“The Voice: Season 10” Top 11 pose together during rehearsal. (Photo property of NBC & United Artists Media Group)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
America, we have a voting problem!
Several singers should not be on this show. Over the past two weeks, you voted out pure talent such as Ryan Quinn, Tamar Davis, Moushumi, Joe Maye, Brian Nhira and now, Emily Keener. In their place, we have singers that rhyme with Saxton Ingrum, Spaniel Chino, Rowan Danoff and Prick Nagelin, who clearly do not belong on this show. For example, the Team Adam singer who forgot the lyrics to his song should have been eliminated—NOT SAVED!
Did anyone break away from the pack? Read on to find out…
After the coaches had paid homage to Prince, Team Adam’s Shalyah Fearing opened up the night with future Voice coach Miley Cyrus’ signature song: “The Climb.” I love Shalyah, and it was a great song choice, but I wish that her coach suggested her to lower the key. At this stage of the competition, I want the remaining artists to showcase their vocal ranges (both lower and upper registers). Hopefully, Shalyah can demonstrate that next week. B
Team Pharrell’s Daniel Passino tackled “Time After Time.” I am surprised that Daniel picked that song to perform because of its significance to Voice history. Season Four runner-up Michelle Chamuel delivered a spectacular cover that sent her to the finale. While I admire him for taking the acoustic version of the Cyndi Lauper anthem, it did not meet my standards. C+
Team Blake’s Paxton Ingram took coach Pharrell’s advice and tackled “Break Every Chain.” Before this performance, Paxton was treading into serious Sanjaya territory. But, after he performed the gospel hit, he surprised me and delivered one of the best male vocal performances of the season. Bravo, Paxton! A
Last week, America saved Owen Danoff. In all honesty, Owen lost all of my votes when he forgot the lyrics during Top 12 week. I think his nerves continued to show when he covered James Taylor’s “Fire & Rain.” If you cannot get through your performance without your voice breaking, then you DO NOT BELONG ON THIS SHOW! D+
Mary Sarah honored the late Johnny & June Carter Cash with Heidi Newfield’s song: “Johnny & June.” While Mary is a great storyteller and there are shades of Carrie Underwood in her voice, I was unable to connect with her as a performer. I also thought I heard some vocal cracks from Ms. Sarah. It was a well-intended tribute, but its execution lacked. C
I love Alisan Porter! She is not only one of my favorite contestants this season, but she has the pipes to match. I am surprised that Alisan tackled “Stay With Me Baby” for the Top 11 show. I am also surprised that she did not pull a La’Porsha Renae and fight with her coach about the track. But, here is where La’Porsha and Alisan’s performances differ. La’Porsha sang with an attitude while Alisan sang with fiery soul and conviction. It was the best female performance of the night! A+
It was hard for Bryan Bautista to follow his fellow Team Xtina teammate, but he had to deliver! He tackled Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” in honor of his little sister’s birthday. He brought a vintage sound to one of Bruno’s best songs and genially liked the performance. I think that he made both Bruno and his sister proud. B+
Adam Wakefield brought his mother (who came all the way from Scotland) to meet Blake and watch her son perform. He tackled Journey’s “Lights” and created another moment that we will not forget. I think if a guy should win the season, it would probably (and hopefully) be Adam. He has a unique talent that would satisfy country, rock, and soul. A-
I cannot stand pretty boys! In all honesty, Nick Hagelin is a third-rate Clark Beckham wannabe. His cover of “Your Body is a Wonderland” was too vanilla for me. I wish that somehow they rolled out Simon Cowell and an America’s Got Talent buzzer because Nick needs a much-needed wake-up call: he’s not ready for the music industry! F
Hannah Huston tackled Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” for her Top 11 performance. So far, Allison Iraheta is the only artist on any singing competition who has brilliantly covered the song. After her performance, Hannah joined Allison in this exclusive club. She gave me chills all throughout her time on stage, and I loved her tone. I hope that Hannah continues to deliver these types of performances because I believe she can make it to the Top Five. A-
Team Adam’s Laith Al-Saadi closed the show with Ed Sheeran’s “Make It Rain.” This song has performed on The Voice twice (Team Pharrell’s Koryn Hawthorne in Season Eight and Team Gwen’s Jeffery Austin in Season Nine) and friend of the blog, Clark Beckham, had his breakout moment with the song during his season of American Idol. Laith’s challenge was to find a way to make his performance stand out from his powerful predecessors. I am so happy that he took the Blues approach to the song because I thought he channeled B.B. King throughout his entire performance. I honestly believe that Laith has a bright future ahead when he gets off The Voice. A
Tomorrow night, The Top 10 are revealed!
I do not own any of the clips that were sprinkled throughout the article. The “Idol” clips belong to FOX, FremantleMedia North America & 19 Entertainment, while “The Voice” clips belong to NBC & United Artists Media Group.
