May 11, 2011 
After last evening’s airing of The Battle Rounds Part One, I think it is safe to say that NBC’s new show, The Voice, is here to stay.
The singing duos were absolutely incredible – individually and collectively. And, they performed in front of a very receptive live audience and the complete panel of judges. No pressure there.
Unfortunately, one singer from each duo faced elimination by his/her mentor – Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton. Theirs was not an easy decision. All the singers arguably deserved to advance to the live rounds. They were all that strong.
Their concert-style performances easily made the viewer forget that their duo showcase was to determine their fate in this singing competition. Each singer performed with clearly defined style and skillfully trained vocal substance.
The final and strongest performance of the night was the duo from Cee Lo’s team, Niki Dawson and Vicci Martinez. They performed Pink’s “Perfect”. Both ladies delivered strong vocal performances but, in the end, it was Vicci’s tribal-influenced choreography that distinguished and escalated her above the very talented Niki.
Video of Vicci and Niki’s performance
My least favorite performance surprisingly came from Adam Levine’s team in the form of
Casey Weston and Tim Mahoney. Singing “Leather and Lace”, both singers delivered solid vocals but were a little lacking in style or charisma. In the end, Adam chose Casey.
Video of Casey and Tim’s performance
Christina Aguilera’s duo, Tarralyn vs. Frenchie, were extremely tense during rehearsals and their performance duo resonated as a competitive showcase, rather than a genuine performance between competitors. In the end, Christina chose Frenchie Davis. She clearly was the best singer of the two and displayed less attitude during the rehearsal process than Tarralyn.
Video of Tarralyn and Frenchie’s performance
That leaves us with Blake Shelton’s duo, Tyler vs. Patrick. Both gave strong vocal deliveries with Elvis Presley’s “Burning Love.”. A couple of the judges loved Tyler Robinson as did I, but in the end, Blake went for the star power of Patrick.
Video of Tyler and Patrick’s performance
I have to say, this was a tough call – their vocal and performing styles were so diverse. However, based on the voice alone, Tyler had the definitive edge.
This elimination has sparked a huge controversy, as I suspected it would.
What did you think of last night’s show? Were you upset over Tyler’s elimination? Are you slowly becoming a VOICE addict?
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I loved the duets on this, I felt that the format made the singers raise their standards, also there was some very good solid coaching going on.
I believe it would have been better if the audience had voted on the battle winners – taking it out of the coaches hands.
Tyler vs. Patrick – the first time I listened I thought on voice alone, Tyler won it and Blake was just going with his pre-determined choice (audience vote would better). Patrick just did not stand out. However when listening back, I appreciated Patrick a lot more.
Tarralyn vs. Frenchie – there was tension here between them that felt generated by Tarralyn. Frenchie was the better singer and much nicer to listen to – a power singer but with a really nice tone in her voice.
Casey Weston and Tim Mahoney – I loved this when they sang together but not separately.
Casey has a very strange tremour in her voice – bit like bleating lambs. And it just didn’t work for Tim – but I couldn’t say why.
I just loved Niki Dawson and Vicci Martinez together and they were together – not at war. I prefer Vicci’s voice and she seems to have an extra something – where she just makes you feel what she is feeling. The tribal dance is quite fun as well.
I have loved the auditions and this battle round. I will be sorry to go to live shows if that just becomes normal sing offs.
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Before either man sang, I assumed Blake would pick Patrick just because he has a country sound. He does have a great voice, but my daughter and I ended up preferring Tyler because his take sounded unique and original. This made me wish that a competing judge could pick up one of the discards for their team.
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Quote: Both ladies delivered strong vocal performances but, in the end, it was Vicci’s tribal-influenced choreography that distinguished and escalated her above the very talented Niki.
I agree, MCL. Both are very talented, but there’s a certain grittiness about Vicci. I could see her doing Joan Jett or Pat Benatar. She’s sort of the type Idol has been looking for. I’d say she’s a favorite.
I have mixed feelings about Frenchie. She certainly was the better singer. However, she has a lot of professional experience. Maybe a lot of them do. Yet, Idol did do wrong by her. I imagine she’ll get far if Idol fans are watching the show.
I like it, but don’t know if I will be a committed viewer. My hubbie thinks it’s a great show. ;o)
I miss the other format whereby you could use HTML. I think I mentioned this elsewhere, MCL.
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