The night started off promising on The Voice with the four coaches joining forces in singing “Under Pressure” by Queen (and David Bowie). The men sounded amazing, Christina Aguilera did not shine. She appeared to be having trouble hearing, and once she joined the song I had a problem listening.

Continuing to separate themselves from American Idol, each finalist sang an original song and a duet with their coach. It was a good combination and it worked. Brad Paisley, Pitbull and Ne-Yo also appeared (not together, thank goodness!).

First up with his original song was Javier Colon singing “Stitch By Stitch.” It was a good song, but it was a bit boring. It appears that Coach Adam Levine has finally drilled it into Javier’s head that he needn’t add runs to every song he sings. The result is a much more radio worthy song.

Dia Frampton and Coach Blake Shelton took the stage looking like the Blues Brothers to sing Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.” It was a good song choice for Dia, but her voice is so breathy that it didn’t really work. Especially when Blake Shelton took over his part of the duet and really showed strong vocals.

Vicci Martinez put her war dance to her original “Afraid To Sleep.” I liked the lyrics to the song and overall I give it to her for the best original performance. Vicci has a way of commanding you to watch her. She doesn’t have the most unique voice, not by a long shot, but she does have a strong husky tone that I like. Vicci thanked Adam Levine for a pair of jeans he got for her after she told him she admired the ones he was wearing (I’d love any pair of jeans he’s in too). Blake Shelton commented that, “I can’t say she’s been in my jeans, but…” Comment of the night from Coach Shelton.

Rapper Pitbull took the stage with singer Ne-Yo and sounded strained at best. Neither sounded good, and the song was inappropriate for the age group of the tween audience watching at home.

Beverly McClellan and Coach Christina Aguilera took the stage to sing their duet. Aguilera decided to stretch herself vocally by choosing her own song “Beautiful” for them to sing. It was good, but of course Aguilera could not allow Beverly to have her night in the spotlight. While the duet was good, I can’t say it was the best.

Dia Frampton come on next with her solo original “Inventing Shadows.” I liked the song, but again the breathy sounds just bothered me. Not as much as the shadow dancers bothered Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine. Aguilera was on a roll tonight, and not in a good way. Coach Blake Shelton told them both that they’d be distracted later by Dia topping the iTunes charts with her single.

Adam Levine and Javier Colon took on Michael Jackson’s “Man In the Mirror” for their duet. I was a little worried for them. It turned out really pretty good for both guys having such high voices. They seemed to work off each other well and the crowd got into it. This was my favorite duet of the night, due to Aguilera’s refusal to let Beverly sing.

Brad Paisley came out to sing some true country music, teaming with Blake Shelton for “Don’t Drink the Water.” It was fun… Shelton has a way of making everything look fun.

Beverly McClellan’s solo was a sort of rock anthem original called “Lovesick.” I think Beverly may win because she has a strong following, but I don’t think this song did anything for her. She had to throw in her prerequisite “woooooooo” which just bothers me.

Coach CeeLo Green and Vicci Martinez gave the final performance with “Love Is a Battlefield” by Pat Benetar. It was the perfect song choice for Vicci and CeeLo allowed her to rule the stage. They included a major dance show with it and CeeLo was dressed like a video game lord. I think he should stick to producing, he has a way of bringing out the fierceness in a performer, but he’s not a great singer. At least not tonight. But then again, it wasn’t about him, and unlike Aguilera, he knew that.

So that was it for the final performances of Season 1 on The Voice. I’m hoping Vicci Martinez wins, mostly because I think she’s the only one to not have released an album on her own yet. All the rest have, and have been dropped by their labels. It’s a tough business and I think Vicci deserves her shot.

Who do you think is going to win The Voice tomorrow night? Did you vote? Don’t forget to watch the finale of The Voice tomorrow night on NBC at 8/7c.

After a short intro by President Obama (okay, not really an intro to The Voice, I’m thrilled the troops are coming home), we got to find out the final four contestants for season 1 of The Voice. We also found out they are already starting auditions for season 2, that’s good news too.
Things changed a little as the coaches were now turned into judges of their own teams. Each coach was given 100 points to split between their final two. Another 100 points were then split up according to public votes to determine who would advance to the finals. This is all a bit like trying to figure out Google’s algorithm and can fall by the way side by next season hopefully.

First up were Nakia and Vicci Martinez in what I thought was the tightest race. Coach Cee Lo had to announce his points first. He gave Nakia the slight edge with 51 points to Vicci’s 49 votes. Then came the apologies and explanations to Vicci (and why this is unnecessary). When the public votes were counted Vicci Martinez whooped Nakia by a total of 124 to 76. That surprised me a little, but I really do like Vicci and think she is a contender to win The Voice.

Adam Levine was the next coach put on the spot to announce his point designation. Levine had mentioned his battles with young Casey Weston during their rehearsals. I have to think that played a small part, at least, in his decision to give her only 35 points to Javier’s 65 points. Adam did explain to Casey that she is so young and has her whole musical life ahead of her, while Javier is likely nearing the end of his career starting point. The final score was shown so quickly, and likely so one-sided, that I missed it, but Javier was sent to the finals. That part was fully expected.

Blake Shelton took his team of Dia Frampton and Xenia to one of his concerts with Brad Paisley to get them used to the experience. He really has taken on the father figure role with his two “girls.” I fully expected Blake to split his 100 points evenly and it was no surprise at all when it was announced that he did just that. Shelton choked up a little when he explained that there was no way he could decide between his girls since he “loves them both.” In the end, Dia Frampton barely squeezed out the win to advance by a score of 106 to 94. Xenia will be just fine and with some polish and stage practice I suspect we’ll be hearing her soon on the radio.

Last up were the ladies on Team Christina Aguilera, Frenchie Davis versus Beverly McClellan. I call Aguilera’s even split of points to each a total cop out. Unlike Shelton, I think it had nothing to do with her love of either contestant. She just took the easy way out. It was a much closer race than I though it would be, but both ladies have strong fan bases. In the end it was Beverly McClellan who will advance to the finals on The Voice, beating Frenchie by a score of 107 to 93.

So there are your final four on season 1 of The Voice: Javier Colon, Vicci Martinez, Dia Frampton and Beverly McClellan. I now have to jump off the Team Adam Levine bandwagon as far as winning choices (I’ll stay on the regular Adam Levine bandwagon!) My pick to win season 1 is… Vicci Martinez. She’s a bit of a dark horse, but I think she can do it.
Okay, it’s your turn! Who do you think is going to win the first season of The Voice? Catch the finale next week on NBC!

Catch up and watch the videos from season 1 of The Voice right here:

The Voice Semi Finals: Nakia & Vicci Martinez Shine Again

The Voice: Frenchie Davis, Beverly McClellan, Xenia & Dia Frampton Move to the Semi-Finals

The Voice Goes Live: Team Blake Shelton Vs. Team Christina Aguilera

I love the fact that things are moving quickly on The Voice. That is to say the competition as a whole is whittling down contestants fast. The show itself seems to drag on with the coaches even running out of things to say most of the time. Carson Daly is no help at stalling, but then he can barely get out the phone numbers to vote correctly.

Tonight we saw two leave from Team CeeLo and Team Adam after last week’s performances. Then there were ten performances to watch, including the coaches. Maroon 5 premiered “Moves Like Jagger” with Christina Aguilera (for some reason). Later Blake Shelton sang “Honey Bee” just for fun.

First were the good-byes on Team CeeLo. America saved Vicci Martinez and Coach CeeLo saved Nakia. Those were both strong picks for his team semi final. America voted for Javier Colon on Team Adam and Levine used his Coach’s save on Casey Weston. I saw that one coming. He likes her youth I think.

Frenchie Davis started things off with her assigned song (by Coach Christina Aguilera), “Like A Prayer” by Madonna. It was the wrong song choice and Frenchie knew it. She told Aguilera she was a little uncomfortable with it, to no avail. Frenchie looked nervous throughout the song. She sang it like a pro, but not like a star. Blake Shelton told her that performance was a “giant middle finger” to those who thought Christina made the wrong decision last week in choosing her to stay. You gotta love Blake Shelton.

Nakia took over the stage with his version of Adam Lambert’s song “Whataya Want From Me.” I was completely impressed with Nakia again this week. He took over the whole stage and it really felt like a concert.

Dia Frampton had another weird song choice tonight, “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M. It was good, and it was different. It was not as strong as last week’s performance, but I did sort of enjoy it. Dia is going to be hit or miss on most songs I think, That’s what happens when you do weird things with music.

Casey Weston was assigned “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton. I wish she would have locked herself in a room and listened to the Dolly Parton version over and over until she really heard it. Adam Levine told her to stay away from the Whitney Huston version, but it kept sneaking in there. By the end of the song it felt like she was doing all she could to not sound like Whitney. Note: Check out this video or better yet, watch the movie “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” and listen to Dolly sing that song.

Beverly McClellan came with her full voice back this week. Boy, does that make a difference! I was much happier with Bev’s performance this week on The Voice. Singing “The Thrill Is Gone” by BB King, was the perfect song choice. Well done. She’s not my favorite, but I think she’s good.

Javier Colon sang  “Fix You” by Cold Play. It was not even close to my favorite performance. It was not bad, but it was forgettable for some reason. In the rock part of the song I could hardly hear Javier. I did like the end of the song though. It may have been a sound issue in the middle.

Xenia took the stage, still looking scared to death, and still not dressed comfortably, to sing “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” by The Script. I bet it will sound amazing on iTunes, but it was boring on stage again. I feel bad for Xenia, since she looks so uncomfortable. At least let her dress comfortably and maybe she will lighten up a little.

Vicci Martinez closed the show with an entertaining performance of “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence and the Machine. Beating two large drums and huge drum sticks throughout the song, Vicci ran around, then brought it home big, back on the drums. It started a little shaky, but she took off so well I really enjoyed it by the end.

It’s between Nakia and Vicci Martinez for me tonight. Who was your favorite tonight on The Voice (or was it too tough to choose for you too!)? I’ll get the videos up as soon as they are available! Let me know who you voted for tonight on The Voice!

Still a lot of reruns on tonight during prime time. At least there are some decent talent shows airing new episodes, namely So You Think You Can Dance and America’s Got Talent. Hopefully you enjoy that type of reality competition.

Here’s what’s on network TV tonight:

ABC
8/7c: The Middle – rerun

8:30/7:30c: The Middle – rerun

9/8c: Modern Family – rerun

9:30/8:30c: Modern Family – rerun

10/9c: ABC News Special: Caught in the Act

CBS
8/7c: Undercover Boss – rerun (new night)

9/8c: Criminal Minds – rerun

10/9c: Blue Bloods – rerun

CW
8/7c: America’s Next Top Model – rerun

9/8c: America’s Next Top Model – rerun

FOX
8/7c: So You Think You Can Dance – new episode

NBC
8/7c: Minute to Win It – new episode

9/8c: America’s Got Talent – new episode
Auditions continue in Atlanta.

10/9c: Law & Order: SVU – rerun

I still suggest watching SYTYCD if you haven’t yet. It’s the best talent show, at least for dance, on the air right now. So, what are you watching on network TV tonight?

To get 1000’s of channels directly on your computer right now click here!

Right at the beginning of The Voice tonight Team Christina Aguilera were called to the stage to find out their fate. Things seemed to be moving right along as Carson Daly named Beverly McClellan safe by the U.S. voters. I was not surprised. Bev has great stage presence and a big fan base. Things slowed down when Christina pulled out tears that were more fake than….well you finish that sentence. Finally she used her save on Frenchie Davis, sending Raquel Castro and Lily Elise home. Frenchie Davis is a pro. You gotta go with the pro.

Time to get this party started!

Tonight featured:

Team Cee Lo Green VS Team Adam Levine

First up for Team Cee Lo were sister act Tori and Taylor Thompson singing “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” in the style of The Andrews Sisters. It was a little too much show for me. More like the dreaded theme park performances from Idol.

Casey Weston took the stage for Team Adam with “Black Horse & the Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstall. I was worried a little when it showed Casey in rehearsal wanting to perform the song as a ballad. Coach Adam stepped in and made the necessary adjustments. It was a really good performance overall. She showed a little nerves, but Casey is very young.

Vicci Martinez was up for Team Cee Lo…and wow! Vicci performed “Jolene” by Dolly Parton and for the first time it was like the singer had actually learned what that song is about. There was no smile on Vicci’s face and her rasp was completely controlled. Definitely one of the best performances of the night.

It didn’t go as well for Devon Barley on Team Adam. Devon tried “Stop and Stare” by One Republic. I’m not sure if the contestants were assigned the songs by their coaches. If so, this was Adam Levine’s mistake. Devon was pretty much all over the place from the start of the song. His voice broke during his big note. It was reminiscent of Danny Gokey’s attempt at “Dream On” on American Idol. Danny still holds the title, but it was close tonight.

It was time for the first group number with their coach. Team Cee Lo took the stage singing “Everyday People” by Sly and the Family Stone. We were warped back to the 70’s watching this (with Cee Lo in front sporting the perfect giant afro that Sly Stone would have envied!). It was fun, even if the tune was a little off. I think it was Curits Grimes singing the low harmony that was off.

The smooth voice of Nakia took over for Team Cee Lo next. Nakia sang “Sex On Fire” by Kings of Leon. I love the tone and confidence of Nakia’s voice. I think he’ll get the coach’s save if he doesn’t earn the votes to stay on The Voice next week. At least I hope so. Added: I think I figured out what I love about Nakia’s voice, he reminds me of Bob Seger back in the day.

Jeff Jenkins, the country singer on Team Adam gave Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel” a shot. It was a little off all the way through. It was a valiant effort and he brought it in some parts. On the whole I was disappointed by Jeff’s performance.

Finally it was time for Team Adam to take the stage together. Singing “With a Little Help (From My Friends)” I think they proved themselves to be the team to beat. There really was not a weak link in that group and Adam Levine’s solos were just icing on the cake. They were backed up by John Burroughs High School choir, who also sounded amazing. Added: I just keep watching this video again and again. There is so much energy on stage and in the crowd it’s hard not to get excited!

Curtis Grimes come on for Team Cee Lo to sing a country version of Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love.” It was not good. It just seemed boring… that song needs Robert Palmer in a suit being cool to work. During the coach’s reaction Christina made one of her several strange comments, asking Curtis who he was making out with this week. His sho-mance friend went home last week. He pointed in the direction of Carson Daly, which led to some awkwardness.

Javier Colon closed the show as only he could, with “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan. Coach Adam Levine hit the nail on the head when he said Javier can do anything with his voice, and that’s his greatest strength and his greatest weakness. He told Javier to use his runs less often so they mean more. Colon did a much better job of keeping it simple and beautiful tonight. I really like Javier to win The Voice, but it’s a popularity contest so you never know. Added for Sydney (commenter): You are right, after re-watching the performance, Javier did rush the song.

Team Blake Shelton took the stage to find out their fates after last week’s performances. Dia Frampton was the winner of America’s vote. Great choice America. Then Blake Shelton chose Xenia to stay saying the two feed off of each other’s energy. Shelton also mentioned Xenia’s outstanding iTunes sales as part of his decision, so if you didn’t vote be sure to download your fave! Now, put Xenia back in her normal teenager clothes and just let the girl sing. I like both of their voices and styles. This is going to be a good semi-final round.

So who did you vote for to stay on The Voice next week? Remember only the top vote-getter on Team Cee Lo and Team Adam are going to move on for sure. What did you think of tonight’s performances and the first four in the semi-finals?