currently watching: The Voice

I was scouring my brain on what to write in my blog then I just remembered that I probably should get around to writing about the stuff that I’ve been downloading religiously (aside from Korean dramas, hehe). So I’m starting (and possibly ending, don’t want to pressure myself) based on the premise with The Voice. My bestfriend has been pestering me to watch it I think around season 2 but at that time I was still watching American Idol and a whole ton of stuff. Suffice to say, now I’m watching less TV series and I lost interest with AI since….*can’t remember which season*

I am in no way an expert on the show, since I only became invested in season 4. The key reason: Usher and Shakira! The banter among the judges is just perfect, especially during the blind auditions. While you have your reliable Adam-Blake (Shevine!) bromance fodder for multiple slash fanfic material to go around, the addition of Usher and Shakira – dare I say it – added a higher level of cool to the panel. Their comments are gold every time they want to diss each other so that the contestant would pick them as their coach.

WARNING: Spoilers ahead. I'm writing this right after watching the first Live Show (results will be presented tomorrow), so currently it's at three contestants per coach.

So of course, even if you havethe most awesome panel combination, the contest wouldn’t be a hit if the contestants are subpar. Here’s what I think about the chances of each team (based on Top 12):

Team Adam: For me, this has the highest probability of winning the whole contest given the current line-up. Judith Hill is a shoe-in and would probably be one of the last to leave the competition (if she doesn’t win the whole thing). I like her voice, although it doesn’t have the “open” feel (like Sasha’s) when she goes all the way, more like a Lauryn Hill x Alicia Keys sound with a splash of diva. Sarah Simmons is also a top contender and I like the complexity of her voice, but given that she’s in the bottom two during the Playoffs, I doubt her marketability to the US viewing population. Amber is good too, although I think Judith and Sarah are more unique in style than her. By the way, make sure to watch this performance by Team Adam's top 4 of "Shake it Out" (too bad Caroline was out, if she was in Usher's or Shakira's team maybe she'll get to the Live Shows).

Team Shakira: Second highest probability to win, mainly because of Sasha Allen (who was formerly in Team Adam, dang if Adam picked Sasha instead of Amber during the Battle round he would have a powerhouse team, although Amber clearly did win that battle). She has a powerful voice, although one that I’m used to hearing in other singing contests. What’s good in her case is that she always has a key moment in her songs and that’s the lasting moment that the coaches/audience hear. But I prefer the control I hear in Judith's than hers. Still a strong contender though.

Team Usher: I think this is my favourite coach of the lot given his unorthodox (yet effective) coaching style. I think he would have higher chances of winning if Ryan Innes managed to make it through the Knockout Round (but I admit it was a miscalculation to select that song, Ryan :S) Michelle and Vedo I think are strong singers but I think they have to pull off a lot of surprising moments (like Michelle’s True Colors rendition) to get ahead of Judith, Sarah, and Sasha. Josiah Hawley is a good musician (and not bad to look at) but I don’t think he’ll get to the finish line. By the way, wouldn’t it just blow your mind if Josiah and Michelle suddenly hook up? I’ve been reading too much on those hugs, stares, and occasional hand-holding (and I want the nerdy-looking chick to get the hot guy, so sue me). UPDATE: So apparently, Josah is already married, lol, there goes my ship.

Team Blake: While I do like country music (hello, country music channel when I was in HS, I swear our cable has weird subscriptions), I think Blake has a weak line-up save for Danielle Bradbury (still not at par compared to the strong singers of the other teams), although Holly Tucker is also emerging to be another strong contender. I don't know, they just don't have a lot of zing compared to the other teams. But stranger things have happened and Blake already one two times so maybe he knows just what it is that will make America vote. By the way, I don’t know what they put in Blake’s latte during the Playoffs but he’s extra excited that night

So there you have it, I think this is the only American reality(?) TV that’s in my plate right now. Can’t wait for more Adam-Blake flirt-off and Usher (better watch the leg, I bet he has cramps after each episode)- Shakira coolness in the upcoming episodes!