Wow, I thoroughly enjoyed last night’s episode of The Voice.
I felt compelled to write that because it’s been a while since I thoroughly enjoyed one of these singing shows. Certainly since before the premiere of The X Factor.
Truth be told, most of the Idol audition episodes left me feeling rather indifferent.
Part of the difference last night was the talent, I’m sure. Jesse Campbell and RaeLynn, in particular, were quite impressive.
A bigger part was the chemistry between The Voice judges. They managed to bicker and fuss with one another in a good-natured way that made The X Factor panel look like amateurs.
Tonight, the competition between the judges continues as they fill out their teams of 12 singers apiece.
Rumor has it we might even get re-introduced to a former Idol contestant. Hint: That tip came in a tweet this afternoon from Season 8’s Danny Gokey.
But before we meet more contestants, we’re treated to a performance of Prince hits by our four judges.
The Line (Hailey and Leland), Nashville, Tenn.: Leland says they met with romantic intentions, but they aren’t a couple. They are a duet. And they’ll perform “American Girl.” Not surprised the first chair to spin around is that of Blake Shelton. And now all three of the other judges join them. Hey, there’s a duo with some pizzazz. And The Line joins team Christina. By the way, The Line is Hailey Steele and Leland Grant, and here’s a link to more of their music.
Jamar Rogers, 29, Bronx, N.Y.: We met Jamar back on Season 8 of Idol, when he went to Hollywood with best friend Danny Gokey. Jamar didn’t survive Hollywood; Danny, of course, went on to finish third. Apparently, Jamar’s attempts to launch a post-show career — he had formed a duet with former fellow Idol contestant Frankie Jordan at one point — didn’t go so well. On The Voice, he’ll sing “Seven Nation Army.” And it looks like Jamar will be working with one of his idols, Cee Lo Green. He’s the only judge to spin around in what was a so-so audition by The Voice standards. A link to more of Jamar’s music.
Neal Middleton, 33, Salt Lake City, Utah: This rocker is looking for a way to provide a better life for his family at age 33. He says he’s 33 without life insurance. He’s married with two kids, apparently, and says The Voice “feels like the last chance for me to complete my dream.” The rocker will sing “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” Feel a little bad for Neal since no one turned around. But I would agree with Adam: It just wasn’t that unique.
Gwen Sebastian, 37, Hebron, North Dakota: She grew up singing with her parents and has postponed having kids to pursue her career in music. She’ll sing “Stay.” There’s the unique voice the judges have been waiting for. She gets three judges to spin their chairs, everyone but Christina. Here’s a link to Gwen’s website. She winds up on Team Blake, a seemingly natural fit. She’s my favorite so far tonight.
Kim Yarbrough, 50, Los Angeles: Kim started singing when she was 18, thinking she really could make a go of music. “That didn’t happen,” she admits. She worked security for the Dave Matthews band, packed shampoo in a box and worked in a snack food factory. She’ll sing “Show Me Something Good.” Wow, big voice. One of the biggest we’ve heard tonight. She’ll have to chose between Adam and Christina. And, yeah, Kim has a website, too. Just head here. She chooses Adam.
Pamela Rose, 28, Cooper City, Fla.: Her mother tells her she’s not only beautiful physically, but in her soul as well. She’ll sing Kelly Clarkson’s “Already Gone.” Not impressed by the opening of this version. The judges cite pitch problems as their reasons for not spinning around, and Pamela heads home without a team. But since she is physically attractive, Cee Lo seems to have some regrets.
Angie Johnson, 31, St. Louis, Miss.: She joined the Air Force as a pilot, and has since become a member of the Air Force Band, which she describes as the “best job in the world.” And the gal from the military turns in a rousing performance of Pat Benetar’s “Heartbreaker.” Her performance prompts just one judge to turn around, so she becomes a member of team Cee Lo.
Dez Duron, 21, Shreveport, La.: He’s a former football player at Yale who took a semester off to try out for The Voice. His dad apparently once wrote a song that won a Grammy after giving up his own football career. Dez will sing “I Want It That Way.” His voice reminds me a little of Lee DeWyze. Unfortunately for Dez, none of the judges turn their chairs around. Best line of the night: “He’s a good lookin’ guy. Even I know he’s a good looking guy.”
Lindsey Pavao, 22, Sacramento, Calif.: As a child, she wanted to be an inventor, until she picked up a violin. She says she writes songs and likes to put her own twist on popular songs. She admits she’s never performed in front of more than about 40 people. Another original, sorta quirky voice. Which she displays on “Say, Aah.” And that voice prompts Christina and Cee Lo and, surprise, Blake, to spin their chairs around. According to Facebook, Lindsey has performed with A Colourado & Boxes. She picks team Christina. Here’s a link to A Colourado’s old MySpace page.
Jermaine Paul, 33, Orange County, N.Y.: This guy has been singing as a background singer for Alicia Keys for years. Now he’s ready to step out from the background. He’ll sing “Complicated.” Despite what sounds to me to be something of an uneven performance, he gets Cee Lo and Blake to turn their chairs around. The guy does have a good range. He picks Team Blake.
Hoja Lopez, 25, Houston, Texas: She says she’s something of a black sheep because she’s different from the rest of her family. She has always wanted to paint things and sing. She’ll sing “Teenage Dream.” Sounds very karaoke to me. And none of the judges pivot their chairs, meaning Hoja will go home without a spot on The Voice.
Angel Taylor, 23, Los Angeles, Calif.: She’s the youngest of five children. She says music was an escape for her during a difficult childhood. She’ll sing “Someone Like You.” Wow. Sign her up. Right now, judges. And with that very good rendition of the song, she prompts three judges to spin their chairs around. And Angel winds up going with Team Adam. And a nice end to episode 2 of The Voice. Here’s a link to her music.
My favorites tonight: 1. Gwen Sebastian; 2. The Line; 3. Lindsey Pavao.
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