The Voice-- Going from Semifinals to the Finals

This show's awesome at keeping you on your toes. Its producing great performances week after week, and although I've been able to predict it most of the way thus far (I wasn't even that surprised Adam went with lil' Stevie Nicks over my favorite Jeff Jenkins), its been a wild few weeks. We've quickly moved from 32 to 16 and 16 to just 8 in a four show span, and we're cutting in half again tomorrow to reach our 4 Finalists.

I'll just post last nights' performances here for anyone who forgot or doesn't watch in the first place.

Team Blake

Dia: Losing My Religion, by REM

Xenia: The Man Who Can't Be Moved, by The Script

Team Xtina

Beverly: The Thrill Is Gone, by BB King

Frenchie: Like A Prayer, by Madonna

Team Adam

Javier: Fix You, by Coldplay

Casey: And I Will Always Love You, by Whitney Houston/Dolly Parton

Team Cee-lo

Vicci: The Dog Days Are Over, by Florence & The Machine

Nakia: Whataya Want From Me, by Adam Lambert

Personally, I see the Final 4 being Dia, Javier, Vicci and Beverly... but honestly Nakia and Frenchie could sneak in and I wouldn't be all that upset. What do you think?

On a side-note, what the hell is on Adam Levine's iPod? He's never heard Whataya Want From Me or God Bless The Broken Road? I've always been interested in what music that artists listen to, but that's only been elevated by Adam's, ummm... lack of Pop knowledge?

The Voice

So, I am in the process of putting together my 100 Songs of the Rock Era, as well as a Summertime Mixtape of hip-hop to mix into what will be Country and Rock Season for me. So before I have those ready for air, I want to share my thoughts on the new TV Series/Singing Competition, "The Voice." (Hit The Link To Watch on Hulu)

I think its AMAZING. Where "Idol" has been stale since the discovery of Carrie Underwood (When was that? I must have been 14 still...), The Voice brings something fresh to the table. They switch up the format in a way that benefits the show greatly.

If you're terrible- you're not getting on TV for the judges to mock you, America to laugh at you and FOX to make money off you. Right off the bat, the contestants are obviously stronger and come from more walks of life than "Idol" would ever be looking for.

Next, the judges double as vocal coaches-- that is, they're competing in this too; looking for

the strongest contestants and then offering their expertise to nurture them into stronger

vocalists. Did I mention the judges are 4 of the biggest and most entertaining singers today? Christina Aguilera, Cee-Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton are all amazing singers, each who can offer something unique to their team.

Also, coaches are choosing their teams with their backs to the stage -- going solely off the voice. A competition that prioritizes vocal talent over looks? How Refreshing!

Oh and Carson Daly is back as the host. Where's he been? I love that guy!

It'll be interesting to see where the show goes once the teams are built and the coaches get involved 1-on-1, but I have high hopes.

(I've included clips of my 3 favorite performances from the premiere episode.)