Tag: The Voice

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The Voice: Billy Gilman & Andrew DeMuro Go Head-To-Head “Man In The Mirror”

Out singer Billy Gilman sang with fellow Team Adam member Andrew DeMuro in a head to head matchup on last night’s The Voice, taking on Michael Jackson’s classic “Man in the Mirror.”

What did the judges think?

Blake Shelton: “I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a more evenly matched battle. Billy has this voice that just cuts through everything, just like a laser voice. It’s so good, man. Then Andrew has all these little runs and things that he throws in there that separates from Billy. So, I don’t think you can go wrong here either way.”

Alicia Keys: “Billy your voice started out in this crystal space. And then you think of where we are in the world. It ended up making me feel that maybe things aren’t so bad as they sometimes seem, so thank you for that.”

In the end, Adam Levine moved Billy Gilman on to the next round.

I think they really were evenly matched here. Hottie Andrew is right in there, vocally on point and totally present in the moment.

And yeah, I’m always a sucker for a good “Man in the Mirror” cover.

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Former Child Country Star, Out Singer Billy Gilman Kills On THE VOICE

Back in 2000, Billy Gilman became the youngest singer to have a Top 40 hit on the country music charts with his first single, “One Voice.”

His debut album of the same name went on to be certified double-platinum. For several years, he was famous as “that child country singer.”

Gilman came out in 2014 just days after fellow country singer Ty Herndon came out publicly. At the time, Gilman said he’d struggled with Nashville due to “whispers” about his sexuality, and in the aftermath of Herndon’s story, he felt the time was right. You can read my post on Gilman’s coming out here.

Last night, Gilman was a surprise contestant on The Voice, and just like 16 years ago, created a sensation.

Now an adult, Gilman has found his true voice, his true sound; and all four judges were impressed.

I have to say I heard about his appearance before I saw it.

My first thought was, “Well, he’s not new to the industry and he had his shot. This might not be fair.”

But watching the video below, I think there is a new ballgame here in that Billy Gilman of today is a different singer, a different artist and a different person that the “Billy” of 2000.

Truth be told, he kicks butt here. Terrific vocal and presence. I’m thinking good thoughts for him as he starts this journey on The Voice.

And even more that he’s bringing visibility to the LGBT community.

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Jordan Smith Makes Spectacular Debut On Season Premiere of THE VOICE

Gwen Stefani blown away by Jordan Smith’s performance

This is The Voice at it’s absolute best.

Contestant Jordan Smith sings “Chandelier” by Sia on the season premiere of The Voice and blows the judges away. Gwen Stefani is so impressed she has to run up and hug Jordan.

I like that this clip doesn’t show you Jordan until the judges see him. Fans of the show are already rallying around Jordan.

Good luck, man. Great voice.

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Music Throwback: Karise Eden On The Voice Australia “It’s A Man’s World”

Taking a little trip on the “way back machine” this morning – three years ago on The Voice Australia, Karise Eden kills it on “It’s A Man’s World.” Check out how quick all four judges hit the red button.

This was the first season of The Voice Australia and clearly, Karise went on to win for good reason.

Her debut studio album landed at the top of the Aria Charts and was certified double platinum.

Find more of her music on iTunes.

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Singing Nun Winner of Italy’s THE VOICE Releases “Like A Virgin” As First Single

So, in what might have surprised many, singing nun Sister Cristina Scuccia won Italy’s version of THE VOICE this summer after she knocked the judges out with her soulful rendition of Alicia Keyes’ “No One.”

So, as the winner, Sister Cristina keeps the surprises coming by choosing Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” for her first single.

The 26-year-old told Catholic newspaper Avvenire about the choice:

“I chose it myself, without any desire to provoke or cause a scandal. By reading the text, without letting yourself be influenced by previous (interpretations), you discover it is a song about the ability of love to renew people, to redeem them from their past,” she added. “That’s how I wanted to interpret it. That’s why we transformed the pop-dance track it was into a romantic ballad a bit like Amos Lee, more like a secular prayer than a pop song.”

Her debut album, Sister Cristina, is set to be released on November 11th, with new interpretations of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know,” Coldplay’s “Fix You” and Alicia Keys’ “No One.”

Rock on, Sister. Rock on.

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New music: StrikeForce “One Day At A Time”

The brainchild of Steen James, StrikeForce’s debut single “One Day At A Time” features vocals by Yianna Stavrou – featured on Season 1 of Australia’s edition of “The Voice”, and has collaborated on tracks with Fabian Gray alongside her own solo projects.

With StrikeForce set up as a ‘‘think tank of creatives” led by James, future tracks will feature a variety of singers, writers & talent.

“One Day At A Time” originally started life with Australian producer Paul Wiltshire as a contemporary urban ballad, however the positive and uplifting lyrics and melodies offered more versatility & lent itself naturally to a “dance” vibe. In the hands of US based Producer/Remixer/DJ Mark Picchiotti, the song evolved into a feel good sing a long dance/pop anthem fusing elements of EDM & soulful house with gospel-tinged melodies.

The release also includes remixes by Jay-J, Club Junkies, JRMX and Pete Hammond.

Check out the official StrikeForce Facebook page.

World-wide release on November 18, 2013.  Check it out on iTunes.

(via press release)

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Cher to mentor Blake Shelton’s THE VOICE team this season

Blake Shelton & Cher at the Season 4 finale [photo: NBC]

THE VOICE has nabbed a huge coup in having the one and only Cher participate in the reality talent show as the mentor for Blake Shelton’s team.  From Yahoo Music:

Blake Shelton has as big and brash a personality as Cher’s, so this pairing should be a fun one. It should also be quite emotional for Blake. Backstage at last season’s “Voice” finale, Blake surprisingly revealed to Reality Rocks: “I lost my dad a year and a half ago. And my dad’s favorite artist on earth, bar none, no question, was Cher. My dad worshipped Cher. I wish he could have seen tonight’s episode, because I would’ve been texting him saying, ‘Hey, I met Cher! I took a picture with Cher!’…She has no idea about any of that, but it was a real big deal to meet her…she’s just as viable and important to music today as she ever was.”

Cher’s appearances will begin during the Battle Rounds commencing October 14.