The Voice – Season 2, Episode 1: “Blind Auditions #2.”
Whopping 3.7 million viewers turned in to see the second blind auditions of this fun-tastic singing competition. Simon Cowell, move over The X Factor. America has found a new show to embrace with judges that are hot, fun and talented.
Show opened with judges singing a tribute to Prince’s songs. Rock on! Rolled right into the singing competition with the second round of blind auditions.
Duo: Hailey Soyland, Leland Grant – “American Girl.”
They looked like a married couple. They acted like a married couple. They’re not dating, just a duo trying to break into the business. While they sang well together, they did not stand out like “Sugarland” or “The Judds.” Once the judges realized they were a duo, everybody wanted them. They chose Team Christina. ‘Fooled by flash and boobs.’ – Blake (too rich)
Jamar Rogers – “Seventh Nation Army.”
I was not impressed by this guy. He wore a gray tuxedo jacket over rust orange pants. Look like a bad night on the red carpet. His singing not that great either. It took a long time but only one judge turned his chair. I don’t see Jamar excelling in this competition. He’s on Team Cee Lo
Gwen Sebastian – “Stay.”
She’s a 37-year-old country girl singer from the Midwest. “Yah, sure. Yah, betcha.” Doesn’t get more country than that. It took a while but Blake and Cee Lo did turn their chairs. At the very last possible second so did Adam. She’s country, of course, she would pick Team Blake.
Kim Yarbrough – “Tell Me Something Good.”
She’s a funk R&B singer. She worked in a potato chip factory as well as security for the Dave Matthews band. She was soulful but I felt she belonged in a church choir. Adam turned his chair on the chorus. Christina followed. Kim picked Team Adam.
Angie Johnson – “Heart Breaker.”
Air Force staff sergeant video went viral with 1 million hits in 11 days was discovered by Carson Daly. I don’t think the choice of song was the best for her, which is probably why only one judge turned his chair. Cee Lo asked if she was as pretty as she looked and put on his reading glasses. HUGE super size sunglasses (that was so funny). She’s on Team Cee Lo.
Lindsey Pavao – “Say Aha.”
She once wanted to be an inventor but when she picked up the violin, she became a songwriter and singer. This was the charm of the night. She had a unique tone. It could have been a stronger voice but she definitely was a step above the rest. Christina was the first to turn her chair. Followed by Cee Lo then Blake. You could definitely hear the influence of Fiona Apple’s music in Lindsey’s style. She picked Team Christina.
Jermaine Paul – “Complicated.”
He was once a backup singer for Alicia Keys. He did not sound like a front-runner. He’s good-looking. He sang well. He dressed well. But he yelled his song more than sang his song. Cee Lo first to turn his chair. Took a while before Blake turned his chair. Surprise to everyone Jermaine picked Team Blake. I thought the guy was too cocky. He doesn’t get my vote.
Angel Taylor – “Someone Like You.”
She came from an abusive family. She said, “Music was my escape, hope in madness.” Very prolific for a 23-year-old artist. Adam turned his chair first. Blake a bit later then Cee Lo. She sang in a low register, which is hard to do. While Angel had a crush on Blake, she chose Team Adam.
The success of the show lies not only in the talent of the contestants but also in the playful banter among the judges. They feel like a family and I believe that’s why NBC pulled in such big numbers.
My favorite was Lindsey. Who did you like?
Watch The Voice Mondays 8/7c on NBC.
