Season 23 Wrap: Big Fun and a Fond Farewell

The Voice threw an amazing Season 23 Wrap/Blake Send-off Party. Congratulations to winners Gina Miles and Niall Horan!

Working with Gina on “The One That Got Away” for her Blind Audition drew me to the unique and distinct sound of her voice. What a joy to watch her move through the show with grace, elegance and heart. Another highlight of Season 23 was getting to work with two formidable talents, Noivas and D. Smooth. Both were voted to advance to the Finale, as artists in the season’s Top 5. Our sessions for their Blind Auditions were potent, spiritual, and their artistic growth blew me away. To both of them I say, Please continue doing what you love to do, because we love it!

And then there was the Cassadee Pope reunion! What a delight to see Cassadee after 11 years! I worked with Cassadee on “Torn” for her Blind audition on Season 3, my first season with The Voice (watch it here). You’re still rockin’ it, Cass!

Right before this photo was taken, I had the opportunity to tell Blake that if I could give him just one gift, it would be for him to know how warmly people speak of him when he isn’t around to hear it. Blake Shelton, you are beloved!

Blake has had an amazing run over the course of his 12 years and 23 seasons on The Voice. From winning a record nine titles on the show, to working with some of the biggest names in music, to meeting his wife Gwen Stefani, it seems there’s nothing Blake hasn’t done throughout his time on The Voice.

It’s been my thrill through the years to glean from his wisdom, experience, and his hilarious, gut-busting sense of humor!

Five to Follow

Congratulations to Season 22’s Final Five!

  • Winner, Bryce Leatherwood
  • Runner-Up, Bodie
  • Morgan Myles
  • Omar Jose Cardona
  • Brayden Lape

You all made it to the Finale because you struck a chord with America. They heard you, and embraced your voice, your heart and your soul.

What a pleasure it has been to work with you, and to see you trust your immense talent as you never have before. All of you.

I look forward to hearing more from each one of you!

Singing and Soaring

An absolute highlight of season 22 was getting to work with Kim Cruse. We began our season together by working on “Best Part”—earning her a well-deserved four-chair turn at The Blind Auditions. She then chose John Legend, and soared all the way to the Top 8 Semifinals.

You’re an original, Kim… letting the music flow through you, and with such truth, heart and impeccably good taste. Let it flow, Kim. And keep soaring!

Take in Kim’s powerful Top 8 performance of the Porgy and Bess classic “Summertime”:

Technique to Go

What a gift it was to share my knowledge and experience at a Masterclass presented by Ybarra Music in Santa Barbara! By leading warm-ups and providing performance feedback, I was able to work with a terrific group of students for a productive afternoon of vocal technique and artistic development.

Harmonic Convergence

After a run of zoom-only coaching sessions with Bekah, Caleb and Josh for our COVID-compliant lead-up to The Blind Auditions, it was a joy seeing them perform live during their sold-out show at The Troubadour. And afterwards, we shared the most soulful, heartfelt hugs… long overdue!

Live and in person
“Hopelessly Hoping”

Congratulations to Girl Named Tom and Team Kelly, first group win on The Voice!

Petie_TomBekah, Josh and Caleb, working with you on Crosby, Stills & Nash’s “Helplessly Hoping” for your blind audition gave me the opportunity to work with amazing talent—that was unmistakable from the start. But it is your kindness, musicianship and big, beautiful hearts that made our work even more special.

You shine not only as a group, but as three wonderful souls and talents. And I’m just one of the many who look forward to hearing more of those rich, expressive harmonies.

Right on Tom! Love you all!

Recognizing Greatness

Voice_Season18Congratulations to Todd Tilghman, the winner of The Voice Season 18!

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and for the first time in the show’s history, the live shows were changed to remote shows—with performances at the contestants’ and coaches’ homes.

And of course, hats off to the Top 5 who made it to The Finale! You all pulled it off, pulled it together and soared!

I’m especially happy to join John and Kelly in toasting Camm Wess and Micah Iverson. It was my absolute pleasure coaching you both through Season 18’s Blind Auditions. From our very first sessions, I recognized greatness in the both of you, and was continually impressed by your artistic growth and dedication.

I look forward to hearing more from you as you continue to delight and inspire.

Bravo, and well done!

Seasoned Greeting

Petie and MaelynEarlier this month, last season’s winner Maelyn Jarmon popped by The Blind Auditions to encourage and inspire a few fortunate contestants, before they walked out onto the stage to sing.

Seeing this brilliant talent and beautiful heart once again made for a truly sweet reunion, after having worked together on “Fields of Gold” for Season 16’s Blinds.

Here she is, sharing her magic:

Passionate, from miles away

Jej pics

On March 4th, 2019, we saw 22-year-old Jej Vinson, originally from Davao, Philippines, receive a four-chair turn from Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Adam Levine. He went on to become the most viral artist of Season 16’s Blind Auditions.

Working with Jej, and coaching him on Drake’s “Passionfruit,” was a highlight for me. It reminded me of how grateful I am to work with true artists who get to experience the pure joy of following your bliss and working hard at what you love.

If you haven’t seen it—and you have 90 seconds—check him out:

Endless Gratitude

I think the funnest job I’ve ever had was working at Miceli’s, a Universal City restaurant famous for its singing waiters and waitresses. Working various shifts over a twenty-year period, I was given the gifts of experience, working in a joyful atmosphere, and forming forever friendships with some of the most talented performers I’ve ever seen and heard. Miceli’s has long welcomed star-quality staff; in fact, many of the restaurant’s singing servers continue to take leaves for Broadway and touring companies, with their jobs at Miceli’s waiting for their return. It’s a beloved institution, for many reasons.

And now, from sometime in the early ‘90s, please enjoy one of my most-requested numbers…‘Endless Love.’