31 December, 2013
6:23 PM
Erik Rapp, the best act and front runner, was eliminated last week, leaving mediocre Kevin Walker battling against popette Elin Bergman. I've been avoiding doing this recap and that's probably spoiling a lot already but since I've done such a great job not abandoning the other shows mid-season, I decided to complete this one as well.
Recap after the JUMP ...
22 December, 2013
5:26 PM
We are down to three after Restless Road was put to an end last week. While the boys promise to stick together, I just can't see it happening. It's the last opportunity for the Top 3 to impress the audience and win that 1 million recording contract. Will it be 90s rocker Jeff Gutt? Latino heartthrob Carlito Olivero? Or folk lovebirds Alex & Sierra? ... It's time to face the music!
Recap after the jump ...
20 December, 2013
5:09 PM
In yet another shock result last week, fan favourite Ellona Santiago got the boot, not even being able to sing for her life. Said sing-off was between Carlito Olivero and Rion Paige, resulting in Demi's final act being eliminated. Only four remain but only three can make it to the final. Who'll it be? .. It's time to face the music!
Recap after the jump ...
17 December, 2013
8:16 PM
We lost once front runner Matthew Schuler last week after a few inconsistent performances, proving that you're only as good as what you did last. During tonight's semi-final, the remaining five contestants will perform once and by the end of the week, two would've gone home. Who won't make it to the final? ... This is The Voice!
Recap after the jump ...
Published by
Kevin Mc Stravock
After ten weeks, The X Factor will crown its' winner this weekend and after Gary lost his final Group 'Rough Copy' in last week's final showdown, it's down to just three acts. Who will take over from James Arthur as X Factor UK winner, frontrunner Sam Bailey, long haired indie rocker Luke Friend or Scottish teen Nicholas McDonald?
Recap and videos after the JUMP...
10 December, 2013
7:33 PM
Published by
Kevin Mc Stravock
Tamera Foster was eliminated last week, leaving Nicole without an act in her category. Just four acts remain with one of them set to fall at the final hurdle. So who will miss out on the final? One of Louis' boys, Luke Friend and Nicholas McDonald, Sharon's Over Sam Bailey or Gary's group Rough Copy?
Recap and videos after the JUMP...
08 December, 2013
7:41 PM
Sweet Caroline Pennell and Ray Boudreaux were sent home last week after they found themselves in the B3 with frontrunner Matthew Schuler. The artists will perform twice tonight, one picked by themselves as a special dedication and another that was picked by their coach. Also, only one act will be sent home this time and the instant save will make it's last appearance of the season. Are you ready? ... This is The Voice!
Recap after the jump ...
06 December, 2013
9:52 PM
We didn't only say goodbye to Lillie McCloud last week but also to the awesome Josh Levi, again. This time, the remaining 6 contestants will be performing twice, a Diva hit and an Unplugged performance, just them and a microphone, nothing to hide behind. Who'll make it to next week's semi-final? ... It's time to face the music!
02 December, 2013
8:41 PM
Published by
Kevin Mc Stravock
Hannah Barrett was eliminated in sixth place after landing in the sing-off for the third time in a row with Rough Copy last week despite Tamera forgetting her lyrics again. This week is the first week that the contestants get to sing two songs. They will first of all be singing songs chosen by the public, earlier this week the public were given the power to choose one of three songs for each act by voting via the X Factor app and the most popular song for each act will be their performance this week. The other theme is Musical Heroes and one act will need a hero when they're eliminated.
Recap and videos after the JUMP...
01 December, 2013
4:47 PM
After Tim Olstad and Khaya Cohen (!!!) were sent home last week, only 8 remain in the hopes of winning a recording contract, with their debut album probably never seeing the light of day. Tonight, they'll face Big Band Night were they'll have to perform with a live 25 piece band. Are they up to the challenge? ... It's time to face the music!
Recap after the jump ...
30 November, 2013
5:12 PM
The lovely Matilda Melin was sent home while the mediocre Kevin got to stay one more week. Tonight, the Top 5 will give their songs an acoustic arrangement in this unplugged theme. One more will get the axe by show's end. Who will it be?
Recap after the JUMP ...
The awesome Sandra Wikström left us last week after a bunch of inconsistent performances. We are down to four and during tonight's Quarterfinal the remaining contestants will be taking on two songs each, one picked by the judges and one original song. Who'll leave us this week?
Recap after the JUMP ...
27 November, 2013
12:06 AM
Kat Robichaud and Austin Jenckes were sent home last week after indie darling Caroline Pennell was saved by the audience. We are down to 8 but by the end of the week, two more would've packed their bags. Will we've a shocker? ... This is The Voice!
Recap after the jump ...
25 November, 2013
12:07 AM
Published by
Kevin Mc Stravock
Sam Callahan was finally eliminated last week after weeks of remaining in the competition despite very underwhelming vocal performances. With Luke Friend landing in the bottom two, just three of the remaining six are yet to face the sing-off. This week the show is celebrating its' tenth anniversary with the acts performing songs by former X Factor contestants as well as the most memorable performances. So expect Leona, Alexandra and of course Wagner (I live in hope)!
Recap and videos after the JUMP...
21 November, 2013
8:18 PM
3! acts were sent home last week, Carlos Guevara, Sweet Suspense (!) and Rachel Potter (!!!!!). Despite several mediocre acts remain, it only takes one true star. Tonight, it's a British Invasion on the XF as the final 10 take on songs from Simon's homeland. As he puts it, "It's a celebration of me" ... It's time to face the music!
Recap after the jump ...
20 November, 2013
4:18 PM
Both Christina and Cee Lo lost one of their acts last week, Josh Logan and Jonny Gray. While their elimination was no surprise, I was kinda sad to see Jonny go since I'm really digging his "Another Day In Paradise" studio version. 10 become 8 this week. Will one of the coaches be eliminated this time? ... This is The Voice!
Recap after the jump ...
19 November, 2013
4:28 PM
Published by
Kevin Mc Stravock
Abi Alton was a shock exit from the show last week after landing in the bottom two alongside Hannah Barrett. This week, the remaining seven contestants sing songs from the 'Great British Song Book'. Basically that means they will be singing iconic songs by great British artists. It's Time To Face The Music!
Recap and videos after the JUMP...
15 November, 2013
7:28 PM
The lovely Matilda Melin was sent home while the mediocre Kevin got to stay one more week. Tonight, the Top 5 will give their songs an acoustic arrangement in this unplugged theme. One more will get the axe by show's end. Who will it be?
Recap after the JUMP ...
Even if "Firestarter" wasn't able to set the charts ablaze, it still got a respectable #9 charting and went on to become Sammi's second Platinum single.
(I've included the music video since I never posted it) Now she's back with her DNA produced third single, "Soldier", out today (November 15), and she's better than ever. Not only does Samantha look awesomely hot on the music video but she also sounds incredible on it. Inspired by the recent split with her boyfriend, she channelled all that anger and heartbreak into this killer to-be hit. "I was in the middle of getting through (the break-up) and I'm still not over it," she said "I was so sad and I wish someone had fought harder for me. I wish it had been 'The Notebook', we built a house and waited 10 years for each other". Samantha can next be seen on Seven's INXS mini-series, "Never Tear Us Apart", in which she plays Kylie Minogue. Her second album is expected to hit the stores around the same time, in February.
Videos after the jump ...
14 November, 2013
6:49 PM
A voting glitch occurred last week, meaning that our Top 13 remains intact. Last week they performed two songs each in the hopes to making it into the Top 12. Unfortunately, one of them will be going home at the start of the show, without being able to sing the song prepared. The theme this time is 80s Night, in yet another attempt to make this show flop even harder, and then, two more acts will head home. Whose dream will be crushed? .. It's time to face the music!
Recap after the jump ...
Published by
Kevin Mc Stravock
After the shock appearance of Tamera Foster in the sing-off against Kingsland Road last week, anything could happen. This week sees the return of an old favourite as Big Band makes a re-appearance. It's Time To Face The Music!
Recap and videos after the JUMP...
13 November, 2013
5:03 PM
Our Top 12 was decided last week when the coaches whittled down their teams from 5 to 3. Tonight, the remaining contestants will face each other for the first time this soon. Which two acts will be the first to hit the road? ... This is The Voice!
Recap after the jump ...
10 November, 2013
7:31 PM
The last remaining wildcard, Gabriel Alares, was eliminated last week. The Top 6 are now moving to the big arenas and with two songs each the pressure is higher than ever. Tonight, they'll be singing Swedish songs, not the best theme ever but this being a Swedish show, I'm shocked it didn't come sooner. Who'll miss on the Top 5?
Recap after the JUMP ...
07 November, 2013
11:04 PM
We've seen the Top 20 leave their hearts on stage and now, 8! of them will be heading home. Who will make it to the Top 12? Whose dreams will shatter? ... This is The Voice!
Recap after the jump ...
Last week, Josh Levi, Danie Geimer, James Kenney and RoXxy Montana were sent home by their mentors. 12 acts have advanced to the voting rounds and tonight, said acts will take on Motown, a questionable theme for a show that's flopping so bad. On top of the 'exciting' theme, Simon is bringing back one of the 4 eliminated acts, ala Diamond White of S2. Who'll be the lucky one? .. It's time to face the music!
Recap after the jump ...
06 November, 2013
7:31 PM
So I wasn't motivated enough to recap the auditions. Or the battles.
Or even the knockouts. At least I've been following the show, so I'm
truly ready to start covering it now, when things get exciting. This
year, with the addition of the steal during the knockouts, each team has
5 members, so 20 acts will compete in the playoffs. By the end of the
week, only 12 will advance though, so the pressure is higher than ever.
The original judges lineup is reunited this year and I can tell that
seeing them together makes me realize how much I missed them the
previous year, even if Shakira and Usher were good additions. Tonight,
Team Cee Lo and Team Christina will take the stage. Who'll impress us? ... This is The Voice!
Recap after the jump ...
So I wasn't motivated enough to recap the auditions. Or the battles. Or even the knockouts. At least I've been following the show, so I'm truly ready to start covering it now, when things get interesting. This year, with the addition of the steal during the knockouts, each team has 5 members, so 20 acts will compete in the playoffs. By the end of the week, only 12 will advance though, so the pressure is higher than ever. The original judges lineup is reunited this year and I can tell that seeing them together makes me realize how much I missed them the previous year, even if Shakira and Usher were good additions. Tonight, Team Blake and Team Adam will take the stage. Who'll impress us? ... This is The Voice!
Recap after the jump ...
04 November, 2013
3:59 PM
Published by
Kevin Mc Stravock
Last week saw the first surprise bottom two appearance of the series as Hannah Barrett sang for survival against Miss Dynamix. Predictably, but sadly, Miss Dynamix left despite giving a really good sing-off performance meaning that nine acts remain for disco week where you can expect the usual mix of songs from the 1800's and songs by unknown artists like Emeli Sandé and Robbie Williams.
Recap and videos after the JUMP...
01 November, 2013
8:27 PM
It was Sara Sangfelt who had to leave during last week's Top 9 night after a decent, but ultimately forgettable, take on Amy Winehouse's "Rehab". This week, the remaining 8 contestants will perform songs by previous Idol contestants, honestly, a phenomenal theme considering the amount of talent that has come out of Idol. Loreen, Darin, Agnes, Robin Stjernberg. Who'll impress?
Recap after the JUMP ...
Even if they weren't able to make it to the finale, the group had to be doing something right since they were instantly signed to Sony after the finale, along with the two runner-ups. One of the most disappointing moments of the season came when they were eliminated 4th,leaving us without the chance to listen to their would-be single. So here it is and it's as good as Nat promised. Cool, entertaining and truth to their style. The sound is infectious and Kelebek is at her best here, with her explosive rap shining through the song. The single is already out and hopefully, it'll do as well as it deserves.
Video after the jump ...
As you might have guessed, Chris isn't going to recap the show anymore. So you're stuck with me for the rest of the season. Thankfully, I've been following the show this year, so there was no catching up for me to do. This year the judging panel includes returnees Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato and newbies Kelly Rowland, former XF UK judge and Paulina Rubio, Latina singer, as famous in Latin America as she is in the US. With the show pulling lower ratings each passing week, it's starting to seem this will be the final season. 16 acts have made it to the liveshows but by the end of the night, only 12 will remain, the judges deciding which of their acts to keep. Will the talent impress this year? ... It's time to face the music!
Recap after the jump ...
Minutes after being crowned the winner, Dami's debut single was released on iTunes, quickly climbing to the top of the charts."Alive", produced and written by DNA Songs, isn't as disappointing as it was on first listen. Dami is an amazing live performer but I thought the song didn't honor her powerful pipes. Suffice it to say, the studio version sounds a lot better. Dami's self-titled debut, which will include the songs she performed on Idol, will hit the stores on November 22, so mark your calendars!
Studio version and album track list after the jump ...
It was Sara Sangfelt who had to leave during last week's Top 9 night after a decent, but ultimately forgettable, take on Amy Winehouse's "Rehab". This week, the remaining 8 contestants will perform songs by previous Idol contestants, honestly, a phenomenal theme considering the amount of talent that has come out of Idol. Loreen, Darin, Agnes, Robin Stjernberg. Who'll impress?
Recap after the JUMP ...
Published by
Kevin Mc Stravock
Another week, another fairly predictable result as Shelley Smith headed home after a second stint in the bottom two against boyband Kingsland Road. This meant that Sharon is now down to one act. However, the drama of last week centered on Miss Dynamix who were given a bye when pregnant SeSe fell ill in rehearsals. Will they be able to bounce back or will film night be their fanfare?
Recap and videos after the JUMP...
28 October, 2013
10:08 PM
THIRD D3GREE was eliminated during last week's semi-final after finding themselves in the B2 against favourite Taylor. Tonight, the Top 3 will battle it out one last time in the hopes of becoming Samantha Jade's successor. Will it be pop princess Dami Im? Bieber wannabe Jai Wateford? Or alternative singer Taylor Henderson? ... It's time to face the music!
Recap after the jump ...
Despite the fact "Set Me On Fire" wasn't able to set the charts aflame, Sony is staying in business with X Factor Australia S4 4th placer Bella Ferraro. The new single is titled "Forgot You" and while it displays Bella's captivating tone to perfection much as her first single did, it's also a much catchier tune, something I completely dig. The uptempo song also features Will Singe, also known as the best part of The Collective, Bella's fellow XF contestant, and while I've enjoyed Will in the past, his addition wasn't really necessary. The rap doesn't bring anything to an otherwise great song. It doesn't bother but I feel the song would've been even better without it. What I love about Bella is the fact that if I heard her on the radio, I'll instantly know it's her. Overall, another amazing effort from her, hope it's the hit she deserves.
Video after the jump ...
The Voice Australia S1 songbird brings us a song worthy of her talent. Emma Birdsall instantly charmed Seal with her take on "Mercy", prompting the singer to get on his feet and start dancing. While her Island Records debut is no dancing material, it's a fantastic first effort. Her short run on The Voice (she was sent home during the Top 16) didn't really give us much insight into what kind of artist Emma is and I don't think I'll ever pictured her doing something like this. There's a certain jazzy feel, yet the song feels current, something you could hear on the radio. It's quite beautiful to be honest and the video makes it even better. I'm eagerly awaiting for her album.
Video after the jump ...
Max Giesinger placed 4th on The Voice of Germany's first season, back in February 2012. A year later comes his newest single since the show, accompanied by an EP of the same name, "Unser Sommer". Personally, I don't understand a single word that's said but Max's voice captivated me from the moment he started singing. He's got such an interesting sound, I love his slightly raspy tone. To me, this song is the embodiment of summer, which probably makes sense since the title translates to "our summer".
Video after the jump ...
Monika May, also known as Monika Blomeid, rose to fame as a finalist on The Voice - Norges beste stemme. She made it to the Top 8 but she left a lasting impression, which prompted Universal to quickly snatch her and in October 2012 she released her debut single, "Ghost". And here it is. I've been meaning to post this for ages and only now I realized I haven't. The song is shocking, in the way it's not at all what I was expecting from her. It's a wonderful, uptempo, ethereal track, with massive appeal. Her quirky voice also sounds incredible on it, as I'd no doubt it would. While the album won't be ready for a while, this stunning music video is the perfect remedy for the wait.
Video after the jump ...
Published by
Kevin Mc Stravock
Sharon had a repeat of Week 1 in Series 4 last week with a fairly predictable bottom two as Shelley Smith and Lorna Simpson landed in the sing-off. Shelley receiving less votes from the public after being placed in danger following the flash vote made no difference as it was Lorna who went home in the end. This week will see the songs taking on Love and Heartbreak track but as Nicholas sings Robbie Williams and Abi tackles Kylie, who will be left heartbroken?
Recap and videos after the JUMP...
Last week, the Top 5 reinvented Aussie anthems but unfortunately, we said goodbye to the last of Foo's girls as Jiordan Tolli was sent home after finding herself in the B2 along THIRD D3GREE. The Top 4 will be taking on two songs each, with passion and power. Plus Tina Arena will be on hand to mentor the contestants. Who won't be making it to the finals? ... It's time to face the music!
Recap after the jump ...
After a shockingly bad performance, it was shy boy and former front runner George Shaid who was given the boot. 9 are left standing and this week they'll perform songs by artists "Gone Too Soon", which is basically a free theme, as long as the original performer is dead. Will we have another shock exit this time?
Recap after the JUMP ...
Sakib Zabbar was sent home last week, even after giving us a really interesting performance. This week, the 10 remaining acts will sing songs produced in Sweden, hoping that one day, one of their songs will be included on such a theme. Who'll be leaving us this time?
Recap after the JUMP ...
The wonderful Sarah Mathisen had to leave last week after an odd cover of Miike Snow's "Animal". While not the worst by any means, Sarah was a wildcard contestant and such a drastic style change was off putting. The 11 remaining contestants will be singing songs by their very own idols tonight.
Recap after the JUMP ...
The Top 6 took on songs chosen by their rival judges last week but unfortunately, not all the picks were successful as Omar Dean had to leave the competition after receiving the lowest amount of votes. It's Aussie Week tonight and our final 5 will perform some of the greatest Australian hits. Who'll disappoint their country? ... It's time to face the music!
Recap after the jump ...
Published by
Kevin Mc Stravock
All of the pre-recorded stages of the competition are now over meaning we're into the live shows. And, despite a few strange decisions, Sharon picking three belters from her category for one, the Top 12 looks fairly good with talent in every category. However, what will be the true challenge is this week's theme as the Top 12 take on songs from the 80's. Expect cheese, cheese and more cheese!
Recap and videos after the JUMP...
5 wildcards were handed last week, leaving us with 13 finalists. Unfortunately, after a disappointing performance, former X Factor Sverige contestant Juliette Holmqvist had to leave the competition ahead of the live finals. 12 remain but by the end of the night, one more will be heading home. Who'll it be?
Recap after the JUMP ...