The Voice SA: The First Live Show

Finally! The tedious rounds are done and dusted and its time to get down to business. Tonight the first 8 contestants take to the stage to perform for the public vote.

Let’s hope both judges and viewers alike get it right!

Team Kahn

Craig Lucas – “Human” by The Killers:

R: Hmm, Craig, I’m not sure this was the right song, especially not for the first live show of the season. It could be a make or break performance. It was good, but I don’t think the song was perfect for him. His higher register, as usual, killer – searing and dramatic. The lower register was where some of the issues snuck in, but all in all, a very solid performance, if his weakest of the season thus far. B+

J: When I saw what song Craig was singing I panicked slightly but he did a good enough job with it to calm my nerves a bit. I can’t say it was his best performance to date because it wasn’t. His higher register was effortless and it carried him where his lower register faltered. Does he deserve to advance in the competition? Hell yes! Will Kahn save him? Probably not, Kahn seems to have eyes for Fatman only. B+

Freddy – “Jealous” by Labrinth:

R: I can see why he picked the song, it’s supposed to be perfect for a voice like his. It’s a tearjerker, a wonderful emotional ballad, but I was all too focused on his voice to be pulled in. His lower register does tend to eat the words, and his pronunciation is sometimes awful. He ended well, using his falsetto, which is his only redeeming part. He ended emotionally, but his full voice is just not good. C

J: Freddy took a heart-wrenching ballad and somehow managed to make it sound cheesy. He is a likeable guy, sure, and he does often hint at potential but I think he still needs a lot of mentoring before he reaches his full potential. He needs to work on that lower register as his words almost become inaudible. C+

Zee – “Scars to Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara:

R: The first verse was shaky and unsure, but Zee got better once the song picked up tempo and reached its climax, with the drums and everything kicking in. She was in the pocket and confident. She looked and sounded like a star, but the lower register is something she’ll have to work on. Very solid performance. B+

J: Like Freddy, Zee too has issues with her lower register. The performance got off to a wonky start but she soon corrected herself and once she got going she was just so good. Zee is born performer – she will be a star even if she leaves the competition at this point. B+

Fatman – “Kaptein” by Kurt Darren:

R: Well, at least he showed a more artistic flair, probably taking the biggest risk thus far, completely different interpretation. Was it good? It was brave, but I didn’t think it was great. The chorus was solid, hitting some good high notes, but there was pitch issues. Some high notes hit just under, but I gotta give him cred for doing a more than reasonable job on a terrible Afrikaans sokkie treffer. It was solid, but

uneven. B

J: Fatman is so entertaining but his song choices are terrible! Although I’m sure a Kurt Darren treffer was a hit amongst the Afrikaans viewers I’m not too sure how it would do on radio. There were a few pitch issues but it wasn’t enough to detract from a pretty solid performance. B+

R: If Kahn saves Freddy, the neighbours will hear.

Kahn saves: Fatman

R: Oh. I’m not sure about the going Platinum thing, Kahn.

J: On behalf of Reinhardt’s neighbours I thank you Kahn!

Team Karen

Lindo – “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars:

R: First, he massacred Michael Jackson, then he decided to massacre the new MJ. He was yelling the lyrics throughout, the chorus sounded like a cat dying, and the vocal is just not where it needs to be. He had the moves. Again none of the vocal. The voice isn’t there. At least it was better than his Knockout, but barely. C

J: It’s a good thing Bruno Mars isn’t dead because he’s be spinning in his grave right now! Karen must really be regretting Veronique go round about now. He was all over the place vocally, screaming while focussing on pumping out some dance moves. This was painful to watch, sorry man. C-

PJ – “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain:

R: Where is the falsetto? That is his trademark! That said, this was a solid vocal. There were some pitch issues, but I was mostly surprised – it was strong and emotional. I liked the roughness of his voice here, but I still feel he should sing more falsetto heavy ballads. That’s where he connects the most. This was solid, but he can do much better. B

J: Bad, bad song choice. There really wasn’t much PJ could do with this song. I didn’t feel any emotion from him and he had some pitch issues although it was overall still pretty solid. I know this guy can do much better and I want to see him in the next round. B

Amanda – “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon:

R. This a very weird song choice for Amanda, but I actually liked parts of it. The first verse was beautiful, but the repetitive chorus might have derailed her. The ooh-ooh repetition did her no favours. The quieter moments were where she shined, just wish there were more of that. She has a beautiful voice, but this wasn’t the vehicle for it. B-

J: What’s with the dodgy song choices tonight? Amanda has a gorgeous voice but this rock number did her no favours. I don’t think she connected with the lyrics and that threw her off balance. Stick to what you know girl and you will go far! C+

Samantha – “Hero” by Enrique:

R: The best vocal of the night. Effortless, searing, beautiful. Her voice is like air, so free. She is the female pop star this country doesn’t have, and certainly needs. Her lower register is beautiful, but her higher register is even better. This wasn’t even the perfect song for Sam, but she nailed it. With the right song, it can only get better. A-

J: Another effortless performance by Sam. She just gets better all the time! I was a bit weary of the song choice but she absolutely nailed it. Those vocals were flawless and she simply shines on stage. She hasn’t even peaked yet and when she does I expect nothing short of fireworks and unicorns spewing rainbows. A

R: Sam is the only right answer here, Karen, don’t mess it up.

J: If Karen doesn’t save Sam there is something very wrong with the world.

Karen saves: Samantha

R: Karen is still holding on to some sanity.

Did you enjoy the first Live Show? Who gets your vote this week? Let us know!