The Voice: Week 2 of the Blinds

By Erica

I am having to refrain from writing “hey y’all” at the beginning of my blog post.  OK confession, I’ve had to delete it from group emails and texts lately too. I blame Kelly Clarkson. She’s working harder at coming for Blake’s country status more than Miley did, and she doesn’t really need to.  Although Miley was probably comfortable in her country status not only with her own musical abilities, but in being the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus and goddaughter of Queen Dolly. (Side note: I’m hoping that some day Miley has Dolly as her guest mentor.  Dolly would probably kick some serious ass) Thank GOD she doesn’t seem to be talking quite as much. I do appreciate that Kelly makes Alicia laugh, and there is something about Alicia giggling that makes me happy. It is kind of the same feeling when you would hear your favorite hard ass teacher who was usually all business bust out laughing, or when you catch your prim and proper teacher or grandmother drop a swear word.

It might be my faulty memory, but it feels like they are showing more “no turns” this season than last. I love it. I know that sounds odd, but one of the reasons I love this show over any others like it is the graceful and kind way the coaches explain why they didn’t turn.  I especially love it when they give specific pointers on what the artist needs to work on, and ask them to think about coming back. Artist HAVE come back after doing some serious work, and have ended up with 4 chair turns (and do well in the competition).

I think that it is no longer a disadvantage to be one of the later singers in the audition roster. I think each and every one of those coaches is remembering one name. Chris Blue.  If you recall, Alicia was the only chair to turn for him because she was the only one with a spot left!

All in all, while no one artist made me think “holy shit, we have a winner”, it is going to be a solid, solid season with a GREAT mix of genres already.  We have two Spanish singers, one who came in 4th on Mexico’s version of The Voice, and one who got a 4 chair turn (and inspired Alicia to sing in Spanish!)  We have one of the best crooners we’ve ever heard on the show. Despite all the comparisons to Michael Buble, I thought more Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick, Jr. I like MIchael, but I looooove Harry, so that is a high compliment from me!

Performances That Stood Out

Christiana Danielle

Three chair turn.  Loved her quiet version of this song that seemed effortless, no tricks, but showed a great octave range.  Such a damn smart choice of song, even though I didn’t recognize it. It was a Drake song, but she totally made it a ballad. (I’m guessing by Alicia’s reaction that it wasn’t originally, and the fact that Drake is a rapper. I LOVE this girl’s style too.  

Brent Hunter

I really liked the quality of his voice, and I love that he had the guts to use his ukulele.  I think he’s going to be fun to watch. Blake was the only one who turned and I’m not sure what the others are waiting for, frankly. Also, I can’t believe that none of the other judges knew who Tiny Tim was (Blake mentioned his name). I am so fucking old.  As FANTASTIC as the house band is, I do think that Adam was right. If he had just sung to the ukulele he would have had more turns. Take note instrument players who plan on auditioning in the future! You don’t always have to use the house band!

Jackie Foster

She has incredible potential.  I heard one or two pitchy notes, but I think that was nerves.  Blake acted like he was going to turn and that prompted Alicia in my opinion.  She sang one of my favorite Pink songs, and held her own. Even though Alicia is incredible, there was something about her performance and her style that made me believe she made the perfect choice in picking Kelly as her coach.

Spensha Baker

True and open honesty? Spensha made me cry.  Not a sweet single tear down my cheek, but multiple tears, reddish face, snotty nose.  OK, some of that may be the damn allergies, but I’m not even PMSing. I didn’t even think of Paul or the Beatles, and that is absolutely saying something.  I love that it was effortless for her (although not boring, or lazy)

Terrence Cunningham

Oh lord. It is so damn risky to totally change up an arrangement of such a classic like My Girl.  You don’t have to be born in the era of this particular song to know it – it has been used ad infinitum in movies, tv shows, etc.  He also did it slow, with just his own accompaniment on the keyboard so there was NO hiding behind anything. He hit every note perfectly. I can’t wait to hear what he and Alicia come up with.

As for next week, only Kelly has her block left!  Not a single artist has picked the coach who used his or her block!  Because of editing, each coach has 3 spots left. I suspect they will finish out the Blinds next week.