The Voice Season 15 Recap – Blind Auditions 3 Live Blog and Videos

Reigning winner Brynn Cartelli makes a special appearance.

Dave Fenley – 39 – Nashville TN – Help Me Hold On by Travis Tritt – We previewed this performance HERE. He’s originally Texas. A family man, he’s been married for 8 years. “I couldn’t do without my wife and music,” he says. He quit school to play music. His parents got over it. He hopes both Blake and Kelly turn for him.  Impressed by Dave’s grit and rasp, Kelly hits her button first. Blake turns on the chorus. It’s a heartfelt rendition of a classic. Dad and wife are crying offstage. Demonstrating his versatility, Dave breaks out a little beat boxing. Kelly notes that Travis Tritt is her favorite, she talks about “crossing boundaries.” But Blake says great artists stick to what they do best. “You don’t want to be on the pop charts.”  Ultimately, Dave Chooses Blake and mom gets the hug she wants. 

UPDATE: Dave was a contestant on America’s Got Talent in 2013. He made it to the semi-finals. He auditioned with Alex Clare’s Too Close.  Next he sang Trouble. Next, he beat boxed his way through Spice Girls Say You’ll Be There for his semi-final performance. And that was the end of the line for him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynZDdBsA9Rs

Kelly says “I want a country artist like a fat kid wants cake.”  HA.

Steve Memmolo – 35 – Boston MA – Spooky by Classic IV – Once a day someone tells him that he looks like Ben Affleck. He does a little.  He’s part of a Boston improv group. He loves comedy, but music is in the forefront. Currently, he runs a wedding band outfit. The song he chooses was a pop hit in the 60s, but I doubt that anyone under 50 would recognize it, to be honest. Yeah. weird song choice. BORING. OK. Finally he kicks it up a notch on the second verse and hits some big notes. Finally, he begins ad libbing a bit on the chorus and FINALLY Jennifer and Adam turn. “OH MY GOSH YOU’RE WHITE” exclaims Kelly. Huh. He sounds typically blue eyed soul to me. The Ben Affleck thing comes up. “You’re really special dude,” says Adam. He also likes the song. Jennifer wants to help him with “that groove.” Steve Chooses Adam. Not a surprise. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnZN-kESMsk

Audri Bartholomew – 19 – St. Louis MO – Never Enough by Loren Allred The Greatest Showman) – While Audri was growing up her dad Joseph, was a rapper. She’s originally from Pasadena. But when they first moved to St. Louis, she had a difficult transition. She joined a choir and everything changed. Audri mentions that Loren was a former Voice contestant. She reminds me a little of Jordin Sparks. She’s got that soulful pop vibe going–with a big voice.  She’s got some pitchy stuff going on. Maybe why it’s taking a bit for a chair to turn? When she hits a big BIG note, Jennifer hits her button. Blake says Jennifer’s team is where she needs to be. Jennifer took the stage to sing a bit of the song with Audri. – Only Jennifer Turned

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AmLBqqhnU4

Rachel Messer – 19 – Fort Gay WV – I Want to Be a Cowboy Sweetheart by Leann Rimes -She’s from a “little holler” in West Virginia. We see her outside of her modest home playing with the chickens etc. Her family is musical–grandad and pa play bluegrass. Yee Haw.  She’s super old school country. She yodels! Kelly hits her button immediately. Blake’s eyeing that button…”Don’t you do it!” says Kelly. But he does. “Calling all female country artists I want to work with you!” says Kelly. Blake insists he knows what to do with her. “There’s life beyond Blake!” Kelly begs. Blake loves that she honors the history of country music. And Rachel Chooses Blake

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VodRFQCzCew

Brent Morgan – 30 – Madison AL – Feel it Still by Portugal the Man – He figured out he could play anything he heard on the radio. After winning a jingle contest, be started writing them for tons of companies. He’s popular on YouNow. He was named the top live streaming artist in the US. He puts his own spin on the song. It’s a little darker, less hipstery. However, while the song is well arranged, his vocal goes nowhere. He does not realize that without a Star Search moment–NO TURN.  – Adam said the vocal was perfect, but he needed a something a little extra. – No Turns

Brynn Cartelli is in the house to rally the troops. She talks to a young singer–16 years old–who is about to take the stage…

Chevel Shepherd – 16 – Farmington NM – If I Die Young by The Band Perry – She’s a little munchkin. Only 4′ 10″. She seems much younger that 16. She loves working on cars with her dad. He named her after a car! A country singer, Carrie Underwood is her favorite. She’s hoping Blake turns his chair.  Kelly compares her to Dolly. Hm. I don’t see it. Kelly hits her button enthusiastically. Nice tone, but she’s not quite there yet. Blake hits his button too. Now it’s time to battle AGAIN. Oh. Jennifer hits her button. I wasn’t expecting that. Kelly loves the breaks in her voice. “I was just like you when I was your age. You were in your head a lot.” Jennifer calls her gift amazing, and admits she only hit her button to watch a bit of her performance. When it’s Blake’s turn to talk Chevel’s eyes light up. Kelly despairs!  “This is the 15th season I’ve been on this show,” says Blake. Kelly gives up. Chevel mentions that she and Blake have the same birthday. And Chevel Chooses Kelly. OK. This feels a little fishy. Who told her to do that? Or maybe the Blake buildup was created through the magic of editing. “I like what she said,” Chevel said after.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOjy3HG1Lv8

Bryan Cherry – 28 – Woodbridge VA – Nothing Can Change this Love by Sam Cooke – Bryan calls himself an “old soul.” And the song reminds him of his girlfriend. She lives in Bermuda–long distance relationship. Currently, he works in IT and does music on the side. Old soul indeed–his wine-soaked voice sounds much older than 28. But nobody turned. I’m a little surprised. Blake calls the performance “interesting.” Jennifer thought he lost his way later in the song.  – No Turns 

Delaney Silvernell – 21 – Los Angeles CA – In My Blood by Shawn Mendes – She comes from a family of wrestlers. She wrestled in high school, but then switched to musical theater. Her parents were a little disappointed at first, but eventually became supportive. She just moved to LA 6 months ago. Kelly turns right away. Delaney is a very expressive singer. The musical theater influence is apparent. Really sweet tone, too. Kelly calls her head voice and tone “flawless.” But suggests that maybe she’s in her head too much. Kelly wants to help. She compares Delaney to Cassadee Pope–I don’t see the connection. Only Kelly Turned. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s70aDxsQkdA

Anthony Arya – 16 – Santa Cruz CA – Danny’s Song by Loggins and Messina – Brynn chats him up backstage. Dude is really TALL! Says he’s into folk/rock. A sophomore in high school, he’s hoping that Adam turns, maybe Kelly.  He busks in San Francisco. And Adam turns right away.  He has an interesting tone, but that lackadaisical performance needed to be more dynamic. Adam calls him “special.” Kelly compares him to a Greek god. “That’s going to work for you too.” Only Adam turned. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHLyUJKjwNI

Natasia Greycloud – 29 – Nashville TN – I’m Not the Only One by Sam Smith – She wants Kelly to turn around. “She’s the first person I ever saw on something like this.” THE SHOW THAT DARE NOT SPEAK IT’S NAME. Natasia comes from a musical family. Her great grandfather was on CBS radio and great grandmother the 1st chair cellist in the New York Symphony. She married at 18, but it did not work out. It’s taking a while. But when she hits a big (off key) note. both Kelly and Jennifer turn. She’s a strong singer, but she doesn’t really connect? Something was missing for me. Kelly hears “old school Mariah.” These two aren’t fighting at all! JHud mentions her Oscar. Kelly name drops “From Justin to Kelly.” Heh. Natasia Chooses Jennifer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v39ZVoSN16Y

Lynnea Moorer – 18 – Monterey CA – Location by Khalid – She started a Youtube channel in 2010. She has over 200K subscribers. Her mom got involved with drugs and eventually got arrested. She’s currently in jail and can’t be with her.  Her vocal is rough around the edges, but otherwise, she’s got tons of musicality. She’s a natural. Just needs some work. Maybe next time. The coaches thought she sang the wrong song.  Kelly asks her to sing a ballad, and she busts out some Adele, impressing the judges, finally. – No Turns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJ3_iTy14-o

But don’t fret! Kelsea Ballerini was so impressed with that bit of Adele, that she chose Lynnea for her Comeback team. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_L9vlMj48c

Kymberli Joye – 26 – Windsor CT – Run to You by Whitney Houston – Kimberli began singing gospel music in church. When she’s not singing in church, she performs background vocals for various artists, including Childish Gambino. She would LOVE to work with Kelly Clarkson. JHud would be OK too. Kymberli is a polished pro. Maybe a little too professional. She could use a little grit and emotion OH NOES.  Kelly blocks Jennifer.  When Jennifer hits her button and sees she’s blocked. Welp. She makes a big show of being super-indignant. “I thought we were friends!” she says to Kelly. Blake turns at the last minute and actually fights for her. Out of spite JHud is on his side. But in the end, Kymberli Chooses Kelly

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AC1XtLYNxc