The Voice 7 - Live Blog and Recap - The Battles Premiere (VIDEO)
Welcome to the live blog and recap of The Voice 2014 Season 7, "The Battles Premiere"! Coaches Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Pharrell Williams, and Gwen Stefani are building their teams. Some of the matchups we'll see, according to the show's official YouTube page, are...
Luke Wade vs. Griffin
Craig Wayne Boyd vs. James David Carter
Jean Kelley vs. Sugar Joans
Maiya Sykes vs. Elyjuh Rene
Chris Jamison vs. Jonathan Wyndham
Amanda Lee Peers vs. Taylor John Williams
Which singers will prevail in the battles? And will there be any steals?
Add your thoughts in the comments below, and keep refreshing for analysis, thoughts, and videos of the night's battles! Rickey will be posting individual videos as the night rolls on. So let's get this show on the road!
Credit: NBC
RECAP
-The judges chat backstage, because this is what the opening of every show is. Not that I mind, considering these four have some pretty fun chemistry, just joking around with each other before getting down to the business of the Battle Round.
ELYJUH RENE VS. MAIYA SYKES
-Elyjuh absolutely flips his lid when he sees Alicia Keys is Pharrell's guest mentor. However, Pharrell stresses that they don't need to feel pressure about having to sing 'If I Ain't Got You', because Alicia Keys is someone they both love and adore. Not sure how that doesn't increase the pressure, but at least Alicia is supportive. In fact, Alicia is one of my favorite celebrities simply for this reason. She just seems to be having the time of her life playing alongside these contestants, discovering just how talented they are.
-In the rehearsal session, Maiya actually helps Elyjuh with his technique, showing that while it's a battle, it doesn't have to be a cruel contest. That said, it's going to take a lot for Elyjuh to win this thing, and he seems to recognize this, noting in a confessional that Maiya has way more experience than he does. But Maiya isn't sleeping on Elyjuh either, intending to bring everything she's got in order to avoid having to go back to singing at weddings.
-This was a great battle. Not only were their individual segments fantastic, their harmonies were absolutely stunning. Elyjuh didn't hit every note he went for, including the dodgy high note he had trouble with in rehearsal, but his tone is just so lovely. That said, I thought Maiya blew him out of the water. Not that Elyjuh doesn't give it to her at the end, delivering a sustained closing note that's among the most stunningly excellent closings to a battle I've seen on this show.
-Gwen thinks Elyjuh owned the moment, but notes that Maiya was downright electric, so she's glad she doesn't have to choose. Adam admits that Elyjuh and Maiya did the song better than his band did with their own cover. However, he's giving the edge to Elyjuh. Blake felt like he was at the Grammys, watching two world-class performers ply their craft. But, much like Adam, Blake is leaning towards Elyjuh. Pharrell has no idea whom to choose, saying they offer two different singing styles. He has to choose though, so...
ELYJUH RENE wins the Battle!
-WOW! Was not expecting that result. I don't have any problem with it though, as he would have won this with that closing note alone. Although I do have a problem with what comes next, as NOBODY STEALS MAIYA?!?! Really?! That was the real stunner out of this. Gwen, at least, offers her reasoning, saying she's simply looking for something different for her team. "I'd love to have a country artist," she declares, and I wonder if maybe this isn't some kind of foreshadowing.
VIDEO: Maiya Sykes and Elyjuh Rene sing 'If I Ain't Got You' (VIDEO)
-Back from break with Adam and Stevie Nicks. Adam is gushing about Stevie, talking about what an honor it was to sing with her at the Hollywood Bowl. He notes that Stevie is a perfect mentor for this situation, since she's a pro at duets. In addition to the whole "Being a music legend" thing.
CHRIS JAMISON VS. JONATHAN WYNDHAM
-Jonathan is speechless upon meeting Stevie Nicks, recalling that he has the vinyl of Fleetwood Mac's Rumors. Stevie notes that The Voice is a very important show, since it's very hard to make it in the music business today, although I'm wondering just how true that is, given the amount of different avenues available to artists now that weren't before (YouTube, crowdfunding, talent shows, etc.). Adam gives the guys "Young Girls" by Bruno Mars, and Chris has a bit of trouble projecting more, while Jonathan is too emotional in his performance style. Stevie relays a piece of advice Michael Jackson gave her, noting that if the boys are prepared, confidence will follow.
-In the rehearsal, Adam tells Chris not to bail on some of the high notes he goes for, while Jonathan is so deep into the vocal that he's practically drowning Chris out with his voice. In rehearsals, it sounds like a bit of a mess, and it has me wondering if Adam didn't make a big mistake in giving them this song, since it doesn't seem to inherently match either of their voices. I suppose we'll find out soon enough. On the way to the battle, the guys meet with Adam one last time, and he gets them running in place to loosen them up. He also reminds them to have fun out there, which I would imagine is much easier said than done, considering the stakes for these two.
-Well, how bout that. I really liked this battle. A lot. Although I liked it more as a duet than as a battle, since neither guy knocked it out of the ballpark individually, yet both were terrific as a team. In fact, I couldn't help but think they'd be better as part of a man-band of some sort, if only because neither jumps out as an obvious solo artist to me. They seem like they were members of a vocal group suddenly thrust out there on their own, so I'm not sure if either will really go that far in the competition. That said, I ultimately did enjoy this.
-Blake praises Chris on his projection, and Jonathan on how his voice just cuts through. Pharrell agrees about Jonathan, but adds that Chris impressively articulated every run. Gwen was also high on the performance, as it becomes obvious that Adam is going to have a really hard time choosing a winner. Ultimately, when it comes to Adam, he declares he just has to go with his gut on this one...
CHRIS JAMISON wins the Battle!
-Another results I have no problem with. No one steals Jonathan though, although that doesn't exactly surprise me. Dude is a great singer, but he seems kind of uncertain onstage. Still, that's two people who earned four chair turns in the blind auditions who've not only been eliminated in the Battles, but also failed to get stolen. Looks like second impressions plummet in this competition.
VIDEO: Chris Jamison and Jonathan Wyndham sing 'Young Girls' (VIDEO)
JEAN KELLEY VS. SUGAR JOANS
-Jean and Sugar are flustered to meet guest mentor Gavin Rossdale, Gwen's husband and frontman of Bush. Gwen gives the girls 'Survivor' by Destiny's Child, and Sugar sounds really good on the first run-through, intimidating Jean a little bit. Gavin tells Jean he wants to work with her to bring out that survivor quality in her, since the emotion isn't coming through. And I agree. Sugar conveys a soulful feeling, and makes it look easy, while Jean is struggling to allow her pain to come through in her performance.
-In the rehearsal, Sugar is pretty much blowing Jean out of the water, but Jean feels the song can bring out her "fighting spirit". Gwen encourages the girls to make better use of the stage, and to show more stage presence. Gavin makes note of how Jean has grown since the initial run-through. And he's right. As the rehearsal rolls on, she becomes more and more fierce. We might have a real battle on our hands.
-Sugar is killing this, but I have to give Jean props. This isn't exactly the kind of song she'd probably sing if she had a choice, but she does a damn good job with it. In fact, towards the end, she really starts to pick up steam, to where I find myself wondering if this is such a foregone conclusion for Sugar. The duel portion during the bridge is fantastic, as it actually looks like they're squaring off against each other through song. However, it closes as a straight-up duet, with the two of them raising each other's hands and hugging. I appreciate the sportsmanship.
-Adam thinks it's "straight down the middle," while Blake ends up being distracted with Sugar's outfit, thinking that the little tassles at the end are part of her hair. Pharrell recalls that he wanted Sugar for his team, but notes that Jean did a great job herself. It comes down to Gwen, who must make her decision between these two, and I admit, I'm honestly not sure whom she'll pick. I think she should go with Sugar, but given the results so far, it's hard to be sure whom any of these judges will choose. Gwen offers her decision...
SUGAR JONES wins the Battle!
-An unsurprising result, although what might be surprising to some is that...
WE'VE GOT A STEAL!
-Yes, Adam hit his button and begins to start critiquing Jean, only to be interrupted when PHARRELL hits his button! Adam decides to keep going anyway, noting that there's a break in Jean's voice he finds interesting, but adds that there are things he feels they can work on. Pharrell says that Jean has one of the voices that makes this show what it is. It's time for Jean to make her decision...
JEAN KELLEY CHOOSES TEAM PHARRELL WILLIAMS!
-Adam vows that the claws will come out next time, while Pharrell proclaims that he loves this show even more now. Backstage, Jean's father notes that her mother would be beside herself if she could see her daughter now. Adorable, and quite touching.
VIDEO: Jean Kelley and Sugar Joans sing 'Survivor' (VIDEO)
CRAIG WAYNE BOYD VS. JAMES DAVID CARTER
-Little Big Town are Blake's guest mentors, and both Craig and James are stoked to meet them. And Little Big Town is every bit as excited about the voices of the contestants, gushing about their talent in a confessional. They're singing 'Wave On Wave' by Pat Green, and it's a lovely vocal, although not without issues. Little Big Town, in another confessional, note that both have picked up certain habits from their countless years of performing. However, any issues the men have can easily be worked on.
-Case in point, in the rehearsal, Craig is warned about the break in his voice, and both Blake and Little Big Town give him hints on how he can get through the line he's struggling with. James then spontaneously decides to start playing "Bring It On Home" by Little Big Town, leading to an impromptu jam session that is actually the most interesting thing to happen in the episode so far. Have I mentioned that Blake has a lovely voice?
-Both men have their guitars, and they almost look like a duo act when placed side-by-side. They'd probably make a great pair if put together in this competition as a group. Like an edgier Swon Brothers. Speaking of which, whatever happened to duos in this competition? Or rappers, for that matter? We need more of both, just for variety's sake. There's only so many times I can see a battle like this. It's a really great vocal from both men, but it all feels like kind of a retread. And it's neither man's fault. But as for the battle itself, I'd go with James.
-Pharrell and Gwen are really enthusiastic about this battle, but are hesitant to reveal who they think won. And Adam is every bit as indecisive about a winner, saying they're "dead even". Blake sarcastically thanks the other judges for their valuable input, and says he really wishes one of the two men had sucked, since it would have made his decision easier. But he has to pick one, and so...
JAMES DAVID CARTER wins the Battle!
-Craig thanks the judges for allowing him the opportunity to share this stage, but no one steals him. And here, I thought Gwen stating that she wanted a country artist would lead to her st---
WE'VE GOT A STEAL!
CRAIG WAYNE BOYD IS ON TEAM GWEN STEFANI!
-Gwen loves Craig's voice, and loves his style, saying she wants to dress him up. She says she knew she was going to steal him as soon as he started singing, although that begs the question of why she nearly let him leave. But maybe she always had it planned that way, for dramatic purposes. It certainly made for a nice little moment. And I think Gwen could possibly get more out of Craig than Blake could, strangely enough. Craig always seemed more rock than country, after all.
VIDEO: Craig Wayne Boyd and James David Carter sing 'Wave on Wave' (VIDEO)
AMANDA LEE PEERS VS. TAYLOR JOHN WILLIAMS
-Amanda is stoked to meet Gavin Rossdale, and she seems eager to impress. Taylor is a bit thrown by Amanda's voice, calling it raw and haunting. He notes that he needs to step his game up if he's going to be able to compete with her. Gwen notes that Taylor is holding back a bit though, and encourages him to open up. But overall, she remains positive on him. Gavin, meanwhile, is high on Amanda, saying there are flashes of world class skill in her. He notes that her voice is practically from another life. They'll be singing 'Jolene' by Dolly Parton.
-In rehearsal, Taylor really steps it up in Gwen's eyes. However, she feels both Taylor and Amanda lack chemistry with one another. She feels the song is such an emotional number that they both need to look at one another in a believable way. So Gwen brings out the straight microphone stands, believing it'll serve as a great prop for them. I suppose I could argue that they really shouldn't have to find chemistry with each other, since a battle should presumably be more about outsinging the other person than putting on a great performance. I could understand if they were selling iTunes versions of the duets, but they're only selling the individuals. It's so strange that the show so often pretends that these people aren't competing against each other. I'm not saying they shouldn't show love and sportsmanship and all that wonderful stuff that respectful competitors should, but it seems like the competitive aspect is being downplayed.
-Outside of the awkward first note, where Taylor begins ahead of Amanda, this was a really good battle. I still didn't feel the chemistry Gwen was aiming to create between the two, since they still both seemed off in their own words, even when staring directly at one another, but you can't really force chemistry that isn't there (as anyone who saw the Star Wars prequels knows). Amanda has this in the bag for the majority, but Taylor does have some genuinely great moments. Some of his runs are quite impressive, and that tone is worth giving a second shot to. But I don't think he's winning this battle, since the guy just had this weird, dead-eyed gaze throughout most of this that made it feel distancing, whereas Amanda had no problem with passion. Amanda sounds like a haunting cross between Stevie Nicks and Dolly Parton. I love her voice.
-Adam loves Taylor, but was genuinely impressed by Amanda. Blake is leaning towards Amanda, saying that she really conveyed the emotion of the song. Pharrell agrees, noting that Amanda got lost in the song. However, he still notes that Taylor is a star. Gwen feels like she might have made a mistake agreeing to be on this show, since she now has to face gutwrenching decisions like this. She openly admits, after a good minute of blabbing, that she's pretty much just rambling to avoid making the decision. She makes her choice and...
TAYLOR JOHN WILLIAMS wins the Battle!
-The only thing more shocking than Taylor winning the battle is no one stealing Amanda. I just don't get some of these decisions tonight (such as Maiya not being stolen). Amanda was a wonderful, unique vocalist, and had a lot more to offer. I just can't fathom why she'd be allowed to leave at this stage of the competition.
VIDEO: Amanda Lee Peers and Taylor John Williams sing 'Jolene' (VIDEO)
LUKE WADE VS. GRIFFIN
-The guys are excited to meet Alicia Keys, but things quickly get serious when they're given their song, 'Maybe I'm Amazed'. Luke has trouble with his falsetto, failing to hit the big notes, and shying away from using his falsetto because of this. Pharrell doesn't want him to shy away from it. Meanwhile, Griffin has only heard this song once or twice before (WHAT) and has trouble making it work.
-In the rehearsal, both guys have problems connecting with the song. And so Alicia Keys has the studio musicians create an "Aretha Franklin version" of the song on the spot, turning it into a more bluesy, soulful track. The difference is immediate, as both Griffin and Luke pour their entire hearts into it. It's an amazing rendition that's as good as anything we've seen tonight, as Luke just rips into the song while Griffin unlocks his absolutely killer falsetto. This was RIDICULOUS! In the best way possible.
-This was the closest battle of the night, in my opinion. Both men have wonderful tone and a confident stage presence. They both also seem to really connect with this particular version of the song. The coaches are incredibly impressed with the performance, but once Griffin whips out the falsetto, their jaws DROP. Such a great moment, although I feel like Griffin is two different singers in one body: Michael Buble (for his jazzy tone) and Adam Lambert (for that falsetto). And that sort of uncertainty can be problematic in a competition like this. That said, Griffin really did do a hell of a job, although I preferred Luke.
-Gwen is stunned at how good the performance was, and she can't possibly pick between the two. But Adam says Luke is the best singer in the competition, full-stop. However, he praises Griffin for his insane falsetto, and for what he brought to the battle. Blake admits he initially felt that Griffin got the better part of the song, but later realizes that Griffin was probably just so good that it made it seem that way. Pharrell loves both guys, which is what makes this such a gutwrenching decision for him.
LUKE WADE wins the Battle!
-However, it's not over yet, since...
WE'VE GOT A STEAL!
-And not a moment too soon, as Griffin was mere moments away from exiting The Voice stage before BLAKE SHELTON hits his button! Griffin is celebrating, and...GWEN STEFANI hits HER button! "No you di-in't!" Blake says, as it's once again a battle for Griffin. Gwen admits that Griffin would be her last steal, so she obviously feels passionate about him. Blake, meanwhile, feels that Griffin occupies a very specific niche in the market, and he wants to work with him. Griffin makes his choice, and...
GRIFFIN CHOOSES TEAM BLAKE SHELTON!
-Blake boasts about his awesome get, as the show comes to a close.
-To recap, here are the results of night one of the Battles...
Elyjuh Rene def. Maiya Sykes Chris Jamison def. Jonathan Wyndham Sugar Joans def. Jean Kelley (Jean Kelley STOLEN by Pharrell Williams!) James David Carter def. Craig Wayne Boyd (Craig Wayne Boyd STOLEN by Gwen Stefani!) Taylor John Williams def. Amanda Lee Peers Luke Wade def. Griffin (Griffin STOLEN by Blake Shelton!)
So what did you think of tonight's show? Did the right singers win the battles? Did the coaches make the right choices in whom to steal and whom to let go? Sound off in the comments, and join us tomorrow for night two of the Battle Rounds! Until then, thanks for hanging out!