Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The Voice Top 8, from left, Craig Wayne Boyd, DaNica Shirey, Luke Wade, Taylor John Williams, Ryan Sill, Matt McAndrew, Damien and Chris Jamison, await the results last week on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Gee, The Voice, I have a lot of questions heading into tonight’s show.

Will the Top 5 each sing twice, as they have in past seasons at this point?

And how is this wild card round going to work? You know, the promise that anyone in the Top 12 will have a second chance to make the finals even if they don’t make the Top 3?

In terms of official press releases from the show, we know this: Blake Shelton will perform his new single, “Lonely Tonight” on the Top 5 performance show.

Hmm, that wasn’t among my questions.

Fortunately, Reagan James tweets a lot. She’s encouraging her fans to tune in tomorrow night at 8 p.m. for the wild card show. And to wait until after the show airs to buy her new song on iTunes so it counts as a vote.

Thanks for the clues, Reagan.

Of course, before we get to a wild card show, we have tonight’s episode. As always, I’ll be providing song by song grades in a live blog, so check back at 8 p.m. And, if you disagree with my grades, please let me know by commenting below.

OK, and Carson just confirmed it. All the wild card contestants will perform tomorrow night. And, yep, everyone will sing twice tonight. In round one they’ll sing a song picked by their coaches; in round two they’ll perform a song they’ve picked as a hometown dedication.

Damien Lawson

Blind audition: All four coaches turned their chairs when he sang Boyz II Men’s “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.”
Battle round: Defeated Kelli Douglas; they sang Otis Redding’s “Knock on Wood.”
Knockout round: Defeated Toia Jones with his performance of “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes.
Live playoffs: He sang “I’m Not the Only One” by Sam Smith. The song landed at number 40 on the iTunes overall singles chart and number one on the R&B/Soul chart. He was voted into the finals.
Top 12: He sang “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” and the song was one of the top performers on iTunes, hitting number 12 on the overall singles chart and number one on the R&B/Soul chart. He was voted into the Top 10.
Top 10: He sang Stevie Wonder’s “You and I.” He was voted into the Top 8 after the song landed at number 59 on the overall iTunes chart and at number three on the site’s R&B/soul chart.
Top 8: He sang Adele’s “Someone Like You.” Damien earned bonus points when the song hit number seven on iTunes; it was also number one on the site’s R&B/Soul chart. He was voted into the Top 5.

Coach’s choice: Damien is coming off perhaps his best performance so far, having cracked the Top 10 on iTunes singles chart with his cover of Adele’s “Someone like You.” It marked the third time in the last four years he landed at number one on the site’s R&B/Soul chart. Adam has him singing Michael Jackson’s “She’s Out of My Life,” saying it’s an emotional, vulnerable song. Damien delivers another solid vocal; not sure it quite matched last week’s, but he certainly showed off the range and power of his voice. And, yep, it was an emotional song, which is this guy’s forte. Blake calls it “one of the most perfect performances” he’s heard on The Voice. Gwen says doing Michael Jackson is super dangerous, but compliments Damien for pulling it off. Adam says Damien was a bit skeptical initially of the song choice. Adam says he did an unbelievable job. Grade: B+

Hometown tribute: He’ll sing “I Don’t Want to Wait.” After a string of sensitive ballads, Damien goes a bit more upbeat for his second song tonight. Not sure that’s wise, Damien. He gets to show off his range. And he looks perfectly comfortable on stage. But I think I’ve understood about a third of the words coming from Damien. He ends strong, but that was my least favorite Damien performance since the finals began. Blake says it was nice to see him do something other than a ballad. Pharrell compliments him on an incredible voice. Gwen liked the arrangement of the song, apparently more than I did. Adam called the performance “amazing” and even better than he expected. Grade: C

Craig Wayne Boyd

Blind audition: Turned a pair of chairs singing Travis Tritt’s “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’.”
Battle round: Lost to James David Carter, but was so impressive performing “Wave on Wave” that he was stolen by Gwen Stefani.
Knockout round: Lost to Anita Antoinette, but sang the Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See” so well he was stolen back by Blake Shelton.
Live playoffs: He sang Grand Funk Railroad’s “Some Kind of Wonderful.” His cover hit number 59 on the iTunes singles chart and number seven on the site’s country chart. He was voted into the finals.
Top 12: He sang George Strait’s “You Look So Good in Love.” The song hit number 11 on the iTunes overall chart and number one on the site’s country singles chart. He was voted into the Top 10.
Top 10: He sang Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line” and scored another number one country hit on iTunes. The song landed at number six overall, earning him bonus points toward the finale. He was voted into the Top 8.
Top 8: He sang the Eagles’ “Take It Easy.” It marked his third straight Voice single to land at number one on the iTunes country chart. The song hit number 12 on the site’s overall chart. Craig Wayne was voted into the Top 5.

Coach’s choice: Last week’s song choice, “Take It Easy,” was a little too easy-going for my like. And it wound up being only the fifth most popular song on iTunes among those performed on Top 8 night. No fear, Craig Wayne was voted into the Top 5 with the help of his avid fan base. But I have a suspicion he’ll have to do a bit better than last week to take the Season 7 title. Blake has him singing “Working Man Blues” by Merle Haggard, promising us a touch of rock and a touch of country. Remember, he reworked Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line” to great success earlier this season. Blake predicted he’d blow the roof off the place, and he certainly tried his best. The last 15 seconds of that were fantastic, and Craig Wayne was pretty darn good before that. Pharrell says that’s the type of performance you’ll get from someone who knows how to have a great time. Oh, and he can’t wait to hear Craig Wayne’s album. Gwen calls it “perfect.” Adam likes his “individuality.” Blake says Craig Wayne is one of the best singers he’s heard. He predicts he could become a superstar in country music. Grade: B+

Hometown dedication: He’s decided to sing “The Old Rugged Cross.” Whether Blake or Craig deserves the credit, this is a very smart song choice. It’s also smart to have Craig Wayne go back to a emotional tune after doing fun, upbeat tunes for his last two performances. And he’s delivering a fine vocal, of course. No doubt, he should be joining Matt McAndrew in the finale. Prediction: This hits number one on the country singles chart tomorrow. Very well done, Craig Wayne Boyd. That performance has the coaches on their feet and Gwen in tears. Pharrell congratulations him for a job well done. Gwen called the performance beautiful. Adam calls it “awesome” and calls the song choice “brilliant” and “really special.” Blake called it “a passionate, epic vocal performance.” Grade: A–

Taylor John Williams

Blind audition: His stripped-down version of “Heartless” prompted two coaches to turn their chairs.
Battle round: He defeated Amanda Lee Peers; they performed Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”
Knockout round: He defeated Troy Ritchie with a performance of “Mad World” by Tears for Fears.
Live playoffs: Sang “Stuck in the Middle with You” by Stealers Wheel. The song landed at 63 on the iTunes singles chart and number one on the site’s rock chart. He was voted into the finals.
Top 12: He sang Bread’s “If.” The song hit number 34 on the iTunes singles chart and number 19 on the site’s pop chart. He was voted into the Top 10.
Top 10: He sang the Beatles “Come Together,” and it turned out to be the second most popular performance of the night on iTunes, hitting number 25 on the overall singles chart and number one on the site’s rock chart. He was voted into the Top 8.
Top 8: He sang Lorde’s “Royals” and scored bonus points toward staying on the show when it landed at number six on the iTunes overall singles chart. It also finished at number two on the site’s alternative chart. Taylor John was voted into the Top 5.

Coach’s choice: That reworking of “Royals” landed Taylor John in bonus points territory on iTunes for the first time and marked his second straight splendid outing. Tonight, Gwen has him singing “Falling Slowly” by The Swell Season. She says it’s one of his favorite songs and one he’s performed often. He’ll do it just on his guitar. I smell another iTunes hit. Yep, this is going to go over very well, though I’m not a big fan of the vocal at the halfway mark. The high notes seem a bit strained. But I won’t be at all surprised if that does better on iTunes than either of the first two songs of the night. Listen to the crowd go wild. Adam calls the song “the perfect choice.” Blake says he hasn’t heard that much “strength and range” in Taylor John’s voice before. Pharrell likes his willingness to take creative license with the songs he sings. Gwen says he did a great job. Grade: B–

Hometown tribute: He’ll perform Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space.” Another smart song choice? We’ll see. Yikes, not loving the vocal on the first verse. For one thing, Taylor John is being drowned out by the backing music. And he sounds off key. Brave song choice, and Taylor John is making it his own. Just not sure it worked. The crowd is screaming though. Adam calls it “awesome.” OK, the crowd is going absolutely nuts. Gwen calls him a true artist and says he deserves to move forward. Grade: C+

Matt McAndrew

Blind audition: He sang “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri and enticed three judges to turn their chairs.
Battle round: Defeated Ethan Bulter; they performed Coldplay’s “Yellow.”
Knockout round: Defeated Rebekah Samarin with a performance of Train’s “Drops of Jupiter,” but only a snippet of the match aired.
Live playoffs: He sang the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows.” The song was the best received from night one of the live playoffs, hitting number 31 on iTunes’ singles chart and number 18 on its pop chart. Matt was voted into the finals.
Top 12: He sang Hozier’s “Take Me to Church.” The song was the best performing of the night on iTunes, hitting number 5 on the overall iTunes singles chart and number 2 on the site’s alternative chart. He was voted into the Top 10.
Top 10: He sang Coldplay’s “Fix You” and was voted into the Top 8. The song landed at number 27 on the iTunes overall chart and at number three on the site’s alternative chart.
Top 8: He sang “The Blower’s Daughter” and it turned out to be the most successful song of the week on iTunes. It landed at number two on the overall singles chart, bested only by Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space.” That earned Matt bonus points. It also landed at number two on the pop chart.

Coach’s choice: Adam says his song choice comes straight from watching “Sons of Anarchy.” He’s asking Matt to sing Ed Sheeran’s “Make It Rain” and predicts Matt will deliver his best vocal yet. Hey, Adam, another very nice song choice. And Matt, indeed, sings very strong as it opens. You’re going to see this soar up the iTunes chart, too. We’re witnessing the best performance so far tonight. That’s why I graded two earlier performances as B+. I knew something better was likely to come along, this group is so talented. The crowd goes wild again. Blake calls it a “Grammy-worthy performance.” Pharrell calls Matt a “star.” Gwen calls him a contradiction and says Matt’s voice gives him chills. Adam says there’s no one more humble and laid back than Matt. “I can’t throw anything at this guy that he can’t absolutely destroy,” he says. Grade: A

Hometown dedication: He’ll sing “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” Dang, he’s singing the heck out of the opening. Now he’s getting the fans involved in the performance. In fact, he’s wading into the crowd, and still singing perfectly. Really strong ending, too. OK, Matt has now delivered the two best performances so far tonight. That got all the coaches on their feet. Matt certainly should be headed for the finals. Blake says he makes it seem effortless. Pharrell says Bono would be proud of his handling of that performance. Gwen calls his voice “rich” and “magic.” Adam’s reaction: “Wow.” Grade: A–

Chris Jamison

Blind audition: He sang John Mayer’s “Gravity” and prompted all four coaches to turn their chairs.
Battle round: He defeated four-chair turn recipient Jonathan Wyndham; they performed “Young Girls” by Bruno Mars.
Knockout round: He defeated another four-chair turn recipient, Blessing Offor, with a performance of Otis Redding’s “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.”
Live playoffs: He sang Ed Sheeran’s “Don’t.” Chris’ version of the song hit number 133 on the iTunes singles chart and number 50 on the pop chart. He was Adam Levine’s choice to advance to the finals.
Top 12: He sang “Jealous” by Nick Jonas. The song hit number 23 on the overall iTunes chart and number 15 on the site’s pop chart. He was voted into the Top 10.
Top 10: He sang “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson. The song hit 38 on the iTunes singles chart and 20 on the pop chart. He was voted into the Top 8.
Top 8: He sang “Sexual Healing.” The song landed at number 12 on the iTunes singles chart and number eight on the site’s pop chart. He landed in the bottom four on results night and sang “Georgia on My Mind” for the instant save, which he received, advancing him to the Top 5.

Coach’s choice: Chris needed an instant save last week. So why not give him the pimp spot this week? Hmm. Has a Voice contestant ever gotten more favorable treatment than Chris? I can’t recall it happening. I don’t like it. It makes me root against the guy. To top it off, he’s going to sing “Sugar,” Maroon 5’s next single. He takes the stage with a squadron of lady guitarists, who aren’t playing guitar. Chris nails the falsetto portion of the song, but I still think he has the least distinguishable voice of the Top 5. I’m subtracting one grade for the way The Voice is cheating on Chris’ behalf. Blake says Chris’ falsetto is so good. Pharrell congratulates him for using his falsetto. Gwen liked the way the girls looked; you know, the ones who didn’t play guitar. Adam says Chris continues to rise to the occasion. Grade: C–

Hometown tribute: Now the chosen one takes the stage. Here’s hoping he’s not chosen by voters. He will sing Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man.” OK, I hate to admit it, but Chris is delivering one of his best performances on this. He hit a crazy high note midway through that performance. And he provided a nice ending too. A huge improvement over his first number of the night. Adam says he’s “so proud” of Chris. Oh, well, if he doesn’t get voted into the finals, he’ll probably get the wild card spot. Grade: B+

So, who deserves to be in the finale?

Matt McAndrew and Craig Wayne Boyd should breeze into next week’s show. They were excellent tonight.

The third spot? I’d say Taylor John Williams. He’s been a bit inconsistent, but I admire his artistry. And he’s delivered more special performances than the other two members of the Top 5.