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April 28, 2011

"The Voice" is the new "American Idol"

Reality Show Television Is Changing!

For all fans of reality singing competitions, if you watched "American Idol" last night and "The Voice" a couple of days ago, which captivated your attention more?

As an avid fan of "American Idol" since the day that Kelly Clarkson blew us away with "A moment like This,"  the show "American Idol" has been on every season for the past decade.
The rise of the show primarily started with the humiliation of several hopefuls trying to hit the stage only to be cursed with hysterical laughter and cruel comments from the judges during the singing competition.
Of course anyone watching reality television may not wish to admit it but the main reason they watch it is the drama, and drama it's been for the most part on that show.  However the days of "American Idol" and the last seasons that I've forced myself to watch including the Ellen DeGeneress days are hopefully coming to a screeching halt.
Music fans want to hear voices that are good, not terrible.  It's no longer fun to watch the humiliation of several young individuals on television.  Why is this?  Sadly we've all become desensitized to this.  When the show first had it's first debut, none of America had ever seen such things as this.
"American Idol" has now become just as mundane and pointless as the "Real World", the very first reality show ever created.  Yet MTV seems to think there is a niche for young people to watch it. Sorry MTV but the viewers of this show are adults now and the same applies for "American Idol."

The show was targeted at young kids in their teens and very early twenties.  Now that we are all grown up we don't really care who is "American Idol" anymore.  The days of watching the same shows we all watched in high school and college are over.  Let's face it, every generation has to grow up sometime.

The one-time viewers of shows such as "American Idol" and the "Real World" are grown-ups, having their own children, wives and husbands.  Watching teeny boppers play out what was once reality has passed.
The once younger generation that watched these shows now have children.  I wouldn't want my five-year-old watching the Real World anymore than the next person.  Heavy boozing, fighting, and trying to become famous is all that show has become.

This season American Idol has lightened up, so to speak on the contestants.  However Steven Tyler curses like a sailor and the girls on the show are dressed up like hookers.  Family television?  I think not.
Watching "The Voice" I've realized that this is how I want my child to view the world of contestants in a singing competition.  Aspiring artists that are given praise and constructive people to work with. I'm not afraid that Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, or Cee Lo Green will drop the "F" bomb during the middle of nowhere.

The singers and songwriters that the generation of American Idol watchers grew up with and enjoy are the coaches of "American Idol."  Some may remember the days of "What a Girl Wants,"  and seeing Christina Aguilera literally rise to fame. Many girls swooned over "Maroon Five's", Adam Levine, downloading our new "camera" featured phones with "This Love."

Demographics simply apply to all of what I see. The age of care-free, classless trash television was alright in college for most of us, but now with families of our own it's simply intolerable and boring, especially when it comes to a singing competition that airs on national television.
"The Voice" is truly a family show and intrigues the demographic that has grown up and watched "American Idol" and the "Real World," which is now old news.  Out with the old trash television, and in with "The Voice,"  a reality television singing competition that is actually highly entertaining and makes us feel good about what we're all watching for once.

Please feel free to provide your comments below or at "The New & Better American Idol" page.
April 27, 2011

The Voice Blind Audition - Part 1

The show was extremely entertaining as the judges kicked off the night with "Crazy," by Cee Lo Green and went right into competition mode as Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, and Cee Lo Green took their respective chairs to hear what they consider to be "The Voice."

Right out of the box the first girl to sing, Tarralyn Ramsey, was favored by both Cee Lo and Christina.  Winning the girl over as coach, Christina said, "I really thoroughly enjoyed what you did."  Ramsey went on to tell host Carson Daly, "I love Christina.  She's a singer-singer."

Patrick Thomas came out after and won over Adam, Cee Lo, and Blake Shelton's favor. The boy sang "Live Like You Were Dying.”  It seemed like Blake was letting the contestant sweat it out a bit until he pressed the hot button and to Thomas’ parent's delight, was amazed by Thomas and his voice.  Thomas choose to be on Blake's team due to the country angle.  It might have helped that Blake also told the kid he had the right avenues to make him a country star.

Jared Blake, who had a nice voice but not the tone to impress the judges, was graciously praised by judges Adam and Blake.

When Vicci Martinez appeared on screen, television viewers were asked to play along with the judges.  All of America had not a clue what she looked like until Cee Lo and Christina turned around.  Her rendition of "Rolling in the Deep" was very impressive.  She decided to be on Cee Lo's team because he had said that her song, "Touched his heart."

Unfortunately Sonia Rao, although dismissed kindly as a "very attractive girl," according to Christina, didn't quite hit the red button with any of the judges.  "The train does not stop here with us," said Christina kindly.

It became hysterical and interesting when the married pair “Elenowen” came on stage.  Blake became confused as the wife's voice soon became her husband’s. This dynamic duo hit it off with both Cee Lo and Blake combating for the two to join their coaching teams.  Cee Lo seemed to have confused the couple and all of America when he said he would like to do something on a “broad spectrum” comparative to "Sonny and Cher."
Blake won them over by his statement, "This business is tough when it comes to things like relationships and I've seen it and I know how to protect ya'll."
The wife gave her husband the choice between Cee Lo and Blake. Husbands across the country would have probably made the same decision he did and gone with Blake to coach the couple.

Frenchie Davis, who first appeared on American Idol, has not given up on her dreams whatsoever.  Christina was the first and only judge to turn around. Since there wasn’t any competition amongst the judges, her obvious and only choice was Christina's team.

When Kelsey Ray entered the stage with the song “American Boy,”  Cee Lo, Adam, and Christina wanted her on their teams.  Ray was delighted as she felt like she was just a “Pretty face who could sing.”  The blind auditions proved that wrong and she was teary eyed.  Ultimately she made a strange choice, especially being as beautiful as she is, and went with Cee Lo as her coach.  Hopefully he’ll work on her voice and not hitting on her.

All four of the judges wanted Jeff Jenkins on their teams.  Although the song Jenkins sang was a country song, he choose to be on Adam's team.  “You’re incredible,” said Adam.  “I really wanna work with you very, very bad.”  Jenkins later explained to Daly, “Adam just really acted like he could work with me.”

Adam and Christina had a small feud when Rebecca Loebe took the stage with “Come As You Are.”  Christina found it “inspiring.”  Adam said, “I just felt it. I had to do it.”  Adam seemed a bit annoyed with Christina.  Is there a possible feud between the two?  Time will tell.  Ultimately Loebe choose Adam.

I think all of America was waiting for a big voice or another Susan Boyle when Joann Rizzo took the stage.  To everyone’s dismay and awkward viewing pleasure “I say a little prayer,” finally ended.  The judges were courteous and gracious as with everyone that didn’t get the opportunity to choose a coach or have one at all.  “Lovely voice, great job,” was about all they said which was extremely kind.

Shy, 16-year-old Xenia Martinez came out with the song “Break Even” and Cee Lo and Blake were fighting for her to be on their teams.  Blake was the winner with his comment, “Shocked you’re a 16-year-old girl and already great.”

Cee Lo won the next round with a rendition of  “Just the Way You Are,” by Tje Austin.
Austin’s original style and fro caught the judge’s attention as well.  Adam really loved his look, but he choose Cee Lo to be his coach.

Javier Colon blasted everyone out of their seats with “Time After Time,” including all four of the judges.  “I wanna win this ****,” said Adam.   “So I really need you to pick me.”  Christina seemed to want Colon on her team just as badly.  At one point during the decision making process Adam actually rolled his eyes at Christina.  Colon made his choice and it turned out to be Adam.  At this point Carson Daly picked up on the tension and said, “Adam has just one-upped Christina.”

When the last contestant came out and both Adam and Christina were vying for her to be on their team, Christina had this to say about Adam. “He is a little bit of a wheeler-dealer.  He’ll sell a used car to your grandma.”  The tattooed, bald-headed, Beverly McClellan seemed a bit smitten with Christina and choose her to be her coach.

Now that all four of the coaches have three contestants on their team it seems to be pretty peaceful for the most part. However those odds won’t stay around for long, but the drama sure looks as if it will.
April 26, 2011

Season Premier of The Voice

April 26, 2011.  Tonight is the night that we've all been waiting for!  The season premier of The Voice!

After having watched Thursday's sneak preview just 6 days ago, I've been eagerly anticipating the possible feuds that may go on between the judges/coaches. Granted it will all be in fun, not in haste.  Nevertheless, with such an obvious difference between all four of the judges at this point it will be very interesting to see which judge the successful contestants will choose.

I think that Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green are definitely going to have the most competition amongst each other due to the fact that they both like soulful R & B singers.  I'm guessing most of the girls who make it would probably choose Chistina as their coach.  I hate to discriminate but she has much more repertoire then Cee Lo Green. She's been in the business since childhood and is an inspiration to many young singers.  Christina is an incredible singer and the women trying out have literally grown up with her as an idol in some cases.

Adam Levine is probably going to be the inspirational coach for more alternative singers with more edgy unique voices.  His voice is obviously interesting and unique.  This could cause problems for him as he is not as soulful or may I say well-rounded as the other judges.

Speaking of well-rounded, Blake Shelton claims that he isn't going to be picking only country stars.  If you sing country however, who do you really think you would pick as your coach, Cee Lo Green?  I don't think that will happen.  The popularity of Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton is a bit more acclaimed and I'm sure the contestants making it through the initial round are probably going to take that into consideration.

It will be very interesting as to how this plays out.  I can't wait for the fueds between the coaches/judges as I'm sure there will be at least one if us viewers are lucky.

Coaches For The Voice

The Competition Begins:

Christina Aguilera

Referred to as the "voice of her generation", Christina Aguilera is an American recording artist and actress. This blue-eyed soul singer has sold nearly 50 million albums worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
* Her niche includes pop, soul, and R&B
According to Aguilera, she "prefers soulful singers."







Cee Lo Green

Thomas DeCarlo Callaway, known by his stage name of Cee Lo Green, is an American singer-songwriter, rapper and record producer.
Originally starting as a  member of the southern hip-hop group Goodie Mob, Green later found his own solo career.  He's famous for the hit "Crazy", reaching number one in singles charts around the world.
* His niche includes hip hop, soul, and R&B.
Could there be more competition between him and Christina?






Adam Levine
Adam Levine is an American singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the front man and guitarist for the rock band Maroon 5.  In February 2010, he was among approximately 80 musicians who sang on the charity-single remake of "We Are the World" called "We Are the World 25 for Haiti".
* His niche is a far cry from hip hop as his genre is along the lines of pop rock, and alternative rock.







Blake Shelton
 
Overall, Blake Shelton has had seventeen singles on the country charts, including eight number one hits.  Shelton has been nominated for nine awards and has taken home four, including Male Vocalist of The Year in 2010.
* His genre is country music.
Blake Shelton claims he is "not only looking for country vocalists."








CREDITS:
Some of the biographical information about the coaches for The Voice was derived from sources at Wikipedia, and we have made appropriate citation to those sources, respectively.
April 22, 2011

Thursday's Sneak Preview of The Voice

If you didn't get to watch the sneak preview of the upcoming show "The Voice", then you really missed what many people are describing as an awesome singing talent program.

The short 12-minute snippet of The Voice began with the performance of "Crazy" by the four Voice coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green, and Christina Aguilera. Crazy, the 2007 Grammy Award winner for Best Urban/Alternative Performance, is the debut single from the album St. Elsewhere from Gnarls Barkley, a musical collaboration between Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green.  The audience, and likely many television viewers, roared with approval of this awesome rendition of this very popular song!
Having only watched the sneak preview of this new show, this introductory melody may have many viewers wondering whether or not this is the common theme of The View, and if the coaches will be singing various renditions of their own songs?  I personally hope that the producers have planned to do this, not only for the audience, but as an inspirational motivation for the contestants as well.

The Contestant:
Patrick Thomas.
The contestant chosen to audition on this sneak preview was Patrick Thomas from Nashville, Tennessee.
Patrick sang the song "Live Like You Were Dying" by country music artist, Tim McGraw.  Patrick did great justice to Live Like You Were Dying, and two of the coaches, Adam Levine and Cee Lo Green were the first of the four coaches to push their button to indicate their interest in Patrick's singing.  Shortly thereafter Blake Shelton hit his button to signify his interest of Patrick's rendition of this beautiful country music song.  Finally, Christina Aguilera pusher her button to spin around in approval of this aspiring singer's talent.  However, Christina Aguilera humbly admitted that she was not the best coach for the genre and style this young man chose, and confidently referred the other three coaches to Patrick.

Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green all had an interest in coaching Patrick, and they all shared their passion to help him down his upcoming path at The Voice.  The three coaches poked fun at one-another and joked among themselves about their specific reasons for pushing the button for Patrick, but in the end Patrick chose Blake Shelton as his coach, admittedly because Blake Shelton is a famous country music artist.

First Impression:
My first impression of this program is that it really looks like something that I will enjoy watching and following.  It appears as though The View has found some very talented contestants, and the coaches are friendly, funny, and very passionate about their role in helping aspiring musicians to achieve success.
I cannot wait to watch the season premier of The Voice.
April 21, 2011

The Voice Contestant: Jared Blake

Jared Blake.
Jared Blake is from Nashville, Tennessee, and the world of country music and Southern rock better watch out for this one!
People tend to jump to conclusions when they first see Jared, complete with tattoos, shaved head and ripped jeans.  However, A dedicated father of three little girls and one son, Jared’s tough guy image softens between the letters of his lyrics.  The coolest thing about Jared Blake is that although he’s had his share of hard knocks, when he performs everything seems so natural  and he’s there completely.

Will a southern rock singer be the winner, "The Voice", of season 1 of The Voice? 

You'll have to watch and see!

The Voice Contestant: Sonia Rao

Sonia Rao.
Sonia Rao is a beautiful singer with a pleasantly warm voice.  She was born and raised in Freehold, New Jersey, and currently lives in San Francisco, California. She lived and studied at the University of California at Berkeley, and composes her songs in what she calls a "little multicolored room."
A classical violinist, Sonia works to implement her instrument with blues and country music, and putting her songs out there for the world to love or hate.
According to Sonia Rao herself, she is a singer, songwriter, and word-lover, translating what she sees in this world into songs.
From the information provided at one of her websites, Sonia has strong family values and has been performing live for about 2 years.

Sonia is among a number of gifted and qualified contestants that will be performing on The View.
.

The Voice Contestant: Javier Colon

Javier Colon.
With the release of his self-titled debut in 2003, Javier Colon proved to be a welcome addition to the arena of intriguing R&B singers. Not since Babyface has there been an artist who can write and sing such beautifully composed songs while playing an acoustic guitar.
Javier is sure to be in the competition till the end, and some fans claim he will be the overall winner.  Although it may be a little early to predict, we know that there are many awesomely talented singers that will be auditioning on The Voice!
April 20, 2011

Sneak Previews of "The Voice" Coming Soon!

NBC is challenging Fox as they step into the genre of American Idol with their new television series "The Voice."  As with Idol, it's a singing competition, however "The Voice" will be focusing on contestant's actual voices rather than what they look like.
Celebrities Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton are the new shows four musician coaches.

A 12-minute sneak peek featuring the celebrities is to air on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at 11:35-11:47 p.m. (EST) prior to "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno." The celebrity musicians will also be performing Green's hit "Crazy."

NBC will also feature two-minute clips as the four celebrity coaches come together to perform on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 11:30 p.m. right before Saturday Night Live.

Fans of late night television will not miss a minute of either shows as NBC is extending the time slots.  "SNL"  will end at 1:02 (EST) for example.

American Idol is in jeopardy of future seasons according to Cee Lo Green. "Quite honestly, I felt like American Idol and these other entities had run their course," said Green.

"The Voice" hosted by Carson Daly, premieres Tuesday, April 26 at 9 p.m. (EST)

About The Voice

Many people are wondering what "The Voice" is all about, and how it differentiates from American Idol.
To get a better understanding of how The Voice works the format goes something like this:

Essentially the show features three stages of competition:
  • The Blind Audition
  • The Battle Phase
  • The Live Performance
The Blind Audition
In preparation for the blind auditions The Voice's casting team has been diligently working with music industry professionals, searching the Unites States for contestants to appear for the blind audition process in this latest new singing competition.
The blind audition process is where contestants sing before the four musician coaches: Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.  However, unlike American Idol, the four coaches face away from the contestants while they perform.  This way the coaches do not judge the contestants by their clothing, hairstyle, or the image they portray.
When a contestant is auditioning and one or more of the coaches have a desire to work with the contestant, the coach pushes a button and their chair rotates around to face the contestant.  In the event that more than one coach desires to work with a contestant, the contestant makes the ultimate decision of what coach they wish to work with throughout the singing competition.  Ultimately each coach will acquire a team of contestants.

The Battle Phase
Once the four teams are set each coach will dedicate themselves to their respective team members by offering their professional advise and experience to develop the singers in preparation of the live performance.  However, before the live performance and during the battle rounds, each coach will set a face-off between two of their own team members in which the two contestants will both sing the same song together in front of the studio audience.  After the face-off each team coach will chose which singers will advance to the live performance.
At the conclusion of the battle episodes, only the best contestants of each coach's roster remain and will proceed to the live stage performances.

The Live Performance
In this final "live performance" phase of The Voice singing competition, the top contestants from each team must compete against each other during a live broadcast. During this final performance the television audience will vote to save one contestant on each of the four teams, with the coach ultimately deciding which member they want to save. Ultimately each coach will have his/her best contestant left standing to compete in the finale. Finally, from these final four contestants, one will be voted "The Voice"!

The winner will receive the grand prize of a recording contract and $100,000. 

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