The Voice: Blind Auditions Part 1

Clearly, I love myself some American Idol. I mean, I decided to put up this blog because of Idol above anything else. So I'm not going to say that The Voice is an actual threat to American Idol because it's a little too premature to call it this early. Plus, I think this hurts Simon Cowell's X Factor more than the Idol franchise just because they're taking more elements from that show and they're doing it first.

What I'm going to say, however, is that this show had a solid premiere episode. I love the chemistry between the judges and all of them surprisingly have a lot of personality. Oh, and they're cracking me up with all the banters and whatnot.

Also, I love the specifics of this show. I like how the judges have to sell themselves as a mentor and this is actually going to show a lot about picking the right management and coaching. It's a bit bizarre thought to watch these judges who are clearly successful performers compete and beg to get these random contestans to pick them - what an ego denter and I love it!

As for the talent, it's not mind blowing, but I'd say it's light years above Idol in terms of the actual audition rounds. No joke contestants to amuse the viewers by their delusions. Haha.

Here's what I think of everyone:

Tarralyn Ramsey
Breathe
Yes, she has a powerful voice, but I think she needs to learn how to, ironically,  Breathe better. Not a fan of some of her phrasing choices as well. Plus, was it just me or was she sharp the entire song? She has lots of potential though and it will be interesting to see how she develops as an artist. I can see a lot of growth in her.
COACH: Christina Aguilera

Patrick Thomas
Live Like You Were Dying
He has done good. I actually enjoyed his audition and I'm not even a country fan. I like the tone of his voice and his range is quite decent. Oh, and Scott McCreery, this is what a country boy looks like. Take a lesson.
COACH: Blake Shelton

Jared Blake
Good Girls Go Bad
I don't know what to make out of this guy. He can sing and mostly in tune, but the affectations in his voice were a bit grating. Sorry.
COACH: None

Vicci Martinez
Rolling In The Deep
To me, this was a terrible song choice for her. She's more of a Melissa Etheridge than an Adele. I hate to make any comparison, but Haley Reinhart performed this song way better. That said, I like her tone and she should just find the right songs to sing and she'll be alright.
COACH: Cee Lo Green

Sonia Rao
If I Ain't Got You
Wow. Shocker. I heard one or maybe two bad notes in her performance, but overall I thought it was good. Can't believe they passed! What happened?
COACH: None

Elenowen
Falling Slowly
Hmmm. I also wonder if the judges regretted hitting that buzzer by the time the guy tried hitting that last falsetto note. To be honest, I think the girl would have done better on her own as I find the guy totally pitchy. There harmonies need a little work as well. I’m surprised that they were chosen when the girl before them wasn’t.
COACH: Blake Shelton

Frenchie Davis
I Kissed A Girl
It's funny how Fenchie's backstory is American Idol. Haha. And what happened to her? The audition wasn't very good. Totally wrong song for her and her vocals were rough. But I know that Frenchie can do way better than this. She still has a distinct, interesting tone to her voice though.
COACH: Christina Aguilera

Kelsey Rey
American Boy
It’s funny how they say it’s not about the looks, but the judges sure were happy when they turn around and find out that the girl was actually good looking. Haha. I agree with Christina though, she does have a great radio voice. Well, there's your female pop star right there.
COACH: Cee Lo Green

Jeff Jenkins
God Bless The Broken Road
Again, Scotty McCreery, pay attention! For the love of all that’s holy, PLEASE pay attention. I thought this guy has a lot of heart when he sings. He needs to work on his mumbly diction, but other than that he's got a lovely voice. He actually reminded me Jacee Badaeux but better and bigger. Haha.
COACH: Adam Levine

Rebecca Loebe
Come As You Are
I like this girl. Her vibrato is a little goaty a la Casey James, but she sure has a soulful voice and doing a Nirvana song and reworking it like that was seriously cool.
COACH: Adam Levine

Joann Rizzo
Say A Little Prayer
I felt bad for her. She can definitely carry a tune and hits most of her notes, but her tone is a bit thin for my taste. Oh well. Too bad there were no reality shows when she was younger.
COACH: None

Xenia Martinez
Breakeven
This young girl is really raw, but she might have something with some work. I mean, she has an interesting tone and a very distinct voice. I guess, they can do a lot with her. She just needs some guidance and help in stage presence. Lots of potential.
COACH: Blake Shelton

Tje Austin
Just The Way You Are
Damn, trim those ends and then you'll be fine! Haha. Good voice if a bit whiny. Just saying.
COACH: Cee Lo Green

Javier Colon
Time After Time
Excellent! Great tone, pretty voice and superb musicality. If he continues to be this great, I may root for him.
COACH: Adam Levine

Beverly McClellan
Piece Of My Heart
She's quite the rocker! I think she's got a good set of pipes with a decent range and her growls weren't annoying. I'd like to think she already has a musical identity, which is always good.
COACH: Christina Aguilera