Yahoo Lifestyle The Voice Recap: Did Night 4 of the Blinds Leave You Hearing Stars?
Reba McEntire may have handed out The Voice’s trophy in Monday’s episode (recapped here), but the battle hasn’t even begun, much less the war. On Night 4 of the Blind Auditions, Snoop Dogg recruited a hot swinger, Michael Bublé scored a contestant who could be the next Todd Tilghman, and Gwen Stefani added to her team a youngster whose vocals are as sweet as her demeanor. And if you read on, we’ll discuss all of them.
J.Paul (Team Michael), “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” — Grade: A | “That was perfect,” Michael told this three-chair turn immediately after he finished his tangy Michael McDonald cover, and I had to agree. A background singer for Stephanie Mills, J.Paul turned the song — which I’ve never really liked — into a virtuosic showpiece. Even Snoop, who hadn’t swiveled his seat, was hyped and looking forward to stealing the standout.
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Sloane Simon (Team Gwen), “Unwritten” — Grade: B- | This NYU student, who as a seventh-grader played at a pizza shop for “$27, a fountain drink and a slice,” is as likable as all get-out. Unfortunately, her voice is kinda thin; like, you might enjoy it for a song or two but maybe not for the duration of an album. Here’s hoping that her coach, who inspired the two-chair turn’s outfit, can help her richen and deepen that vocal a little bit.
Michael Alexandersson (Team Snoop), “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” — Grade: B+ | A hit on the retirement-home circuit, this twentysomething jazz man won over Snoop and Gwen immediately with his loose, cool-as-old-school take on Dean Martin. What held Bublé back? “Self-preservation,” he said. “I don’t need to compete against somebody like you.” Later, he suggested that he wanted someone who could, if need be, change lanes. Sure, Jan.
Jamison Puckett (Team Michael), “Faithfully” — Grade: A- | A 37-year-old worship leader, Jamison turned Journey’s hit into a religious experience. Not only did he demonstrate incredible range, he proved that he has a heaven-sent knack for saturating every note with emotion. Kinda surprised he only got two chair turns; dynamics as impressive as Jamison’s are what the coaches are always looking for, aren’t they?
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Gabrielle Zabosky (Team Gwen), “Mr. Know It All” — Grade: C | A member of Walmart’s a cappella group — remember SparkAppella? — Gabrielle delivered a rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s hit that was definitely spirited. The trouble was, it was unfocused, kind of all over the map. It also often felt like the inexplicable four-chair turn was reaching for notes that were bigger than she could hit. Fun and energetic? For sure. But a contender? Don’t think so.
Christina Eagle (Team Snoop), “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” — Grade: A | “Broke and happy” as a singer, this 23-year-old was raised by her grandparents after her mom and dad both died. On stage, Christina did the lot of ’em proud, tearing up Lainey Wilson’s barn-burner. She was seriously scorchin’. Not sure what Reba heard in the beginning that turned her off, but methinks she’ll regret leaving Christina as a one-chair turn.
Jaukeem Fortson (Team Reba), “Easy on Me” — Grade: A- | Known around his small hometown in Georgia as “the little singing old [soul] church boy,” this 13-year-old turned Michael’s chair virtually the minute he opened his mouth — with good reason. Despite some audible nerves, the season’s youngest contestant was spectacular, tackling jaw-dropping runs and belting with remarkable power and clarity. “You’re gonna be around for a while,” Reba predicted. Agreed.
Kevin James Graham (Team Reba), “Stay With Me” — Grade: B | The coaches seemed utterly befuddled by this 33-year-old Bostonian, whose high voice made them think they were listening to a woman. What I heard more so was a Rod Stewart type — and a pretty good one, too. “You are exceptional,” said Snoop, adding that he’d have turned his chair if he’d known the contestant was the male vocalist he was looking to recruit.
Shye (Team Michael), “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” — Grade: A | Blessed with an incredible command of her lower register, this 17-year-old, who skipped graduation to audition for The Voice, inspired Gwen to turn around immediately. But the best was yet to come. When the four-chair turn opened up her vocal and let loose her range, it was a major OMG moment. “I have not been this excited so far this season for an artist,” Gwen exclaimed. “I live for you!”
Did anyone knock your socks off Tuesday? Play favorites in the poll below, then hit the comments.
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