The Voice 10: Semifinals

This is my only complaint with The Voice. I feel like their format is rushed when it comes to the end. Crazy to think that we will have gone from 8 to 4 in one episode. I would rather you do that early on. It will give us a better grasp for the type of artist these contestants will be and it will also allow the contestants to grow. Anyway, enough of my complaining. As always, I will rank the performances from least favorite to favorite.

Bryan Bautista - Hurt: I absolutely appreciate the emotional delivery. Great song for that. I think that the key should have been lowered by a couple of steps. There was some strain there and it caused the emotion to be overshadowed. Your tone in the beginning was awesome. It was when you got to the chorus. That is when things fell apart. Especially during the bridge. I didn't feel that you had a grasp on the key change towards the end.

Paxton Ingram - I'd Do Anything For Love: Really enjoyed his vocal with this song. He was giving it his all. His voice had a better tone quality. Not as whiny. The ending could have used some help. It seemed to stop the song in it's tracks instead of finishing off the performance. Unfortunately, at this point, he needed to sing a song with substance. 

Mary Sarah - I Told You So: I know that this is a Randy Travis original. I am very familiar with the Carrie Underwood version. With that being said, she was Carrie Underwood tonight. It was so spot on. I loved the vocal. I loved the changes that she tried to infuse but I just heard Carrie. Crazy bananas! She sounded so much like Carrie that I thought that it was her. Wow. Good vocal but wow. 

Hannah Huston - When A Man Loves A Woman: Love it when someone just decides to get into the character of a song and lay it out there. There were some questionable note choices but it was pretty good overall. I would have liked more variation on the vocal ad libs. If you stay in one lane, it can get boring. I thought that arrangement really suited your voice. 

Laith Al-Saadi - One And Only: Loved how this sat in your voice. I loved this song choice for you. Matched so well with your voice. You made me feel the true soulfulness of the song. And your guitar playing....impeccable. But back to the voice, you have such a gift. That was the perfect song for you. 

Alisan Porter - Desperado: Glad that you were able to emote with this song. I feel like that has been the missing piece for you. You have the talent and the technique. This had the makings of a professional moment. Your phrasing and voice were amazing. Her body of work hasn't been stellar but her hype is going to take her far. 

Adam Wakefield - I'm Sorry: Well....there you go. His vocal tone is beautiful and compelling. But this performance really showed his vulnerability. There was a lift that he had during the verses that made this so magical. The background vocalist should have kept quiet lol. They never quite blended with Adam. Anyway, I loved this. I felt his vocal freedom throughout. Fantastic.

Shalyah Fearing - And I Am Telling You: Maybe it is the song. Maybe it is the performance. Maybe it is the voice. This was fantastic. I have heard this performed by many different people and this has to be one of the best. Her growl. The rasp to her voice. Just all worked really well. Color me impressed. She is 15 and singing like she has had a hard life at the age of 46 lol. I was impressed that the rasp was in the higher notes. They came out but they had texture to it. 

Well one more week left and I have to say that Season 10 has been one of the best. I don't hate anyone that is in the semifinals and I have been entertained throughout. If I had to send people home, Paxton and Mary would be my sure bets. Everyone else has had a moment for me this season. I could see it going anyway. 

Until next time......