The Voice Season Four • Top 10 Perform

As we prepare to hear The Voice Season 4 Top 10 take to the stage, I also look back at last week, when the voters sent VEDO and Garrett Gardner home. They were certainly among the weakest of the performance show, but I think Garrett has been handcuffed by song selection two weeks in a row, something that is tough to beat when you are going against artists who have picked, either themselves or by the coaches, songs that were perfect for them. I really thought Garrett stood a chance of making it further, but alas, it didn't happen. Like last week, the bottom two vote totals will be eliminated, no matter the team. As both Usher and Shakira lost an artist, both are in danger of being bounced out of the competition, so they should give special attention to the songs and performances this week. Speaking of which, it is time for the show!

Left to right: Adam Levine, Usher, Blake Shelton and Shakira.

Carson Daly greets us once again, and reminds us the two lowest vote totals will be sent packing, but first, this week begins with a performance by the band featuring one of the judges. Yes, it is Maroon Five and Adam Levine, on stage to perform the latest single, "Love Somebody".

Adam was in great voice, and the song sounded like a fun Pop song. And the boys were all dressed in white, looking amazing. You can find the single on iTunes and Amazon. We are told the coaches brought some help, with their advisor's returning. Only Shakira's gets the help of former (and future) judge Cee Lo Green. The first singer will be from Team Blake, who is worried about the people of Oklahoma. Blake picked "How Great Thou Art", a Christian hymn written in the 19th Century. Holly Tucker is up first, and feels Gospel is a big part of her, and so glad she doesn't want to hide it. She has a strong voice, but I feel very little depth to it. I heard no richness, just volume. Usher was somewhat vague, but nice. Shakira loved it, and Adam thought it showed off her pristine vocals. Blake loved it, and thought it was her most important performance to date. He thought it was also a wonderful, and perfect timing with the tornadoes in Oklahoma. Next up, Adam chose "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson for Judith Hill. She is unsure, for she worries about what might be said about her relationship with the King of Pop. Adam tells her to worry less, and just do the song to pay respect to someone who was important to her.

The opening bars are given a smooth Jazz feel, and her vocals are flawless. Then the tempo picks up, and she delivers a wonderful Pop performance. Her vocals is so strong, and her delivery so tight, it is wonderful to watch week to week. Blake can't find a single fault with her performance, and Usher thought it just reminded him about The King of Pop, and how much he missed him. Adam was just so proud of her, and what she did on that stage. Team Blake is back, with The Swon Brothers singing "How Country Feels" by Randy Houser. In rehearsal, Blake and Cheryl Crow offered some suggestions, but really love they way the boys have grown. This is definitely a Country song, but while I love the Swon Brothers, I thought this performance lacked a bit of energy, a bit of zip. Shakira loved it, and thinks they always just make her feel better. Adam thinks it was great fun, and he is a bigger fan after each song. Blake is so proud, and feels they keep picking up momentum. As we go away to commercial, Carson reminds up they are the only duo or group to make it this far in the four seasons of The Voice, a true credit to their talent. Adam is back with adviser Hillary Scott, as he has picked Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway" for Amber Carrigton. Adam sees her has an artists who could sing either Country or Pop, and this is a great song for her. Hillary has faith in her, sure she is a talent bound for the finals. But first, here is Kelly Clarkson singing "Breakaway".

The opening bars are a little light, a bit low for her, but the song quickly builds to the strength of her voice. Once it does, she oars with the chorus, and delivers a great performance. With the wind blowing, she was so comfortable, it was great. Blake loved it, and loves her. Usher was blown away, and loved her. Shakira thought it was a great choice, really in Amber's wheelhouse. Adam thinks that is great, for Kelly has one of the best voices in the business, showing how strong a competitor Amber is this season. The first of Shakira's two remaining contestants, Sasha Allen will sing "Next To Me" by Emeli Sandé. Shakira brings in Cee Lo Green to assist her. Cee Lo loves Sasha, and thinks this is a great song for her. Sasha comes out looking fantastic, and sounding even better. That was a great performance. I thought Sasha just killed it, It was my favorite of the night so far. Adam loved it, and was so glad she was singing something contemporary. Blake agreed, and thought it was a great job, and the vocals were amazing, as they always are. Usher thought she was amazing, and showed everything he needed to see. Shakira was giddy, and so proud and thrilled by the outstanding job done. Usher and Pharrell are back to give their time to Josiah Hawley, who will be singing "Clocks" by Coldplay.

This seems like it should be a good choice for him, but he struggles a bit on the high end of the chorus, and that is such a shame, for he is sounding fantastic on the rest. Couldn't they come up with a fix for that? As he was performing, you could see he knew it was problematic. I thought it was wonderful, but fell short. Shakira thought it was a tough to take on Coldplay, and while he did well, it was not great. Adam agreed, noting there were moments when he had command of the song, and times he was so not comfortable. The inconsistency was a problem for him, but he really likes Josiah. Blake thought it was musically good, but failed to tell the story, which is a problem for him. Usher can't agree with everything said, and instead reaffirms how much faith he has in the handsome man. After the break, it was time for Blake to offer some coaching for Danielle Bradbery, who will be singing "Heads Carolina, Tails California" by JoDee Messina, with Sheryl Crow. Crow loves the talented young lady, but wants the young lady to connect with the audience, and share her journey with them. She comes out and sings bold and strong, but I actually thought this was her weakest thus far. There were a few moments that were problematic with breath control, but I thought the biggest thing was the lack of connection Sheryl was looking for. Usher thought it was great, and she made Country cool again. Adam thought she was a superstar, and was still a shining example of the teenager. Blake could not be more proud of Danielle, and thinks she will once again rule iTunes sales tonight. After another long commercial break, The Voice returns for Team Shakira. Kris Thomas will be singing "Adorn" by Miguel, only Cee Lo wants to change it up a little bit, and give Kris some swag. But first, here is Miguel with "Adorn.

While his voice sounds sweet on the song, he does not feel comfortable with the upbeat tempo. He also has more problems with breath control, and his falsetto is a bit timid because of it. However, at the end of the song, when he starts to freestyle, he does come back to life a bit. Adam thought it was great vocally, but he would like to see Kris relax a bit more, have some fun. Usher thought it was a strong performance, but that it was not a great song choice. Shakira stood up to say he showed everything you needed with that song, and while he might have a few nerves, he has the vocals and talent to make it in the music business. Other judges tried to interrupt her, but she had none of it, defending her artist. Soon it was time for Adam and Hillary to check in with Sarah Simmons, who will be singing "Mamma Knows Best" by Jessie J. This is a shocking pick for me, as it is going against what we have heard from her so far. The song is bold and bluesy, not light and ethereal.

Sarah really connects to the song, and the lyrics, so she really wants to lay it down. Hillary just wants her to remember control, and to not let the song get ahead of her. She starts well, but after a few bars of the song, she is being drowned out by the band. I don't know if it is the mix or what, but I am straining to hear her, and losing half the song. I fear the song won that battle, not Sarah. Blake thought she radiated sexy, and showed a new side of her. Usher thought it was an incredible performance. Adam loved it, and thought she was so awesome. Adam thought it was the performance of the night, so it must have been an issue with my television... Finally, the last performer of the night is Michelle Chamuel. Usher and Pharrell are there to help her in rehearsal with Pink's "Just Give Me A Reason". It seems like it was a perfect song for her, combining the edgy Rock with the Pop impulses that make Michelle so amazing. Pharrell really believes in her, as does Coach Usher. She starts off the performance much better, and it grows from there. She is on fire tonight, and this was her night. This is easily the best of the night for me, and there were a couple of really good performances. I loved it. Adam just loved it, and said he is such a fan of her. Blake just loves her style. Usher thought it was the best of the night, and tells her so. They are running late, so they are in a hurry to get done. Carson reminds Oklahoma the thoughts and prayers of all on the show are with them, and the results are coming tomorrow. For me, there are a couple who should be worried. Holly, Kris, Sarah, and Josiah were not at their best. I hope Josiah can make it through, but you can never tell when it is all in the hands of voters. Speaking of votes, to learn how you can place your vote, visit the official website. In brief, you can vote via a toll-free phone number, online at NBC.com, with the special NBC App, or Facebook. Unlike some shows, The Voice limits the amount of votes people can place per method. You can vote 10 times per phone, or 10 times via Facebook, or 10 times via NBC App between now and 10AM Tuesday morning. The phone number is (877)553-37XX, filling in the 'XX' with the artist number. Those numbers would be Holly Tucker 01, Judith Hill 02, The Swon Brothers 03, Amber Carrington 04, Sasha Allen 05, Josiah Hawley 06, Danielle Bradbery 07, Kris Thomas 08, Sarah Simmons 09, and Michelle Chamuel 10. Don't forget, your iTunes purchase also counts as a vote, if you are so inclined. There is a link to all the songs on the iTunes front page.

GLEE Redux • Yes/No

Clockwise: Roberta Flack; Rihanna; Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta; The Rolling Stones; Usher & David Guetta; 5th Dimension; and Maroon 5.

The show kicks off with a musical number, as Mercedes and Sam tell their own sides of their summer romance to their friends with Summer Nights, from the musical Grease, and the movie featuring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta.



Becky is up next, and we are hearing her diary, talking about the boys in the school. the voice has a surprising English accent, and the voice of Helen Mirren. Seems Becky has a thing for Arty, a fellow handicapable student. Sue tells her to ask him out, although she preferred the guy she asked to prom. And the next thing we know, Coach Beiste is married to Cooter, for they eloped. This makes Miss Pillsbury wistful, and she sings Wedding Bell Blues, the great song written by Laura Nyro for the 5th Dimension.



Sam is chasing after Mercedes, trying to get a date. She refuses his advances, for she has a boyfriend now, Shane. But memories of their time together does bring a smile to her lips as she walks away. Artie seems to be interested in asking Sugar Motta out, but she turns him down. But this gives Becky the opportunity to ask him out. He hadn't answered, but the shot goes to black as she brushes his bangs, like Streisand and Redford in The Way We Were. Mr. Schuester decides to ask Miss Pillsbury to marry him, and asks the kids to come up the perfect song. Sam decides he needs a varsity letter, so he joins the synchronized swim team. The coach is Roz Washington, played by NeNe Leaks, of Real Housewives fame. After his first practice, he gets dueling slushies, and Mercedes tries to offer a hand to clean up before Shane wants to take her away to class. Artie decides Mr. Schue needs to show off his great moves, and thinks the song should be the Maroon 5 hit, Moves Like Jagger.



They perform it as a mash-up, of course, with the Rolling Stones great song, Jumpin' Jack Flash.



Becky watched as Artie sang, and we learn that was going to be Artie's idea of a date. Becky has other ideas, and made reservations at the restaurant. Soon it is time for the girls to give Mr. Schue their song. After hearing him tell of the first time he met Miss Pillsbury, they know the choice. They sing First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, written in 1957 by Ewan MacColl for Peggy Seeger, who was later to become his wife.



While they sing, we of course see shots of their own loves. Rachel sees Finn, Tina sees Mike, Santana sees Brittany, and Mercedes, she sees Sam. She is unsure about what she should do. Mr. Schue decides to ask Miss Pillsbury's parents for her hand, and they refuse. They think she is too crazy... Back in the chorus room, the kids try a GLEE-tervention, and tell Artie to be careful with Becky, and Artie is angered that they were being so mean about Becky.

Soon we see Mr. Schue, Miss Pillsbury, and Carole and Burt, Finn's mother and step-father, joining Finn in a room. Mr. Schue has mentioned Finn's desire to join the Army, and be a war hero like his father. We learn his father didn't die a hero in battle, but was back in Ohio, and it was an overdose, as he was struggling with his addiction. Becky approaches Arty in the hall, and she is more than flirtatious. She also sends him a shot of herself, and he goes to Sue. She gives him the great advice, to treat Becky like any other girl. Back in their apartment, Miss Pillsbury talks about marriage to Will, and he puts it off, mentioning she might be too deep in her illness to handle a baby. She is hurt, and tells him she does her best, and he needs to think about what he wants, and what he doesn't.

Finn, Kurt, and Rachel are eating at Breadstix, and having a bit of a pity party. As Finn is complaining about having nothing "special" in his life, Rachel sings Without You, the song by David Guetta featuring Usher.



While Finn meets Rachel so they can make out in the classroom, Mr. Schue has to consider so many choices he will make, including the song to use for a proposal, if he even does ask Miss Pillsbury to marry him. After a commercial break, it appears Mr. Schue has done his thinking, and he invites Miss Pillsbury to join him in the pool area, where the girls sing We Found Love by Rihanna, and there is synchronized swimming going on.



Mr. Schue, in a white tuxedo and tails, jumps in the pool, and comes out to make a proper proposal of marriage. She, of course, says yes. Artie talks to Becky, and tells her he doesn't want to date, but to be friends. We hear her British inner-voice to say she knows it is because she has Downs Syndrome. She cries, but Sue is there to hold her hand, and help her through it. Finn is with Rachel on the stage, fand he wants to talk to her. He explains how much he loves her, and asks Rachel to marry him. She is surprised, and doesn't answer right away. And the episode is over. But there is previews for the next episode, a Michael Jackson theme on January 31st.

Cover Boy • Dave Patten

I have been enjoying the music by Philadelphia-based singer/songwriter Dave Patten for a couple of years now, and am so happy for him that he is starting to get some radio time with his self-produced music.And while he records and releases original music, he did do at least one cover than I know of, a really nice one of Maroon 5's Sunday Morning. The acoustic vibe fits this video so very well.



You can find out more about Dave Patten at his official website here. You can purchase his music on the familiar places, like iTunes, Amazon, and the like.

New Maroon 5 Video • Moves Like Jagger

Today was the official premiers of the latest video from Maroon 5, Moves Like Jagger. The video also features Adam Levine's The Voice co-star, Christina Aguilera, lending her vocal support. Let's watch as Adam Levine and the boys from Maroon 5, guitarist James Valentine, keyboard player Jesse Carmichael, bassist Michael Madden, and drummer Matt Flynn, invite some friends over to see who has Moves Like Jagger.



Now, I know the people who are reading this are really trying to see if I got any screen grabs of a shirtless Adam Levine. Well, of course I did! Whether or not Adam has moves like Jagger is a matter for discussion. But I can tell you that he surely has moves like Levine, and that ain't so bad.



You can buy the single Moves Like Jagger on their most recent release, Hands All Over, on iTunes here and Amazon here. And you can bookmark this video here. For more about Maroon 5, check out their official website here.

Sunday Morning with Maroon 5

With the right music, lazy Sunday mornings can be the best. When you are talking about great music, you can't leave Maroon 5 out of the discussion, as their intertwining of Pop, Rock and Jazz is both subtle and sweet, and some of it is just perfect for that Sunday morning when you are snuggling under the blanket, staying warm with someone you might just love. The third single of the Gold selling album Songs About Jane is a perfect way to start. Check out Sunday Morning.





Harder to Breathe was the first single, the one that put them on the map. The original version had a strong guitar driving it home. But I do have a fondness for this acoustic version.





Recently, frontman Adam Levine posed naked to support a group working to bring testicular cancer to the fore. Well, I think you get to see everything but his testicles in the pictures. They certainly caught my attention. He also just started his run as a coach on NBC's The Voice. I am not sure what it is about Levine, cause he isn't the best looking man, but he seems to just drip with sexiness. For a bit more of that Sunday vibe, listen to She Will Be Loved.



For more on Maroon 5, check out their official website here. You can follow Adam Levine on Twitter here. The music of Maroon 5 is available anywhere you can find music. Online, you can find them on iTunes and Amazon.com.

Idol Tackles The 21st Century

The generic announcer's voice intros the judges, and then Crusty, the host. With Paul gone, the quirk-factor of the line-up has dramatically decreased. This leaves a season that is bathed in boring and swaddled in mediocrity. Speaking of which, they surprise us with a performance from the eliminated Idols to date, proving that the audience isn't particularly partial to women or, well, minorities. Ashthon, Karen, Pia, Thia, Naima and Paul performed Pink's song Rockstar.



Wow, seeing Paul and Pia singing together was just so train-wrecky... Such an odd way to start the show. After a break, Scotty was the first one to take to the stage, singing Swinging by LeAnn Rimes. If there was a safer, more predictable move for Scotty, it would have him breaking out some Josh Turner... He sang it with little missed notes, and less emotion. Oddly, the judges kind of agreed, calling it safe, and a bit boring.



James is next, and he chose to sing Muse's Uprising. Opening the song in a lower register wasn't the slickest of moves for James. The chorus rings in his sweet spot, and soon he is jumping around his falsetto for no apparent reason. He added little to the song, and rather paled in comparison to the original. Jennifer and Randy nominate it for best of the night, and Steven found it to be wonderful, like T-Rex. Huh?



Before the break, we are told Haley is taking on Adele, and I visibly cringe. Oh, how I love Adele's sophomore album, and fear what is to come. When we return, Crusty is overheard telling the marching band they are being paid, and he plans to use them. They play him on to the stage to introduce Haley. She is singing Rolling In The Deep, and again I have fear. I sit here stunned, as I think she is doing a nice job with it. I have to laugh, as the judges have a lukewarm response to her.



Jacob sings Dance With My Father, the Luther Vandross song. He lost his father at a young age, so this song means a lot to him. He has an odd shrill quality to his voice tonight, a little heavy on the head voice. They all think the emotion was great, but the performance less than stellar. Wow, they are actually going there. And then Randy says he needs the old Jacob to bring the church back. Well, Randy, you crazy!



We return to see Casey on the stage, and he will be singing the Maroon 5 song Harder To Breathe. I love this song, and am a bit fearful once again. And once again, I am surprised, as it is not as bad as I had feared. Well, until the end of the song, when Casey takes it off the rails. And when he goes to Jennifer at the table and kisses her, I just sigh. He ladled the gimmicks on the song, and I just think he lacks musicality. The amazing syncopation utilized by Adam Levine is totally lost on Casey, as that section comes across winded and vacant. Next!



Of course, the judges feel the exact opposite. They love him, and think he is this jazz genius. I am at a loss. Thankfully, Stefano is up next, and will be singing Neo, the hit song Closer. Wow, he managed to take all the dance out of a Neo song, that ain't easy. Vocally, it comes closer to muddled mess than it does to music. His dancing wasn't good, but I have to let it go. Of course, the judges thought it was very good. And they are trying to sell him as this sex God. Really? I mean, I know this isn't a pretty group, but can't you just let that go this year?



Lauren closes out the show, returning to country. She is singing Born To Fly by Sarah Evans. The song is rather generic, but she is singing the crap out of it. She has more depth in her voice than all the men combined. She was really good tonight. Unlike the men, however, she doesn't have an over-inflated view of her abilities. The judges love her, and tell her to believe in herself. I would agree with them.



With the recap, I am reminded that for me, the two girls ruled the night. Lauren and Haley were the strongest, and the boys a bit of a huddled mass on the floor. My bottom group would be Jacob, Stefano and James, with Stefano finally hitting the road. But then again, I have been really off the last few weeks!

GLEE Redux - Original Song

Music by Pink, Paul McCartney, the Hey Mondays, Sonseed, and Maroon 5.

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

The show jumps immediately into Blaine and the Warblers singing Misery, a song by Maroon 5.



Blaine announces that this will be the lead song for competition. Finally Kurt steps up and says something about the fact that when the Warblers have a song, it is really Blaine with his back-up boys. It gives Blaine pause.

Rachel is singing a new song for Finn, called Only Child. Indeed it is better than the last song, Headband, but it is still fairly awful. Quinn was watching, and mentions that she worries Finn must be damaged to have the relationship with Rachel, but she still loves him. After all, he is the best way for her to be named Prom Queen.

Kurt is in his room, when Pavarotti gives his last tweet. Kurt rushes down to a contentious Warblers meeting to announce the parakeets passing. And, of course, breaks into song. He sings Blackbird, written by Paul McCartney for the White Album, but credited as usual to Lennon/McCartney.



The My Chemical Romance song is out, as Sue has made sure the band won't give the rights. Back in Glee Quinn steps up to say they will shine because of using original songs, and offers to write with Rachel. In fact, all the kids want a chance to write, and perhaps they will do all original songs.

Santana and Brittaney are having a moment, witch Santana being quite hurt. They are interrupted by Coach Sue, who threatens them, and makes Brittaney's locker explode. Santana shows up to sing a song she wrote with Tina about cute Sam, called Trouty-Mouth. Sam stops it, feeling self-conscious about the theme of the song being his mouth. Puck steps up to sing the song her wrote for Lauren, My Girls Gotta Big-A$$ Heart.

Blaine announces he does not want to sing everything, or the team will lose. He wants to do a duet, and do it with Kurt. The Warblers agree. After a commercial, Blaine says he wants to sing Candles by Hey Monday. Kurt is impressed it isn't a Top 40 selection, and Blaine says how he is inspired by Kurt. Soon, Kurt gets his first kiss, or at least one that isn't driven by rage or self-loathing. It is a lovely moment.

Mercedes sings her entry, Hell to the No. It is the best one so far! Although it is a great song, Mr. Shu isn't sure it is regional material. He mentions some of the best songs were written out of pain, and maybe the kids should think about that. Quinn and Finn are sneaking around, but only because Finn wants to spare Rachel's feelings. Quinn isn't as eager for that. When she and Rachel meet to write the song, Rachel asks about Quinn and Finn, and Quinn goes for Rachel's throat, telling her Quinn will win, and Rachel needs to go away. The songwriting team is over, and Rachel goes to write her song.

Sue meets Shu before they leave for the Midwest Regional Championship, and there is trash-talk happening.

The first group, Oral Intensity, sings a reggae version of Jesus Is A Friend Of Mine. Oh, my, this was a real song...



Next up, it is the Dalton Academy Warblers, and Kurt and Blaine singing the lead on Candles.



They immediately follow that with Pink's Raise Your Glass by Pink. The song is written by Pink, Tre' Shon Jenkins, Max Martin and Shellback. Of course, Blaine sings the lead vocals.



Finn tells Rachel to break a leg, and she tells him something right before they go on. We don't get to hear what she had to say. Rachel is singing the lead on the first original song in the competition, Get It Right, is a ballad composed specifically for Lea Michele. It is a good song, and tailored for Rachel's voice. She brings the crowd to it's feet. They immediately break into another original song, Loser Like Me. The own their experience as a loser, the slushies, the locker shoving, everything, and are bigger than it all. They end with glitter slushies for the audience, and with a heartfelt glance from Finn to Rachel. Quinn is not impressed.

The judges meet and are a wild group, going in every direction with their talk. However, it is the New Directions who take home the trophy. Sue can't help herself, and punches out the announcer. Back at school, Kurt buries Pavarotti, and is sad about losing. Blaine points out, however, that They got one another, much better than a silly trophy. They start holding hands. Back at McKinley, Rachel is named MVP by a unanimous vote, and gives a sweet speech, and they all hug. A sweet and happy ending. You know that can't last. Wonder what it up for next week...

To catch any episodes you might have missed, you can find them online for FREE at Fox On Demand here or on Hulu here.