‘The Voice’ finals, my ‘Idol’ Power 4
THE VOICE -- Episode 215 "Live Show" -- Pictured: Tony Lucca -- (Photo by: Lewis Jacobs/NBC)
Loading ...How excited was I about “The Voice” finale Monday night? I’m watching it on Tuesday morning.
My general impressions of each of the final four.
- Jermaine Paul (Blake Shelton) – He was a back-up singer and I can see why. He is a solid singer who tends to over-sing at times, but otherwise, he lacks the magnetism of a real star. He did do a good job tonight with both “I Believe I Can Fly” and Blake’s song “God Gave Me You.” He’s just not somebody I would go out of my way to see. He has virtually no shot at winning tonight. He just makes me wish Jamar Rogers was still around.
- Juliet Simms (Cee Lo Green ) – She had that amazing take on “Roxanne” a few weeks back and hasn’t quite been able to reach those heights since (though she came close on “It’s a Man’s Man’s World.”) She has the stage presence of a star. Her vocals are raspy and often interesting. She is no Pat Benatar, though. And she apparently was sick last night. She got swallowed up a bit when dueting with Cee Lo and her closing “Free Bird” (how cliche!) started weak, ended strong. I’m not sure it was enough to garner the votes to win it all.
What do you think of Christina's dress? CREDIT: Lewis Jacobs/NBC
- Chris Mann (Christina Aguilera) – He is like a duller version of Josh Grobin and naturally, he sings “You Raise Me Up” and adds nothing new to the equation. I am disappointed Christina stuck with him this long but I guess he brings some variety to the finale with his operatic background. And he has fans. He is definitely a dark horse tonight.
- Tony Lucca (Adam Levine) MJ over on her blog thinks Tony is going to win. The voters have been favoring the men to this point so that is a realistic pick. MJ also noted that he is the only singer who has been willing to rearrange songs, like he did covering Britney Spears a couple weeks back and tonight, with Jay-Z’s “99 Problems.” (He actually takes someone else’s cover but nobody will care. David Cook did the same thing.) There was some sort of controversy over the lyrics that peeved Christina. I’m not sure if that matters much for the voters. Although he hardly exudes youth in this pop world, he has enough vocal skills and personality to get a hit or two if properly channeled.
AMERICAN IDOL: THE FINAL FOUR L-R: Phillip Phillips, Hollie Cavanaugh, Josh Ledet and Jessica Sanchez. CR: Michael Becker / FOX
My power four for the final “Idol’ four.
1) Joshua Ledet. While I haven’t always liked his work, he is undoubtedly a good singer who brings a specific style to the stage. It’s been five season since a non WGWG has won this competition so maybe, just maybe, he’ll garner enough votes to win it all. I am a skeptic but I’m placing him on top this week because he is getting so much love from the judges and Jimmy Iovine and hasn’t had a really bad performance in awhile. As bloggers here note, though, he sometimes comes across as remote and uncomfortable off camera, which could hurt him.
2) Hollie Cavanagh. I never though I’d ever place her this high but she and Joshua would make an intriguing top two. She has been a dark horse throughout this competition, rising steadily. This type of singer tends to finish third (think Vonzell Solomon, Elliott Yamin, Haley Reinhart). But maybe she’ll move beyond that. Her improvements have been steady and noticeable and voters tend to like progress. And she truly is likable on and off stage.
3) Jessica Sanchez. She has a legion of fans who love her. But a good portion of the population, including me, find her less than authentic. She seems like she’s more play acting than really feeling the songs she sings. I have struggled to connect with her from day one and she has done nothing recently to change my mind. I do give her plenty of props for going for difficult songs and being fearless in general.
4) Phillip Phillips. Oh, Phillip. We know you’re sick. How sick? “Idol” gives us only glimpses. He’s skipped two Ford commercials. He avoids choreography whenever possible. He ignores fashion advice. He reluctantly sings duets he cant’ stand. What is he still doing here? He seems like he doesn’t want to be there anymore yet his fans have kept him out of the bottom three (or two, as it will be from here on in.). Let him go. Let him get his surgery and rest up for tour. He’ll be fine.
In other news:
- Clay Aiken, as predicted, is now in the final three for sure on “Celebrity Apprentice.” He got grilled pretty hard by John Rich Sunday night for playing it safe but Clay has played smart in my mind, generally keeping out of the big drama and keeping his composure through a lot of stress. His tastes are not modern or hip by any stretch, but that hasn’t hurt him to date. He is now up against smart egomaniac Aubrey O’Day and wily Arsenio Hall.
- Stefano Langone had something going on with Pia Toscano but apparently lost out of Mark Ballas. He also noted that AI 10 “Live” performers got a pay cut because AI 9 did so poorly. I wonder if AI 11 singers will get a pay raise. They certainly should. I expect the tour will do as well as last year, if not better.
- Greg Kot, the well-respected music critic at the Chicago Tribune, calls the “Idol” top four “particularly uninspiring.” He also doesn’t like Jimmy Iovine’s presence. I don’t agree with him. Do you?
- Chart update: Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl” holds at No. 7 on the Mediabase country chart, showing some upward momentum but this could still be her first single not to finish in the top two. (It’s at No. 31 on Hot AC) Kelly Clarkson’s “Mr. Know It All,” country version is at No. 33. Kelly’s “Stronger” is down to No. 9 on the top 40 chart after peaking at No. 1 and is no. 2 on Hot AC after also peaking at No. 1. Jennifer Lopez’s “Dance Again” is at No .17. Daughtry’s “Outta My Head” is struggling to get out of the 30s on Hot AC. Haley Reinhart’s “Free” is stuck at No. 39. Ruben Studdard’s “June 28th (I’m Single)” peaked at No. 16 on urban AC and is now at 19. Jennifer Hudson’s “Think Like a Man” peaked at No. 19 on urban AC and fell to 23.
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By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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117 comments Add your comment
Pitchy
May 8th, 2012
10:38 am
Thank you, RHo.
Pitchy
May 8th, 2012
10:39 am
They were talking on the radio this morning about how the cameraman kept panning around them singing and that her straps were too tight and fat oozing out.
Rodney Ho
May 8th, 2012
10:45 am
@Pitchy Judge for yourself. I think Christina still thinks she’s in “Fighter” weight, so to speak. Not so much anymore. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9_rOC3ZyUUg
Rickster (channeling his inner Simon)
May 8th, 2012
10:46 am
“He is a solid singer who tends to over-sing at times”
Is that a description of Jermaine Paul or Joshua?
cat
May 8th, 2012
10:48 am
I think Juliet blew it last night. Her first song was good but duo with CeeLo and Freebird were awful. I think Tony will win. I think Christina attacking him again will also garner some votes.
G
May 8th, 2012
10:49 am
The verbal spat between Christina and Adam last night was definitely on of the highlights. The word is that they’ve been sparring back stage for some time. It bubbled over last night when Tony Lucca (Team Adam) performed his own rendition of “99 Problems[and a B#!ch aint one]” (Jay Z). I must say Tony did a great job, and I did support him last night [along with Juliet]. Yeah he’s a WGWG, but he was very entertaining (different that PP).
But anyway, Christina felt the song was sexist, and Tony should’ve taken that into account; being that his wife and Daughter were in the audience. Adam responded by explaining why it wasn’t sexist and that it represented struggle. Christina responds: “A b!#ch ain’t one is not sexist?” Adam responds: “Haven’t you heard of a metaphor?” Then Adam rips his top layer shirt off and then sports a “Atina” or “Adina” T-shirt underneath. The crowd goes wild!
Juliet’s last performance was her best. I enjoyed most of all the duets. Blake and Jermaine was my favorite with “Soul Man”.
My thoughts on who will win:
1. Juliet Sims – She’s just so strong and consistent.
2. Jermaine Paul – He has a HUGE fan base.
3. Chris Mann – Probably gained more fans last night. Dark horse to win.
4. Tony Lucca – Most controversial. Probably lost a few women and gained a couple of male votes [for what it's worth].
Just like Idol………It’s not always about the best voice, especially when it comes to America’s free choice of votes.
JTesla
May 8th, 2012
10:53 am
Rodney, Clay is now in the final 3. Terese wasn’t in the top 4.
Greg Kot is jealous. As for Rodney’s power rankings, meh. Phillip is going to win, WGWG + sick = unbeatable. I would rank them Jessica, Hollie, Joshua, Phillip in terms of my own preference. However, I agree that Hollie or Joshua are destined for forgettable 3rd.
The dress? People are talking about the dress? Let’s talk about that tan!
Harriett
May 8th, 2012
10:53 am
Agree, Rodney–could not believe Juliet selected “Freebird.” How many lounge acts have I heard to that song. Cliche’ is correct. That hurt her, IMO. I do have to say that Jermaine wants this more than anyone up there, or seems to.
G
May 8th, 2012
10:56 am
As for Idol, my personal Power 4:
1. Jessica
2. Joshua
3. Hollie
8. Phil
How I think this thing shapes up:
8. Phil
1. Jessica
2. Hollie
3. Joshua
Deirdre
May 8th, 2012
11:03 am
Watched the video of Christina and “the dress”. Liked the guy.
Power rankings for me:
1. Jessica
2. Joshua
3. Hollie
4. Phil
missnadine
May 8th, 2012
11:03 am
xtina’s dress was so wrong for so many reasons, but, man can she sing. They should have had her on AI instead of J-Lo, who is an awful singer. I read an article in Marie Claire about Christina and her new boyfriend. She claims he loves her fuller figure, and that she does as well. I am not againt a full figured woman wearing a sexy outfit, but it just needs to fit right. It seems as if she always goes a size too small.
Rickster
May 8th, 2012
11:06 am
My Top 4:
1. Hollie
2. Jessica
3. Joshua
4. Phillip
How I think voters rank the Top 4:
1. Phillip
2. Jessica
3. Joshua
4. Hollie
Deirdre
May 8th, 2012
11:09 am
Thumbs up to Clay for managing not to become a turn-off on the Apprentice. So many of them get obnoxious during the process.
Sam-A
May 8th, 2012
11:13 am
Mercedes: That’s my sister’s theory too – that as a tween, she crushed on him and he wasn’t interested. If so, LONG time to carry a grudge, eh?
JTesla
May 8th, 2012
11:18 am
Deirdre, I’ve been really impressed by Clay. He stands up for himself when he needs to. I was especially impressed when he battled my favorite celebrity Penn Jillette. However, right now I want “anyone but Aubrey O’Day”.
Deirdre
May 8th, 2012
11:18 am
I think she probably doesn’t like him because he knows her……and isn’t in awe.
G
May 8th, 2012
11:20 am
Idol re-format suggestion: If you play an instrument, that will only be allowed until the top 10. Top 10 performers should only be allowed to sing and drop their instruments to the side. Therefore, the WGWG will have to find other ways to compensate for weak vocals.
Deirdre
May 8th, 2012
11:21 am
JT, I haven’t been watching but I’ve always been impressed by Clay. He has a strong personality without being rude(although Kelly Ripa might disagree), he’s intelligent and likable. He seems like a good guy.
Rickster
May 8th, 2012
11:22 am
Respected Music Critic? Isn’t that a contradiction in terms?
While I agree that the Top 4 are uninspiring, I think that Jimmy is the voice with the firmest grip on reality of the five major on-air figures. They could get rid of the judges altogether & just let Jimmy pick the ones who get to and through Hollywood and into the lives shows.
The three judges are as irrelevant to the show as his campaign manager is to Newt Gingrich.
marcus
May 8th, 2012
11:24 am
Good thoughts/impressions on “The Voice” finals, however, here’s my personal power ranking for “AI”:
1. Jessica
2. Joshua
3. Hollie
4. Phillip
But here’s my prediction come results night this Thursday:
1. Phil -safe
2. Jessica -safe
3. Hollie
4. Joshua
JTesla
May 8th, 2012
11:25 am
I agree Rickster, I would say that the top 4 are very talented, but they are also very uninspiring. I like the idea of just letting Jimmy do it all.
Grasshopper
May 8th, 2012
11:26 am
What does WGWG stand for?
bknsty14
May 8th, 2012
11:27 am
White Guy With Guitar
Mercedes S.
May 8th, 2012
11:36 am
We don’t read Chicago media here!
My Top Four (favorites) in order:
1. Hollie
2. Joshua
3. Jessica
4. Philip
Would love to see a Hollie/Joshua showdown! Specially since they seem to be such good friends.
As for the dress – Xtina had no friend in the producer/director/cameraman of “Voice” – because the dress was at least a size too small, her back was layered (3) in muffin tops.
Harriett
May 8th, 2012
11:37 am
SAm, that was my theory. A woman scorned.
Deirdre
May 8th, 2012
11:40 am
If it were to come down to a girl vs a guy, I’d vote for Jessica or Hollie over Phil(not that I don’t like Phil, I just think he should not win given his proclivity to “do his own thing” against the advice of experts…which I actually admire but think would hurt him in the business)
I would vote for Jessica over Joshua(maybe, depending on the final performances).
I would vote for Joshua over Hollie.
JTesla
May 8th, 2012
11:49 am
How I’d vote in the final:
Phillip > Joshua
Hollie > Phillip and Joshua
Jessica > Hollie, Phillip, and Joshua
Rickster
May 8th, 2012
11:58 am
I’d vote for Hollie over anyone else.
I don’t know if I’d vote for any of the others.
Pitchy
May 8th, 2012
12:04 pm
Thank you so much, RHo. That’s exactly what I wanted to see. When I finally saw her back, all I could do was “gasp.” She should have been concerned with her boobs falling out. I just don’t undestand why Hollywood women feel they have to show so much cleveage. It’s not even pleasing or flattering. Don’t want to see all that. Wait, wait, I’m a woman….
Carry one.
JTesla
May 8th, 2012
12:08 pm
She’s an Oompa Loompa, they aren’t as hung up about woman’s breasts as the rest of us are. In fact in their native land the female Ooompa Loompa’s walk around wearing nothing but skorts. They’re an odd folk.
bknsty14
May 8th, 2012
12:28 pm
I thought her boobs were going to fall out too. When she was in her coaching session with Chris, she was wearing a white and pink sweater and had make-up with really soft tones. She looked great during that. Then she seems to almost always hooker herself up for the show. Just tone it down, Christina. She’s attractive, but for some reason dresses like a plus sized prostitute in WAY too tight clothes for the live show.
Rickster
May 8th, 2012
12:31 pm
After reading the write-up, I’m hoping that Tony Lucca wins just to tick off Xtina.
Idull Watcher
May 8th, 2012
12:34 pm
Christina has had something up her bumm all season…. Not sure what the history is with she and Tony, but she definitely does not like or support him. About her outfit, give me a break – you’re singing “The Prayer” and I’m thinking “please don’t let one of those puppies fall out during your prayer time!!!!” and then I think, “maybe you should just turn around and let us see from the back side….and eeeewwwww!!!”
The girl may be talented to a degree, but she comes off as a real diva.
Alex
May 8th, 2012
12:37 pm
Here’s how I see the Top 4 playing out.
Jessica will get the lowest votes this week but the judges will “discover” a long lost save.
Next week two will have to go home to stay on schedule.
Jessica and Joshua will be the two lowest vote getters but, as you can imagine, the judges declare the show just cannot go on without the best singer in America (Randy about Jess) and the best singer of the past 50 years (JstankHo on Josh). Both will come back.
What was originally the “finals” for the top two now comes down to a triple elimination.
The bottom 3 are Phil, Jessica and Joshua, so Hollie should be the winner. The judges run on stage and admonish the voting public for their stupidity. The producers, sensing a cash cow, agree to extend the show for one more week.
Finals night and the phone lines are open for just 30 minutes so there will be a frenzy of voting. Ryan announces the numbers for each contestant are:
Joshua – *1
Jessica – *2
Phil – *3
Hollie – *2950173395671000276398264401992378219001922733673625278550928271167633887372626155362737299477992125347292010918272726661a177282909177464881163688448550919172626151553621278119920202019112.
As you would expect, Hollie comes in with the lowest vote totals and finishes 4th.
The winner? Meh……
Deirdre
May 8th, 2012
12:41 pm
I’m sensing some bitterness from Alex.
Sam-A
May 8th, 2012
12:43 pm
Bkn et al: It’s called “taste” – Christina has none. Ergo she always dresses like a cheap hooker. More is better than “just right”, ie cleavage, butt-hugging, too tight to breathe. There are women who wear very expensive designer clothes, but still look cheap, and she’s one of them.
Alex
May 8th, 2012
12:49 pm
Deirdre
May 8th, 2012
12:41 pm
Nah. I just agree with the guy ROHO mentioned. The top 4 is uninspiring (IMO).
Rickster
May 8th, 2012
12:55 pm
Enter your comments here
bknsty14
May 8th, 2012
1:01 pm
I love Hollie’s phone number. And the fact the there is an “a” in it.
My top four: (since everyone else did one)
1. Hollie
2. Josh
3. Jessica
4. Skylar
Yes, that’s right. I refuse to acknowledge PP’s existence in this competition anymore. Therefore, if he does win, then there is no winner. Just 5th place and lower. Should’ve been gone last week and has lost the tag of “deserves to be there”.
And as for the outfits these ladies (and I use that term loosely) wear, They both wear these skin tight, boobs hanging out, short, short skirts, and then people wonder why teenagers dress like they do. Look at JHo and Xtina and think how many teens watch these shows.
But, whatever. These are singing competitions, so Hollie and Chris.
Deirdre
May 8th, 2012
1:03 pm
I don’t think they are uninspiring at all. This is the first time in quite awhile that we can’t seem to settle on who should be eliminated next. This group is hard to get a handle on. While conventional wisdom says Phil will win, there’s been very little that’s conventional about this season.
Mostly, there’s been too many favorites from which to choose.
Deirdre
May 8th, 2012
1:05 pm
Therefore, if he does win, then there is no winner
Is that the same as “there is no spoon”?
bandmom09
May 8th, 2012
1:06 pm
I lost what little respect I had for ‘Xtina’. She was so out of line talking to Tony the way she did. Something is really up between them. I agree, I hope he does win so she is pissed off. And I thought she was going to fall out of the dress while singing with Chris. I think the cameramen did too because they kept a tight shot of their faces for a long time. I think the judges got rid of the best talent. Last night was just so-so. Ready for Idol.
Alex
May 8th, 2012
1:09 pm
I do find it interesting that Christina commented on the content of the song and how it “degraded” women. Look at the way she dresses and check out this video and tell me which one degrades women the most.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQdYumD6Kdc
bknsty14
May 8th, 2012
1:13 pm
We are living in The Matrix.
He has just clearly given up. And no matter the reason why, if he does win, after really bad performances and a clearly indifferent attitude towards the competition at this point, it will show a clear flaw in the system in which a winner is picked. I’m in Hollie’s corner 100% as a fan, but I’m almost at a point where I feel like “anyone but Phil Phillips” is my new motto.
Rickster
May 8th, 2012
1:27 pm
ooops… sorry folks.
MyPatootie
May 8th, 2012
1:32 pm
Watched “The Voice” for the first time this year up until about 2 weeks ago, and go disinterested. Too much about the judges and their manipulation of the artists. A couple of those already dismissed should have won it. Not at all interested in any of the four left. No talent hardly at all. Also, about to feel the same way about AI this year. Have almost lost interest for the first time. After the judges saved Jessica, and overrode the fan’s votes, that about did it for me. I really don’t care which one of the final four wins it. None of them really impress me that much. I do have some hope for Holly since she has been “picked on” so much. Would be happy for her if she won it.
Mercedes S.
May 8th, 2012
1:39 pm
“the judges (Voice) got rid of the best talent” – very true
Mercedes S.
May 8th, 2012
1:41 pm
Saw abt 5 secs of that horrid Xtina video… good grief, if she has a mother I hope that crap was kept from her.
Deirdre
May 8th, 2012
1:42 pm
I think they are all credible winners.
Hollie has kind of risen from the ashes much like Haley last year….and maybe we can thank the judges for that. Her tendency to go sharp on some notes is finally under control and maybe it’s because the constant criticism from the judges forced her to question what she could do to fix it. Also, last week she seemed totally relaxed on stage as opposed to, as Melinda Doolittle said, counting her steps in her head (one, two, three, turn)
Phil is a musician first and then a singer. He interprets the music rather than make it sound pretty. I like him a lot BECAUSE it isn’t pretty. But he doesn’t want to win and I can’t blame him so I won’t be voting for him.
Jessica has a wonderful voice and if she’s in the final and gets to choose a song that she has already sung, she can win the whole thing by singing I Will Always Love You again
Joshua is such a throw-back to the style of music I used to love that I can’t help but hope he wins. I would be very happy to see that over-the-top R&B return to the airwaves.
So, of all the contestants left, I think that the WGWG should not win…but only because it will hurt him more than it will help him.
Atticus Joad
May 8th, 2012
1:44 pm
Why does Christina hate Tony Lucca so? Did he reject her back on the Mouse Club or what? She’s taken all kinds of unnecessary swings at him all season long.