Although the talent showcased on last night’s episode of The Voice wasn’t anything worth hooting and hollering for, I do believe we’ve spotted our winner. Call it a hunch, but one contestant’s demographic appeal and exceptional singing could make this mystery individual the new champion of The Voice by fall’s end. Like I said before, prognostication is one of my more reliable talents, so do hear me out when I get to reviewing this contestant’s Blind Audition performance. I’ll end the suspense now, so please dive in…
First up at bat was 17-year old Melanie Martinez. I can relate to her somewhat, because I too have a gap in-between my two front teeth and was similarly self-conscious about it. But like Melanie, I’ve embraced my genetic endowment and shoved those former insecurities aside. For her Blind Audition, Melanie sings an acoustic version of Britney Spears’ “Toxic.” There’s only one version of that song I ever truly enjoyed, and it was when Matthew Morrison and The New Directions sung it on Glee during the Britney tribute episode. Wait, scratch that — now there’s two renditions I enjoy. I’m normally averse to singer-songwriter performances (once you’ve seen one coffee shop artist’s guitar strumming, you’ve seen ‘em all), but Melanie’s handling of the hit single was remarkably original. I’m in love with her whispery, ethereal-like voice, which she uses to great effect. While those verses could have used a shot of adrenaline, Melanie shines brightest on the chorus, where her tone wraps around the song like it’s owned it all along. To no one’s surprise, only Christina doesn’t turn her chair around for Melanie’s cover of the Brit classic (ever the bitter rival!). Melanie wisely chose Adam as her mentor, and I am crossing my fingers that Adam pays attention to this uniquely enchanting contestant.
Performance Review: (***1/2)
Judge Selected: Team Adam
Listen to Melanie Martinez:
Coming up next was Brian Scartocci, a single dad at age 26 who needs this break for the future well-being of his family. I normally don’t go for sob stories, but Brian’s demeanor strikes me as someone who won’t shove his back story down our throats to nab sympathy votes. He takes a risk by singing Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” a song that could come across corny and irreverent if not properly tenderized. Right away, Brian draws me in with his soulful rasp, and his jovial spirit is able to transcend across the stage, to the audience, and into the homes of America. The guy is likeable and vocally talented, turning an overcooked song into a fresh hit within a span of a few minutes. I could have done without the Taylor Hicks dance moves, but that’s sure to go when the choreographers step in. I hope Brian doesn’t get lost in the mix, because he’s the type of singer that knows precisely how to balance performance and technique. I sure hope Scartocci’s coach, Adam Levine, keeps a watchful eye on him.
Performance Review: (***1/2)
Judge Selected: Team Adam
Listen to Brian Scartocci:
The duo group Beat Frequency (Shawn Lewis and Natasha Neuschwander) was one of the few multi-singer acts that excited the judges. The husband/wife team performed a rousing cover of Katy Perry’s “E.T.” I am no fan of Katy Perry nor a fan of this overplayed pop hit, but Beat Frequency sent me to a “darker dimension” than the original was able to. Natasha’s haunting opening reminded me of Evanescence’s Amy Lee: melancholic, hypnotic and ultimately seductive. Shawn has more of a boy band sound to his voice, but still was able to stay in perfect harmonic sync with his wife. I just wish Shawn’s voice was more special, so I had to dock the performance somewhat, but the pair will be fun to watch this season…so long as Christina, their coach, gives them a fair chance to make their case in the Battle Rounds.
Performance Review: (***)
Judge Selected: Team Christina
Listen to Beat Frequency:
Liz Davis came next, and she wasn’t your typical country cowgirl. Yes, she embodied her inner honky tonk, but the girl had an unrestrained sensuality that really lit up the stage. You don’t see many country singers sexing it up when they perform, so in that respect Liz certainly stood out. She has a booming voice that demands attention, but singing something as weightless as “Here For the Party” may not have been the best song choice for an important introduction. The enthusiasm and sexual energy projected made Christina, Adam and Blake turn around for her. Liz surprisingly chose Blake — only surprising because Blake turned around for her at the last second. As edgy a vocalist/performer as she is, I was disappointed Liz took the easy route. I’m not sure she’ll make it past the Battle Rounds (Blake’s always preferred the softer-voiced contestants to the screaming ones), but I look forward to her singing a song better matched for her grandiose pipes. Not a terrific start, but the girl has potential.
Performance Review: (**1/2)
Judge Selected: Team Blake
Listen to Liz Davis:
With Alaskan’s JR Aquino, The Voice introduces their first YouTube sensation. Or in other words, the first ever YouTube has-been. Apparently, JR Aquino is in the Top 100 “Most Subscribed Musicians” on the infamous video streaming site. The judges never heard of him, and neither have I, although I am one of the few internet lovers that is ignorant when it comes to YouTube phenomenon. It’s clear that JR Aquino’s silky-smooth voice is designed to be recorded, but his delivery of Bruno Mar’s “Just The Way You Are” was a vocal mess. JR’s voice kept on quavering, rather annoyingly I might add, during many of his runs, and his high notes became unconquerable. Overall, JR’s potential is far greater than his mishap of a Blind Audition, but he smartly selected Cee Lo as his coach. Cee Lo was the one judge who gave JR some constructive criticism to improve for next time, advice far more useful than the hyperbolic praise Christina and Adam were heaping on the kid.
Performance Review: (**)
Judge Selected: Cee Lo Green
Listen to JR Aquino:
Nicholas Davids, a former substance abuser who at one point weighed nearly 300 lbs, has bounced back in life thanks to his wife and family. Slimmer, cleaner, and more readily enabled than ever to find fame and fortune, Nicholas Davids seals Cee Lo’s approval with his rendition of “Stand By Me.” I’ll give Nicholas this: he has a very nice, soulful tone. However, the performance in its entirety felt loungy and far too old-fashioned to either embrace or laud. If Nicholas continues to sing such outdated tunes without putting a modern spin on them, he’s sure to be forgotten amidst the talented crowd.
Performance Review: (**1/2)
Judge Selected: Cee Lo Green
Listen to Nicholas Davids:
Finally, the moment I’ve been waiting for all season: our first former Idol contestant comes on to The Voice to compete! And to my pleasant shock, it was none other than Alessandra Guercio. Tears began welling in my eyes (joking!) just thinking of Alessanda, Brielle Von Hugel, and Pia Toscano’s fantastic group performance of Bruno Mar’s “Grenade,” and now they’ve all received their huge moment in the national spotlight! I’m guessing one day the trio will team up again to collaborate on a single, but man…how awesome is it that all three of those New York Italian beauties of Idol‘s 10th season each received a chance to individually shine in front of America (please, for my own safety, no mafia jokes!)? Alessandra’s opening of Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” was bold and breathtaking, surpassing even Hollie Cavanagh’s memorable opener last season on Idol. Alessandra wielded so much power that I thought her notes would mesh into each other and form a mighty sword out of thin air. Alessandra lost a bit of vocal control after Adam pressed his button, and she was never able to fully recover. And yet, it’s hard to deny how memorable those beginning verses were, utterly chilling in the best way possible. Without question, Alessandra deserves to be in the competition, and of course I’ll be rooting for this former Idol contestant (Alessandra was cut at the end of Season 10′s Hollywood Rounds).
Performance Review: (***)
Judge Selected: Team Adam
Listen to Alessandra Guercio:
The next Blind Audition was back in montage form, featuring snippets of Adanna Duru, Kelly Crapa, and Paulina. None of the girls really made an impression, but can you fault them for their lack of screen time? Kelly’s vocal prowess stood out the most, while Adanna was slightly flat albeit ferocious on “Edge of Glory,” and finally Paulina was just a dash more amusing than karaoke. I’m not seeing a contender from this three-woman lineup.
Performance Reviews: Adanna (**1/2), Kelly (***), Paulina (**)
Judges Selected: Adanna (Team Adam), Kelly (Team Blake), Paulina (Team Christina)
Listen to the three ladies below:
Finally, we come to the singer who I can almost guarantee will win this season of The Voice: 16-year old vocal prodigy, Avery Wilson. Not only did Avery force all four judges to turn their chairs around for him, but he also fits right into the wheelhouse of the show’s demographics: younger, urban and more in-tune with contemporary music. Avery could become the next Usher if he is coached properly — his dynamic and untrained voice has yet to meet a note it doesn’t get along with. Avery performed with style and confidence years beyond his short-lived life, channeling the kind of intensity on stage that superstars espouse on a consistent basis. The only glaring issue I witnessed was Avery’s trepidation at the beginning of “Without You,” which instantly evaporated once the judges turned around. In fact, Avery’s performance quality increased exponentially as soon as the judges spun their chairs towards him, and the audience then exploded in a series of screams a la Beatlemania. It’s a massive understatement to say this man has wide appeal. Avery Wilson is winning The Voice if things go like I imagine them unfolding. And guess what, naysayers: his untrained voice can only get better with a mentor to guide him along. Contestants on The Voice: be very afraid of Avery Wilson.
Performance Review: (***1/2)
Judge Selected: Team Cee Lo
Listen to Avery Wilson:
Here’s how the coaches rank based solely on last night’s Blind Audition #4:
1. Team Adam
2. Team Blake
3. Team Cee Lo
4. Team Christina
Although Cee Lo has a lower team score average than either Blake or Adam, I still believe he’s got the winning man in Avery Wilson. Is it dangerous to predict the winner this early? Probably, but I’m doing it anyways! Let me know your thoughts on each contestant, plus tell us who your favorites are as of now! Like me, do you believe Avery Wilson to be the clear front runner? The comments section is at your disposal, so have at it!
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Tags: Avery Wilson, Beat Frequency, blake shelton, Brian Scartocci, carson daly, cee lo green, christina aguilera, Kelly Crapa, Liz Davis, Melanie Martinez, Music competitions, Natasha Neuschwander, Nicholas Davids, Shawn Lewis, The Voice, The Voice Blind Auditions, The Voice Blind Auditions 4, the voice recap, The Voice Recap Blind Auditions 4
2 Comments
it’s a little early, based on the fact that we haven’t even seen all the Blind Auditions. But i’m with you, Avery is the front-runner at this point
Ronny(Quote) (Reply)
I think my favorite two contestants were Brian Scartocci and Avery Wilson. I loved Brian’s take on “Isn’t she Lovely,” I agree with you I loved his soulful rasp, it was almost perfect. I also thought Avery’s voice was flawless, I think he’s going to go far on this show and needs little coaching. This episode gave me and my DISH coworkers a lot to talk about at work. Luckily my Hopper recorded it automatically with the Prime Time Anytime feature. I love not having to set up any timers to watch my favorite major network prime time TV.
Cienne(Quote) (Reply)