American Idol Season 13 - The Voice Season 6

Blessings2011

Blessings' American Idol
Recap 3.19.14

MK (“Perfect” by
Pink)

Well,
she LOOKs more like a pop idol these days…. But that doesn’t translate at all
to her comfort on stage. She spoke about being a source of hope for other kids
like her… and that would be great. Unfortunately, being a role model for LGBT
teens and young adults requires heart and commitment that are not intimidated
by the bright lights. I just don’t think she’s willing to put herself out there
yet, regardless of her good voice.

~ ~ ~ 

Dexter (“Cruise”
by Florida Georgia Line)

Gol
durn it, Dexter… y’all sound exactly the same week after week…. Like a very
good cover band of other well-known artists. Good voice, but come ON!!!!

~ ~ ~ 

Jena (“Clarity”
by Zedd)

Thought
she looked really cute with her bangs, and age-appropriate clothing. Wondered
about her giddy insistence on “electronic music is really what’s happening now…”
er, um, does she not remember the 80’s
or the 90’s or, well, I guess not. She’s 17.

~ ~ ~ 

Alex (“Story of
My Life” by One Direction)

Wow,
the first Alex performance I could actually watch without cringing. He sang
beautifully, opened his eyes, and – I think – smiled at the audience. Wasn’t
sure how a Boy Band tune would go over, but I do think Alex is talented.

~ ~ ~ 

Malaya (“When I
Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars)

Thought
it was brilliant how she said she was too young to have anything like that ever
happen to her (she’d never received flowers or had someone hold her hand!) but
that there were family members who were ruining relationships because they
weren’t doing the right things. It paid off. I can hear her voice maturing, and
am losing the image of freaky Tuba Girl.

~ ~ ~ 

Caleb (“Edge of
Glory” by Lady Gaga)

Sheesh,
what a waste of Caleb’s voice. I thought it was boring, very one-dimensional…. no
dynamic range: no highs, no lows, no real connection with the audience. Just
more of Caleb’s signature screeching, high-volume notes. Getting old fast.

~ ~ ~ 

CJ (“Invisible”
by Hunter Hayes)

Oh,
CJ, it’s been nice knowing you. I’m not sure you can survive another week with
that big fat mess of an out-of-tune song. It was good of Harry to actually SING
an example of what he’s been trying to teach CJ all these past weeks. Makes me
wonder what Randy Jackson is getting paid for.

~ ~ ~ 

Jessica (“Pumped
Up Kicks” by Foster The People)

O.K.
This creepy song is about a kid planning to shoot his classmates at school… and
Jessica sang the whole thing smiling like a beauty pageant contestant. Here are
the lyrics – can someone please tell me where the smiley parts are?

"Pumped Up Kicks"

Robert's got a quick
hand.

He'll look around the room, he won't tell you his plan.

He's got a rolled cigarette hanging out his mouth, he's a cowboy kid.

Yeah, he found a six shooter gun in his dad's closet hidden with a box of fun
things.

And I don't even know what but he's coming for you, yeah, he's coming for you.



[Chorus 2x:]

All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run, outrun
my gun.

All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run faster
than my bullet.



Dad – he works a long day.

He'll be coming home late, he's coming home late.

And he's bringing me a dark surprise.

'Cause dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice.

I've waited for a long time.

Yeah, the sleight of my hand is now a quick-pull trigger.

I reason with my cigarette

And say, "Your hair's on fire, you must have lost your wits, yeah."



[Chorus 2x:]

All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run, outrun
my gun.

All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run faster
than my bullet.



Ru-ru-run, run, run, run [4x]



[Whistling]



[Chorus 4x:]

All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run, outrun
my gun.

All the other kids with the pumped up kicks you better run, better run faster
than my bullet.

~ ~ ~ 

Majesty (“Wake Me Up” by Avicii)

Poor Majesty. She was
totally freaked out by being in the bottom three last week, and tonight she was
the deer in the headlights. Her voice is actually beautiful, but she only had
enough chutzpah to belt it out in a few limited places.

~ ~ ~ 

Sam (“We Are Young” by Fun)

O.K. This kid is 17. He
lives with Grandma and Grandpa in a Retirement Community. He’s a good boy. So how
many times has he been in a bar where his friends are in the bathroom getting
high, and his lover is waiting for him at the bar and he might have to carry
her home? Uh huh. He’s such a cutie…. You’d think he could come up with some
teen/tweener heartthrob songs to wow the audience.

elimar86861

I like Jena because she is good at the piano and away from it, and she is improving week to week.

I like Alex because he's found his hipster niche.  Now I'd like to see him perform without his guitar crutch.

I like Malaya because of her dynamics and she doesn't eat the words in he lower register.  In a certain way, I'd like to see her and Jena fight it out for the top spot           (two little teenage girls from Michigan high schools) but I don't think it will come to that.

I like Caleb because he is a natural on stage.  This was not the best song for him, but I liked seeing him a little more understated than previous performances.   He's          weaned off of his mike stand crutch too.

I like Jessica, but with hair that pink she needs to loosen up more.  She should lose the guitar next week and move.

C.J. should not have even been Top Ten.  It should have been that little Emily girl.  He needs to go now.

p.s.  I think J.Low has worked the term "wheelhouse" into every episode. 

Eph3_12

Harry got in "In it to win it!"  And I think we've heard "Dawg" a few times.  I forgot to vote but I would have voted for Alex & Malaya.  Although I knew in my heart of hearts MK's time had run out, I was really hoping CJ was going.  When Ryan said he was safe, I threw popcorn at the TV.  The dogs loved it!

Eph3_12

And Blessings, thanks for the re-cap.  It was quite good.

Blessings2011

Eph3_12: 

elimar86861

Some very talented artists went home tonight on The Voice, but everyone can't get stolen to get a second chance.  

I really, really liked Josh from the first battle.  Austin was also good, too bad he had to leave.

The two young ones who sang were so cute.  Too bad the boy went home.

I liked the singing couple too.  The guy they beat did get stolen, but I honestly did not think he was better than the other ones they let go.

It has been a good season so far.

Where is Sheila?????????????

sheila888

I'm right here Eli  

Was watching the VOICE.....Still going with faces no names are registered in my head yet

It is a pleasant show...

elimar86861

The Voice not as exciting as last night.  I kind of liked the crooner guy who sang a duet with a girl.  I liked the girl more, but wish someone had kept him around for some more weeks.  

Something new next week...more battles.  Has everyone else stopped watching The Voice?

Eph3_12

No, I'm still watching it.  I just couldn't last night. 

So tonight is Top 9 on AI.  Without hearing anyone sing I am hoping that either CJ or any of the remaining girls (besides Jena) go.

sheila888

I agree with Elimar

Ho Joni

I actually enjoyed tonight's AI

2 favorites Caleb and Jena   

elimar86861

The Michigan girls (Jena/Malaya) really brought it tonight.  Jena was a wild card, remember?

Jessica is tanking a little, IMO.  Alex, too.  Dexter, too. 

Caleb definitely can rock, I'll give him that.  

I thought CJ was better than Majesty.  She might be the one to go this week.

Sam improved a tiny hair, but his singing is still just like Iowa.  (Sorry, any Iowa Idol watchers, but I'm allowed to say that.)

Blessings2011

GROUP OPENING NUMBER – rock medley: a hot mess.
Contestants wandering aimlessly around the stage in threes. Majesty looks like
she wandered into a classroom on the first day of school, asking “Is this Math 101?”
Malaya looks like a chipmunk on speed. Everyone’s voices seem weak and
inaudible.

ALEX (“Don’t Speak” by No Doubt) – I am
actually liking Alex a lot more these days. I liked the arrangement of this
song… more laid back/jazzy, almost with a teensy reggae flavor than the
original. But the judges are right. He HAS to stop being glued to the
microphone!

MAJESTY ROSE (“Shake It Out” by
Florence + The Machine) – She started out thin and I was worried for her, but
she had her moments. If only she could repeat those great moves and lose that
insecurity, she could really improve. Her range is great but inconsistent. At
the end, she seemed really surprised that the song was finished.

DEXTER ( “Boondocks” by
Little Big Town) Oh, yeah. Dexter. Another country song. Another imitation of
the original band that did it. How many weeks can he survive doing this? Good
voice, but waaay too predictable.

MALAYA (“The Long And Winding Road” by
The Beatles) A surprising choice for me. A bit weak at first, but she relaxed
right into it. Showed more maturity tonight. I think she improves more every
week.

SAM (“Hey There Delilah” by The
Plain White T’s) BO-ring. Yeah, scaled-down performances may be Sam’s forte,
but come ON… the judges keep asking for passion…. Think about it!!! He’s just a
sweet kid with a cute face and a nice voice! Some things ya just can’t fake.
But – he articulates well… and what was with wearing Grandma’s big floral blouse
this week? Sorry…

JESSICA (“Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac) –
Seemed more comfortable on stage, but I still didn’t get the feeling that she
was connecting at all to the lyrics. And it’s REALLY hard to do a Stevie Nicks
song without the comparison, especially when the voice is so similar. (But I
loved the part in the pre-video where she said she loves to hunt, and when the
end of the world comes, ya really want a redneck on your team!!!)

CJ (“If It Hadn’t
Been For Love” by Darryl Worley) – Awwwww, poor CJ. I really, really like him,
but DANG, he can’t sing!!! Loved the arrangement, loved the stage musicians,
but the voice…. Yikes! If he could sing on key, he’d have almost a Richie
Havens vibe to his voice.

CALEB (“Dazed and
Confused” by Led Zepplin) Did this surprise anyone? Of course he’s gonna be
great. Big Show! WOOOO!!!! Jen thinks I’m sexy! WOOOO! Ricky Minor! WOOOOO!!!!

JENA(“Bring
Me To Life” by Evanescence) – At least it was Jena who had to follow Caleb and
all his stage pyrotechnics. She’s got a big voice, is consistent, looks better
every week, gains more confidence and control of the stage. Made me laugh when
Ryan asked if she were nervous having to follow Caleb’s performance… “Uh, YEAH…
I was crappin’ my pants!”

Blessings2011

Was anyone surprised by tonight's elimination?

Eph3_12

No Blessings, I wasn't.  I just wanted CJ to go though.  Love your synopsis' . Keep 'em coming.

Blessings2011

sheila888

Blessing...i love reading your posts  

I was 50/50 surprise there were many others needed to go home first

Blessings2011

Sheila - 

cookiegal

hey Idol watchers. It has been a strange season. I was so impressed my the improvement in shooting and editing during the early rounds and Hollywood, now it seems they are fizzling. 

I have no idea who will win, Gena was really good, I kind of like Malaya, and I actually like CJ. I keep wanting pink hair to step up. At times I really liked MR , then she wilted.

I also liked the Army singer, surprised she didn't get further. 

So much about the show is better, just not the contestants, in my opinion.

I feel liked they picked good musicians who just are not dynamic performers for the most part.

I do think a Gena-Caleb final would be fascinating.

sheila888

Hi cookie

I agree Jena & Caleb final will be perfect.

how are you feeling ?

Blessings2011

Hi, cookiegal! I am most impressed with the choice of judges this season... as opposed to last season's train wreck. 

Keith, JLo, and Harry are always a pleasure to watch, and actually hand out useful, constructive criticism, without being nasty or always doling out slobbering, unwarranted praise.

Jena-Caleb as the final two? Could be interesting!

Eph3_12

At this point,a Jena & Caleb face off is my choice, IF Alex can't be in there instead of 1 or the other.

elimar86861

Right now, I can only see Caleb in the final.

(Eph,  If Alex can get the stick out of his butt, I could see him going to the final two.  But I don't think a Caleb/Alex final would be a good pairing.)

Jena, gets stronger each week so she might make the final.  Maybe Jessica, if she lets loose and puts more life into her performances.  

Jessica and Alex would be interesting.   I kind of hope those two both lose the guitar and just sing this week.  The guitars tend to immobilize them, and yet give them something to do with their hands which doesn't keep it fair to the others who have to figure that out without an instrument.

Kind of wish Jena and Malaya were on The Voice so they could battle each other.

Going to watch The Voice tonight and I hope there are some other watchers because I was lonely last week.  Going to try and learn some of the names tonight.  I'll check back later.

Eph3_12

I'm watching Voice tonight, but I won't be on here to discuss it till tomorrow.

I agree a Caleb/Alex pairing wouldn't be good.  I don't think Alex has a shot at being in the final 2; maybe final 5.  

I just haven't been able to warm up to Malaya or Jessica really, so for me the best thing to have happen would be everyone but Caleb & Jena go home this week-specially CJ, Dexter.  Sam will stay around just because of the teen bop vote not because he is talented enough to win.  

elimar86861

Not learning the names yet.  In the first pairing, I wish they both went.  In the second pairing, I wish they both could have stayed.  This second battle round is tough!

sheila888

I'm still behind  on the second couple

They are good i like the girl better (no names for me yet)

elimar86861

Waa!  Some really good people are going home.  Of the two that sang "Counting Stars," I really liked the girl (Sam) that went home.  Then, Shakira's two, I liked the blond guy more than the bearded guy that won the round.  I mean they are all decent at this point, but the ones I would have chosen are not making it through.  

They already gave a spoiler that in the final battle tonight, someone gets saved.  Well, o.k., because I really like the shorter guy (that was a SAT instructor) so I know he'll make it through..

sheila888

New Judge replacing C LO on SEASON 7

http://www.eonline.com/news/526792/pharrell-willia...

QuinnCat

I thought I'd chime in here.  I've been watching this season of American Idol.... The Voice has never caught my interest and even AI has bored me in recent years.

I think Caleb is very talented, but his music is just not my thing.  The one I look forward to each week is Jena.  I was surprised she was a wildcard and glad she pulled that one out.  I don't think since Adam Lambert or Kelly Clarkson, have I looked forward to someone's performance this much.  I get she is not the odds on favorite, but I love the uniqueness of her voice and I think she knows how to perform.  After that Alex, though I think he needs to show some other dimensions, if possible, to stay longer.  CJ - I can't understand why he is still there.  Malaya is a little over the top to me, but I appreciate that she is young.  I don't find her voice special.  The others I'm ambivalent about.

Eph3_12

so the only round I remember from last night was "signed, sealed, delivered".  I wanted Josh to win but I'm glad Usher picked him up.  I went on line- the other round I liked was "run to you".  I like both of those singers, but I liked that Josh a bit better than Patrick (the one with the beard).  Tonight looks like it's going to be a doozy~

Blessings2011

Hi, Kam!!!