Kelly Clarkson released her sixth studio album — “Piece by Piece” — today. And, of course, the album has skyrocketed to number one on the iTunes albums chart. But that’s not the most exciting news for local fans of the original American Idol. Kelly also announced a summer tour with Pentatonix. And the 36-date affair…
Wow, The Voice threw contestants at us fast and furious Monday night during the third blind audition episode. We met 14 of the Season 8 contestants, though some of the introductions were of the hated montage variety. The star of the night was India Carney, a UCLA student and the only one of the 14…
In case you’ve lost track, five singers have turned all four chairs on The Voice Season 8 so far. Two have landed on Team Blake. That would be Cody Wickline and Sarah Potenza. Two have landed on Team Pharrell. That would be Sawyer Fredericks and Anthony Riley. And one has landed on Team Adam. That…
His audition: Cody Wickline, 20, of Beckley, W.Va., auditioned with a tender and spot-on performance of George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” Adam Levine turned around just a few notes into the performance. Blake Shelton joined him near the end of the song. Then Pharrell Williams and Christina Aguilera turned around as well, giving…
Her audition: Mia Z., 16, Pittsburgh, Pa., auditioned with a classic, B.B. King’s “The Thrill is Gone.” She displayed a big voice with a touch of rasp, not to mention very nice range. Blake Shelton turned around early in the performance, later joined by Pharrell Williams. He called her range “insanity” and said “the thrill…
His audition: Anthony Riley, 27, Philadelphia, Pa., launched into an energetic performance of “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown. And within seconds, all four coaches were facing in his direction. Pharrell called his performance “electric” and complimented him on his “big spirit.” Anthony opted to join Team Pharrell. His background: Anthony told…
Her audition: Brooke Adee, 16, Tampa, Fla., sang “Skinny Love” by Birdy for her audition. A great opening prompted almost immediate chair turns from Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. She winds up turning in a very solid performance, but they’re the only chairs to turn. Blake said Brooke looks and sounds like “a future star.”…
His audition: Lowell Oakley, 19, of Durham, N.C., auditioned with Duke Ellington’s “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” He displayed a nice tone from the opening note. Adam Levine turned around early in the performance. A nice flourish at the end of the song prompted Pharrell Williams to join him. Lowell joined Team Pharrell. His background:…
His audition: Sawyer Fredericks, 15, of Fultonville, N.Y., auditioned with the classic folk song “Man of Constant Sorrow.” He’d barely gotten through one line when three chairs turned, those of Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera and Pharrell Williams. Midway through the audition, Blake Shelton turned around as well, giving Sawyer one of three four-chair turns in…
His audition: Gabriel Wolfchild, 26, Seattle, Wash., auditioned with Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright,” a song he learned when a woman broke his heart. He was only a few words in when Adam turned around. Midway through the performance, he was joined by Blake. And a nice, tender performance also eventually enticed Christina…
