I have to brace myself. Several of my favorites from Team Blake and Team Pharrell will not be advancing to the finals. Also, I badly underestimated Zach Seabaugh. I think I might be in denial. It happened with Braiden Sunshine too. I’m just not wrapping my mind around viewers embracing these young men for reasons other than their singing. It’s embarrassing to admit, considering how long I’ve been covering singing shows.
The Voice 9 – Live Playoffs Part 2 Recap (VIDEOS)
I’m not surprised AT ALL that Emily Ann Roberts “In the Garden” zoomed up the charts. Beloved gospel tunes typically chart spectacularly on The Voice, which is why the coaches wait to break them out. “Old Rugged Cross,” basically WON season 7 for Craig Wayne Boyd. “In the Garden” is also super beloved and well known. It doesn’t matter that Emily’s pitch wobbled at times. Nostalgia, and Emily’s heartfelt innocence won the night.
However, I AM REALLY surprised that Mr. Pimp Spot, Barrett Baber, isn’t charting higher with his weepy rendition of “I Drive Your Truck.” I would have never believed Zach would outchart all of those daddy feels. Speaking of Zach. I asked you, America, to do the right thing and not vote Zach’s novelty act through, and you disappointed me. Here’s the problem. When Zach returns to singing a country song straight, he’ll probably be a goner. But then, what do I know. He’ll probably gyrate his way to the final.
Hooray for Madi Davis charting high. She deserves to advance. But boo that Riley Biederer barely created a blip. She doesn’t own her performances the way she could. And even if she did, a modern pop girl is going to leave the competition early in any case. I’ll just pipe down now, and accept her fate. Also, if I were to swoon over a teenaged boy, I’d go for the soulful Evan McKeel. Keeping my fingers crossed that he and Madi win America’s vote. If that happens, Pharrell will probably choose Celeste, Darius or Mark to advance, and I’d be OK with that–particularly Darius or Mark. Damn that the latter aren’t charting higher. DAMN THAT THE INFERIOR TEAM BLAKE IS KILLING IT.
I just figured out what bothered me about Celeste’s rendition of “Something in the Water.” She’s not Carrie Underwood. Celeste’s performance lacked Carrie’s passion. But once again, the Christian theme strikes a chord. And let’s just say a little prayer for the demise of Morgan Frazier. Felled by a questionable song choice. Ditto Nadjah Nicole. Pharrell would have talked her right out of covering a cheesy disco song. Blake had no clue what to do with her.
Now. It’s time to vote for your favorites.
Take the Polls
Favorite Performance
Favorite Team
Grade the Episode
iTunes Charts as of 12 am ET
16. Emily Ann Roberts – Team Blake – In the Garden
31. Zach Seabaugh – Team Blake – Brand New Girlfriend
32. Madi Davis – Team Pharrell – Songbird
35. Barrett Baber – Team Blake – I Drive Your Truck
58. Celeste Betton – Team Pharrell – Something in the Water
64. Evan McKeel – Team Pharrell – Overjoyed
107. Ivonne Acero – Team Blake – One of Us
111. Morgan Frazier – Team Blake – Lips of an Angel
138. Darius Scott – Team Pharrell – Love Lockdown
152. Mark Hood – Team Pharrell – What Do You Mean
168. Riley Biederer – Team Blake – Should’ve Been Us
Outside the Top 200 – Nadjah Nicole – Team Blake – Upside Down
