CeeLo or Xtina.
- Ashley DuBose: Ashley is Adam’s third most powerful singer. Her cover of “Diamonds” gave me chills and I think that she has what it takes to make it to the Live Shows. I hope Adam learned from the Sasha Allen and Karina Iglesias fiascos last year and does not cut Ashley in either the Battle or Knockout Rounds.
- James Irwin: The second time was the charm for the St. Louis native who turned all four chairs around with his cover of R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion.” Adam needs a rocker on his team and I believe that James would be a good fit for the Tony Lucca or Amanda Brown position on his team.
Team Blake:
- Ray Bourdreaux: The single dad showcased his blue-eyed soul vocals on “Use Me.” I think Ray will fill a spot that Blake has not had since Jermaine Paul won three seasons ago. He could be a threat if he makes it to the Live Shows.
- Brandon Chase: I think Brandon is the best country male vocalist on the show this year! His cover of “Wanted” sounded so superior to Hunter Hayes’ original. He could be Team Blake’s resident Dez Duron this season…but unlike Dez, I think that his humbleness can lead him into the hearts of Team Blake’s fanbase.
- E.G. Daily: Her Blind Audition was the biggest surprise of the season. I loved her raspiness and amazing vocal cover of “Breathe.” I think she can go all the way to the Live Shows.
- Monika Leigh: I respect anyone who tackles the Blues standard: “The Thrill is Gone.” I think the Boulder native’s stage presence and impressive vocals can deliver her into the Knockout Rounds very easily…but she must choose her songs carefully.
- Shelbie Z: I love her spunkiness and I think the show can have a female country rocker! Her cover of Gretchen Wilson’s “Here for the Party” was fantastic! I think Shelbie Z could make it to the Live Shows with her personality and fiery vocals.
Team CeeLo:
- R. Anthony: The Tampa gospel singer impressed CeeLo and Christina with his soul-infused cover of The Script’s “Hall of Fame.” If he can deliver chill-worthy performances, R. Anthony can make it to the Live Shows.
- Lupe Carroll: Team CeeLo’s former flower deliveryman delivered a cover of “If I Were a Carpenter” that would make both Johnny and June Carter Cash beam with pride. Lupe’s vocals will definitely be a welcomed addition to the show.
- Juhi: Team CeeLo’s youngest artist packs quite a vocal punch. Her cover of Duffy’s “Mercy” was quite impressive and I think that she could definitely deliver during the Battle Rounds.
- Kat Robichaud: I think Kat’s powerhouse vocals will deliver her all the way to the finale! Her cover of “I Got the Music in Me” was definitely one of the best Blind Auditions of the season and she could go far after this show.
- Cole Vosbury: So far, Cole is this season’s most unique contestant. He had the most intriguing song choice of the Blinds: The Jeffersons’ theme song. I think if Cole continues to grow as an artist…the Live Shows will be in his future.
Team Christina:
- Stephanie Anne Johnson: The former cruise ship performer put on top of her my list with her superb, toe-tapping cover of K.T. Turnstall’s “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree.” I really hope that she does not become lost in the shuffle because Stephanie is one of the best female vocalists in the competition.
- Josh Logan: I see Team Christina’s resident rocker as one of the best rockers who auditioned for any singing competition show in the 2010s. His cover of Alex Clare’s “So Close” not only caught the attention of his divalicious coach but also Blake and CeeLo, who could possibly steal him if Christina makes a bad decision.
- Matthew Schuler: His cover of “Cough Syrup” was probably the best Blind Audition of the season! I strongly believe that if he performs excellently in both the Battle and Knockout Rounds, he could take this competition by storm!
- Michael Lynch: Team Christina’s resident heartthrob stole the final night with his astonishing cover of Enrique Igleasias’ “Bailamos.” I think if he plays his cards right…Michael can really tap into both Chris Mann and Dez Duron’s fanbases and become a great Top Eight finalist.
- Timyra-Joi: The youngest member (and youngest artist on the show) of Team Christina has impressive vocals! She definitely not only has the potential to reach the Live Shows but also could dominate the charts.
Unless this is based on spoiler information, you overlooked two of the three strongest Blind Audition contestants, both of whom were the top selling acts on iTunes.
Holly Henry and Preston Pohl.
The idea that they wouldn’t be on your watch list – when they’re far and away the most popular (along with Matthew S) at this point – is ludicrous.
Hi Daw….in all honesty, Holly and Preston’s auditions did not move me as much as the 20 artists that I mentioned in the article. Jacob
This list is ridiculous R. Anthony and no jonny gray? Did u watch this season? Mark my words jake 4 of your 5 on ceelos team aren’t in the live rounds you fool
Thank you for commenting, Jedi! As I told Daw, these are the artists that moved me during the Blind Auditions. I do not know who will be going into the Live Rounds. Jonny Gray was on my list but so was R. Anthony. I listened to both performances again and I leaned more towards R. Anthony because he gave me chills.