Pharrell, Adam, Gwen and Blake tried to up each other as the second of the night of “The Voice: Season Seven” Blind Auditions continued. (Photo property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Before we kick off Night Two of The Voice: Season Seven Blind Auditions….
Here is where all of the teams stand!
Team Adam: Clara Hong & Damien Lawson
Team Blake: Allison Bray & James David Carter
Team Gwen: Bryana Salaz & Taylor John Williams
Team Pharrell: Elyjuh Rene & Luke Wade
With all four coaches even with two artists apiece, it is anybody’s guess who might take the lead in the race to get artists!
25-year-old stay-at-home mom (and original Voice fan) DaNica Shirey opened up the show with a cover of Jessie J’s “Big White Room.” For someone who has not performed for three-and-a-half years, she stole the show. I loved DaNica’s high notes and her vocal range. She caught the attention of Adam and the newbies (Gwen and Pharrell). While Adam laid on the charm, it was Pharrell’s selling point that made her pick his team.
17-year-old high school senior Joe Kirk came from a modern-day Partridge Family. His mom was a professional singer and his older brothers are pursuing music in Nashville. Joe tackled Ed Sheeran’s “Lego House” and his tone gave me chills. He also got the first four-chair turn of the evening. After a heated debate between the coaches, Joe picked Adam!
In all seven years I have watched The Voice, I have never seen a name like Menlik Zergabachew! The 19-year-old Reggae singer was inspired to audition for the show after seeing The Voice: Season Five champion Tessanne Chin perform her Reggae-influenced “Let It Be.” Menlik’s swagger and vocal prowess on “Santeria” stole the night as his cover proved to be worthy of the Marley clan. He caught the attention of both Blake (?) and the No Doubt front woman. After hearing both offers from the coaches and Gwen flashing a t-shirt, he chose the “Hey Baby” singer to be his coach.
15-year-old Reagan James lives in Burleson, Texas (home of Kelly Clarkson). When I heard sing the first bars of Ed Sheeran’s “Give Me Love,” her soft vocals reminded me of both Ellie Goulding and Voice: Season Five alum Caroline Pennell. I also thought she could be a huge part of the Live Shows (Top 20) and if Blake Shelton does not take her there, he would shoot himself in the foot.
25-year-old rocker turned graphic designer Taylor Phelan hoped that the Blind Auditions would restart his musical journey. He reminds me so much of Will Champlin…because of his charisma, showmanship and ability to command the stage as he slayed “Sweater Weather.” His performance received the second four-chair-turn of the evening. While Taylor originally thought of Adam before he took the stage, he chose to join Team Pharrell!
24-year-old Sugar Joans is a second-generation artist. Her father, Joe, sang with Patti LaBelle, Alice Cooper and Janet Jackson. However, she wanted to step into her own spotlight. By the time, she hit her first power note on her cover of Aretha Franklin’s iconic “Chain of Fools.” I have heard this song performed on numerous singing competition shows, but I never seen a performance like what Sugar did! I am so glad that Blake and Gwen turned around at the last-minute. At the end of the coaches’ feedback, she picked Gwen Stefani as her coach!
21-year-old Nashville native and food truck cashier Taylor Brashears’s real passion is music! She started her own band fresh out of high school and wanted to leave the food truck business for good. She made Loretta Lynn proud when Taylor tackled “You Ain’t Woman Enough.” I loved the twang in her voice and the run at the end of the song impressed the hell out of me. In fact, Adam, Pharrell and Blake turned their chairs around. While Adam begged her to break the mold and Pharrell wanted to produce her album, Taylor went with the obvious choice….Team Blake!
Maiya Sykes was the final artist of the night! She came from a musical family (her mother sang back-up for Earth, Wind and Fire, Meat Loaf and Neil Diamond…while her father was a saxophonist). She followed in the footsteps of Frenchie Davis, Kim Yarbrough and Sisaundra Lewis as being the powerhouse for Season Seven! Every word in her cover of Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” broke my heart and for the first time season, I thought an artist took it to church! While all four coaches fought over her, it was Pharrell that won her over.
Next week, “The Voice: Season Seven” Blind Auditions continue!
