Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Christina Aguilera

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Trinity Bradshaw

Tia — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:38:12 +0000

Trinity Bradshaw is a budding artist you ought to pay attention to. This country singer-songwriter is making a name for herself here in Canada with several notable accomplishments under her belt. The 21-year-old native of Summerside, Prince Edward Island was named 90.3 Amp Radio’s Amp Radio Rock Star earlier this year, a competition that saw her and others being judged by top music execs. She was also declared the winner of Sugar Crisp’s The First 15, a Canadian national songwriting competition, in 2011.

2013 is proving to be an exciting year for the young artist. Trinity is set to play at some major festivals, including Musexpo in California, the Calgary Stampede and Big Valley Jamboree. Moreover, her self-titled debut EP will be released tomorrow (May 7th) and we’re certain that it will be just the beginning of what is to come from this Canadian talent.

You have a self-titled debut EP set to be released this week. How was the whole process of creating it?
The process was so fun and exciting – especially because I have written/co-written the tracks! We took our time on each track so that the perfect sound and emotion would be heard. I couldn’t be more happy with the final product!!

Can you describe what fans will hear on this record?
Listeners will be taken on a journey of love, life, and tons of real emotion! I can only hope that they will feel inspired from at least one of the songs … or two.

How would you best describe your sound?
Pop influenced country and lots of fun!!

How do you balance elements of pop and country in your music?
I definitely do not “try” to make it sound a certain way … it just happens. I believe that the musical composition of every song happens naturally and is 100 percent real.

What was it like to hear yourself on the radio for the first time?
Surreal. I still get butterflies when I listen on my iPod. It’s very exciting to hear the words and emotions that were once written on paper, turned into a wonderful and meaningful production!

Where do you draw your inspiration from when writing?
Life. I tend to overanalyze the way of life, and it’s definitely not a simple journey. There are ups and downs and in-betweens … a great subject and way to inspire.

What or who motivated you to turn your love of music into a career?
It just felt right at a very young age. Even before I knew how the music industry worked, I was singing and writing songs because it made me feel alive. My parents eventually asked me if I wanted to do this for the rest of my life, and of course, I said yes.

Who are your role models in the country music industry?
I am influenced by many different artists and genres. Successful people are successful because of the hard work and dedication towards something. To be more specific, I would have to say Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Dixie Chicks, Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, just to name a few!

What can we can expect from you after the release of the EP?
I’m going to keep doing the only thing I know how to do. My time will come. In the meantime, I am going to have fun and enjoy the ride!

Be sure to check out Trinity’s self-titled EP, including the lead single “Big Town,” which is currently being played on Canadian country radio!

Connect with Trinity:

First Listen: Blake Shelton & Christina Aguilera Are Just a Pair of Fools

Nicole Piering — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:32:37 +0000

Aside from being judges on NBC’s hit show “The Voice,” you wouldn’t think that Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera have an awful lot in common. However, when you hear them together on “Just a Fool” from Christina’s forthcoming album, Lotus, you’d think that they’ve been singing together for years.

In the video, Christina calls Blake her “favorite” co-judge and her “big brother.” We have a feeling that it’s hard NOT to love Blake, and it’s also hard NOT to love this song. Give “Just a Fool” a listen and let us know what you think in the comments!

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Cherie Oakley

Jennifer Swirsky — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:23:40 +0000

Did you watch the first season of “The Voice”? Have you ever heard the Reba McEntire #1 hit song “Turn On the Radio”? Were you tuned in when Kelly Clarkson and Vince Gill debuted their new song, “Don’t Rush,” on the 46th Annual CMA Awards? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, our latest interviewee should be no stranger to you!

She’s a little bit of Pop, a little bit of Country, and a whole lot of talent…Her name is Cherie Oakley and we were lucky enough to sit down with her and talk about songwriting, song recording, song performing, and some of the incredible artist encounters she has experienced in her musical career so far!

KIC: For those readers who may be ‘meeting’ you for the first time in this blog, can you give us a little bit of a back story as to how you became a singer/songwriter/reality TV contestant?

Cherie: Loaded question, but here goes! I grew up singing with my family as well as singing solo. I did a lot of musical theater, country music festivals, banquets, weddings pretty much anywhere I could. I got my first manager at age 5 in NYC and began auditioning for television and films as well. I moved to Nashville in 2002 and that’s when I decided I wanted to focus on developing my skills as a songwriter. I sang demos around town and wrote whenever I wasn’t working a desk job. I toured as a BGV [Background Vocalist] for different artists for a little over 5 years when I got my first song cut. With the songs success I was able to pull off the road and focus more seriously on my dreams as a solo artist and songwriter. That’s when I heard about The Voice and auditioned (last minute) via skype, sitting in my kitchen.

KIC: How would you describe your musical style?

Cherie: Pop/Country

KIC: We know that you are currently hard at work on your first solo album (and we cannot wait to hear what you are working on!), but let’s talk about your first hit song. What was the song? Who recorded it? Where were you when you first heard it on the radio? How did you feel in that moment?

Cherie: My first song ever cut was “Turn On The Radio” by Reba McEntire and it went #1. LOTS of pressure when you come out of the gate with all of that! I don’t remember where I was when I first heard it on the radio … I do remember when I first heard it though … it was in a studio during its final mix … It was extremely surreal … My favorite time to hear it is when I am shopping somewhere … I still get all giddy and overwhelmingly thankful!

KIC: When you are writing songs, from where do you draw your inspiration? Do you prefer writing alone or with someone else?

Cherie: I don’t like writing alone actually … I come up with ideas all the time alone and I’ll finish a song I co/wrote alone but I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with other people. Sitting in a room with a songwriter who is unbelievably creative inspires me to think outside of the box … to try new things. It’s an amazing experience to bounce ideas back and forth and come up with something you know you couldn’t have alone. AND it’s just more fun!

KIC: Do you typically have an idea in mind, write the song, and then shop around for someone to record it, or do you write with a particular artist in mind and gear your work toward that person?

Cherie: I try to come up with a couple of ideas, both melody and overall subject matter before I go into a writing appointment. I write sometimes knowing certain artists are about to go in and record but I always write something I myself would say, or would like to sing …

KIC: You recently tweeted that you sang background on Kelly Clarkson’s new country song “Don’t Rush” (featuring Vince Gill) and performed “Don’t Rush” on the CMAs. How did you score that gig? How awesome was it to sing on such a highly coveted awards show?

Cherie: I’ve been blessed enough to stay in town and work on various records as a background singer as well as write. I was called by Dann Huff (the producer of that song) to sing BGV’s on the record. I knew ahead of time that the song would be performed on the CMA’s but figured Kelly’s touring background singer would sing my part live. Fortunately and unfortunately her background singer was unable to make it last minute due to the hurricane in NY. I was called on Tuesday to sing at the CMA’s which were on Thursday. There was no time to rehearse or anything, but that was ok, everyone knew I already knew the song because I recorded it. So, I just showed up, hung out with Kelly, her band and management team for a while and then hit the stage! It was an absolute blast! Of course I was a fan of Kelly’s voice (who isn’t?) and her music (again, who isn’t?) but I was BLOWN AWAY by her adorable and incredibly down to earth personality. I’ve worked with so many artists that I’ve learned what not to do from, but I thought, “wow, an artist I could actually learn what TO DO from!” You have no idea how refreshing it was. I adore her. I had a blast … Honored to be there.

KIC: Alright, you have had one of your songs (“Turn On the Radio”) recorded by the Queen of Country Music, Ms. Reba McEntire. What goes through a songwriter’s head when she finds out that one of the most notable vocalists in country music history has chosen to record her song?

Cherie: Well, this was also my first cut so many many things went through my mind. Reba called and asked me personally if she could have the song because she knew it was originally written for me (when I had a record deal). The entire experience was completely surreal! Reba has been an inspiration to me since I was a little girl … She was warm and friendly and it seemed oddly familiar. You talk to her and somehow you feel like you’ve known her for years. She has that way about her. She’s amazing. The entire experience I know will never happen quite like that again. It was one of those “God things” I like to say …

KIC: Speaking of Reba, you are also a background vocalist on the theme song for “Malibu Country.” Should we expect to see you guest starring on that show in some capacity anytime in the near future?

Cherie: Expect? No, probably not. But hey, you never know! This life has proven far too crazy for me to ever count anything out all together.

KIC: Segues are easy when we are interviewing someone with so much involvement in the entertainment world! While we are on the subject of television, let’s talk about your stint on “The Voice” and as a member of “Team Christina.” What is your best memory of that experience?

Cherie: I do have some good memories with Christina, but none that didn’t involve a full crew, mics and television cameras … The memories that come to mind to me first are the ones with the friends I made … Mostly with my roomie Casey Weston (who is an awesome artist by the way!). We would just make each other laugh until we cried sometimes! Those are my favorite memories and the ones I miss the most.

KIC: If you could work with anyone in music, who would be your dream collaboration? If you could write for anyone in music, who would be your dream artist to record one of your original songs?

Cherie: Well, this answer will change in the future I’m sure, but for right now … I would love to write with Taylor Swift. I’m a big fan of her writing, although she would NOT need me at all! I’d love to write a song that Adele would sing … I LOVE her voice! And I would love to write a song for/with Kelly Clarkson. After just working with her, I’m just over the moon about her!

KIC: As we mentioned above, you are finishing up your first solo album and anticipate having it fully recorded within the next month. What can we expect to hear from you?

Cherie: More songs like “Turn On The Radio” and good ballads too. I like my music to be fun and put people in a good place emotionally. I want to be careful not to get too heavy. If I write something that’s pretty dark or heavy I want to be sure to have enough fun rockin’ stuff to balance it out.

KIC: Did you have a hand in writing every track on your album, or did you come across a song or two from another songwriter that you just could not turn down once you heard it?

Cherie: I did not write every song on my album. I did co/write most. There are some on there that I heard and I thought, “I gotta have that song!” I think every artist who is also a songwriter needs to always be open to listening to other songwriters songs as well.

KIC: When do you anticipate your solo album will be released?

Cherie: Hoping to have it done by the end of this month, or before Christmas at the latest.

Keepin’ It Country Quick-Fire Round:

1. Who’s your celebrity crush?

Cherie: I don’t really believe in celebrity crushes because I’m married and we are both in the business and will probably end up meeting that person one day! I do still have a crush on my hubby though! Does that count?

2. All-time favorite country song?

Cherie: “Smile”

3. The Voice…be honest…are you “once Team Christina always Team Christina”?

Cherie: Nope

4. Guilty pleasure?

Cherie” “American Horror Story” on FX

5. Facebook or Twitter?

Cherie: Facebook

Since it’s the holiday season:

6. Dark meat or white meat?

Cherie: White

7. Open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Cherie: Both depending on when we visit family or vice versa

8. Winter Wonderland or beach holiday?

Cherie: Beach baby!

9. New Years Eve – go out or stay in?

Cherie: Stay in – I’m a homebody!

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Cherie for taking the time to sit down and talk to us about her experiences. It was an honor and a privilege to get to know more about such a phenomenally talented musician! For more information on Cherie, you can check her out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cherieoakleymusic and Twitter at @cherieoakley.

Keep checking back here for the latest on Cherie’s upcoming projects! And for a sneak peek at the incredible vocals you are sure to find on Cherie’s solo album, take a look at this video of her performing “We’ve Got Tonight”:

REVIEW: Nashville – Sometimes Good Intentions Don’t Come Across So Well

Jennifer Swirsky — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:22:05 +0000

This seemed to be the theme of the second episode of the show that has created quite a buzz, ABC’s Nashville. The second episode began with Hayden Panettiere‘s character, Juliette Barnes, taking over the streets of Nashville, literally, as she filmed a music video that has Laura Bell Bundy “Giddy On Up” style choreography, mixed with the naughtiness of Christina Aguilera back in her “Dirrty” days. And, of course, stuck in the traffic caused by Juliette is Rayna Jaymes, former country starlet who is trying to breathe new life back into a career that her record label believes is dwindling. Naturally, seeing the young vixen create such a stir is a point of contention for Rayna, as she still tries to work through the abominable idea her record label suggested — that she open for a songstress that, age-wise, she could have given birth to herself.

We all know that Rayna is highly opposed to opening for Juliette, and if we know it, so does her record label. So, instead, they have proposed that Rayna hit the road with Deacon, her former love of eleven years, in an attempt to sell-out small venues. Now, this sounds like a great idea, except the last time these two hot and talented stars were on tour, they were dating, a la Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Remember, Rayna is married (perhaps somewhat unhappily, as her husband is dabbling in her father’s profession, politics, which she loathes) and, ironically, Deacon has been seen galavanting around Nashville with Juliette Barnes herself. Rumor has it they are just writing music together, but other Nashvillians have spotted the two canoodling in the process. When Rayna agrees to tour with Deacon and attempt to get a bite of her previous success, Deacon turns into somewhat of a tug-of-war rope between Rayna and Juliette. Rayna is married; she shouldn’t care what Deacon does in his free time. However, when the two hit the stage of The Bluebird and sing the same song they sang in the same place twenty years ago, it is obvious there is still an undeniable chemistry between Rayna and Deacon. And Juliette, a member of the audience, clearly notices it as well. She is seen with tears streaming down her face and quickly exits the venue.

So, what good intentions didn’t come across so well? Juliette gifting a $50,000 guitar to Deacon…Is it a thank you for helping her write music? Is it a gift to reel him in on a personal level? Rayna appeared at her husband’s political event. Of course, it turns into a bitter battle between she and her father. And who can forget the “socialites” who, likely having good intentions, tried to schmooze with Rayna and compliment her career, only to make her realize how much she has gone adrift? I mean, her album ISN’T available at Starbucks?! *gasp* Also, in a whole other story line, Scarlett, girlfriend of small local band member, Avery, keeps “hush” about an offer she received to pen music for a big act with Gunnar. Scarlett kept it a secret from Avery, who has been trying to break into music for years, not wanting to hurt him, but we all know that keeping secrets causes more hurt once the lid is off the jar.

The mystery of the evening, as there is always something that cliff-hangs us and makes us want to tune into the show next week…Well, other than Rayna stating to Deacon that performing their old song was a bad idea (because obviously she felt something for him in the moment), Rayna’s husband, Teddy, was seen throwing papers into a fire at their Nashville home. Our prediction is that Teddy was going to serve Rayna with divorce papers because their lives are moving in such separate directions, but after Rayna made a cameo at the political gathering, Teddy reconsidered and disposed of those papers before anybody could figure out his intentions.

Make sure to tune in next week to see what goes on behind the scenes in the city that oozes music. We are sure it’s bound to be an hour of great songs, dramatic twists and turns, and confusion in the romance department.

Did you enjoy the music you heard in this episode of Nashville? If so, check out the list of songs below:

“Little Lie” (Performed by Lindi Ortega)

“I’ll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)” (Performed by Gunnar)

“Matchbox Blues” (Performed by Deacon)

“No One Will Ever Love You” (Performed by Rayna and Deacon)

“Telescope” (Performed by Juliette)

“A Twist of Barbwire” (Performed by Avery)

“Undermine” (Performed by Deacon and Juliette)

“See It For Yourself” (Sugar & the Hi Lo’s)

“Baby We Were Young” (Dirty Guvnahs)

“Only the Lonely Talkin’” (Danielle Peck)

“Bad Thing” (King Tuff)

“If I Wanted Someone” (Dawes)

“Hail Hail” (Shovels & Rope)

Recap: The Voice – Episode 3: Boybanders, Mamas and Domo, Oh My!

Nicole Piering — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:08:19 +0000

First off, NBC, THREE nights in a row? I love Adam, Christina, Blake and CeeLo as much as the next person, but three in a row was a bit much.

Our first singer of the night is Samuel Mouton, a guy who cooks pizzas and washes dishes in Colorado, but hopefully not at the same time. He looks like a dirty skateboarding, short-haired Shaun White-type, but then opens his mouth and sounds like Bob Marley. It’s an odd disconnect as he sings “Redemption Song,” but Adam is the first to turn around, followed quickly by CeeLo and Christina. It’s an easy choice for Samuel, who joins Team Adam.

Next up is Chris Trousdale, a very pretty boy who was formerly a member of the boy band Dreamstreet. Don’t judge me, but I’m pretty sure I once saw Dreamstreet in concert. Anyway, Chris was basically the JC Chasez to Jesse McCartney’s Justin Timberlake. Unlike JC, however, his voice is surprisingly weak and shaky and we learn that he now works in a Sushi restaurant. Also, for a former boybander, he made a terrible song choice with “Glad You Came” by 2012 boy band, The Wanted. Although none of the judges turn around for Chris, he does get Blake Shelton on stage to “moonwalk” in his cowboy boots. I’m sure that Gif is all over Tumblr by now.

Chris and his moonwalking kicked off a string of lackluster performers that also didn’t get the judges to turn. The meh performances lead into a Nigerian refugee named Nelson, who calls himself Nelly’s Echo. There’s some sort of inspirational reasoning behind his name, but yawn, call me jaded at this point. Nelly (Can I call him that?) croons a capable acousticy ”Ain’t No Sunshine”. He’s really good in a Javier Colon type of way, and we know how well that worked out. The judges like him and yada, yada, yada, he joins Team XTina,

The Nashville-based mother-daughter vocal duo, 2Steel Girls, is up next. Although they are only auditioning as a duo, they’re actually a full family band, sorta like a countrified Partridge family, but with a dad. They tackle “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood, which is a bit of an odd combo for a mother and daughter team, but they have good harmonies and power behind their vocals. Wait, why is Christina fanning herself? Clearly her shirt is letting plenty of air in. Anyway, CeeLo and Blake turn practically simultaneously for the 2Steel girls. Blake assures them that he wants to “protect their relationship in a savage, angry world of entertainment.” They pretend it’s a tough decision, but it’s obvious that Team Blake is a no-brainer for the duo. According to Adam, Blake “Jerry Maguired” them. I’d agree, and hey, did you know the human head weighs 8 pounds?

The 2Steel girls going Blake is the beginning of a rough streak for CeeLo. Lisa Scinta & 15-year-old, Marisanne both turn him down for Christina, while Loren Allred is picked up by Adam, despite oompa-loompa CeeLo proclaiming his love for tall women. Okay.

Next, we have Domo, a loud-mouthed, hip hop dancer from the Bronx. She tells us that in China, she’s as big as Lady Gaga. Riiiiiigt. Clearly, she’s also humble as she compares her voice to Mariah, Whitney and Christina. When she hits the stage, she powers through a slow and deliberate version of “Dont Cha” by the Pussycat Dolls and surprisingly, her voice is pretty powerful. She’s showy at times and her voice doesn’t quite live up to her attitude, but she’s a passable Nicole Scherzinger. CeeLo is the first to turn around and is in ALL his glory, but at times, this performance seems more gentleman’s club than “The Voice.” Domo is one of those people who spells her name D to the O to the M to the O, before working the crowd into a “When I say Dah, you say Mo” chant. Uhoh. Adam continues with the one liners and points out that CeeLo is in heat. Yikes.

Finally, we have Nicole Nelson, a self-proclaimed hippie who lives in some sort of artistic commune in an old shoe factory in Vermont. I’d imagine she draws henna tattoos in her spare time, while braiding hair and listening to men with long beards play the drums. She chooses what is arguably the most oversang song on reality TV, Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” She sings it beautifully with a bit of her own twist, and all of the judges turn for her.. I have to admit that she looks older than 34, but not in the way Honey Boo Boo’s mom looks older than 32, just in a polished, mature sort of way. She joins Team Adam, and I predict her to be an early favorite this season.

That’s a wrap for night three. We’ll see you next week! Now, about that OTHER singing show…

Recap: The Voice: Episode 2 – Meet Harry Potter & The Music Man

Nicole Piering — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 12:28:26 +0000

I’ll blame it on technical difficulties, but I may or may not have missed most of the first episode of “The Voice.” I just assumed (and you know what happens when you assume…) that my DVR would record the show, but alas, that wasn’t the case. I’ll be attempting to catch a repeat sometime soon, but, on to episode two!

Luckily for slackers like me, we get a brief recap of the first episode and I learn that each judge – Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, Adam Levine & Blake Shelton – will get teams of 16! Holy cow, what is this, pee-wee soccer?! They each grabbed two contestants in the season premiere, including a guy who sings “Listen” better than Beyonce and a bunch of other random people who sing, cry and have REALLY sad histories.

Our first contestant tonight is 22-year-old Brooklynite, Adriana Louise. I can tell immediately by her tight dress and judges’-chair-matching lipstick that she’s going to garner a creepy CeeLo smile. She wails through Jessie J‘s “Domino,” and all of the judges turn around. CeeLo makes some weird comments about a wedding, but it’s Christina’s finger-wiggling and debut CD (the first Adriana ever bought) that convince her to join “Team XTina.”

Next up, we have a wrestler who is dressed in the most stereotypical country attire a person can possibly wear. I’ll admit that I’m prejudging him both on his name, Casey Muessigmann, (pronounced “Musicman,” natch.) and the fact that someone in his entourage looks eerily similar to Javier Bardem in “No Country For Old Men.” Casey recently lost 100 pounds due to his penchant for singing songs like “Sweet Home Alabama” or maybe it’s due to his awkward butt-slapping dance moves. Either way, both Blake and CeeLo hit their buttons. It’s no surprise to anyone when the butt-slapping, country-crooning Harold Hill joins Team Blake.

Our first one-name-wonder of the episode, Aquile, is up next. We learn that he learned guitar after having his jaw wired shut. Why does everyone who has talent also have a crazy sob story? As soon as he opens his mouth, I swoon and squeal a little. His voice is warm and fuzzy as he puts a soulful take on Sir Elton’s “Your Song.” Adam calls Blake a “dum-dum” for not turning around, while Christina and her boobs admit that they want a “private concert.” Yikes. It’s a tough choice for Aquile between Adam’s tattoos, Cee-Lo’s T-Rex arms and Christina’s boobs?! In typical male fashion, he goes for Team Boobs.

Nashvillian Ryan Fogarty works for LeAnn Rimes, and does important things like put cases of water on her tour bus. Apparently, he also sings and has the LeAnn Rimes stamp of approval. He starts super shaky on Chris Young‘s “Tomorrow” and unfortunately, never quite lives up to the intensity of the song. Blake admits that he spent the whole song comparing him to Chris Young, and he came up short. It’s back to being LeAnn’s slave for Ryan.

Following in Ryan’s lackluster footsteps, we are treated to a few more snips of performers that weren’t quite good enough. However, the One-Direction version of Harry Potter is up next, and my prediction is awesomeness. He almost died from congestive heart failure from a crazy heart-attacking virus, but he’s better now and wearing awesome red pants. His name is Mackenzie Bourg, and he’s doing an acoustic version of Foster the People‘s “Pumped Up Kicks.” It takes awhile, but CeeLo turns around, and Harry leaves Hogwarts for Cee-Lo’s magical pink-parroted lair.

Last up tonight is Julio Cesar Castillo, a Mariachi singer dressed like McKinley High’s resident mariachi singer. He says he wants to break away from that style of music, but the proceeds to sing “La Bamba.” I can’t even think of “La Bamba,” without having flashbacks to high school Spanish and watching that Lou Diamond Phillips movie about Richie Valens. Blake turns around immediately, followed be CeeLo. I can’t say I comprende what’s happening, but there’s no denying that Julio has a great tone to his voice. In what might be the most interesting pairing of the season, he joins Team Blake. Ole!

Carson reminds us that Episode 3 will be on tomorrow, and we get a quick recap of who’s on whose team. All I catch is that Christina has 2 people whose names rhyme! See ya tomorrow!

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:

The Voice Earns 4 Emmy Nominations

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:53:05 +0000

Congratulations to Blake Shelton and everyone at NBC’s The Voice! They’ve racked up four Emmy nominations at this year’s award show. It’s the first Emmy nomination for Blake, who celebrated in his own special way on Twitter earlier:

“@nashvillegab: ‘The Voice’ gets 4 Emmy nominations! bit.ly/Oclt1h”I’d like to thank Ms. Emmy for her support… Shit yeah!!

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) July 19, 2012

What’s made it interesting is that The Voice beat out American Id0l in one category – for Best Competition Reality Show, who didn’t even get a nomination in the category. Looks like our prediction from earlier this year of The Voice becoming the new King of reality tv may be right on. The other three categories the show racked up nominations in are for: Outstanding Art Direction For Variety Or Nonfiction Programming, Outstanding Hairstyling For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special, and, Outstanding Creative Achievement In Interactive Media – Enhancement To A Television Program or Series.

The 64th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will air on September 23rd live from the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles on ABC. Good luck to The Voice!

The Voice: Team Blake Recap – Week 9

Jeanna D. — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 22:29:01 +0000

The Voice kicked off their live shows last night!

The competition is now in full force with the fate of the contestants placed in America’s hands.

Each of the six members from Team Blake and Team Christina took the stage for a solo performance. Tonight, the votes will provide a bottom three from each team. Then, Blake and Christina will each save one contestant and two people from each team will be sent home.

Team Blake did a great job, and came out ready to win.

Continue reading for a recap and videos of their performances…

Jermaine Paul

Jermaine started the night with a rockin’ performance of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer.” Jermaine is a top-notched performer and he surely knows how to grab an audience. I loved how he started the song rising from the floor in the audience and then was able to cover the whole room without missing a beat.

RaeLynn

Next up for Team Blake was seventeen-year-old, RaeLynn. She took on Maroon 5′s “Wake Up Call” and gave it a country spin. I always enjoy when artists change up a hit song and give it a cool, new twist. It is especially great when the cover crosses genres. RaeLynn is currently the highest Team Blake members on the iTunes chart for her version of “Wake Up Call.”

Naia Kete

Naia performed Adele’s “Turning Tables.” There was question about whether she should have done a reggae version of the song, but I thought Naia sounded great and I really liked her version. She has such a cool sounding and unique voice, and I thought she had one of the better performances last night.

Jordis Unga

Joris was next for Team Blake, and she performed “Alone” by Heart. I have been a fan of Jordis since Rockstar: INXS, and “Alone” is one of my favorite songs. I thought Jordis and that song were the perfect match, and her vocals sounded back in full force. She definitely gave one of my favorite performances of the night.

Erin Willett

For Erin’s performance, she sang Stevie Wonder’s “Living For The City” and she killed it. Blake said it was the best vocal of the night, and I agree with him. Erin has a natural, big voice and I love it. She was another one of my favorite performances.

Charlotte Sometimes

Charlotte Sometimes was the last member of Team Blake to take the stage. She performed Paramore’s “Misery Business” and she brought the house down. I thought she was awesome, and she just has such a cool sound to her voice. I would say that she and Erin were my top two from last night.

Awesome job, Team Blake!

What did you think of The Voice last night? What were your favorite performances?

Tune in to NBC tonight at 9/8c to find out the results of the votes.

Good luck to all of the contestants and go Team Blake!!

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!