NBC’s ‘The Voice’ review: Joe Vivona, Shalyah Fearing, and the latest batch of blind auditions
Tonight, the Blind Auditions are back on “The Voice,” which of course means that we’re going to see hopefully some more people who have a legitimate chance at going far this season. We consider the premiere a blessing in disguise when it comes to the talent level of the hopefuls; after ten seasons of this and fifteen of “American Idol,” we did have a serious concern for a while that we would see the talent pool starting to dry up.
As we do with almost every review when it comes to this show, we’ll be updating this live with more auditions as the night goes on! Stay tuned…
Joe Vivona, “Dreaming with a Broken Heart” – He’s got a smooth, soulful voice, but at the same time he’s going to need some serious coaching on his nerves. We felt some of them throughout this performance, and it is a fairly familiar narrative with this show. Team Pharrell.
Shalyah Fearing, “What Is Love” – We don’t know what is crazier about this performance: That Fearing is barely old enough to audition for this show, or that she only got one coach to turn around for her. Sure, there are control issues, but did you hear the power or her range? She could be another iteration of Jacquie Lee on this show. Team Christina.
Adam Wakefield, “Tennessee Whiskey” – So long as Blake Shelton is still a part of the show, there is always going to be this problem. You have someone here who has a Nashville background and wants to break more there, and as a result of that, of course they are going to pick the guy who probably knows everyone in the city over Adam Levine. Team Blake.
Caroline Burns, “So Far Away” – She’s a returning contestant, yet at the same time extremely young. After hearing this, we’re starting to think that she probably should have waited another year. While she did get some chairs to turn for her, there are some tuning issues that clearly still need to be worked out here. Team Adam.
Emily Keener, “Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road” – This was an interesting performance, given that Emily has a great tone! Unfortunately, it’s one also offset by some serious pitch issues that would’ve kept us from turning. Maybe this is something Pharrell can help her with; overall, this was one of the stranger four-chair turns we’ve seen. Team Pharrell.
Laith Al-Saadi, “The Letter” – Super-cool dude, and a really good touring musician. We’re not sure someone like him is current enough to win the show, but we certainly like that he has a coach and will be around. Team Adam.
Angie Keilhauer, “I Hold On” – Angie’s an interesting performer, given that she’s a country singer with roots in El Salvador who actually wanted to pick Christina, only she didn’t turn around. Instead, she went with a more predictable option. Team Blake.
Kata Hay, “Redneck Womack” – Other than the montage, this was the last major audition of the night. How was it? There was some energy, but at the same time, it’s hilarious on how hard the show promoted an innocent cheek-peck before Kata went with a woman who is building a great team. Team Christina.
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