Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Cee-Lo Green

The Voice Releases New Promo Ad

Nicole Piering — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 21:16:54 +0000

If your summer has felt a little dry in the singing show department, fear not because the drought is almost over. In a little over a month, the Fab 4 of “The Voice” will be back on your TV screens, and they are all out for blood. In this new promo released by NBC, Christina, Adam, Cee-Lo and Blake perform some Matrix-esque stunts. Although we’re not sure what this has to do with singing, we’re more than happy to watch Adam Levine do pretty much…anything on TV.

“The Voice” returns to NBC on September 10th, and although we have yet to hear any contestants, we’re going to back our country boy and officially declare ourselves “Team Blake.”

Check out the promo here:

EXCLUSIVE: RaeLynn From “The Voice” On Her Battle Round And Beyond

Ted Efron — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 21:35:33 +0000

RaeLynn keeps racking up the “firsts” for Team Blake on this season of NBC’s smash singing competition The Voice. She was the first singer selected by Blake Shelton for his team. Now she’s the first singer Blake picked as a winner in the Battle Rounds.

The 17-year-old was matched with Adley Stump for her Battle Round. The pairing brought together two different types of singers: The powerful voice of Adley vs the more stylish singing RaeLynn. Coaches Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green picked Adley as the winner, while Adam Levine went with RaeLynn. In the end the decision was Blake’s and he went with RaeLynn, taking style over power.

Clearly, Blake sees something special about RaeLynn. But will the viewing audience feel the same way when it comes time to vote? We’ll all have to stay tuned for the answer to that question.

In the meantime, we caught up with the talented Texan to get her thoughts on meeting Miranda Lambert, her Battle Round with Adley, preparing for the live shows and a product endorsement she could really sink her teeth into.

Did you honestly have no idea that you were going to be working with Miranda?

I was hoping that Miranda would be my advisor, but I thought it would be too good to be true. For some reason I was like, “Why would Blake bring Miranda in? He’s with her all the time!” But then I was thinking it’s his wife and she’s an amazing singer so why wouldn’t he?

But I kept thinking it was too good to be true. So I was thinking he might bring in other artists like Dolly or Loretta Lynn or maybe he was going to bring Reba back. I honestly did not know it was going to be Miranda Lambert.

And because it’s so much fun, would you talk about your reaction when you walked through that door and saw her?

All I could do was scream! When I opened up that door and saw her face – I can’t even tell you all the feelings. I was getting all these butterflies and I was getting nervous because I knew I was going to have to sing in front of her.

But then I was like, “Oh, my God! This is Miranda Lambert! This is really her! She’s right here! She’s about to mentor me! She’s my advisor!” All of these things were rolling through my head. It was such a crazy moment.

Then she told me that she was so happy that I sang “Hell On Hells” and that was such a compliment to me. And she was telling me to be myself. She’s was just amazing!

Was it difficult coming down from the excitement of meeting her and being able to focus on what she and Blake were telling you?

When I was standing on the little stage singing or when I was sitting right by her…you can see in the video that I was closing my eyes. I couldn’t even look at her and Blake! I was like, “I’m sitting with the king and queen of country right now and they’re mentoring me!”

I absolutely loved it! I was blown away! I was like, “This is so amazing! This is so cool!” I was in awe of the whole moment and it will be one that I’ll never forget.

We only got to see a little bit on the broadcast, but did you get to spend very much time working with Miranda and getting to know her or was what we saw all you got?

Well, they didn’t show everything, but we got to talk a bit more in-depth about the song and we practiced it a little more. And we had a little sit down interview (see video below). We were talking about how me and Adley are so different — Adley is such a powerhouse and I’m so unique – and what I should do to counteract that.

Blake gave me some great tips. He said I remind him of Miranda. And that Miranda doesn’t have a real loud voice but she’s powerful just because she’s unique and that he sees the same thing in me.

And they nicknamed me “Baby Annie.” All of the Pistol Annies have nicknames. Miranda is “Lonestar Annie” and Angaleena Presley is “Holler Annie” and Ashley Monroe is “Hippie Annie.” They nicknamed me “Baby Annie” and Blake Shelton is “Pistol Andy”! It’s just really cute! (Laughs)

They are so fun to be around. Miranda reminds me of myself. She’s like my big sister. When I hang around her or when I talk with her it’s like talking with a sister or someone I’ve known my whole life. We’re so much alike it’s kinda weird! (Laughs)

On to the Battle Round: What was your reaction when Blake told you the song would be Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’”?

I was actually thinking, “Thank you, Jesus! It’s a song that I kinda know!” All of the songs he gave all the battles (last year) they were all songs I had never heard of. I was like, “I don’t know that song!” and “Oh, God! I don’t know that song!” When he said “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty I was thankful that I kinda knew it. (Laughs)

You listen to some of those battles and they were singing “The Power of Love” I was just thankful for my little “Free Fallin’” song. I’m glad I didn’t have to sing Celine Dion’s song “The Power of Love.” That would’ve been crazy! (Laughs) So I was thankful for it, actually.

Adley has such a powerful voice. As you were working on the duet with her, were there ever any times you were a bit intimidated or were you always confident?

The first time we got the song and we were in the piano room with Blake and she started singing it, she was catching on faster than I was and I started getting worried. That’s why the next day when I saw Miranda that I was asking her so many questions. I was so happy to see her because I knew she would help me.

At first I was getting really nervous. Adley is a powerhouse and she’s very good. I got extremely nervous. I got confident when I got on stage, but it was really hard. I had to keep telling myself, “You’re going to do good! You’re going to do good!”

It’s just intimidating to be on the same stage. It’s really dramatic – you’re in a ring! And ultimately we both want to stay in the competition, so she’s givin’ it just as much as I’m givin’ it. So, of course I was really nervous!

After you performed, things didn’t look so good for you. Both Christina and Cee Lo said they would’ve gone with Adley. What were you thinking when you heard them say that?

I was thinking, “Okay…what am I going to say? I’m about to get voted off the show. Blake is amazing. Thank you for letting me meet Miranda. It’s a dream come true. I was so lucky to be in the Final 48.” I was running through my head what I was going to say to Blake.

But I was proud. I did the best I could do and I felt that I did my best, so I couldn’t get upset at myself. I was giving myself a pep talk in my head. You can probably see it because I was about to pass out on TV. But then when Adam said, “I would go with RaeLynn. She’s (Adley) a little overpowering because she has a powerful voice. If I had to pick, I’d go with RaeLynn.”

But still in the back of my head I was like, “Well, heck! Two of them said they were going to go with Adley.” So I was thinking, “Okay. I’m about to go home.” Then when Blake said my name…I think I bit my hand! I cried when I got off stage. It was ridiculous. It was crazy.

Blake picked you, so he obviously sees something special in you. Now how do you get the viewers to see the same thing so they vote for you?

Blake’s told me that there’s something so special about my voice and that’s what I admire so much about Blake: He’s stuck with his guns. He ultimately sees something in me and that means a lot to me.

All I can say is I’m gonna kill this next live show. It’ll be a song that I kinda get to help pick. I get to have input on what the song choice is. So this next song ain’t gonna be a “Free Fallin’.” It’s gonna be another kick-butt, “Hell On Hells” type of song. Because that’s the kinda stuff I like to sing.

They just better watch out because it’s gonna be awesome!

How can your fans best support you and Team RaeLynn?

All I can say is my fans have been amazing. There were a lot of people who wanted Adley to win and I got a lot of crap for it. But my fans came in and they were like, “We’re gonna stand behind you!” And they got “Free Fallin’” to #53 on the iTunes country chart and Blake tweeted about it and all of this crazy stuff.

I was just so proud of them and so happy. I just want all of my fans to keep tweeting about my iTunes and for everybody to vote for RaeLynn. I’m just so excited. I really don’t have to do much work. My fans are awesome! They’re so supportive!

I just want them to keep getting the word out. Tweet about it. Facebook about it. And tell your friends. The main thing is just getting the word out and social media is the best part about it.

(Note: You can get RaeLynn’s version of “Free Fallin’” on iTunes by clicking HERE. You can find her on Twitter with @RaeLynnOfficial)

The live shows won’t be until next month. Are you constantly working on show-related things or do you get down time to enjoy being a 17-year-old?

I’ve been home since January and my Mom’s been letting me go to some concerts and is letting me hang out with my friends and just be a 17-year-old. She told me that it was really important these next couple of months. She wanted me to be at home and take out the trash and do everything that she wants me to do. She said, “After The Voice you don’t know what’s gonna happen and I want you to be able to so really enjoy these last few months.” And I said, “You’re exactly right, Momma.”

So I’ve just been hanging out with my friends and I’ve still been practicing a lot and working on songs I want to do for the live shows and figuring out what songs I want to do. It hasn’t been all play time, but I’ve definitely had lots of fun being at home.

We must talk about your Kia commercial that aired during the show. Did the folks with Kia and The Voice know you didn’t have a driver’s license before they put you behind the wheel?

Actually they did. They thought it was funny! I actually didn’t drive the car. We were on a trailer. The car was being pulled around, so I actually didn’t drive it. That’s the whole funny part about it!

I told Blake, “I hope you realize I wasn’t really drivin’ that car. I don’t even have a license.” And he and Miranda were dyin’ laughin’! They thought it was so funny! I thought it was pretty humorous that they did that! (Laughs)

As one who follows you on Twitter, I’m guessing a commercial you’d really love to do is for a chicken wing place!

Oh, my gosh! I love wings! My friend hit the nail on the head yesterday. She was talking with someone and she said, “The three foods that RaeLynn eats is wings, Tex-Mex and barbecue.” And that’s all I eat. I don’t know why I’m not 500 pounds because that’s all I eat!

I love wings! We had wings yesterday and the day before and I had them Sunday after church. I had my honey barbecue wings from Bayou City Wings. It’s pretty bad. I would definitely do a wings commercial! And I’m not an attractive eater, either! I feel sorry for the guy I go on a date with! (Laughs)

Anything else you’d like to add as we all look forward to the live shows?

I just want to say again “Vote for RaeLynn!” I’m just super excited about this opportunity and I promise I’ll make you proud!

Lex Land: The Voice’s Sultry Singer

Ted Efron — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:23:53 +0000

The music business isn’t anything new to Lex Land. But competing on a stage as big as “The Voice” certainly is.

The 24-year-old member of Team Blake works full-time as a singer/songwriter. She’s already released albums and some of her original songs have appeared on TV shows such as “Private Practice,” “One Tree Hill” and “Castle.” The native of Austin, Texas believes in using her time and talents to give back to others as she also works as a counselor/teacher at a rock camp for girls.

The sultry singer’s redition of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” got three of the judges to turn their chairs during the blind audition. Cee Lo Green turned first, followed a split-second later by Adam Levine. It took quite a while longer, but Blake Shelton finally turned his chair. Blake may have been the last to turn, but as Land said in a conference call, he was always Lex’s first choice because of his coaching on the show — and potentially beyond it.

“Well, I did actually want to be on Blake Shelton’s team. I thought that he was a really great coach last year and I felt that, regardless of the outcome of the show, if any coach was going to continue to support me and to mentor me with whatever happened that it would probably be him. So I was thrilled when he turned around. And in the heat of the moment, I wasn’t really sure who I was going to choose, but I ended up sticking with my initial feeling and I’m really glad that I did.”

Blake noted several styles in Land’s singing, while the other judges compared her sound to Sade and even Adele. When asked who she thinks she sounds like, the singer is hard-pressed to answer.

”It’s the question that I get frequently and I just am always just kind of at a loss. I listen to so much different music that I think it amalgamates and comes out as me. I definitely like take a lot of cues from Judy Garland as one of my all-time favorite singers, and Jeff Buckley is another one of my all-time favorite singers.”

Of course, being on the big stage of a smash show like “The Voice” instantly introduces you to millions of new fans. Some of those fans, like Allison Sweeney from “The Biggest Loser” are now following her on Twitter and Facebook and the like. The sudden frenzy of new fans (including the famous ones) is a top-notch treat.

“I would say that that’s probably the most exciting thing about this process thus far. That’s not to say that singing in front of the coaches and getting their well-wishing and fighting over you and all that stuff isn’t exciting. But to be able to build so much a career that I work so, so hard at all the time and have for a long time…to get a little bit of this boost, and you know, a new following, pointed towards, I guess, the career that I’ve already established is really, really rewarding and really validating and very, very exciting.”

Find out if that boost will continue to build through the Battle Rounds, which start Monday. As part of Team Blake, Land will be mentored by both Kelly Clarkson and Miranda Lambert.

Who Does It Better? Blake Shelton covers “Forget You” by Cee-Lo Green

Alisha Parramoure — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 21:15:56 +0000

Last month at a show in Nebraska, Blake Shelton broke out into a version of his “The Voice” co-star, Cee-Lo Green’s smash single “Forget You”, following a brief little story about the first time they met in a meeting for the NBC talent show. Season Two of the hit show is still in the blind audition phase, so don’t forget to catch it Monday nights on NBC!

In the meantime, you can cast your vote in the poll below for Blake vs Cee-Lo. Who do YOU think does it better?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

The Voice: Team Blake Recap – Week 4

Jeanna D. — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:33:33 +0000

Team Blake is complete!

The Voice Season 2 blind auditions wrapped up Monday night with Blake Shelton adding two more members to his team: Lex Land and Adley Stump.

Let’s meet them…

Lex Land

Lex is a singer songwriter who has had her songs featured on One Tree Hill, Private Practice, and Castle, among others. She auditioned with Bonnie Raitt’s ”I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Blake, Adam Levine, and Cee Lo Green all turned their chairs around, but Lex chose Team Blake!

Lex shared via Twitter:

I am so pumped to finally be able to say that I’m a member of #TEAMBLAKE !!!!

Follow Lex on Twitter: @LexLand

Lex’s Audition:

Continue reading for the rest of the recap…

Adley Stump

Adley (what a great name, right?) is a recent Oklahoma State University grad. She discovered her singing talent during a sorority event, and moved to Nashville to pursue her passion for music. She performed Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name” for the blind audition rounds. It was battle between Blake and Christina Aguilera, but Blake won out!

Adley tweeted:

Huge hugs and gratitude to @blakeshelton for trusting God knows what in his heart to press his button! Love to you! FINALLY!

Follow Adley on Twitter: @AdleyStump

Adley’s Audition:

To recap, here are the 12 members of Team Blake:

RaeLynn: @raelynnofficial
Gwen Sebastian: @gwensebastian
Jermaine Paul: @jermainepaul
Erin Willett: @erin_willett
Jordis Unga: @jordismusic
Brian Fuente: @bfuente
Naia Kete: @naiakete
Charlotte Sometimes: @4eversometimes
ALyX: @followalyx
Jordan Rager: @jordan__rager
Lex Land: @lexland
Adley Stump: @adleystump

*Don’t forget to “like” their Facebook pages too!

Erin Willett tweeted a picture of the whole gang:

Things start to heat up next week with the beginning of the battle rounds, and the coaches will get a little help from their friends. Team Blake’s mentors will include Blake’s better half and country superstar, Miranda Lambert, as well as good friend and music superstar, Kelly Clarkson. The battle rounds will air throughout the month of March, and only 6 members from each team will move on to the next phase of the competition.

Congratulations to everyone on Team Blake! We are excited to tune-in and support you all.

The contestants are keeping blog and vlogs on The Voice official website. To check out these blogs, behind the scenes videos, interviews, photos, and all things The Voice… visit http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/. Also, full length recordings of the team members’ audition songs are available now on iTunes!

Catch The Voice on Monday nights at 8/7c on NBC.

Follow some of my favorite tweeters:

Blake: @blakeshelton
Miranda: @miranda_lambert
Kelly: @kelly_clarkson

If you missed our previous Team Blake recaps, check out Week 1, Week 2, and Week 3.

The Voice: Team Blake Recap – Week 3

Jeanna D. — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 08:21:42 +0000

With only one more show left of The Voice blind audition rounds, Team Blake is nearly complete!

In weeks one and two, we already met team members RaeLynn, Gwen Sebastian (interview), Jermaine Paul, Erin Willett, Jordis Unga, and Brian Fuente. This past week, Blake added four more members to his crew: Naia Kete, Charlotte Sometimes, ALyX, and Jordan Rager.

Naia Kete

Naia was born in Massachusetts and now hails from California. The twenty-one year old auditioned with a cool, unique version of Bruno Mars’ “The Lazy Song.” Blake and Cee Lo Green battled it out for her, but Naia chose Team Blake!

Via her blog on The Voice official website, Naia shared:

When I started singing, Blake turned around right away! I couldn’t believe it! I was in! Really? Then, towards the end of the song, Cee Lo turned also! TWO coaches!? AMAZING! I just felt so blessed and happy.

Follow Naia on Twitter: @naiakete

Naia’s Audition:

Continue reading to meet the rest of the newest members of Team Blake….

Charlotte Sometimes

Charlotte was born and raised in New Jersey, and moved to New York City after turning eighteen. She performed One Republic’s “Apologize” for the blind audition rounds and wowed the coaches. All four turned their chairs around, but Blake won out!

Charlotte had this to say on her blog:

SO…WOW!I couldn’t believe all four coaches turned around!! I was not expecting that! What surprised me the most was picking Blake! I had originally thought I would pick CeeLo if I had a choice. But in the moment I went with my gut and picked Blake. I am so excited and happy about my choice.

Follow Charlotte on Twitter: @4EverSometimes

Charlotte’s Audition:

ALyX

ALyX hails from Dallas, Texas and auditioned with a rockin’ performance of P!nk’s “Just Like A Pill.” The full performance did not air on television, but you can watch the complete audition below.

ALyX also took to her blog on the official website:

So…in the end, I guess I must have done a good job, because Blake turned around, and became my coach! Go #TEAMBLAKE! The journey begins… :)

Follow ALyX on Twitter: @FollowALyX

ALyX’s Audition:

Jordan Rager

Jordan Rager is a 17-year-old country boy from a small town in Georgia. Again, only part of Jordan’s audition aired on the live broadcast, but you can catch the full performance in the video below. He sang a great cover of Zac Brown Band‘s “Chicken Fried.” Blake turned his chair around and told Jordan, “You’re the first real, genuine country singer in two seasons of The Voice that stepped across this stage. And I’m the only one here that gets it.” We are glad Blake gets it.

Blake is one of Jordan’s biggest musical influences, and he was very excited to be a part of the team:

I got the coach I wanted! Thank you Blake!!!!!! Go Team Blake!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Follow Jordan on Twitter: @Jordan_Rager

Jordan’s Audition:

The pressure is on! There are only two more spots left on Team Blake. Tune in Monday night on NBC at 8/7c to see who claims the final spots.

Follow Blake’s twitter: @blakeshelton, and Miranda’s too: @miranda_lambert

In a couple of weeks, Miranda Lambert and Kelly Clarkson (@kelly_clarkson) join Team Blake as mentors! Blake, Miranda, & Kelly?! It doesn’t get much better than that combination. Can I be on Team Blake?

If you missed our preview recaps, here is week 1 and week 2.

Thoughts? Do you have a favorite Team Blake member so far? Sound off in the comments section.

The Voice: Team Blake Recap – Week 1

Jeanna D. — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:42:30 +0000

Season two of NBC’s The Voice is underway and our favorite, Blake Shelton, is back representing country music!

Big Country, as he has been dubbed by fellow coach and Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, has so far chosen three team members.

RaeLynn

We previously introduced you to Blake’s first team member, RaeLynn. The 17-year-old from Baytown, Texas auditioned with a song closely connected to Blake by going with a track by his wife, Miranda Lambert‘s, band. RaeLynn kicked off Season 2 by performing a really great cover of the Pistol Annies‘, “Hell On Heels.”

The team members are all keeping blogs on The Voice official website. You should check out the complete posts, but here is a snippet of what RaeLynn had to say about joining Team Blake:

Fast forward and here I am, on Blake Shelton’s team! I’m honored to be led by one of my musical inspirations. AND so excited about this opportunity and being on The Voice!

Follow RaeLynn on Twitter: @raelynnofficial

RaeLynn’s Audition:

Continue reading to check out Team Blake members Gwen and Jermaine…

Gwen Sebastian

The second member to join Blake’s team was Gwen Sebastian. Gwen hails from North Dakota, and auditioned with a beautiful version of Sugarland’s, “Stay.” Adam, Cee Lo, & Blake all turned their chairs around, but Blake won out.

Gwen has posted several blog updates too. She had this to share about being a part of Team Blake:

From the moment of my first audition, I knew Blake would be my number one pick if given the amazing chance to even have a choice. It’s not just because he sings my favorite genre because I truly love all kinds of music. Blake not only has one of the purest country voices and is extremely talented, he seemed genuinely interested in his team members as not only musicians, but as people too.

Follow Gwen on Twitter: @gwensebastian

Gwen’s Audition:

Jermaine Paul

The third member of Team Blake is Jermaine Paul. Jermaine is from New York City, and has been a background vocalist for R&B superstar, Alicia Keys, for the past eight years. For the blind rounds, he performed a rockin’ version of Avril Lavigne’s, “Complicated.”

Jermaine shared:

I feel so blessed. I guess I feel like it’s a new beginning and a great new chance to do what I always wanted to since childhood days of singing in the living room at home.

Follow Jermaine on Twitter: @jermainepaul

Jermaine’s Audition:

In the upcoming weeks, we can’t wait to see who else becomes a member of Team Blake! You can watch The Voice on Mondays 8/7c on NBC.

For behind the scenes videos, photos, blogs, and all things The Voice… check out http://www.nbc.com/the-voice/

And if you are not doing so already, don’t forget to follow one of my favorite tweeters and people… @blakeshelton.

“Voice” Assist: Miranda Lambert & Kelly Clarkson Added As Advisors

Ted Efron — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:29:36 +0000

NBC’s “The Voice” is charging up its second season by bringing in not just star power, but superstar power.

The network announced the addition of Miranda Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, Jewel, Lionel Richie, Alanis Morissette, Ne-Yo, Babyface and Robin Thicke. The stars will all serve as advisors once the show reaches the battle rounds.

Lambert and Clarkson will be helping Blake Shelton’s team. It’s becoming clear that Blake really loves these ladies. Not only because he’s married to Miranda, but also because he had the two perform during the encore of his concert last week. With Miranda’s third-place finish on “Nashville Star” and Kelly’s win on the first season of “American Idol,” Blake has certainly stacked the deck when it comes successful singing show competitors.

Morissette and Thicke will be helping Adam Levine’s team; Jewel and Richie join Christina Aguilera’s team; Babyface and Ne-Yo round out Cee Lo Green’s group.

The second season of “The Voice” premieres right after the Super Bowl. That would be Sunday, Feb. 5 at 10 p.m. The show then moves to its normal Monday time slot.

CONTEST: Win A Copy Of The Footloose Sound Track! – WINNER ANNOUNCED

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:46:00 +0000

Congratulations to Lindsay C., our winner of the Footloose sound track!

Tonight’s the Nashville premiere of the new Footloose remake, and some of your favorite country acts will be on the red carpet in Franklin, Tennessee tonight. To help celebrate the release of the movie, the team at Warner Music Nashville and us here at Keepin’ it Country want to help you cut Footloose with the sound track from the movie! You can win yourself a copy of the album which features Blake Shelton, Big & Rich, Hunter Hayes, and even fellow The Voice coach Cee-Lo Green!

Want to enter? It’s simple. To get your name in the raffle, tell us who sings the original “Footloose” theme song that Blake Shelton is covering. Click the “Read more” button to get your name in the draw! The contest runs immediately through to Monday at 10 am EST. We will announce a winner later that day. Only one entry per person, please, and it’s open everywhere except where prohibited. Good luck!

Here’s Blake’s version. Who sings the original?