Sometimes life happens and that happened to me this week. In the spirit of adventure, let’s tackle Weeks 3 and 4 together!
We have seen so pretty amazing talent so far and the coaches are close to having their teams finalized, and then the real fun begins… the Battle Rounds. All 4 coaches have some strong artists on their teams already, so anyone they add now will only make their teams stronger!! Let’s begin….
Michelle Brooks-Thompson, 28, Sunderland, MA – When she met her husband David, he was trying to get onto the NFL team St. Louis Rams, which he did, but before he could actually start training, he got a letter stating he was released. So now the tables have turned and Michelle is not chasing her dream as a singer. She sings ‘Proud Mary‘ by Tina Turner… and starts out strong! As she hits the chorus, Adam and CeeLo turn. Christina eventually presses her button at the last minute. After the coaches plead their cases, she chooses #TeamAdam. Follow Michelle on Twitter @MBThompsonSings
Diego Val, 25, Lima, Peru – Got a disease at 8 years old, that would disinigrate his hip bones where he would not be able to walk anymore, was hospitalized and on crutches for 4 years. Spent a year and a half bedridden, that is when his grandma gave him his 1st guitar. He’s part of an organization called “Musicians on call”, and he plays for 60 kids a day as a way to give back and show his support. He sings ‘Animal’ by Neon Trees, using his own guitar and a little bit of a different arrangement, and sings some of it in what sounds like Spanish? CeeLo is the only coach to turn so no decision needed. Follow Diego on Twitter @DiegoValMusic
Suzanna Choffel, 32, Austin, TX – Suzanna teaches music, loves teaching to young kids and watching them become more outgoing because of it. She’s educated herself in music, educated others in music, she feels she’s paid her dues and now it’s her time to shine. She plays her guitar and sings ‘Landslide’ by Fleetwood Mac, and I must say, it’s beautiful! Adam doesn’t take long to press his button, Blake eventually turns as well. She chooses to join Team Blake, which seems like a great match for her. Follow Suzanna on Twitter @SuzannaChoffel
Michaela Paige, 16 – (Not featured) A fun-loving high school senior, Michaela loves rock and soul music, and enjoys mentoring and volunteering to help improve the lives of others. She has created and hosts three different Internet radio shows and has a passion for promoting the music of new artists. She hopes The Voice will help propel her own career and inspire others to do the same. Sings ‘Sober‘ by Pink, and joins Team Blake. Follow Michaela on Twitter @FLASinger1
Related | The Voice Blind Auditions Week 2
Ryan Jirovic - (Not Featured) Inspired by Josh Groban and Garth Brooks, Ryan is bringing his own brand of “popera” to The Voice. Throughout his singing career, he has recorded several demo tracks for notable musicians but is still pursuing his dream of becoming a solo recording artist. He’s worked a number of odd jobs over the years and is now home in Texas working on a degree in Health and Fitness Management. Ryan enjoys playing poker and soccer – he can actually juggle a soccer ball for more than an hour. He sings ‘Amazed’ by Lonestar and also chooses Team Blake. Follow Ryan on Twitter @RyanJirovec
Dez Duron, 22, Shreveport, LA – Was on the Yale football team, dropped out to see if his singing career could work out. He auditioned for season 2, and felt like he came very close to having at least Christina press her button, but she didn’t. Didn’t regret dropping out and coming to audition for The Voice, even though he wasn’t chosen last season, it’s he dream. Sings ‘Sara Smile’ by Hall and Oates. Blake turns 1st and seems to recognize him immediately, then Christina follows. CeeLo also pushes his button before the song ends. He ultimately choose Christina for his coach. Follow Dez on Twitter @DezDuron
Alexis Marceaux, 23, New Orleans, LA – She has been writing music since she was 13. She dropped out of college and has been touring with the band she’s with in New Orleans. Evacuated days before Hurricane Katrina, and their family lost everything, including their house. But feels lucky to still have her family when other people were not as lucky. Music was her way to vent… she sings ‘Go Your Own Way’ by Fleetwood Mac, which CeeLo decides it’s good enough to push his button about half way through. She sounds a bit pitchy to me? No one else turns, so Alexis will join #TeamCeeLo. Follow Alexis on Twitter @AlexisMarceaux
Sam James - (Not featured) Sam has seen The Voice stage once before. He originally auditioned for Season 2, but was faced with disappointment when none of the coaches pushed their buttons during his blind audition. Now, he is back with even more determination to prove himself. Sam’s mom has always supported him fully, even when he chose to pursue music instead of college. This mama’s boy wants to win The Voice so that he can repay his mother for everything she has done for him. Sings ‘Imagine‘ by John Lennon and joins Team Adam. Follow Sam on Twitter @SamJamesMusic.
Laura Vivas - (Not featured) Hailing from West Palm Beach, Florida, Laura infuses Latin and funk with the RandB and pop music styles that have surrounded her in her coastal city. The multi-talented performer is well-versed in multiple dance styles and musical instruments, and hopes to hone her percussion skills on the level of icon Shelia E. In her downtime, Laura enjoys drawing or watching her favorite movie, “Goodfellas.” Laura sings ’Whataya Want from Me‘ by Adam Lambert and lands a spot on Christina’s team. Follow Laura on Twitter @LauraVivas315
Lelia Broussard – (Not featured) Music has been a lifelong pursuit for Lelia, who began singing at the age of three and moved from Louisiana to NYC to pursue her musical career when she was only 17 years old. Now 23, Lelia is recording and touring constantly, and has played at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. She plays the guitar and loves Bruce Springsteen. She sings ‘We Can Work It Out‘ by The Beatles and joins Team Blake. Follow Lelia on Twitter @LeliaBroussard
Related | The Voice Premiere: Bigger Teams, Bigger Artists
Brandon Mahone, 17, Chicago, IL – He considers himself more of a classical soul singer, by what he was raised on… Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Sam Cook and the like. Her mom pulled him out of school in Chicago, and moved him to Indianapolis to get him away from the violence he was being subjected to daily in his hometown. He sings ‘I Wish It Would Rain’ by The Temptations. It doesn’t take Adam long to push his button, CeeLo joins him not too long after. Towards the end, Christina turns and seems happy. He joins Team Adam. Follow Brandon on Twitter @BrandonsDreamz
Jordan Pruitt, 21, Loganville, GA – When Jordan was 9 years old, she got her 1st paycheck for singing the National Anthem at Centennial Park in front of 5000+ people. She made her 1st album when she was 10, and got a call from Disney when she was 14, got a record deal out of it and ended up touring with some of the big Disney personalities like the Cheetah Girls and Vanessa Hudgens. She’s actually had 2 songs on the billboard charts. She really wants to transition into more mature music. Jordan sings ‘The One That Got Away’ by Katy Perry. Christian likes what she hears, and pushes her button, even though I think she sounds very nervous and shaky? With that, she will be joining Christina’s team, as no one else turns. Follow Jordan on Twitter @JordansBlog
At this point, due to the aforementioned thing called “life,” the following artist showcases got a little help from NBC’s official site. The following artists will finish out the teams for the Blind Auditions. We’ll be putting out a special recap this week, highlighting some of the artists that didn’t make the cut and also giving my take on the teams now that they are finished.
Sylvia Yacoub - This Egyptian native first came to the U.S. at age 5 and credits her mother for teaching her how to sing: a passion denied to her mom while living in the Middle East. Sylvia has found the perfect coach in Christina as she counts the songstress among her biggest influences. A political science and philosophy double major, Sylvia hopes The Voice will be her ticket to dreams she has always wanted to achieve. She joins Team Chistina. Follow Sylvia on Twitter @SylvsYacoub
Nathalie Hernandez - This teen has swept talent shows across Florida, impressing judges with her vocal abilities. Nathalie began songwriting at 11 years old after talent show judges initially denied her cover song entry. Now, Nathalie hopes to win over America with her indie style, influenced by Christina Perri. Nathalie plays the guitar and enjoys running or going to the beach with friends. Nathalie joins Christina’s team. Follow Nathalie on Twitter @Nathalie_FLGirl
Celica Westbrook - At just 16 years of age, Celica is already a seasoned performer and has garnered the attention of thousands of YouTube viewers with her original and cover song recordings. In 2010, Celica was presented with a major label recording contract, but decided to continue developing her artistry and songwriting skills. The songwriter comes from three generations of singers and can add piano player and dancer to her impressive resume. Through The Voice, she hopes to share her talents with the world while fulfilling her legacy to carry on the family tradition. Celica finishes out Christina’s team! Follow Celica on Twitter at @CelicaWestbrook
Charlie Rey - Currently working as a smog technician in his Dad’s shop, Charlie hopes to break into music and, one day, support his father. He loves the iconic music of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and enjoys playing the guitar, cooking, motocross and restoring cars. He joins Blake’s team. Follow Charlie on Twitter @CharlieReyMusic
Cassadee Pope - Cassadee is starting out fresh as a solo artist after touring with her pop/rock band, Hey Monday. She plays guitar as well as some bass, drums and violin and prides herself on knowing a “surprising amount of ’80s rock music.” In her spare time, Cassadee enjoys her hobbies of cooking, hiking and writing. Cassadee joins Team Blake. Follow Cassadee on Twitter @CassadeePope
Nicole Johnson - Seventeen-year-old Nicole Johnson is from Louisiana but moved with her parents to Nashville to follow Nicole’s dream of being a signer. A home-schooled student, Nicole plays the guitar and loves to cook in her spare time, and her favorite song is “The House that Built Me” by Miranda Lambert. Team Blake adds another under his belt with Nicole. Follow Nicole on Twitter @MusicByNicole
Rudy Parris - Hailing from Visalia, CA and of Native American/Hispanic descent, Rudy’s musical influence stems from B.B. King to Merle Haggard to the “Bakersfield Sound,” named for the city where he did an eight-year residency with Buck Owens at the Crystal Palace. After raising his daughter and with her blessing, Rudy is now ready to focus on his music career and bring his sound to The Voice stage. Rudy is the last to join Team Blake. Follow Rudy on Twitter @RudyParris
Caitlin Michele - Caitlin is an artistic soul. Though she grew up in musical theater, she is now focusing her energies on a more indie style. A student at Berklee College of Music, Caitlin plays the piano and the ukulele. She is also very passionate about animals, and wants to dedicate her free time to rescuing critters in need. She will join Team Adam. Follow Caitlin on Twitter @CaitlinMichelex
Kayla Nevarez - High school student Kayla comes from a large family that fully supports her dreams of becoming an artist. Kayla wants to pay them back by making it far on The Voice. Kayla, who grew up listening to Christina Aguilera, is teaching herself to play the piano, and enjoys writing songs and shopping in her free time. Kayla finishes up Team Adam. Follow Kayla on Twitter @KaylaNevarez07
Amanda Brown - Amanda grew up in the Pentecostal church with gospel music at the forefront of her life. She did not have exposure to various styles of music until her early teens. A native of the Bronx, New York, Amanda followed her passion for music and went on to perform as a backup singer for Adele and Alicia Keys. Amanda joins CeeLo’s team. Follow Amanda on Twitter @Amanda__Brown
Chevonne - Pop-soul singer Chevonne graduated from college with a Bachelor’s degree in music. In addition to volunteering as writing tutor, she has performed with Estelle and recently toured with Lady GaGa’s “Monster Ball Tour” as a backup singer and dancer. Inspired by Bette Midler and influenced by Jermaine Paul, Chevonne decided to audition for The Voice. She will join Team CeeLo. Follow Chevonne on Twitter @Listen2Chevonne
Cody Belew - Soul singer Cody grew up singing at rodeos and in gospel churches in Arkansas. He was inspired as an artist by Dolly Parton’s greatest hits and is also influenced by James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Elvis. He believes that “in a past life he was an old black woman,” which feeds his affinity for soul music. He enjoys playing tennis and rock climbing. Cody fill the last spot in CeeLo’s team. Follow Cody on Twitter @CodyBelew
And there you have it. The coaches have 16 artists for their teams. Later this week, I will be going deeper into the teams and giving my opinions on where I see strengths & weaknesses with each team. I also am looking forward to some honorable mentions, ones that came close to being on a team, but for some reason or another, did not entice a coach to push their button to turn their chair around for them. There will also be some not-so honorable mentions as well… so stay tuned!!
Loading ...
Facebook
Twitter
Yak Forum