Cedrice - (NBC - photo)

Zach Day - (NBC - photo)

Thunderstorm Artis - (NBC - photo)

Video Beat - JOHN LEGEND STACKED HIS (TALENT) DECK

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

Cedrice, who by default became a member of John Legend's team, sang an old standard, 'Fever' that most in the shows very young viewing audience most likely never heard of. Kelly Clarkson did and she was so excited in hearing the singer's soulful rendition of the song that she cheated and jumped up on her seat to turn around to see what the person looked like that sang so soulfully. With her eyes wide open she appeared in shock and dismay knowing that she was out of options with her team being full. Clarkson was so excited that she exclaimed that Cedrice looked like a goddess

LEGEND CHOSE HIS TEAM CAREFULLY

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Don't be surprised if The Voice coach John Legend wins The Voice this year as he overwhelmingly has the best team. Legend played his laid back game choosing talents that are in his lane. Country isn't cool for Legend but soul and pop are. Legend still selected a divergent group of talent that ironically blends together as they are so different in styles while all are soulful.

Legend chose his team carefully that ultimately leaving him to having to make the last choice since all the other coaches teams were full.

As luck would have it his role of the dice resulted in him being the only judge that had a selection to choose one of the most interesting talents in the competition... Cedrice.

The 28-year-old sang an old standard, 'Fever' that most in the shows very young viewing audience most likely never heard of. Kelly Clarkson did and she was so excited in hearing Cedrice 's soulful rendition of the song that she cheated and jumped up on her seat to turn around to see what the person looked like that sang so soulfully. With her eyes wide open she appeared in shock and dismay knowing that she was out of options with her team being full. Clarkson was so excited that she exclaimed that Cedrice looked like a goddess.

Cedrice received the most gasps and praise of all contestants that are involved in the competition. All judges said they would have chosen her if they had a choice and that's where Legend played his hold out trump card enabling him to sweep up perhaps, the most interesting voice in the contest.

Cedrice has a back story which helped her develop her soulful voice. She lost her hair (Alopecia) when she was young resulting in her being bullied in school for being a girl with a bald headed. She was burdened with hurt until she found music and began singing as a release of pent up anger. When she was asked to join a band performing on stage became her therapy. It was performing on stage when she released her soulful voice and an appreciation of her unique appearance. What was once her burden became her asset.

Another aspect of her being the last choice is in season 12 Curtis Blue was the last overall choice and he walked away with the title. His victory gave then coach Alicia Keys the victory.

The sleepy eyed Legend seemed to be the judge of choice by the four chair turn contestants. Legend was selected four times in that situation.

Legend has some interesting talent on his team. One of the most interesting is an openly gay white male, Zach Day, who sounds like a black female soul singer. His voice is incredible but his shabby (subjective) appearance may be challenging.

In previous seasons as a contestant progresses in the competition their appearance becomes more professional. Hair cuts and fashion come into play and by the finals all contestants have had a physical makeover and wardrobe change. In Day's case should he progress for several shows it will be interesting how or if his appearance evolves.

This is a major hurdle in any competition that is a turning point that indicates if a talent is coachable. This is a major step that defines success. Many great voices depart the show even though they have a great voice. A talent's real attitude flairs up when behind the scenes a conflict occurs with a coach thus... a change eventually comes into play.

If that takes place a coach can eliminate the problem by matching that contestant against a stronger talent just to rid themselves of the conflict.

Legend's team includes a four chair turn Mexican/American singer that performed her song in Spanish, 23 year-old Mandi Castillo.

Another interesting voice on his team is 23-year-old Hawaiian, Thunderstorm Artis. It will be interesting to see what song choices Legend makes for these two very different style contestants.

Basically all of Legends 10 member team have good voices. The main criteria is how each talent responds to being coached and accepts his direction. Those with the best attitudes will go forward. Those who respond to Legends direction and can cope with the pressure of being on the show will help them survive the longest.

Now that the auditions are over The Battle rounds begin. The advisors for this round are Dua Lipa for Team Kelly, Joe and Kevin Jonas for Team Nick, Ella Mai for Team Legend, and Bebe Rexha for Team Blake. The coaches can steal one losing artist from other coaches and save one losing artist on their team. However, the team coach may only hit their button to save an artist after it is clear that no other coach is going to steal the artist.

New this season, the saved artists from the Battle Rounds will appear in a Four-Way Knockout, the winner appearing in the Live Shows. Artists who win their battle or are stolen by another coach advance to the Rounds.

The reality is that that in the end the best voice doesn't necessarily win. It's about the viewers on the given final day of voting who take the time to vote. Voters are usually young, therefore whoever the singer is, and the song must be relatable to a youthful audience who are familiar with the songs. This is no time to try and show how versatile the contestant can be its about singing songs that viewers like and can relate to.

If the majority of the fans watching that day are country music fans then Blake Shelton has the edge since he stocks up his team with country artists. That makes sense given he is country and he was won the competition a record SIX TIMES.

At present Clarkson ranks second with three titles that ties her with the departed Adam Levine. The difference is she's has the highest winning percentage with three wins in only four seasons. This is her fifth season. Levine won three times in 16 seasons.

The bottom line is it appears that Legend has the inside track to win his second title in only three seasons. Are you a believer? Stay tuned….

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