Part 2 of The Voice Battle Rounds and the acts were determined to get themselves noticed. Jessie J, Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am and Danny O'Donoghue were joined by four battle advisors Dido, Cerys Matthews, Dante Santiago and Claude Kelly and they had high hopes for their acts. Who made it through?


Leanne Jarvis Vs Carla and Barbara


Powerhouse Leanne found herself up against operatic duo Carla and Barbara. The ladies made a big impression during the blind auditions but Leanne needn't have worried. Will chose Hero by Mariah Carey as his song choice and it didn't suit the ladies vocals at all.

Barbara and Carla admitted being worried about the song: “We are nervous about this. This is out of the comfort zone!” Carla added: “I clammed up, inside I was having a little panic attack.”

Jessie J was shocked by Will's choice, "you are all really talented. I'm just surprised by the song choice, it's karaoke."

Will chose to put Leanne through as Carla and Barbara seemed a little overwhelmed as well as unnerved by the experience. I'm sure we'll see them again.

Cherelle Basquine Vs Elise Evans

It was so hard for anyone to choose between these two, they really gave it their all.

The pair sang It's All About Tonight and it really was. Both ladies were close to tears when Sir Tom had to make his decision.

Danny tried to weigh them up: "I thought it was a great battle, because you are so closely match I was looking for who was more comfortable on the higher notes and I think Elise you were more comfortable. Cherelle you have some gravel in your voice as well, that I find really, really soothing."

Sir Tom went for Cherelle but took nothing from Elise. "It was close."

Danny County Vs De’Vide


It was pretty obvious that Danny was going to take this one.

During rehearsals, Jessie J admitted to producer Claude Kelly "I don't know if I made a mistake in turning around for De'Vide."

When rapper Lex had trouble with his timing, Jessie told him: "I'm the only one that has given a rapper a chance in this competition. Don't take that for granted."

Lex later said of their rehearsal: "The session with Jessie for me was kind of, real not a hit, a lot of miss."

The battle wasn't that bad, but still obviously Danny's. Will.i.am said it all, "that was fresh. Danny I was a little blown away by your personality. It seems like I am watching the beginning of a big, big huge global star."

Nate James Vs Lovelle Hill


Another shock result!

The pair performed No Air and although I enjoyed it, their mentor did not. Jessie was unimpressed and quick to say so. "I’m your coach and I’m not here to be anything other than honest. I don’t think that was the best performance I have seen you guys do that song."

All three remaining coaches thought Nate had the upper hand (on timing and vocals) but Jessie went with Lovelle. "“I want to make this clear, I am basing this decision purely on the person I feel I could coach better."

Danny and Will both have their 'steal' privileges left to play, but neither chose to buzz for Nate.

CJ Edwards Vs Leah McFall

Don't ask me what will.i.am was thinking, I've no idea.

Leah and CJ performed The Way You Make Me Feel by Michael Jackson and throughout the battle, it was CJ all the way. Vocally, Leah faded into the background and I was distracted by her hair the whole way through. The coaches did not agree.

Jessie J: "For me I feel like vocally Leah was stronger but performance wise I kept watching CJ. Leah you can sing girl, so you really need to show it in your performance."

Unbelievably Will let CJ go and chose Leah for the Knockouts - shock result.

Conor Scott Vs Smith and Jones


Anyone who watched the blind auditions would have thought Conor would come out on top with this one. Strangely enough, Smith and Jones gave him a run for his money and the coaches were torn.

The threesome sang Some Nights by Fun and Will.i.am actually tried to encourage them to join forces! "Conor, Smith and Jones... that sounds like a pretty cool group. 'Hey do you have the new Conor, Smith and Jones album?'"

Sir Tom Jones said it didn't sound like a battle as they sang so well together.

Conor made it through but it was an interesting concept. With their folksy sound, the trio could have been contenders.

Do you think the coaches made the right choice?
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The Battle Rounds: Who's who?

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Selena Ledgerton
MSN Reality TV

 

Tonight saw the return of The Voice Battle Rounds and competition was fierce inside the legendary boxing ring. Ding-ding... Round 1!

First into the ring Sir Tom Jones pitted Birmingham soul singer LB Robinson against soulful giant Jamie Bruce.  Both singers put on incredible performances with their own spin on when ‘Love Comes to Town’ by U2/BB King.  However, while Jessie, Will and Danny all thought that LB had the edge, Sir Tom named Jamie Bruce as the victor. The Coaches were surprised by his decision and Jessie admitted; “I was shocked that Tom picked James over LB, but this is why we are different Coaches, we have different teams and we make different decisions.”

 

Next up was Team Will – Matt Henry and Jordan Lee Davies with their phenomenal sing off (and dance off!).  They took on the Stevie Wonder classic ‘Do I Do’ to huge praise from the Coaches, Jessie said “there are people sadly in the industry that can’t sing live like you guys did, congratulations.” Jessie, Sir Tom and Danny all backed Matt, but will.i.am continued his tactical approach to the competition and chose Jordan Lee Davies to go through to the Knockouts.

 

In a bid to explain his decision will.i.am said; “I care more about singers going through in the competition than having those singers on my team.  And if I were to pick Matt which was the obvious choice because he sang fantastic then no one would have stolen Jordan.”  True to his prediction, Jessie and Sir Tom both hit their buttons for the first ‘Steal’ of the series and after competitive pitching from both Coaches, Matt Henry became the newest member of Team Jessie.

 

First to fight for a place in the Knockouts from Team Danny was partially sighted Andrea Begley and ex-Hollyoaks actress Alice Barlow performing ‘People Help the People’ by Birdy.

Whilst Andrea felt at ease with the emotion of the song, Alice confessed she was struggling to tap into her own emotions, “I struggle because I’m so used to putting on a persona and not being me.”

Although all the Coaches praised both girls’ performances, they agreed the song suited Andrea better with Jessie saying “If I had to choose I’d go with Andrea on this one, but I feel that Alice has so much more to give which I don’t feel that I saw.”  When it came down to it, Danny seemed to agree and took Andrea through with him to the next round.

 

Next up was self taught 20 year old Katie Benbow taking on beauty queen and former girl band member Sarah Cassidy for a spot on Team Jessie in the Knockouts battling with ‘E.T.’ by Katy Perry.

During vocal training Katie was intimidated by Sarah’s previous experience, believing that the song was much more suited to her voice. However, when it came to performing for the Coaches Katie certainly held her own, matching Sarah note for note and leaving Jessie with an incredibly tough decision. In the end it was Sarah that Jessie took through, reasoning that Katie has more time on her hands to develop further as a singer.

 

In the most explosive battle of the night three big voices and even bigger personalities took to the ring to perform ‘Finally’ by Cece Penniston - Nu Tarna (made up of Kelly Marie Smith and Elesha Paul Moses) battled against lead singer of 90s girlband Cleopatra - Cleo Higgins.

Tensions mounted from the moment will.i.am announced they’d be opponents and will.i.am knew he had a serious battle on his hands, saying the rehearsals “sound like freakin’ pterodactyls coming from a freakin’ volcano, with ashes, rocks, lava...that’s a lot of stuff happening.” 

When it came to  the battle the artists attempts to outdo each other left the Coaches disappointed – at one point Jessie even put her fingers in her ears and afterwards commented “you didn’t listen to each other, I feel like you’re all going to walk off the stage with a sore throat.” 

Will conceded that “[Nu Tarna] started the riot, Cleo came out smooth, she hit the notes when she hit the notes.” Feeling that Cleo had been dragged into the riotous battle Will chose her to take through to the next round.

Finally, the last Battle of the night saw Team Jessie’s Welshman Ash Morgan pitted against Adam Barron performing ‘I Won’t Let You Go’ by James Morrison. 

Both Artists impressed the Coaches but Jessie eventually chose Ash Morgan to continue through with her.  However after giving such an exquisite performance it was not the end of the road for Adam, as both Tom and Danny went in for the steal and pushed their buttons. The episode saw its second ‘Steal’ of the night as Adam chose to join the team of his “living legend” Sir Tom Jones.

Who will make it through tomorrow night?

Join me live on Twitter @msnents and we'll find out together!

Selena x

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Selena Ledgerton
MSN Reality TV

 

As a record producer, recording artist, song writer, collaborator, philanthropist, designer and technological wizard it seems will.i.am’s talents are never ending.  But after Saturday night’s episode of The Voice UK it appears that Will will be able to add 'fluent in foreign languages' to his C.V.

On Saturday's show we'll see 21 year old Joseph Apostol wow the coaches with his performance of Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?  by the Shirelles. Joseph moved to the UK from the Philippines at 10 years old and is now living in Kent.

 

After his performance he revealed his nationality to which will.i.am squealed; “wooooooooo - like my best friend Apl?”  [apl.de.ap from the Black Eyed Peas]

 

Will then proceeded to critique Joseph's performance in Filipino using words including Mabouti (which means good/fine) and  Salamat (which means thank you).  Keen to show off his Filipino prowess he went on to list famous Filipino foods such as Chicken Adobo. 

 

Will whispered to the audience “I just hit him with Filipino secrets”. 

A show insider said: “Producers struggle to translate will.i.am at the best of times but it’s even harder when he is speaking in Filipino – after going through various different experts  it was a friendly local restaurant waiter who eventually translated.”

 

Ok, so perhaps will.i.am isn’t fluent in Filipino - but he sure does love his Filipino food... sources backstage have revealed whenever will.i.am sees Joseph’s mum he puts in an order for some of his favourite dishes.

 

Will.i.am described Joseph as ‘Super Fantabulous’ but will Joseph be returning for the Battle Rounds? Join me tomorrow night and we'll find out together!

Selena x

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Selena Ledgerton
MSN Reality TV

 

It was all about the power on this week's The Voice. Coaches Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am, Danny O'Donoghue and Jessie J rejected many an act as their teams are getting full but they couldn't pass up the lungs from Liverpool, Paul Carden.


Paul performed Bruno Mars' Locked Out Of Heaven and although only Danny O'Donoghue turned, Jessie J was the first to say she wanted to.

"You know what, I’m really gutted, because I was really close to pushing my button. And I was thinking if no-one pushes their button I’m going to be disappointed. But as for me, I don’t know what I’d do with your voice and I was going Danny please! And he held it off to the last second."

Danny admitted that he'd played tactically to snaffle the scouse singer. "You’ve got an amazing recording voice. Real rock."

Paul revealed later that he was formerly part of Black Velvet, a band that's performed along with The Killers and other rock greats. Can he make a name for himself alone, I think so. His tone is amazing, he has great stage presence, a bluesy sound and a personality that pops - he had the coaches in stitches.

One of our one's to watch during the live shows.
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Selena x

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Selena Ledgerton
MSN Reality TV

 

If you can’t wait to watch the next episode of The Voice blind auditions don’t worry – here are THREE first look preview clips from Saturday night’s show.

The coaches make the choice, but who has The Voice?

Alice Barlow:

Danny gets his flirt on...

Jordan Lee Davies:

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Selena Ledgerton
MSN Reality TV

Clips courtesy of BBC
 

It was an amazing night of talent on The Voice, but the crowning moment went to Cleopatra's Cleo Higgins. Cleo bowled The Voice coaches over with her sensational rendition of Beyonce's Love On Top.

We all know that the show attracts singing stars from yesteryear; 1990s teen idol Kavana and Kym Mazelle both failed to impress but it all worked out for Cleo Higgins.

Cleo was a massive success back in the 90's as the lead singer of girl band Cleopatra. She hoped that the 'blind audition' would allow her to be recognised for her voice and not because of her previous fame. "I'm tired of being the singer from Cleopatra, I've grown up."

As Cleo stepped on stage and opened her mouth, Jessie J was so excited she flung her arms in the air and turned after the first note. 

Will.i.am danced his way through Cleo's audition before whacking his button with his foot and posing his way through 'the turn'. The crowd leapt to their feet to bop along with him.

Cleo's sisters applauded backstage as she blew the judges away, all four turned so it was up to Cleo to choose.

Jessie gave Cleo a huge compliment. "I used to listen to you do things with your voice and want to do them myself." Will was desperate to coach Cleo and although Jessie fought a good fight, Higgins chose Team Will.

Jessie was 'gutted' and almost cried. Cleo apologised for choosing Will but had to go with her heart.

Ms J exclaimed "next time I'll fight harder. I feel like the girls just don't have faith in me, I feel a bit deflated."

Cleo seemed more than happy with her choice. There's no doubt the American mega-star will keep his word and back her all the way... with that voice, you'd be crazy not to!

Relive the show here...

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Selena Ledgerton
MSN Reality TV

 

After his success in the 1990's, there's no doubt the country had high hopes for pop star Anthony Kavanagh as he hit The Voice stage tonight. Sadly superstar panel Jessie J, Will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones and Danny O'Donoghue were less than impressed and he was left standing alone with no coach to claim him.

 

 

Most of the contestants made it through on tonight's show but the nerves got the better of 'Kavana' on the night. One judge was surprised to see him as the song came to an end.

 

Danny O’Donoghue recognised him immediately. He explained to will.i.am, "this guy used to be a massive artist. He can really sing." Will rolled his eyes and didn't seem to buy it but Danny continued. "I know you can really sing, that was pitchy but..."

 

Anthony explained, "I haven't done this for a long time and I think the nerves got me."

 

One contestant who had no problem turning heads was Matt Henry. He gave an unbelievable rendition of Ray LaMontagne’s folk hit Trouble and the coaches were in awe.

 

Danny believed he sang it better than the original while will.i.am branded him 'magnificent'. Both judges were chomping at the bit to have Matt on their team. Will came out on top.

 

Who was your favourite act tonight? Click the discussion bar below to leave your views...

 

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Selena Ledgerton
MSN Reality TV

 

So it all came down to this.  Four artistes, four coaches - one winner.  The Voice: UK final night started off with red hot favourite Bo Bruce tackling 'Nothing Compares 2 U'. “I get shivers and goose bumps,” said Danny of Bo’s performance. “I know your mother is really proud, as am I - and the rest of the UK”, he concluded.  “I want to express to you that I am so happy that a unique voice like yours is being heard”, added Jessie.  Tom was moved by Bo’s ability as a “storyteller”.