so many viewers have said sound It’s not really about the competitors, it’s about coach – and they May That’s the point.
But after Monday’s introduction to Chance the Rapper and Niall Horan in the mix (read the recap here), I was… kinda fine. They were bright and funny and best of all, they were engaged; None of the “Eh, whats” feeling we’d get from some of the T-shirt coaches made in recent seasons.
Plus, some talent was showing real promise. Take, for example, former team member Kelly Clarkson, who returned Tuesday with reinforcements after a half-dozen seasons away to compete anew. WHO? read on…
Sheer Element (Team Kelly), “Leave the Door Open” – Grade: A | Smooth as silk but not smooth, this trio of USC alumni — including Jez Vinson from Kelly’s Season 16 team — delivered an absolutely gorgeous rendition of the R&B smash that turned chairs from all coaches except Blake Shelton. Gave. And consider it worth it, ’cause I never do that: I actually went back and looked at the number again, it was great. (Want to do the same? Click below.)
Carlos Rising (Team Blake), “Change the World” – Grade: C+ | The 28-year-old, who remembers Kelly as one of her first childhood crushes (ouch), did a totally competent job on her Eric Clapton cover. There was nothing special about it. He had a good accent (which Chance compared to Jamiroquai) and good control, but “good” and “good” probably weren’t going to carry him past the Battle. Even Kelly, who turned up with Blake, admitted she wanted to hear more dynamics.
Magnus (Team Chance), “Sara Smile” – Grade: C | After longing for a solo that was never given to her when she sang in the choir, this former middle-school chorus teacher finally got one Tuesday. But, although his runs went on for miles, there was a loneliness in the performance of the one-chair turn, as if he was not singing from the heart, but gave the impression that someone was singing from the heart. At least his coach was high on him. Magnus leaves Chance ready to free up space in his trophy case.
Art Banum (Team Niall), “Both Sides Now” – Grade: A | So ancient were those first notes, I’d immediately switch to kala (pronounced “koala without a o,” she explained). As it was, he eventually won over all the coaches except Blake. (WTH, man? She’d never heard a Joni Mitchell classic?) Neil, who went so far as to block Kelly, marveled at the “brittle and tender” qualities of Kala’s vulnerable moments. However, her power notes were equally impressive. Live Playoffs or Bust!
Jimmy Fallon, “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near)” | Yes. Hyping this is my jam By blind auditioning, the tonight show The host did such a good impression of Michael McDonald that it seemed like Chance had really been fooled. As synergistic promos go, it was pretty cool. but it’s better if we don’t get Excessive Because of this brief performance afterwards!
So, which blind auditioners of Night 2 brought music to your ears? Vote for your favorites in the poll below, then click on the comments.