The Voice 10: Battles
On to my favorite part of The Voice is the Battles. It is interesting to see the contestants sing the same song. Some people really push each other. Others just sink and get swallowed whole by their competitor. I think the best Battles come when they compliment each other and work as a team. I will break the Battles down. Giving my thoughts on who should have won the battle and if I would have stolen the defeated contestant. At the end, I will give each Battle a letter grade based on overall flow and vocal quality.
Nate Butler Vs. Natalie Yacovazzi - Hollow
Natalie has the kind of voice that I absolutely love. She had some tough moments with some of her upper register. Nate had a common voice to me and didn't really show me anything new.
My Winner: Natalie Yacovazzi
Actual Winner: Nate Butler
Would I Steal: Absolutely!!! Did you hear the tone of her voice??? Adam is crazy for letting her go and the other judges are crazy for not stealing her.
Grade: C
Maya Smith Vs. Hannah Huston - Elastic Heart
Nice work, ladies. I felt that they delivered great performances. Maya's voice was so laid back while Hannah had some vibrant energy to her vocals. I appreciated all that these ladies did with this song.
My Winner: Maya Smith
Actual Winner: Hannah Huston
Would I Steal: Absolutely!!! Christina made the right move! Maya has a very nice voice that could be magical with the right song.
Grade: B
Jared Harder Vs. Adam Wakefield - Can't You See
Adam just has a great voice. I sympathize with anyone who has to go up against him. He has this confidence and vocal prowess that is so professional. Jared has a very good voice but you can't show any lack of confidence at any point when you are singing with a singer like Adam. Jared was thinking a little bit.
My Winner: Adam Wakefield
Actual Winner: Adam Wakefield
Would I Steal: Probably so...Jared had enough vocal talent to really shine once he had more time to get comfortable on stage.
Grade: A
Emily Keener Vs. Jonathan Bach - Explosions
Very good chemistry between the two of them. Both of them have interesting vocals. Emily's voice is very emotional. Jonathan laid it all out there. I liked the arrangement.
My Winner: Emily Keener
Actual Winner: Emily Keener
Would I Steal: Probably so....Jonathan has a knockout voice and could really flourish with more time.
Grade: B
Daniel Passino Vs. Kristen Marie - Turning Tables
Daniel really woke me up with this solid performance. Kristen just relied on her voice and didn't infuse enough emotion. Kristen definitely has the vocal tone to conquer this song. Daniel definitely laid it down.
My Winner: Daniel Passino
Actual Winner: Daniel Passino
Would I Steal: Probably not....
Grade: B
Brian Nhira Vs. Abby Celso - Sugar
Whew...they SANG! I loved everything about this battle. They worked together to make a great performance. Their tones were so soothing. They complimented each other very well. Brian's tone is so amazing! Abby did some very interesting things with her voice.
My Winner: Brian Nhira
Actual Winner: Abby Celso
Would I Steal: Absolutely!!!! I know that Pharrell did a strategic move to keep both of them on the show. Abby had less of a chance to be stolen so he kept her on his team with confidence that someone would steal Brian. Adam snatched him up and I am very curious
Grade: A
Mike Schiavo Vs. Caroline Burns - Like I'm Gonna Lose You
Caroline's vocal was just so prominent. Mike definitely has a great voice but he didn't really drive. I didn't feel connection between the two of them.
My Winner: Caroline Burns
Actual Winner: Caroline Burns
Would I Steal: Probably not.....
Grade: C
Lacy Mandigo Vs. Alisan Porter - California Dreamin'
Look here....Alisan was hitting notes that I didn't have in mind for this song. She has so much ability. Lacey has a great voice. She definitely kept up with Alisan but Alisan is crazy good. The duo didn't seem to connect well but they each put their best foot forward.
My Winner: Alisan Porter
Actual Winner: Alisan Porter
Would I Steal: Probably so.....Lacey showed enough but she was in an unfair battle.
Grade: A
Matt Tedder Vs. Laith Al-Saadi - Honky Tonk Woman
When Laith came in with the harmony, I was in. Matt was good but his voice didn't fit the feel of the song. Laith just infused so much soul into this song.
My Winner: Laith Al-Saadi
Actual Winner: Laith Al-Saadi
Would I Steal: Probably not....
Grade: B
Joe Vivona Vs. Caity Peters - Honesty
While Caity has an interesting tone, Joe definitely had so much control over his vocals. He weaved in and out of the harmonics. Beautiful song choice for the both of them.
My Winner: Joe Vivona
Actual Winner: Caity Peters
Would I Steal: Probably so....Joe had a great run with this battle.
Grade: C
Trey O'Dell Vs. Brittany Kennell - The Chain
Good vocals from both. Brittany definitely has a more interesting voice. Trey showed a lot of vocal ability. His falsetto was greatly amazing.
My Winner: Brittany Kennell
Actual Winner: Brittany Kennell
Would I Steal: Probably so.....Trey was great vocally. Very happy to see him move on.
Grade: B
There were 6 Battles that I did not cover because they put them in this 1 minute montage. Why???? The battles are something that we should see. I am sure that there was time to get them all in. Those 6 that move on will have a harder time gaining fanbases going into public vote. On to the Knockouts!
Until next time......
Ryan Quinn Vs. Katie Basden - Maybe I'm Amazed
Both have very clear vocals that are strong and enjoyable to listen to. Wow. They are really singing with each other. When Ryan goes for notes, he tends to lean forward or to the side. I don't know where he got that habit from but he needs to break it. He is pretty amazing. Now Katie, she SANG. Her range was fully expanded here. Her ease and confidence really stood out here.
My Winner: Katie Basden
Actual Winner: Ryan Quinn
Would I Steal: Absolutely!!! I am so happy that Christina stole Katie. I am looking forward to that magic!
Grade: A
Brittany Lawrence Vs. Paxton Ingram - I Know What You Did Last Summer
Definitely was not a superb vocal from both of them. Brittany had that "try" growl going and she seemed to be behind the beat at times. Paxton's tone was whiny throughout. There were some sloppy runs up there. There was a good amount of energy from both of them but Paxton had more.
My Winner: Paxton Ingram
Actual Winner: Paxton Ingram
Would I Steal: Probably not.....
Grade: C
Bryan Bautista Vs. Malik Heard - It's A Man's Man's Man's World
Both of them had very compelling world and harmonized very well together. Bryan seemed more in the pocket of the song. He didn't rush it or try to go for notes that really strained his vocals. Malik gave it his all with the runs but there were some notes that he didn't quite hit. I loved that they pushed each other.
My Winner: Bryan Bautista
Actual Winner: Bryan Bautista
Would I Steal: Probably so......It would depend on what I already had on my team. Malik is young in age and singing.
Grade: A
Tamar Davis Vs. Shalyah Fearing - Lady Marmalade
I thought that this would be magical. It was a little underwhelming in some parts. When they weren't trying to out sing the other, the harmonies were pretty nice. This song doesn't really lend itself to finesse. I felt like that they worked well with what they had. Tamar had much more control. Shalyah had fire but not enough control.
My Winner: Tamar Davis
Actual Winner: Tamar Davis
Would I Steal: Absolutely!!! She had power and fire. A lot to work with especially with being so young.
Grade: B
Justin Whisnant Vs. Mary Sarah - Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man
I don't really get into songs like this but I enjoyed the pep of it. Mary Sarah definitely sold it for me. Her voice just floated throughout the song. Justin got lost in the mix at times. He didn't own it. Mary just gave you all of the energy that was required for the song to work.
My Winner: Mary Sarah
Actual Winner: Mary Sarah
Would I Steal: Probably not.....
Grade: B
Jessica Crosbie Vs. Nick Hagelin - Electric Feel
I dig this song a lot. Jessica came through with a lot of power while Nick stayed in his falsetto. That, Nick, is SO ANNOYING. Not a fan of someone who just stays there. Jessica definitely gave a better performance. From the jump, Jessica showed that she could sing. Nick showed me nothing at all. He seemed like a lost fish. Came off as just going with the motion. Jessica felt like she was in the song.
My Winner: Jessica Crosbie
Actual Winner: Nick Hagelin
Would I Steal: Absolutely!!! She showed that she could make each performance her own. She worked the stage and had lots of confidence.
Grade: C
Chelsea Gann Vs. Kata Hay - I'm The Only One
Chelsea definitely had a refined voice. Kata came out to win! They definitely battled. I enjoyed both of them for different reasons.
My Winner: Kata Hay
Actual Winner: Kata Hay
Would I Steal: Probably so....Chelsea was a great singer. I don't know if she has the performance aspect on lock.
Grade: B
Brittany Lawrence Vs. Paxton Ingram - I Know What You Did Last Summer
Definitely was not a superb vocal from both of them. Brittany had that "try" growl going and she seemed to be behind the beat at times. Paxton's tone was whiny throughout. There were some sloppy runs up there. There was a good amount of energy from both of them but Paxton had more.
My Winner: Paxton Ingram
Actual Winner: Paxton Ingram
Would I Steal: Probably not.....
Grade: C
Bryan Bautista Vs. Malik Heard - It's A Man's Man's Man's World
Both of them had very compelling world and harmonized very well together. Bryan seemed more in the pocket of the song. He didn't rush it or try to go for notes that really strained his vocals. Malik gave it his all with the runs but there were some notes that he didn't quite hit. I loved that they pushed each other.
My Winner: Bryan Bautista
Actual Winner: Bryan Bautista
Would I Steal: Probably so......It would depend on what I already had on my team. Malik is young in age and singing.
Grade: A
Tamar Davis Vs. Shalyah Fearing - Lady Marmalade
I thought that this would be magical. It was a little underwhelming in some parts. When they weren't trying to out sing the other, the harmonies were pretty nice. This song doesn't really lend itself to finesse. I felt like that they worked well with what they had. Tamar had much more control. Shalyah had fire but not enough control.
My Winner: Tamar Davis
Actual Winner: Tamar Davis
Would I Steal: Absolutely!!! She had power and fire. A lot to work with especially with being so young.
Grade: B
Justin Whisnant Vs. Mary Sarah - Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man
I don't really get into songs like this but I enjoyed the pep of it. Mary Sarah definitely sold it for me. Her voice just floated throughout the song. Justin got lost in the mix at times. He didn't own it. Mary just gave you all of the energy that was required for the song to work.
My Winner: Mary Sarah
Actual Winner: Mary Sarah
Would I Steal: Probably not.....
Grade: B
Jessica Crosbie Vs. Nick Hagelin - Electric Feel
I dig this song a lot. Jessica came through with a lot of power while Nick stayed in his falsetto. That, Nick, is SO ANNOYING. Not a fan of someone who just stays there. Jessica definitely gave a better performance. From the jump, Jessica showed that she could sing. Nick showed me nothing at all. He seemed like a lost fish. Came off as just going with the motion. Jessica felt like she was in the song.
My Winner: Jessica Crosbie
Actual Winner: Nick Hagelin
Would I Steal: Absolutely!!! She showed that she could make each performance her own. She worked the stage and had lots of confidence.
Grade: C
Chelsea Gann Vs. Kata Hay - I'm The Only One
Chelsea definitely had a refined voice. Kata came out to win! They definitely battled. I enjoyed both of them for different reasons.
My Winner: Kata Hay
Actual Winner: Kata Hay
Would I Steal: Probably so....Chelsea was a great singer. I don't know if she has the performance aspect on lock.
Grade: B
Nate Butler Vs. Natalie Yacovazzi - Hollow
Natalie has the kind of voice that I absolutely love. She had some tough moments with some of her upper register. Nate had a common voice to me and didn't really show me anything new.
My Winner: Natalie Yacovazzi
Actual Winner: Nate Butler
Would I Steal: Absolutely!!! Did you hear the tone of her voice??? Adam is crazy for letting her go and the other judges are crazy for not stealing her.
Grade: C
Maya Smith Vs. Hannah Huston - Elastic Heart
Nice work, ladies. I felt that they delivered great performances. Maya's voice was so laid back while Hannah had some vibrant energy to her vocals. I appreciated all that these ladies did with this song.
My Winner: Maya Smith
Actual Winner: Hannah Huston
Would I Steal: Absolutely!!! Christina made the right move! Maya has a very nice voice that could be magical with the right song.
Grade: B
Jared Harder Vs. Adam Wakefield - Can't You See
Adam just has a great voice. I sympathize with anyone who has to go up against him. He has this confidence and vocal prowess that is so professional. Jared has a very good voice but you can't show any lack of confidence at any point when you are singing with a singer like Adam. Jared was thinking a little bit.
My Winner: Adam Wakefield
Actual Winner: Adam Wakefield
Would I Steal: Probably so...Jared had enough vocal talent to really shine once he had more time to get comfortable on stage.
Grade: A
Emily Keener Vs. Jonathan Bach - Explosions
Very good chemistry between the two of them. Both of them have interesting vocals. Emily's voice is very emotional. Jonathan laid it all out there. I liked the arrangement.
My Winner: Emily Keener
Actual Winner: Emily Keener
Would I Steal: Probably so....Jonathan has a knockout voice and could really flourish with more time.
Grade: B
Daniel Passino Vs. Kristen Marie - Turning Tables
Daniel really woke me up with this solid performance. Kristen just relied on her voice and didn't infuse enough emotion. Kristen definitely has the vocal tone to conquer this song. Daniel definitely laid it down.
My Winner: Daniel Passino
Actual Winner: Daniel Passino
Would I Steal: Probably not....
Grade: B
Brian Nhira Vs. Abby Celso - Sugar
Whew...they SANG! I loved everything about this battle. They worked together to make a great performance. Their tones were so soothing. They complimented each other very well. Brian's tone is so amazing! Abby did some very interesting things with her voice.
My Winner: Brian Nhira
Actual Winner: Abby Celso
Would I Steal: Absolutely!!!! I know that Pharrell did a strategic move to keep both of them on the show. Abby had less of a chance to be stolen so he kept her on his team with confidence that someone would steal Brian. Adam snatched him up and I am very curious
Grade: A
Mike Schiavo Vs. Caroline Burns - Like I'm Gonna Lose You
Caroline's vocal was just so prominent. Mike definitely has a great voice but he didn't really drive. I didn't feel connection between the two of them.
My Winner: Caroline Burns
Actual Winner: Caroline Burns
Would I Steal: Probably not.....
Grade: C
Lacy Mandigo Vs. Alisan Porter - California Dreamin'
Look here....Alisan was hitting notes that I didn't have in mind for this song. She has so much ability. Lacey has a great voice. She definitely kept up with Alisan but Alisan is crazy good. The duo didn't seem to connect well but they each put their best foot forward.
My Winner: Alisan Porter
Actual Winner: Alisan Porter
Would I Steal: Probably so.....Lacey showed enough but she was in an unfair battle.
Grade: A
Matt Tedder Vs. Laith Al-Saadi - Honky Tonk Woman
When Laith came in with the harmony, I was in. Matt was good but his voice didn't fit the feel of the song. Laith just infused so much soul into this song.
My Winner: Laith Al-Saadi
Actual Winner: Laith Al-Saadi
Would I Steal: Probably not....
Grade: B
Joe Vivona Vs. Caity Peters - Honesty
While Caity has an interesting tone, Joe definitely had so much control over his vocals. He weaved in and out of the harmonics. Beautiful song choice for the both of them.
My Winner: Joe Vivona
Actual Winner: Caity Peters
Would I Steal: Probably so....Joe had a great run with this battle.
Grade: C
Trey O'Dell Vs. Brittany Kennell - The Chain
Good vocals from both. Brittany definitely has a more interesting voice. Trey showed a lot of vocal ability. His falsetto was greatly amazing.
My Winner: Brittany Kennell
Actual Winner: Brittany Kennell
Would I Steal: Probably so.....Trey was great vocally. Very happy to see him move on.
Grade: B
There were 6 Battles that I did not cover because they put them in this 1 minute montage. Why???? The battles are something that we should see. I am sure that there was time to get them all in. Those 6 that move on will have a harder time gaining fanbases going into public vote. On to the Knockouts!
Until next time......
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