It’s the first live show of The Voice UK tonight, and a week after the brilliant Battle Rounds, we were quite excited to see what the Coaches had in store for their contestants.

Tonight, it was the turn of Team Tom and Team will.i.am to take to the stage, and, the pressure was indeed on as one contestant from each team will be voted off the reality show on tomorrow night’s Result Show.

The Voice UK kicked off tonight with all four Coaches performing together to show us how its done. will.i.am, Jessie J, Danny O’Donoghue and the amazing Sir Tom Jones sang Beautiful Day by U2 and what a performance it was! Sir Tom Jones showed why he’s still on top of his game! It was slick and it was smooth.

After the performance, we heard a few words from the Coaches, and then we saw The V Room, where presenter Reggie Yates was.

First up tonight was Joelle Moses from Team Will. In her VT she said: “I’ve wanted to be a singer all my life. In school I pretended that I was Beyonce!” Will picked Joelle because: “She went out of her comfort zone.” On tonight’s song choice, she said: “I wasn’t sure about the song choice, and that is so important. But, I have so much respect for will.i.am.” Her song was I’m Going Down by Mary J Blige, and she came out on stage dressed beautifully in a gold gown. She has a beautiful voice, but EF couldn’t get into it for some reason. She sang it well and in tune, but there was something missing. Will said: “I was on my feet! So, everything that we talked about, you nailed it. You were concerned you were going first, you shouldn’t be. You’ve set the bar high!” Jessie said: “That was so good! Honestly, you had so much fun with it. It was amazing and congratulations!” Tom said: “I think that we’ve got the best seats in the house here!” Danny said: “It was outstanding, and you’d do Mary J Blige proud, I don’t know her, but I’m sure Will does.” Well done Joelle.

Next up was Sam Buttery from Team Tom. We loved Sam’s first audition, and his personality comes through when he sings. He said in his VT: “To work with a legend like Sir Tom Jones is mind-boggling. It’s amazing!” He wasn’t happy in rehearsals though: “I’m bricking it.” Tom said: “I’m trying to reassure him, and I’m sure he’ll get it right on the night.” Sam’s song was A Little Respect by Erasure. EF loves this song, and we always feel a bit nostalgic about it when we hear it. Sam wore a very interesting shirt, and straight from the off he went right into it. Going into the chorus though, he went a little off tune. When he gets a bit excited, his voice suffers which is a big shame. He had a rapturous applause from the audience. Tom said: “Sam was worried about his timing in rehearsal, but tonight you were spot on.” Danny said: “There’s a great singer there. The falsetto is incredible.”

Frances Wood was next for Team Will. In her VT, she said: “I think the Battle brought round my competitive side! I told myself not to cry, but I cried my eyes out!” In rehearsal, she was in her element. Will said of her: “She’s always trying to find her own stamp on things, and that’s cool.” Her song was Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan. Frances caught our attention straight away with her strong voice, and her determined look. Backing her, she had male dancers and she was dressed very demurely which is a refreshing change! Will said: “Frances, I’m like so proud, because before we went live, and we had a Team Will huddle…You made me proud, you entertained. You did it!” Jessie said: “What’s so nice about this process is to see how much you’ve grown. I remember you from the first audition, and I didn’t turn around, and I now wished I did” Tom said: “I think its very bold to sing a Chaka Khan song, you didn’t try to copy it, you did it in your own way.” Danny said: “I thought the dancing was a little bit stiff, and the pitching in the beginning too. But then you were great!” Well done Danny for telling it like it is!

We then saw Reggie Yates in The V Room, where the contestants were practicing and where we could see how the show was doing on all the social networking sites.

Adam Isaac was next from Team Tom. EF loved him in his first audition, and his voice blew us away. On the Battle round, he said: “It helped my confidence grow.” On his song choice tonight he said: “It’s a big song choice.” In rehearsals, he was struggling to find his ‘Inner Rock God’. His song was All My Life by the amazing Foo Fighters. His performance started with guitar riffs, and Adam stood in the middle of the stage. Just like a proper Rock God. He took the song and EF thought he made it his own, and not in a karaoke style either. What a great performance! Tom said: “When he first came into rehearsals, he had a slight cold, so he was a little nervous about the key. I told him to wait. It was great!” Danny said: “I hope it came across at home the way it did here. I was sat there rocking out! Bringing rock to Saturday night TV is great!” Will said: “So, like, there’s a lot of energy. From here, it looked energetic. The band was rocking, the voice was screaming. The only thing that was missing, I know you’re confident on that guitar, it felt like you were playing it gently.” Adam came back with: “I don’t know if you know, but I fell off the stage in rehearsals, and I chipped my bone in my arm.” Bloody hell!! If he performed like that with a chipped bone, imagine what he could do when he’s healthy??!” Jessie told him to work on his vocals.

Next to sing live from Team Will was Jaz Ellington. Jaz made Will cry in his blind audition, so the pressure was on for him to evoke the same emotions again. In his VT, he said: “I won the Battle, and it was amazing.” Will said: “I’d dare to compare him to Michael Jackson.” In rehearsals, Will said: “People are being wowed about his person.” His song choice was At Last by the late Etta James. He was on stage in a suit and boiler hat. His first note, EF melted. This man has the ability to make you stop what you’re doing, and the fact that he’s an unknown and does that on Saturday night TV is quite remarkable. EF predicts amazing things for this singer. He reached the high notes with no problems, and gave us goose pimples. He received a standing ovation from all four Coaches. Will said: “Yeaaah Man! This is Jaz ladies and gentlemen! That’s it!” Jessie said: “Ohhh…sometimes all you can do it sit, stare and be in awe of someone. That’s one of my favourite songs.” Tom said: “He’s perfect. He’s a singing teacher anyway. He’s got the whole package.” Danny said: “I just want to know, do you write your own stuff?” He does. Danny continued: “I just want you to know that you’re an amazing singer, but my only worry is that you could be too much middle of the road, which I really don’t want you to be.” Well done Jaz. You’ve got our vote!

Leanne Mitchell was next from Team Tom. Tom said of her: “She’ll blow you away!” She said of her blind auditions: “I was most nervous. To have Tom and Danny turn around was completely unreal.” In rehearsals, she said; “The song I’m singing is not something I’d choose to sing.” Tom told her: “You have a wonderful voice, just feel it, don’t shout it. This will enhance your chance, so just go for it!” Leanne’s song was Who Knew by Pink. She stood on stage wearing a gorgeous black and white dress that EF wouldn’t mind for ourselves!! Her performance oozed soulfulness and sexiness. We weren’t sure about the backing dancers though, she didn’t need them. She sang the song really well, and actually, who knew? She’s great! Tom said: “She could sing anything she likes! I know that I said already tonight that Jaz was perfect, but that was too!” Danny said: “That was note perfect, but it did pitch over a little bit, you’re a fantastic singer.” Will said: “That last note you hit was fantastic.” Jessie said: “When I first heard you sing that song, I wasn’t sure about the song choice, but you’ve just won me over!” Well done Leanne!

Team Will was next with Sophie Griffin, the youngest contestant. Sophie was so happy to have won the Battle round: “I just felt so happy!” Sophie’s from Ireland, and having never lived away from home before, we saw her throw herself into rehearsal, but she was frustrated though. Will told her: “Don’t be nervous.”
Her song was Titanium by David Guetta featuring Sia. Sophie looked like a popstar in her sparkly playsuit, which again, EF wouldn’t mind getting! Whose the stylist on this show?? Whilst she did give a good performance, she did go a bit out of tune in some places and EF is sure that’s down to nerves and inexperience. We heard snippets of her great voice as the song went on. Will said: “You made me proud. You know, that talk we had backstage, each one of you tonight have done everything I’ve asked for. The cameras are here, but behind the cameras are families. And they’re enjoying the show!” Jessie said; “I don’t know if I’d have been able to do that! You’ve shown your range, and that song is not easy to sing, and its current. Kudos to that!” Tom said: “The first thing that I noticed was the confidence on somebody so young! I’ve seen the footage of where you’re from and who you’ve sung with, the confidence in someone so young is brilliant!” Danny said: “A little bit pitchy at the start, but you should be proud. You’re seventeen!” Danny tells it like it is, no messing – and EF totally agrees with him despite will.i.am’s eye-rolling!

Matt and Sueleen were next from Team Tom. He said of them: “They complement each other so well!” At the blind auditions, all four Coaches turned their chairs, and they chose their Coach via a coin-toss. Of their song choice, Tom said: “There’s a great chemistry here, and the song choice is perfect for them.” The song was Go Your Own Way by Fleetwood Mac. Matt had his guitar, whilst Sueleen wore a long red gown and looked beautiful. In the beginning, we weren’t so sure, but when they went into the chorus we saw what Tom saw in them – their voices complimented each other! Matt’s voice is stunning. Tom said: “First of all, they weren’t sure about this song, but I’m so pleased they decided to do it. I think it’s a perfect song for these two wonderful singers.” Danny said: “You may sleep in separate rooms, but your voices are great together!” Will said: “When I was listening to you guys sing, I was imagining you guys singing together, writing songs, and I can’t way to see that happening!” Jessie said: “A duo is a tough place to be. You guys did such a great job, and the harmonies was great!” We agree! Go Matt and Sueleen!!

Tyler James from Team Will was next, and EF was so excited to see Tyler again. In his VT, we saw him talk about losing his best friend Amy Winehouse. Will said of him: “Tyler has power! He has style!” In rehearsals, we saw him getting excited about his song choice. Will said: “Tyler is a true artist. He just wants to sing!” His song choice wasHigher Love by James Vincent McMorrow. He started off sat on the stage, dressed all in black. We’re not sure about the divorce between the trousers and shoes though… Tyler really got into the song, and his voice suited it. Will said: “So.. When you were singing, I imagined that we were on tour together, and then I imagined after we performed we’d go to the dressing room, and all the girls would pass my dressing room, and go straight to yours! Everything you did was super, mega, fresh! You found emotion! It was dope!” Jessie said: “I loved the simplicity of it. It’s tough for a guy to sing that high. That was amazing.” Tom said: “If I had been his coach, I’d have done exactly the same as Will. I’ve never heard someone sing a strong falsetto in a high voice. Well done.” Danny said: “You’re falsetto was incredible, and I really do believe you’re an artist.” Go Tyler!

Last to sing live from Team Tom tonight was Rut Brown. Tom loved her: “The emotion she shows is incredible.” She told in her VT: “My father passed away three days before my audition, so that was hard for me.” In rehearsals, she said: “I’m nervous.” Tom told her: “I sang with Aretha Franklin once, and you remind me of her.” Ruth’s song was Get Here by Oleta Adams. EF always cries with this song, so we’re sure it’ll happen again tonight. Ruth wore a lovely yellow puff-ball dress, and surprisingly didn’t look like a canary! She looked stunning! Her voice was also stunning, and you could feel her heartbreak in her voice. Her range – incredible! She held it together, somehow, because EFwas in tears! The audience was nuts over her! Tom said: “If she’s gonna be judged on applause, she’d win. I must say I’ve heard a lot of singers in my life, but this girl is something else. She’s fantastic.” Danny said: “Amazing performance. To do what you just did, wow.” Will said: “I just want to like interview you….no real training and stuff?” She hadn’t. He continued: “You make me proud to be here. It’s a special show. The idea of listening to the voice. You’re amazing.” Jessie said: “I was crying, because I remember when I was fifteen I sang that song on TV and I was so scared. I watched you with admiration. Your timing was perfect. You did your father proud. You really did.” Ruth was overwhelmed.

We have to point out, Holly Willoughby was great tonight, and she’s very charismatic with the contestants.

Well, what an amazing first live show that was! We loved Jaz Ellington and Tyler James. The only singers we weren’t so sure about were Sam Buttery and Sophie Griffin.

The Voice UK continues tomorrow night with the Live Result Show at 7pm on BBC One.

This weekend on The Voice UK, it’s a double bill. With the blind auditions over, the Coaches’ Battle has only just begun.

Tonight and tomorrow night, it’s a Battle. All of the 40 contestants had to go head-to-head against each other to win a place in the next round.

Each Coach had a celebrity to help them, and with Anna Matronic from the Scissor Sisters helping Jessie J, Paloma Faith helping Danny O’Donoghue, Cerys Matthews with Sir Tom, SantIago with will.i.am, it really was a case of – Who will survive?

First up was Team will. Joelle Moses vs. Jenny Jones. 21 year old Joelle was excited, whilst 25 year old Jenny was hoping to make her passion a career. In their VT, will said: “The reason I paired you guys was because you both have the package. You are both divas.” Their song was I’m Every Woman, and in rehearsals, it was apparent that Jenny was quite strong in her vocal abilities. Joelle, on the other hand, felt quite scared of Jenny’s powerfulness. They were both on the stage and were looking very fierce. Joelle started it all off, with a very soulful voice, but when Jennny came in, in EF’s opinion, it was clear that she was the stronger candidate. Both girls gave it their all, and it was a great opening performance for the show.  Jessie J said: “You both have different qualities in your voices, but you were both really good. Jenny, you grew into it.” Tom said: “Jenny has a firm voice, but Jeolle has the edge.” Danny said: “Both were flawless, but I’d go with Joelle.” will.I.am said: “When we were at the piano rehearsals, Joelle came in like you didn’t have competition. But then Jenny came in and surprised us all. Joelle, we talked about where you needed to come with, and there was one point where you blew me away. But Jenny, you punched it. But you came through Joelle, and I want you to come with me to the live sessions.” So, Joelle Moses is the first to go through to the live shows! Well done Joelle.

Next up was Team Danny. It was Max Milner vs. Bill Downs. Danny’s reasons for ringing them together was: “I feel like you could work together well and you’ll both have great careers.” Paloma Faith helped Danny,  and her pet hate was: “Singers standing on stage motionless”, so she decided to make them feel the music. Their battle song was Beggin’ by Madcon. They both started together, but then split. To be honest, you couldn’t tell much difference between them, until Max started rapping which was very good to hear. As the song went on, Bill’s voice came through and he was the better singer in our opinion. Will said: “First up, that was a dope ballad you put together. Max, you’re like maximum there. Sometimes, you went a bit flat. If I had to pick, I’d have gone will Bill.I.am right there.” Jessie said: “You were very entertaining.” Tom said: “I wouldn’t know what to do right now. You are evenly matched right now.” Coach Danny said: “I’m thinking the UK are looking at me thinking I’m an idiot for putting you together right now. Max, I’ve seen a spark in you, but over the course of rehearsals and tonight, I’ve seen Bill come on so much. I’m going with my gut instinct, and I’m taking through Max.” EF thinks this might have been the wrong decision, but Bill can now marry his fiance!

Team Tom was next, and it was Aundrea Nyle vs. Sam Butteny. Both had strong personalities, so it was going to be a tough battle. Cerys Matthews helped Tom, and they were both excited. Sam was very overwhelmed to be coached by his idol. Their song was A Little Less Conversation. Aundrea said: “I want to win this battle for me and my girls.” Sam started things off, and with his different voice. Aundrea then came in, and her strong voice dominated the battle. EF felt that Aundrea bit off her words a bit too much, and Sam had more of a musical ability inside of him. Whilst Aundrea had the groove, Sam felt a lot more interesting. Will said: “My eyebrows were so far back, I had to pull them back!” Jessie said: “Such personalities with voices. Wow.” Tom said: “In rehearsals you were both fantastic. You did that song justice. I think the one that I’m gonna take to the live show is Sam.” Good choice Sir Tom. Sam said: “Wow…I’m completely…erm…I feel like the biggest bee!!”

Team Jessie was next, and it was Kirsten Joy vs. Tony Warne. Kirsten is a backing vocals, and wanted more. Tony had a powerful voice, and had overcome many obstacles in her blind auditions. Both girls were feeling very happy to be at the battle stage, and were very in awe towards each other’s voices. Their song was Freedom by Aretha Franklin, and they started off as strong and amazing as each other. So far, this was the best battle! Both girls had it going on, and EF could not pick between them. If we had to pick, we couldn’t! Each of them had attitude in their singing and came alive during the song. Jessie was on her feet by the end and EF had tears! Tom said: “Oh, I wouldn’t know who to pick. You are two fantastic singers.” Dannny said: “Both of you were incredible, and you both took it over the edge!” will said: “I never thought two voices could sound like a choir!” Jessie said: “I would be scared to sing with you guys, there was no note out. You two have the best female voices I’ve heard in the UK. Tony, music is in your heart. Everytime I’m with Kirsten, I can see the passion. You are not a backing vocalist.” Making her decision, she said: “I love you girls, you know that right? Don’t cry, cause I’ll cry. I’m taking through Tony.” Tony was very happy.

Next up was Team Danny and it was Vince Freeman vs. Bo Bruce. All Vince ever wanted was the opportunity to show what he could do. Bo had a different style, and it was her style rather than vocal that made Danny turn round. Danny said: “They’ve got contrasting voices, and that’s why I put them together.” In rehearsals, Vince drowned out Bo, and it was difficult for him to control his voice. His biggest challenge would be to reign his power. Their song was With Or Without You by U2. Barefooted Vince started proceedings off, with Bo coming in a little later. Bo has a very atmospheric voice which you could listen to all day. Vince, however, exceeded in the higher noted, where he was much stronger. Bo’s rendition was very haunting. Having said that, Vince was amazing. They were both amazing! Will said: “I don’t know whether to be honest, but I will. Bo, you’re an amazing singer. It was like I was watching a Grammy performance. But Vince, you’re like you’re selling out your own festivals. You’re both like superstars!” Tom said: “It sounded like a great duet, like they should sing together. I couldn’t be able to pick one for the other and thank God I don’t have to.” Danny said: “I’ve grown to known these people. Bo, your voice. Wow. Vince, you executed it beautifully. I’m basing this decision on who I think will go into the music business straight away and who will sell the most amount of records. The person I’m taking into the live show is Bo Bruce.” Good choice Danny! EF would have picked Bo too! She was something else!

Next up was Team will.i.am. It was Tyler James vs. Heshima Thompson. Tyler’s audition was the chance to re-start his career after his friend Amy Winehouse’s death. After being told their track, neither competitior was happy with their song. Will said: “I threw this curveball for a reason.” They both respected that. Heshima said: “I’m cool. I’m a big boy, I can talk.” will was taken aback a bit, and said: “Heshima needs to drop a whole bunch of attitude. SantIago asked: “What’s holding you back with this song?” Heshima said: “Is this a question?!” You could feel the tension. Ohhh. But, in dress rehearsal, he said he felt better with the song choice. Their song was Chris Brown’s Yeah 3x. Heshima started off, very strongly, with Tyler coming in later. When Tyler did come in, he was a little bit flat. They both went flat later, and EF felt uncomfortable watching it. Jessie said: “Tyler, I loved the fact you put your own spin on that. Heshima, I felt you crammed so much in, but amazing vocals.” Tom said: “I thought you were both great, but with Tyler, it sounded more interesting.” will said: “This is hard. I threw this song, but it was a challenge to see how we could flip it up. Tyler, you knocked me out. That was amazing. Heshima, every lick was incredible. That’s why this is hard. I’m gonna need somebody that knows how to take it and own it, so you can forget the original, so I’m going to take Tyler.” Considering Heshima’s attitude towards will at rehearsals, EF agrees with will.i.am.

Next was Team Jessie, with Vince Kidd vs. Jessica Hammond. EF loved Vince when we first saw him, and Jessica impressed us with her audition. Jessie placed them together because: “The way they do songs is very different.” In rehearsals, they were struggling to get the battle going. Anna asked: “How often do you compete with the person you’re on stage with?” Jessie agreed and said: “It’s difficult to battle with someone you like so much.” Their song wasWe Found Love by Rihanna. Jessica started things off slowly, and when Vince came in, it was apparent who had the stronger voice. Jessica sounded very vulnerable and pure though. When the song when into its own, both were very strong. If EF had to choose, we would go with Vince – he has everything, and looked as if he was enjoying performing much more than Jessica was. Tom said: “Jessica would be the one for me.” Danny said: “Jessica, I was very worried, but you held your own tonight.” Jessie said: “You two put your own spin on songs, and you’ve done it again. You both drew me into your voices. This is tough.” Making her decision, she said: “The person I’m taking through to the lives with me is…Vince!” YAY! We 100% agree with Miss Jessie J!

Team will was next, and it was Jay vs. Jaz Ellington. Jaz’s audition was memorable after he sang Ordinary People and made his Coach cry. Will put them together because: “I have two of my best male singers, with the best vocal abilities.” In rehearsals, Jay said: “My fear, Jaz has a high voice, and I think he’s gonna murder me.” Jaz, however, had a chest infection, but will told him he had to find a way to overcome it. SantIago said: “I was on tour with Prince, but I had pneumonia, but I had to get on with it.” Their song was I Heard It On The Grapevine by the amazing Marvin Gaye. Jay started things off, and  he was very groovy, when Jaz came in, however, his voice completely blew EF away. Whilst their voices suited the song, EF felt that it would be a very difficult decision for will to choose between the two. Who would you choose? Jessie said: “What are you doing putting them together? Television is not ready for this talent!” Danny said: “The reason why I’m standing is to make a statement. This is what The Voice is all about. Jaz, you have the tone and talent. Jay, you held your own so much dude.” Will said: “You guys don’t sing alike, but you have so much in common. I’ve worked with Justin Timberlake before, and Jay, you are better than him! Jaz, you had this one riff, and it knocked me out! There was a part in the beginning where you was flat, and you have bronchitis. If that what you sound like with bronchitis? Shazam! You both killed it, and knocked us all out. Jaz, I want to take you on to the lives!” Good choice will, but commiserations Jay. That was one of the best Battles we’ve seen!

Last tonight was Team Tom. Deniece Pearson vs. Ruth Brown. Deniece found fame in the 80s, and felt her experience could help her. Ruth felt in awe of her competitor. In rehearsals, Ruth broke down whilst singing because the lyrics meant so much for her after the death of her father last year. It was very emotional to watch. Their song wasNo One by Alicia Keys. Deniece started it off, and her lovely voice was very strong and we thought we couldn’t hear any other voice, until Ruth came in. We did feel that Ruth was shouting a bit. She did have a great voice, but she needed to tone it a bit down. Deniece was very polished. Ruth did keep her emotions in check, and produced some very high notes. Danny said: “That was amazing. I honestly heard every note ever created by music. It was beautiful. Deniece, you’re a professional. Ruth, you were great. I was captivated.” Tom said: “Help me! You feel the soul, from the bottom. Deniece has experience, and you have Ruth. You’re coming from a different place, there’s things that come out of you and its built in and it works!” Choosing the winner was very difficult, he said: “The one I’m bringing to the live shows is Ruth.” EF thinks he may have made the wrong decision, but maybe Ruth can control how much she shouts in the live shows. We hope so.

What a show that was! All of the singers were truly amazing, and EF can not wait to see the them all live! With another Battles round tomorrow night – let’s bring it on!

It’s the fourth week of The Voice UK, and after seeing preview pictures of this episode, we could hardly contain our excitement for tonight’s show.

Tonight was the last of the auditions, which gave pressure on the Coaches to complete their Perfect Ten. As Reggie Yates said, “The competition is fiercer than ever.” With just a few artists left, it certainly was game on

First up tonight was Emmy J Mac, and the 21 year old children’s writer and entertainer is used to performing in front of children, who can be the harshest critics. She said: “This audition is so important. It’s not everyday you get an opportunity like this.” Emmy sang Put Your Records On, and her voice reminded us a bit of Pixie Lott mixed with Duffy. will.i.am was the first to turn his chair, followed closely by Danny O’Donoghue and Tom Jones. Will said: “You have a lovely voice. Wonderful. There was a part where you were pitchy, but who cares? I wouldn’t tweet about it, I would say you rocked it!” Tom said; “I always listen to the tone of someone’s voice, it’s like Janis Joplin. I want to pass on to you what I’ve experienced in my career.” Danny loved her too, and thought she had a recognisable voice. Emmy found it hard to make her decision, but she said: “This is really hard because you’re all amazing. There’s just something in my heart that’s telling me….I should go with Danny!” Danny was overjoyed, and EF was slightly jealous when Emmy got to hug him… One day…one day!

Next up was barmaid Jenny Jones. Having started singing in church, she loved everything about music. She contracted meningitis a few years ago, and having pulled through it, she now works in a bar, and sing whilst working. Jenny sang Mercy by Duffy, and EF liked her voice, but for us, it was there was too much Butlins-esque style going on. will.i.am turned his chair first, and at the very last second Danny turned his. Will said: “I was trying not to press the button because someone else would do too. The very first sound that came out of you, was special. I‘d pick your brain to see what you wanted to accomplish” Danny said: “I pressed my button towards the end because it’s a hard song, and I wanted to see how you’d do it. I‘d go through your repertoire, and I think you‘ve got a story to tell” Jessie said: “I didn’t turn my chair round, but I did like you.” Deciding, Jenny said: “I’m going to go with will.I.am!” Good choice Jenny!

Tonight, we saw the rivalry between will and Danny, they both want the same people, and they also have tac tics.

Ben Lake was next, and having tasted fame before, he now wanted more. Having been in Jerry Springer: The Opera,he’s an old hand at musicals. He’s studied his craft, and now his last attempt to break it! The pressure was on. His song was I Who Have Nothing. His voice was beautiful, and we can see why he was in Jerry Springer: The Opera. Whilst listening to him, Tom looked very impressed, and his fellow Coaches kept urging him to turn his chair. No one did, which is a real shame. Tom said: “You have a very strong voice. That’s song I know very well, cause I recorded it. You went for the same note. It sounded a little too operatic for me, but I liked it and keep doing what you do.” Jessie said: “The Voice for me is what I wanted to bring to the table, which is a pop/singer songerwriter. I thought you were a female to start with.” Eh?! Well, we liked Ben, and we want to see him again!

17 year old Sophie Griffin took to the stage, and was desperate to do well. The Northern Ireland girl has been a regular on the pub and clubs circuts in Ireland and is also a huge Danny O’Donoghue fan. We wonder if he’ll turn his chair round! Sophie’s song choice was American Boy and she was very strong from the word go! EF liked her! For a seventeen year old, she has a bright future. will.i.am turned his chair round at the very end, to a round of applause! At the end, she told Danny how much she loved him! He was happy. Will said: “Reason I turned around is because I remember producing that song with Estelle, and you didn’t sing it like her, which is dope! Well done!” We’re happy we’ll see Sophie again! She was happy too!! Ouch, our ears…

With so few spaces remaining, the Coaches were finding it hard. They were all looking for a Voice. Great singers. Will they find it?

Teenagers Indie and Pixie were next, and being best friends, they knew each other inside out. They wanted to bring back the Spice Girls era, and loved Jessie J’s style. They were auditioning together. Their song was Perfect. They blended together very well, and having caught on the fact there were too of them, Jessie turned her chair straight away, followed by Tom, will.I.am and Danny. EF could sense the competition burning! Well done girls! Danny said: “As soon as I heard the second voice come in, I knew it was something special.” will said: “Straight away, I thought it was dope. Then, second voice came and it was double dope! That’s dope!” Jessie said: “Good tones. You blend nicely and I’d be excited to work with you.” Tom said: “I thought you sounded fresh. Very very good, a bit pitchy, but that can be nerves.” Choosing, they said Jessie J! We knew they’d say that!

Next was Lindsey Butler, and the 41 year old has sung since she was a little girl. Lindsey is a mum of two, and she’s been lacking confidence in her appearance since giving birth. The Voice UK was the perfect chance for her to show what her voice can do. Her song was I Don’t Want To Talk About It. When she started singing, EF could hear a folky-country western influence in her voice, and we loved it! Sir Tom turned his chair, and immediately smiled! We smiled! We love Lindsey! Tom said: “You sounded great! You have a great tone, and you did wonders to that song. We’re gonna beat these people!” Danny said: “You have an incredible voice.” Lindsey came back with: “Thanks, and you’re very very cute!” We like her already!! Tom commented later and said: “She’s very old school singing.”

With only four more places to fill, the Coaches were finding it hard to choose. They all had one space each, and there was no more room for error.

Harriet Whitehead was next, and the teenager believed she was different. She loved festivals, and the atmosphere that goes with that. Her song choice was What’s Up by by the 4 Non Blondes. Her voice was very folky, and reminded us a bit of Ellie Goulding. She was good. She gave it her all. No one turned their chair, which was a huge shame. Danny said: “This competition is so hard. My team is choca block, and I have people like you in my team.” Tom said: “You have a beautiful voice, and it’s a shame we can only pick only ten people.” Will said: “It’s not the last we’ve heard of you.” Harriet was very gracious, and thanked the Coaches. Watch out for this girl in the future.

33 year old John James Newman was next, and performing has run in his family’s blood. His father is in a band called Marmalade, and his brother acts in Waterloo Road. He said: “Nerves are natural. I’ve got 90 seconds to try and change my life.” His song was Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bob Marley. EF could see the attraction, but for us, he wasn’t special. The Coaches kept urging each other to hit their buttons. Danny and Tom turned their chairs for him. Tom said: “I thought you sounded great, you came across very strong. I need you. If you need me, call me.” Danny said: “You’re voice sounds old but current. You’re the one to watch. You’ve got a great tone.” John said: “I’m going to go with Danny, but thank you Tom!” Danny had then completed his team! He said: “I’m feeling fantastic! I’ve got then children on my doorstep. I’ve got their lives and careers in my hands. I’ll give them everything!”

Hoping to take a spot was nineteen year old choir singer, Ruth Brown. Ruth loved being on stage, and singing had helped her get through her father’s death in December. Her choice of song was Kelly Rowland’s When Love Takes Over, and she had a very strong voice, and her falsetto was good and not too pitchy either. Tom turned his chair at the right moment. He said: “That note did it for me! You’re a great singer! I want you on my team!” Jessie said: “I love your style!” That completed Tom’s team! He said: “My team is strong, and they’re people I can help with my experience and take them right to the end!”

So, with Tom and Danny now only being able to watch the competition, and not turn their chairs, it was up to will.I.am and Jessie to choose their team.

Becky Hill was next, and the seventeen year old sixth form pupil thinks she’s a stereotypical teenager! Haha! Kevin and Perry style! Her song was Ordinary People, and after two seconds, both Jessie and will turned their chairs. Becky did a little dance! Her voice was strong, hard and soulful. EF liked her. Danny looked gutted that he couldn’t turn his chair. Jessie and Danny gave her a standing ovation! Jessie said: “Becky, you are the reason I came on this show. Here’s the deal. I’ve nine people and I want you to become a part of my team, and you’ve sang that song at that age, it’s amazing.” Will said: “That song was special for me, I wrote it. John Legend and myself went and wrote that, and I was talking about a relationship I had for nine years, and when he sung it, he didn’t sing it right. But, you took that song, you sang my life, and you sang it in your own way. Beautiful…I could offer you the best squad, and what I do for Fergie,” Becky chose her Choach and said: “I’m making my decision purely because you’re female, I’m choosing Jessie J.” Well done Jessie and Becky. So, now Jessie has ten people: “I have my ten! They’re from different walks of lie, and I’m excited to be on their journey now.”

It was now down for will.I.am to choose his last team member. Chloe Blackwell was the next auditioned, and the 21 year old was raring to go. She sang This Love by Maroon 5, and she sounded good! He didn’t turn his chair round. His reason? “I didn’t think there was anything wrong with you. I didn’t hit my button because I’m at nine people, and one away to top it off. I should have hit it if I was listening to my head, but my gut said no. When my gut talks to me, I listen to her, and my gut is my Mum, and I always listen to her.” That’s a shame.

It was then down to two auditions; Daniel Walker  and Jaz Ellington. and both were expectant fathers. Daniel sang Kiss From The Rose, which EF loves! He didn’t look conventional, but his voice was gorgeous and very different. Danny was urging him to press his button, as was Jessie, but will was hesitant, and didn’t in the end. Danny said: “I have ten on my team already.  I love you! I kinow people back home think we‘re idiots for not turning our chairs” Telling Daniel his reasons, will said: “Thanks for performing and being patient. I know it’s hard. You sounded great. I’m sorry.” Jessie said: “I didn’t turn around, but I would love to work with you anyway.” Daniel was disappointed, but was very gracious in his defeat.

Jaz Ellington was the last, and the gospel singing teacher loved to teach. With his wife pregnant, he wanted to be able to tell his child that you could do whatever you wanted to do. His song was The A Team by Ed Sheeran. He had a lovely voice, and will turned his chair. He did have a bit of Cee Lo Green about him. The other Coaches looked so gutted that they couldn’t turn their chairs, with Danny literally climbing his chair and shouting over at will: “I hate you right now!” It was a good performance! Will said: “Hold up, I’m a speak straight from the heart right now. Couple of singers ago, I was sad, but then a real incredible singer came after her, and my gut told me not to hit my button cause something great would come. It was. You came like something from the sky! The lesson is – follow your gut!” EFthinks this is a good pairing! Congratulations Jaz! Jessie then asked him to sing something else, and he chose Ordinary People, accapella style – OMG. EF had goose pimples. This is what The Voice UK and all other singing shows like it is all about. Jessie was crying, will.I.am sat there an emotional wreck, with tears in his eyes. EF had tears. We think Jaz will go a long, long way. Will gave him a hug.

And that’s the end of the blind auditions, and hasn’t it been an eye opener? EF has loved watching it all, and with talent such as Jaz, we can’t help but feel excited for the next round. Bring on the battle rounds next week!