The Voice: Frenchie Davis, Beverly McClellan, Xenia & Dia Frampton Move to the Semi-Finals
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?
I posted earlier on last week’s review but wanted to say thank you for responding and I agree with most of your assessment for this past week (again). The only thing I disagree with is Javier. He was my favorite from the beginning as he amazed me with his “range”. I love the singers that can go all out (like the Christina Aguilera’s of the world) and my first take was he was a “male” aguliera. lol. However, I feel his performance of Sara McGloughin’s song was way to “fast” and “nervous”. I felt uncomfortable all through it. Perhaps it was because they showed his rehersal of that song right before the performance where I felt (personlly) he went way off key and “screeched” alittle? Didnt you hear that? Anyway, I didnt “feel” the song like I did when Vicci sang JoLene. The angel song makes me cry no matter where I am or what Im doing it when Ive heard it on the radio, tv, or whatever. I didnt get moved at all. I felt he “rushed” it and was more interested in proving his range than he was “getting” the song. I so agree with Ceelo when he talks so much about having a “heart” for the song. Im not a singer but it makes all the difference to me. I would like to see Javier sing more lower vocals with more power then just the straight high vocals he seems to repeat. Going all over is not as impressive until you really go all over..I feel he has a certain “pitch” and just flys instead of like Christina who can go low…deep, heart felt..loud, powerful, soft, energetic, whispy..you get it..really sing different ranges. I feel he is just too high for me in his voice and “pretty” but not powerful enough or confident to really be the superstar I thoguht he was.
I also agree Jeff Jenkins was disappointing. He sang the higher range good (which I feel Adam Levine (I think it was Adam) was right on for him to do) but feel his voice is not one I would pay attention too moving forward.
The country boy..Oh my..for the CeeLo performance with his group..embarrassing. I was actually painfully embarrassed to hear his performance. He brought the group down. Didnt mesh at all. And I also didnt care for the version of Robert Palmers song. Did nothing for me at all. Im not sure how he even got past blind rehersals.
I agree too on the Christina Aguilera emotion and weird (out in left field) comments she has had? She is coming across to me as an air head which that pains me to say since I so love her and her work. She can dance better than most that took lessons from birth and can sing ANYTHING…but her decisions on some of her team (Lily hitting every note??) have me scratching my head. She was off alot so can’t believe she thought she was on key.
I probably said too much but I really do love Vicci. I think she is amazing. I think she has the whole package..vocals (high/low/energetic/powerful/soft), the HEART (believes in her songs and sings with PASSION), the poise and professionalism (her control is very impressive). The only weakness I see her is stage presence – I dont mean vainly..I just mean have more of a confident ‘presence” on the stage. Unlike what Christina leans towards..dressing provactively or weird (she said that one singer with the bright orange hair had a good look?)..I feel she just needs to have more power with something on stage. Not sure how to explain it but I just love her and will choose her as my favorite.
P.s. I do like Casey too and Xenia. Casey just could use a dose of humble pie and not rush so much her songs. I feel Levine’s choice of energy with the song she sang made it. If she would have sang that slow it would have put me to sleep. She did a good job just felt she trailed off to end when she should have ended with more confidence and power.
Thanks Sydney and I agree with most of your assessment on Javier. I’m not sure what exactly is bugging me about him now. I think it’s just his need to over sing most of the songs. I really hope Adam Levine can get through to him that he just needs to sing the melody and build to a note or run.
I don’t think Casey Weston needs to be humbled though (I did think that about Lily Elise). I think she actually needs a little more confidence. The same goes for Xenia, of course. Hopefully she will come alive next week.
My favorite has moved to Vicci after this week. Like you I really love the strength of her vocals and the heart she puts into her songs. As for stage presence I think it helps that she’s so believable while singing. She forces you to watch (or listen) to her. I see a big future for her in music.
Thanks again for your comments!
Meucci
I didn’t like Javier’s song choice at all, made me think of poor abused animals the whole way through, so many songs to sing and yet this one, UGH, enough of it already!
I was glad to see Xenia stay, the other two..one a rocker voice that could be any rocker guy in any rock club on any given Saturday night, the other was good but nothing special. Xenia has a unique sound and it will be interesting to watch her come out of her shell.
Casey Weston was ok and I am so glad Adam (LOVE ADAM) told her to pick up the tempo. Vicci was good too, the rest, meh
I agree Diana, that song is forever linked to that commercial/cause…and makes me cry because of it. No one else should sing it unless they are near tears themselves and can give it the heart wrenching performance it deserves. I’d probably retire the song for competitions.
I can’t wait to hear how Xenia comes along now that she has more attention from Blake Shelton too. Hopefully he can pull her out of her shell and get her to that place she needs to be. If anyone can, Blake can, lol.
Thanks for the comment!
Meucci
Fisrt off I want to say, I was shocked that beverly got americas save, when clearly frenchie was the top performer of christina’s team last week. I’m glad she was saved and hope she nails it this week coming. Javier is overrated and boring. That voice is too generic, and he overkills songs that don’t need too. I completely agree with him over singing everything. Also xcited to see what dia does next. Oi really hope frenchie or dia takes the title.
Thanks for reminding me about Dia, Vernon. I think I pick a new favorite every week on The Voice, lol. I guess that’s a lot better than knowing who the top 3 are on Idol every season.
Thanks for the comment!
Meucci
Well, we have different meanings of clear then. I found Frenchie a bit offkey now and then, snorting out the high notes. While Bev’s raunchy voice just comes naturally. Good thing Christine picked both though over the pretty looks.
Hi, me again. I forgot to mention about Frenchie. I actually disagree totally about the vote for Frenchie as the “better” Christina pick. I have NEVER been impressed with her. I felt the original duet with the Christian singer (forget her name) was good as they both did their thing but honestly, felt the other singer should have been picked. This could just be me, but I also feel that Frenchie tries to “kiss butt” alittle every time she is asked to speak after she sings. She is always “gooing” over christina’s advice, etc. Just an observation. I feel she is definitely Christina’s favorite but unfortunately, for the wrong reason.
I feel that Beverly is the stronger and more natural singer (like the other poster said above). Beverly has that great tone to her and I love her ability to really get at all notes. I feel Frenchie is too “high”. The other observation from last nights show (now going to this week) is that Frenchie was typecast by Christina as a “soulful” singer. I dont get that feel from her at all. Maybe because she is big and black..but not from her voice or performance. I felt the other black singer that she had the initial duet with was very powerful and soulful (just too arrogant which is probably why she didnt get picked). That , and because Frenchie has a hold of some kind on Christina’s attention the way she is always complimenting her (ick). Anyway, I dont feel my soul being swayed when she sings. She comes across to me as trying too hard and her voice is always “brassy” to me.
I do feel Casey is alittle too confident. Yes, she is young but she needs to be more humble and open to slow down. As I said, she was ending her notes and taking her guitar off last week too early. Then one time she looked spaced out looking to the left like she was testing the band on if she was going to continue to sing or not. OR, like she forgot the words? I dont know. I do like her voice (except when she talks..ugh..she sounds like a duck). BUt I do like her voice and feel that she should be more humble and “relaxed” when she sings. I personally see her as “too confident”. But respectfully disagree with the author here.
Javier did so much better tonight. I feel he read my post! The hat disappeared and he sang more “real”. I respect that and he went up a couple notches with me this week.
I dont care for that Dia at all. Something about her. Maybe I am still peaved she was picked at all as I still think the church lady or “preacher’s daughter” singer was better. Atleast would have been way more interesting to hear through the finals. I do think she did a great job on her two solos the last couple weeks (including last night) but still she is no favorite of mine. I find her annoying on stage and she can’t dance at all! (just another observation).
I hate the song Vicci and Xenia sang but still love their voices. Vicci’s song was not emotional at all (like they set it up to be with her and her Dad). She has alot of “feel” and “soul” to her singing but that song was nothihg to me. Just a lot of ranting. I didnt like the hair at all. I would like to see Vicci be more feminine. She comes across alittle “butch”. Doing pushups in the side lines ..not sure why but that bothers me (no offense). I do agree with the author though she does demand you to watch her and I still love her just hated that song.
I totally agree with Adam that Xenia’s song was so sleepy..boring actually and didnt emphasize her singing at all. BUT, I just love her voice. She definitly needs to learn how to walk (and stand) in a high dress and big heals and to RELAX. Getting alittle tired of the “deer in headlights” look.
Who did I forget. Not sure. My favorites are Vicci, Beverly and Xenia with a close runner up with Javier.
Sorry if I am typing too much and I realize I can be overly picky. I dont mean to be mean, but do wish we had more “objectibility” on this show? I loved Simon Cowl’s comments. The “judges” on this show are not objective and all are afraid to critique. They all come across as being afraid to step on each other’s toes or hurt someone’s feelings. A couple times Christina “nicely” critiqued and so did Adam, but they are quick to say..but I just “love you” and you did great. Most of the songs in these last live rounds have been below average – I feel that the songs picked are as important as how they sing as it is in expression of their stage presence and is our only attempt to hear their voice to do their best. These songs have been so weird, lame and if anything, I take off points for that as how can I critique or “pick” a voice that stands out when they sing a song that shows no range, pitch or anything.
If Simon were here..what would he say>?
Music over powers the voices
too average
too boring
too messy
too “type cast” (the one beef I do have is why did Christina pick a Melissa Eckritch song for Beverly when Beverly clearly has her voice. Do we need another Melissa or do we want to see more talent. Personally, Melissa is so awesome, Beverly needs to do alot more than Melissa ever did to get my pick. She needs to demonstrate creativity, etc.
Maybe I jsut dont understand this show. Has the rules ever been displayed> I have not seen them. Are we not to judge on presence, etc.? Then why does Christina go all out over someone’s lookS? I think the looks should only be considered as stage presence to tie in to how they “engage” the audience. Freaky, super red hair and obsecne makeup that doesnt go with the skin type at all is not my idea of stage presence. it is only a shocker.
The country singers are too average country singers. You can find one in just about any bar in Texas. And I agree with the other commetns on the rockers. Too boring and Ive seen better in local clubs and at shopping malls.
anyway, just wish the judges had more critiquing but I gotta tell you if I had to give any judge a penny for his “advice” it would be Adam. I think he has a great insight about him. I agree with his pick on Casey too. I do like Casey. I wouldnt be hurt if she made the top 3. Maybe her and Javier are my tied 3rd row ones. Anyway, enough from me.
The biggest difference between The Voice and Idol is that there are no judges on The Voice. They have stated that from the beginning. The four are coaches and each have their own team. They are respectful of the other coaches and their choices for teammates. My guess is that they want to keep their options open to working with the other judges and possibly the contestants in the future.
I sort of like that about the show, since no one really wants to judge on Idol anymore anyway. People are mad when they are harsh and mad when they say nothing, so it’s no win unless you are Simon, lol. I appreciate harsh critiques, but if you aren’t good at them, don’t do them.
Thanks for the comments Sydney!
Meucci
Hi Meucci, can you send me your latest updates. I enjoy reading your comments. and, duley noted the difference between voice and Amer Idol. I didnt realize that. So thanks for updating me. Your right, the judges want to be picked for helping so being too harsh is not the way to go.
Hi Sydney and thanks so much for your kind comments! You can subscribe to my RSS feed from the home page in the top right (http://www.tvreviewprogram.com)
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