The Voice - Review - Season 5 Top 5 Revealed

Left to right: Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, and Blake Shelton.

The Top 6 performed last night, each artist singing two songs, hoping to show a versatility that would appeal to the voters, and to the fans eager to buy good songs on iTunes. Tonight, the number of contestants moving on is five, so there will be just one artist leaving. Will Team Adam finally lose a member? Will Team Blake be eliminated from the competition? Will Team Xtina be left with just one, like Team Blake? We won't know until the last minutes of tonight's show. What we do know is at the end of voting, all 12 songs from last night made it to the Top 50 on the iTunes Singles chart, a remarkable result. While we know positions, but not sales numbers, interpreting those numbers is not easy. But it seemed like two artists lagged behind the others in sales, Matthew Schuler and James Wolpert. On the other end of the spectrum, Tessanne Chin had the top-selling single with "Redemption Song", while Cole Vosbury had the strongest night, with "Rich Girl" and "Better Man" finishing at #16 and #23 respectively. But will the sales numbers translate to votes? Last week, the bottom 3 on iTunes only supplied one of the three to make the bottom 3. So we will have to wait and see.



Clockwise: Team Adam, Team Blake, Team Xtina, and Team Cee Lo.

The show starts with Carson Daley on stage with the remaining competitors, to figure out who will be competing in the Semifinals. After introducing the coaches, Carson reviewed the performances with the videotape look at last night, touching on the many high spots of the competition. But it is time for the first guest appearance, as Kelly Clarkson is introduced as family, recalling the days as a mentor for Team Blake. She sings "Underneath The Tree" off her Christmas album, 'Wrapped In Red'.

As is always the case, Kelly sounded amazing. If case you were wondering, 'Wrapped In Red' is available from iTunes and Amazon. Kelly mentioned she has a Christmas special coming up, and reminded us all that she is pregnant. She does look like she is glowing. Carson chats with the judges, as all mention how much they love their artists, and hope their fans on Twitter are ready to support them. You can sense Adam and Christina are a bit worried. But soon Carson introduces the first group number of the episode, as Jacquie, Matthew, and Tessanne sing "You Got The Love", the song by Florence + the Machine.

They do a nice enough job, but it isn't as special as it could have been. Then again, I bet they didn't spend a great deal of time rehearsing it, either. Quickly, Carson moves to the business at hand, the results. The first person announced safe is from Team Xtina. It is Jacquie Lee. After a commercial break, we come back to a performance by Blake Shelton, and he has Season 1 contestant Xenia joining him on a holiday favorite, "Silver Bells".

They sounded great together. "Silver Bells" can be found on Blake's album, 'Cheers - It's Christmas'. It is available on iTunes and Amazon. Soon it is time to get back to the results, and it is Cole Vosbury from Team Blake who is safe, leaving Tessanne, James, and Will from Team Adam, and Matthew from Team Xtina still up for elimination. That means at least on artist from Team Adam will be up for the Twitter vote, at the very least. After a break, it is time for Will, Cole, and James to sing, as they take on Extreme's "More Than Words" with Nuno Bettencourt playing on guitar, and joining on the chorus.

The boys did a nice job, although it did show a problem or two in their higher register. Quickly Carson gets the remaining artists together, and goes back to results. The next person on to the semifinals is Tessanne Chin from Team Adam. This leaves three artists at risk, and we are close to using the #VoiceSave to help an artist. After a commercial break, the Top 6 return to the stage to sing a medley of Christmas songs. It was nice, but it is time for the last three to come to the stage. Carson tells us the next person moving to the semifinals is Will Champlin from Team Adam. That means it is Matthew and James in the bottom two. If James makes it through, Adam promises to be a better coach next week. Christina returns to "Hallelujah" to make the case to save Matthew. After a commercial break, Carson asks Blake his thoughts, and he thinks maybe James, but the predictions have always been wrong. Cee Lo isn't sure, and thinks it will be close. As the credit roll, we learn Twitter saved James, and it is the end of the line for Matthew Schuler.



Tune in next week, when the Top Four will return to the stage to see if they can keep the dream alive! To learn more about 'The Voice', visit the official website. You can also 'like' them on Facebook, and 'follow' them on Twitter.

The Voice - Live Performances Review - 11/25/2013

Left to right: Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton, and Cee Lo Green.

Last week was another time of great competition, and we saw two more artists packing their bags and heading home. Austin Jenckes and Kat Robichaud left the competition, leaving Team Cee Lo with just one artist, Team Xtina and Team Blake with two, and Team Adam complete with three. But it is Thanksgiving Week, and there are still eight artists ready to sing, filled with gratitude to make it thus far. But there are still two who will be leaving tomorrow night, not so eager to go home for the holidays. Will Team Adam finally lose a singer? Will Team Cee Lo be eliminated altogether? Can Team Blake prove it still has the magic that won three seasons in a row? They have to sound their best tonight, and see where that gets them with the voting public tomorrow.

Left to right: Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Carson Daly, Cee Lo Green, and Adam Levine.

As is always the case, the show opens with host Carson Daly, to tell us about the night. But first he introduces the Top 8, and you can see a mixture of happy and tense on their faces. They might love performing, but this is a competition, and perhaps the nervous energy sneaks though. Before going on, Carson welcomes back a former adviser to contestants on the show, Robin Thicke. He comes out and performs his latest single, "Feel Good".

James is very excited to sing his choice this season, Queen's classic, "Somebody to Love". This is yet another side to the man who has never rested on his laurels, but has continually stretched and reached for the brass ring. While it might be daunting for many, James is up for the task, and sound great on the song. None of the slight hitches of prior weeks, from breath control to over exuberance, surfaced tonight. Clad in a tuxedo, James is on stage, and in the audience, and never looked nervous or confused. Great way to start the show. The judges loved it, but Christina got a bit lost in some cloning daydream that lost me. After a commercial break, it is time for the second member of Team Adam to perform, Tessanne Chin. She sings No Doubt's "Underneath It All" featuring Lady Saw.

Gwen Stefani and the boys from No Doubt were known for the Reggae influences, and this seems like a perfect fit for the Jamaican woman. There is such joy and love in this performance, it spills over to the audience. They sing along, and give her a long ovation. Her voice was expressive, subtle, bold, and sweet, so perfect for the show. She has been so strong from the audition, I have loved watching and hearing her. Cee Lo loved her, and Xtina gives a weird critique I think was both complimentary and a subtle dismissal of prior performances and Adam's coaching. After a break, it is time for the last artist on Team Cee Lo, 17-year-old Caroline Pennell. She wants to do something surprising, and they pick the Indie Alternative vibe of Florence + the Machine, "Dog Days Are Over".

Caroline starts off with a softness and sweetness that is nice to see. She adds strength and energy to the chorus, and really picks it up. She did a nice job, although at the end seem to be swallowed a little by the hugeness of the song. She was good, but fell a bit short of great, which I thought was very possible. I want her to have a break out moment, but she seems to stop just shy of the mark. After a break and an interview with Robin Thicke, who credits 'The Voice' fans for helping make "Blurred Lines" for big, having introduced it last year on season 4. Next we have a group performance with Cole, Ray, Tessanne and Will singing "One Day" by Matisyahu, giving us a bit more Reggae for the night. After another break, Cole and Ray go with Blake to the Jay Leno show, a chance to taste the good life, to see what they can achieve. After that, we learn Cole love Country music, and will be singing, "I Still Believe in You" a big Country hit from Vince Gill, co-written by Gill and John Barlow Jarvis.

Blake wants Cole to have a bit of desperation on the song, and I think Cole delivered on that. It is tough to compare with Vince Gill, whose voice is so crisp and clean, but Cole delivers his own performance for the song. There is grit in his voice, and it serves him well here. Blake is so proud, and thinks he does a great job. Christina loved him to, thinking it was a great quiet moment for him. After another break, Team Xtina's Matthew Schuler steps up to his turn on the stage, singing "It's Time", a song written and performed by American alternative rock band Imagine Dragons, which made it to the Billboard Top 10 in 2012. Christina wants to do a military theme on this number, and Matthew feels inspired by it. She loves that he has an Indie Rock base, and plans to utilize it on this song. During the performance, he soars in the chorus, but tends to get lost on the verse, garbling a little bit. The chorus is spectacular, but the performance does get a bit muddy in between. Of course, he brings it to a magnificent close. Christian loves him, and loves what he did with the song. Which was, of course, dictated by her... After a break, it is time for Jacquie, James, Matthew and Caroline to perform, singing "Lego House".

This is a wonderful song, but a very uneven performance. I would prefer to listen to the original above, and move forward. All four had nice moments, and times when I wondered what they were thinking. After another break, it is time for Will Champlin to join us. Will is singing a 1941 song written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren for the musical film 'Orchestra Wives', made popular by the late, great Etta James. It is, of course, "At Last". Will considers Etta to be an influence, and he wants to make it a memorable moment for him. I must admit, I find her performance mesmerizing. He uses power, range, and adds a rough hewn quality to his voice, sweetening the tea. It was a great moment for Will, and the audience acknowledged it with a long and loud ovation. Adam just loved it, and just loves working with Will. Christina also loved it, knowing how tough it is to sing the song. After another break it is time for the final artist from Team Blake, handsome Ray Boudreaux. I must admit I am a fan of Ray, but am not sure Blake has been able to give him the songs that showcase his sexy voice. This week, Ray will be singing "Gimme Some Lovin'", made famous by the Spencer Davis Group, and written by members Steve Winwood, Spencer Davis and Muff Winwood. It is interesting, Ray's voice is reminiscent of Steve Winwood, the smoky edge on a strong voice. From the start, Ray is rocking the song out, bringing us back to a soulful time in Rock music. I am not sure this was a great song for the competition, but it reminded me why I've liked Ray from the beginning. His bluesy roots were definitely showing. The coaches loved him, with Cee Lo and Christina giving him high marks. The last performance of the night will go to the youngest performer of the lot, 16-year-old Jacquie Lee, a member of Team Xtina, Tonight, Jacquie will be singing "Who's Lovin' You Now", the Motown song written in 1960 by William "Smokey" Robinson, and made famous by his group, The Miracles. It was also recorded by Diana Ross and the Supremes, as well as the Jackson 5. Christina wants Jacquie to cut loose, and get out of her own way. As far as I can tell, we are getting back to shouty Jacquie, and I am not that enamored with her. For me, she is out of her league with this song, and she is a little girl imitating others. There is no subtlety in the performance, she is just singing at full volume from start to finish.

So that is the Top 8, all trying to make it through another week on 'The Voice'. My Top 3 for this week would be Will, Tessanne, and Matthew, with strong performances. My bottom three, would be Cole, Caroline, and Jacquie. I thought both Cole and Caroline could have used a bit more energy, more life in their performances, while Jacquie could have used a bit less. I can't say I am 100 percent sure the voters will agree with me - perhaps Ray could slip in there, but I actually thought he was quite strong tonight. Could James and Tessanne have issues, singing up front, it is tough to be sure. But those are my thoughts for the night. The results are coming tomorrow night, at 9PM on your NBC station.

Happy Times in 1930

Clockwise: Florence Welch; Ruth Etting; Dame Shirley Bassey; and Annette Hanshaw.

Just when I think I am running out of ideas, another one pops into my head. I thought I'd take a look at songs that were on the charts in 1930, but not necessarily the top of the charts, nor necessarily by by original singers. Is that vague enough? I didn't mean it to me, but when I found this first video, I knew I was on the right track. "My Baby Just Cares For Me" was written by Walter Donaldson with lyrics by Gus Kahn. It was written for the 1930 movie version of the 1928 Broadway musical, 'Whoopee!', starring Eddie Canter. Some 30 years later, it became a trademark song of the great Nina Simone. But I have to admit, when I found this version by the gorgeous Florence Welch, I was a bit on the giddy level. So here is Florence singing "My Baby Just Cares For Me" for a New Years celebration with the brilliant Jools Holland.

"Ten Cents A Dance" was written by legendary team of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the 1930 Florenz Ziegfeld musical, 'Simple Simon'. In fact, it was written for Lee Morse, a singer of note in the 1920s, 30s and 40s. However, Morse battled her demons, and was fired from the show in the out-of-town tryout in Boston, and replaced by Ruth Etting. She was already a successful singer, and added "Ten Cents A Dance" to the list of her hit songs. Etting's career was cut short when her gangster ex-husband shot her new boyfriend, and the headlines featured the story everywhere. Later, Doris Day would play her in the movie 'Love Me Or Leave Me', and James Cagney played the gangster Moe Snyder.

Singer Al Jolson had a big hit with the Irving Berlin song "Let Me Sing And I'm Happy" in 1930, but I found another version that I loved. Sure, there were countless very talented singers who recorded the song, but this live performance by the great Dame Shirley Bassey just hit me as something special. I think one of my favorite things about Bassey is her ability to offer something special and new in every song she sings. So enjoy Dame Shirley's take on Berlin's "Let Me Sing And I'm Happy".

The next song wsa written in 1929 by Milton Ager and Jack Yellen, and recorded by Leo Reisman & His Orchestra. The recording was featured in the 1930 movie musical, 'Chasing Rainbows', as part of a grand finale that took the black and white film to technicolor. As a matter of fact, the song was featured in 15 movies by the end of 1932. The song became a big hit, and was used as a theme song for Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidential campaign in 1932. I chose a version recorded by the great Annette Hanshaw in 1930, capturing the way the song was originally heard by so very many, as an uptempo fun song. Over 30 years in the future, the song would be slowed down and delivered by a young singer to breath new life into the song. That singer was, of course, Barbra Streisand. But here is the perennial flapper, Annette Hanshaw, singing "Happy Days Are Here Again".

Have a great weekend!

GLEE Redux • Choke

Tonight we get to watch the eighteenth of twenty-two episodes this season, meaning that the senior year for some of our favorite McKinley High students is drawing to a close. We know that there are students auditioning for theater schools, and others going to Ivy league schools. And others just hoping to graduate high school. So who do we think might Choke, as the episode title suggests? One thing we know, that Glee happens.

Clockwise: My Fair Lady; Chicago; The Boy From Oz; Alice Cooper; Phantom of the Opera; Funny Girl; Kelly Clarkson; and Florence and the Machine.

The episode starts with Rachel walking down the hallway, discussing the celestial beings known as stars, what she wants to be. Soon she is doing mantra's in the mirror, telling herself she is a star. Next Finn is chatting with Puck, who plans to pass European Geography class by flirting with the teacher. Soon, Coach Beiste walks by, sporting a shiner. Santana makes a joke about Beiste and hubby Cooter, when Coach Roz overhears and is offended by jokes using domestic violence. She tells Sue about it, and they find a point of agreement. Sue tells Mr. Schue about the problem, and he doesn't believe his kids would make such jokes. Back in the auditorium, Kurt is practicing for his NYADA audition. He is singing The Music of the Night from the 1988 Broadway musical, Phantom of the Opera.



Puck makes his big move on the teacher, who rebuffs him. She tells him it is time to crack open a book, and he is angered, and sings School's Out by Alice Cooper, off his 1972 album of the same name.



After the song, Puck walks out of the chorus room. Coach Beiste, Coach Sue and Coach Roz are talking to the ladies of Glee about domestic violence, and Sue makes the assignment for the girls to sing songs of empowerment. In the locker room, Finn notices Puck is still missing, and he tells the boys that "No man is left behind," so they all must make sure Puck passes the class and graduates with them. Rachel and Kurt are in a panicked mess, as Rachel hears about his decision to change the song. They decide to stick with the old favorites. In the auditorium, the girls sing Cell Block Tango from the 1975 Broadway production of Chicago, as well as the 2002 film.



Sue and Roz are appalled, for the song celebrates violence, not how to empower women to move past it. But Coach Beiste leaves the auditorium, upset. They find out Cooter has punched her. No one thought he might have really hit her, so they are surprised. And shocked she took it. But they learn she was fearful no one else would love her. Sue tells her she is staying the night at Sue's house, no arguments. Puck is cleaning a pool, and tells the cougar he is leaving town, and then sees his father. Daddy Puck borrows money to pay rent, and Puck sees his father's life pass before his eyes. He goes to the boys to ask for help, so he doesn't end up like Daddy Puck, with no diploma. The guys will help him. As Kurt is about to sing Music Of The Night, he realizes it is the safe choice, and makes the on-the-spot decision to sing Not the Boy Next Door from the 2003 Broadway show, The Boy From Oz starring Hugh Jackman.



He is decked out in gold lamé pants, and gives a big, over-the-top performance. The judge loves it, and congratulates him for taking a big risk. Rachel is concerned, knowing she is going with a song she started singing as a two-year-old. Rachel is back in the mirror, with affirmations of stardom. Finn comes in with flowers, and says she is definitely ready for her audition. She announces she will sing Don't Rain on My Parade from the 1964 Broadway show Funny Girl, and the 1968 film of the same name.



A minute into the song she forgets the lyrics, and when she restarts she messes up even sooner. The audition judge tells her there is no more chances, and it is over for her. She choked, and is a crying mess. The boys are in the room, helping Puck cram for his test. He is tired and cranky, and somehow is asked about the rainfall in Spain, so the boys of course break out an electrified version of The Rain in Spain from the 1956 Broadway production of My Fair Lady, also the 1964 film.



Afterwards, they are back to studying. Coach Sue is upset, Coach Beiste did not stay with her - she moved in with her sister instead. She tells the kids, hoping to teach them a lesson. The kids are moved, and she tells them she has moved out. She tells the girls they inspired her. In the classroom, Puck took his test, and some of those questions were in The Rain In Spain. Others were not. But he thinks he did well, so the boys can "hug it out" in the hallway. The girls apologize to Coach Beiste, and sing for her. They choose Shake It Out by Florence and The Machine, off the 2011 album Ceremonials.



This is a lovely acoustic version of the song. While they are singing, we discover Beiste has moved home, giving Cooter another chance. At Rachel's locker, Kurt tries to cheer her up, but it doesn't work. Rachel is still crushed, for it was she who choked. She cries, and Kurt gives her a hug, and leaves her to be by herself. She closes her locker and starts to sing Cry by Kelly Clarkson, off the 2009 album All Over Yet.



While she is singing, Puck gets his test back, and discovers he didn't pass. As she finishes the song in tears, the screen fades to black.

GLEE Redux - Special Education (Recast)

Clockwise from top left: Elaine Paige, Mike + the Mechanics, Dirty Dancing, Florence and the Machine, the Zutons, and Train.

As they are putting on a rerun of the "Special Education" episode of GLEE tonight. So I decided to put this up in the hopes you catch it once again. Enjoy.

As Mr. Shue discusses his thoughts on sectionals with Miss Pillsbury, she basically calls him out on his lack of vision. He seems to get it. But first, he tells Puck to go get another member for the squad, since they are down one. Puck talks to the football team, who are less than impressed. He ends up locked in a port-a-potty all night long. He decides he needs to mix it up - there is some talent he has been ignoring. Finn and Rachel will not be singing solos. Sam and Quinn will be doing that this time. Brittany will be dancing the lead with Mike Chang, and her boyfriend Arnie gives her his 'magic' comb, to help her confidence. Kurt gets to babysit a parakeet and a chance to audition for a solo.

As Rachel breaks down about not having a lead, and Santana kicks her while she hissy fits - and tells her about having sex with Finn last year. She is approached by Puck, who is being nice to Jews since the potty incident. She notices his steroid-induced muscles. Tina tells Arnie that Brittany is cheating with Mike, and while he defends her, the thought is out there. Kurt comes to Rachel for a bit of advice on preparing for the solo audition, and the two start to bond in a way they never have before. She helps Kurt prepare with the song Don't Cry For Me Argentina, sung by Elaine Paige in the original London production of Evita.



Kurt makes it to the auditions, and doesn't make the cut to the next round. Blaine explains he was trying a bit hard, and the Warblers are all about the team, about assimilating, not about being an individual. When everyone gets to sectionals, Kurt and Rachel share another moment at the snack bar, and hug. Backstage, Arnie and Tina are not happy, and the New Directions seem to be at one another's throats. Mr. Shue has to yell at them to get them back on track. And tells them to come together, and act like ladies and gentleman, to support each other, and the other teams. The Warren Township Hipsters perform Mike + the Mechanics song, The Living Years, in the style of, well, The New Directions!



Blaine, Kurt and the Warblers sing Hey Soul Sister by Train. Of course, Blaine is singing lead.



It is time for the New Directions to perform. Before they go on, Brittany and Arnie have a discussion, and he finds out she didn't stray, she just lost the lucky comb. Soon, it is time for Sam & Quinn to sing (I've Had) The Time of My Life, the theme from Dirty Dancing sung by Jennifer Warnes and Bill Medley.



Santana sings the Zutons song Valerie while Brittany and Mike dance the lead.



The competition is over, and the competition declares a tie between the New Directions and the Warblers - they will both go to Regional Championships! Upon returning to the school, Mr. Shue talks to Miss Pillsbury, and she tells him she is no longer a single woman, but a Dentist's wife. Rachel talks to Finn, and admits she tried to have sex with Puck to even the score, but he wouldn't. Finn loses it, and breaks up with her. The kids meet with Mr. Shue in the Glee room, and Rachel is offered the solo to her. She declines, giving it to 'the unsung heroes,' Mercedes and Tina. The step up and sing Florence & the Machine's song Dog Days Are Over.



There is lots of hugging when it is done, except for Rachel and Finn. End scene.

GLEE Redux - Special Education

Clockwise from top left: Elaine Paige, Mike + the Mechanics, Dirty Dancing, Florence and the Machine, the Zutons, and Train.

Once again I am recapping the latest episode of Glee, only using the videos of the original songs rather than the covers. Hope you enjoy.

As Mr. Shue discusses his thoughts on sectionals with Miss Pillsbury, she basically calls him out on his lack of vision. He seems to get it. But first, he tells Puck to go get another member for the squad, since they are down one. Puck talks to the football team, who are less than impressed. He ends up locked in a port-a-potty all night long. He decides he needs to mix it up - there is some talent he has been ignoring. Finn and Rachel will not be singing solos. Sam and Quinn will be doing that this time. Brittany will be dancing the lead with Mike Chang, and her boyfriend Arnie gives her his 'magic' comb, to help her confidence. Kurt gets to babysit a parakeet and a chance to audition for a solo.

As Rachel breaks down about not having a lead, and Santana kicks her while she hissy fits - and tells her about having sex with Finn last year. She is approached by Puck, who is being nice to Jews since the potty incident. She notices his steroid-induced muscles. Tina tells Arnie that Brittany is cheating with Mike, and while he defends her, the thought is out there. Kurt comes to Rachel for a bit of advice on preparing for the solo audition, and the two start to bond in a way they never have before. She helps Kurt prepare with the song Don't Cry For Me Argentina, sung by Elaine Paige in the original London production of Evita.



Kurt makes it to the auditions, and doesn't make the cut to the next round. Blaine explains he was trying a bit hard, and the Warblers are all about the team, about assimilating, not about being an individual. When everyone gets to sectionals, Kurt and Rachel share another moment at the snack bar, and hug. Backstage, Arnie and Tina are not happy, and the New Directions seem to be at one another's throats. Mr. Shue has to yell at them to get them back on track. And tells them to come together, and act like ladies and gentleman, to support each other, and the other teams. The Warren Township Hipsters perform Mike + the Mechanics song, The Living Years, in the style of, well, The New Directions!



Blaine, Kurt and the Warblers sing Hey Soul Sister by Train. Of course, Blaine is singing lead.



It is time for the New Directions to perform. Before they go on, Brittany and Arnie have a discussion, and he finds out she didn't stray, she just lost the lucky comb. Soon, it is time for Sam & Quinn to sing (I've Had) The Time of My Life, the theme from Dirty Dancing sung by Jennifer Warnes and Bill Medley.



Santana sings the Zutons song Valerie while Brittany and Mike dance the lead.



The competition is over, and the competition declares a tie between the New Directions and the Warblers - they will both go to Regional Championships! Upon returning to the school, Mr. Shue talks to Miss Pillsbury, and she tells him she is no longer a single woman, but a Dentist's wife. Rachel talks to Finn, and admits she tried to have sex with Puck to even the score, but he wouldn't. Finn loses it, and breaks up with her. The kids meet with Mr. Shue in the Glee room, and Rachel is offered the solo to her. She declines, giving it to 'the unsung heroes,' Mercedes and Tina. The step up and sing Florence & the Machine's song Dog Days Are Over.



There is lots of hugging when it is done, except for Rachel and Finn. End scene.