When it comes to competition reality shows, I pretty much stick to “The Amazing Race” and every cooking competition show ever made. I have never really gotten into talent-based competition shows like “American Idol,” “America’s Got Talent,” and “The X Factor.”
One show that has been transcending past that preference for 7 seasons now is “The Voice.” I have divulged my love for “The Voice” here on several occasions, and a few seasons back I even did weekly recaps and shared my favorite moments from each episode. I should start doing that again… Next season, maybe?
This season of “The Voice” has had its highs and lows for me. I have gone through most of the season trying to pick favorites, but one week someone will do something I really like and then by the next week I have forgotten about most of them. There are two performers that I would like to see more of, but this season has certainly been a low-point with talent when compared to past seasons.
One thing that has been memorable on the show is, of course, the music. Some songs from this season were new to me, while others I’ve been listening to for years, or on a few occasions, my whole life. There is a really great blend of music featured on “The Voice,” which I have always appreciated.
Here are some of the songs that have been covered this season on “The Voice” that have inspired me to put in my headphones and listen to on repeat for far longer than I’d care to admit.
Taylor John Williams: “Heartless”
Portland street performer Taylor John Williams added a new twist to Kanye West’s “Heartless” by slowing it down and adding his guitar to create a new version no one would expect for his blind audition performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFdJCdb-doY
The studio version of Taylor John Williams’ cover of “Heartless”:
Joe Kirk: “Lego House”
Joe Kirk’s blind audition surprised me. Generally, young, adorable boys who get an audition on this show tend to be of the type that know they need a few more years of work and practice before they can really compete on a show like this. Joe Kirk was eliminated in the battle rounds, but his blind audition made me go look up more of Ed Sheeran.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIH5iRZWAac
And why have I not listened to anything by Ed Sheeran beyond “A Team” before?
Taylor Phelan: “Sweater Weather”
I heard The Neighbourhood’s “Sweater Weather” before, numerous times. Then I heard Taylor Phelan perform it. This blind audition instantly made me wonder what this guy’s future album could sound like. Taylor was eliminated in the live rounds of “The Voice,” but I’m genuinely excited to see what he does next.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk5t_jw0vKQ
The studio version of Taylor Phelan’s cover of “Sweater Weather”:
Griffin vs. Luke Wade: “Maybe I’m Amazed”
Luke Wade is one of the few contestants this season that is consistently incredible. He is damn memorable, and every performance he has given on “The Voice” has been perfection. Luke Wade is still going strong in “The Voice” live rounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc6oqtcOi_E
The studio version of Griffin and Luke Wade’s cover of “Maybe I’m Amazed”:
Jean Kelley: “Chandelier”
I enjoyed Jean Kelley’s theatrics during her performance of “Chandelier.” Someone get this girl a theater. Also, I am a huge Sia fan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wksRctZJN-I
I have been listening to Sia’s piano version of “Chandelier” a lot lately. As if you didn’t think the song could get more emotional.
Reagan James: “Try”
I don’t think I’ve heard anything from Colbie Caillat since her duet with Jason Mraz for “Lucky.” Before then, it was when her first album “Coco” was released in 2007 and the single “Bubbly” became an instant earworm. Then I heard her new song, “Try,” performed by Reagan James.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1ty5iqVK-Y
I was pretty thrilled to be hearing Colbie Caillat again. Despite her putting out multiple albums over the years, she hadn’t caught my attention again until now, and this song is incredible.
Matt McAndrew: “Take Me to Church”
Matt McAndrew gets points for his performance of “Take Me to Church” solely because he is the first person to ever growl on “The Voice” stage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwYCTjO_knw
That, and for introducing me to this Hozier song that is the most recent to be added to my most-listened-to playlist.
Do you watch “The Voice?” Have any favorite contestants you’re rooting for?
I may be the only one out there — but I’ve never watched The Voice. It sounds like an awesome show with some great new artists to be discovered!
I have never seen the voice, but I am one of those people who gets songs stuck in my head for days LOL. I need to check a few of these out.
I haven’t been following much of the Voice, but it’s usually on in the evenings when I’m doing dishes and I have heard some awesome talent on this show. I should actually sit down and watch it.
I’ve never watched that show, but if there is this much that’s worth playing on repeat, I need to start!
I’ve never watched The Voice but I don’t really enjoy the singing talent shows because of American Idol’s nonsense. However… I have to say … these singers are really good. I really enjoyed listening to these clips!! Great covers by all of them!
I haven’t watched The Voice in a few seasons, but it sounds like I should get to watching again!
I think this is such a good show. I have never watch a season all the way through, but that’s because we get swamped at night… I like it when I catch it though!
I always feel so out of the loop when it comes to music. Thanks for turning me on to some new tunes! I think I especially liked “Try.”
The Voice is such a great show. I really like how the contestants sing popular songs in new ways.