Jermain Jackman is The Voice!

I'll admit I was a bit worried when Will announced Jermain's first song as 'Wreckin' Ball'. WTF, I thought. But all images of Miley Cyrus were quickly expelled from the mind when Jermain started singing.

I actually didn't nearly recognise it (not being much of a Miley fan) and I loved that it became a ballad with a kick to it - nice one, Will! Followed by a favourite of mine - and a brave choice - contestant and mentor duetted in the delightfully quirky Pure Imagination from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

And then came the There It Is moment. The one I'd been waiting for since A House is Not a Home. Jermain reprised his audition song, And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going and the audience went wild - much more so than for any of the others: my head, heart and guts were all telling me victory was his.

And just for the hell of it, here's A House is Not A Home.

Real old soul, passion and emotion in everything he did. And don't lie to me and tell me you weren't also bawling when he replaced 'friend' with 'mum' in the victory song - although he still managed to sing it, choked up as hell! It didn't help that Will was practically in tears too, as much for Jermain winning, as for being such a fantastic and inspiring role model for young people.

Jamie was the first out of the competition, a solid performance of Missing You being followed by a duet with Kylie that did rather feature a lot of Ms Minogue and not much Mr Johnson, which did him no favours. Tom summed up everything I loved about Sally "The way she gets inside as song" is how he put it, and Dear Darlin' was a highlight. From Both Sides Now and the duet with Tom on Walking in Memphis were all delivered well, although she seemed a lot more nervous than previously. Christina Marie can definitely sing, and there were moments of sheer beauty in The Power of Love, which were soon overtaken by the shoutiness again. As was Fix You, and her duet with the Kaiser Chiefs, Coming Home, which I felt could have been anyone if I'm honest.

So there we are for another year. If you think you can be the next Voice, you've until May 30th to apply.
"Please only register for Open Auditions if you are an artist with real talent and an amazing voice" - so that's how they weed out the X-Factor hopefuls ...

The Voice: Hold it hold it hold it EXPLODE IT!

Our finalists are chosen! Sally, Jermain, Jamie and Christina Marie will contest next week's final, which promises to be a hugely diverse affair as all four are so completely different.

Due to family life overtaking me again last week - one child with broken toes and the other with a day off school - Mum's Taxi Service was on call and that, coupled with normal work, means last week was never blogged. So here's a quick recap:

Team Will: Jermain went through on the fast pass with an old skool proper version of Treasure - I too thought it was an old Luther song, not Bruno Mars. Sophie May grabbed the second spot on the public vote, showing off her range with Moondance, an old song made fresh. Iesher lost out with the uptempo R'n'B of I'd Rather Be, a little weak at the start.

Team Kylie: Jamie has seriously grown on me - I knew I should've been more loyal and kept the local lad in my team - and took the fast pass with A Thousand Miles, which was so strong. Lee surprised me with a quite traditional yet unique and passionate Help Me Make it Through The Night, so honest and haunting (happy, Emma?) and went through on the public vote. It was Rachael who sadly couldn't capture the magic of her first audition with an accomplished, confident performance of a quite frankly, so so pop song.

Team Tom: Sally had Tom in tears again, with To Love Somebody and a fast pass for her was a no-brainer. Looks like there's a West Ham fan there too, as an added bonus. Very moving, she takes me all the way up the A2 to welling ... Bizzie got the public on his side with Stevie Wonder's If You Really Love Me, I still don't think this was the best we've heard him. Georgia was given Money on My Mind and I think Will was probably the only person who actually liked it.

Team Ricky: He's clearly rooting for Christina Marie and it was no surprise the fast pass took her through, with the Everlong power ballad. Yes, she's got a big voice, but she fails to move me. Chris with One Day Like This deservedly went through on the public vote, it showed off his lovely voice, although I didn't think the song was particularly challenging. And Emily, who could so easily have done the power ballad number, or an Etta James track or anything, was also given an uptempo R&B track, although strong, it felt more karaoke.

It's no coincidence that the four girls who lost out did so with uptempo songs that didn't give them the opportunity to show what they could really do. I personally feel Emily, Georgia, Iesher and Rachael were all royally stitched up: Those tracks are all production numbers - I bet if you looked at the lyrics on paper, they wouldn't make sense - you'd wonder where to begin, they're so dependent on the other components in the track, like the backing vocals. So the girls weren't really able to wrap their tonsils around them. Still, Emily did get the consolation of a cuddle sandwich with Ricky and Marvin.

So we're down to two per team and it's Team Tom out first: Sally with Whole of the Moon, as wonderful as ever, rocking it out a bit this time. Bizzi's song is a favourite of mine, Everything Must Change and improved to an awesome ending. Part of me was wishing Jermain had sung it though. Dancing in the Streets with Tom got everyone on their feet, and my vote is still with Sally.

Team Ricky began with Christine Marie with Bang Bang. I find her too shouty. Just not a fan. Chris's version of Smile though, I loved and was very impressed at the way he didn't just cope with the technical malfunctions, but didn't falter for a split second. Poignant, modern spin on a classic and getting better all the time - I'm surprised he didn't get the nod over Christina actually. Loved You Really Got Me with Ricky, Chris kept my vote.

Lee was up first for Team Kylie and started off a bit mumbly for me with Strong, although he got better. Naughty Will was told off by him mum for saying a four letter word. In context though, it was good sh1t. In Jamie's yellow mini with Kylie as roadie, and I can't help wondering if Kylie will reference the Inbetweeners again if they pass a bus stop ... I Can't Make You Love Me showed further improvement, so strong and emotive. A real WOW. I wasn't overly impressed with Into the Blue with Kylie, although I was a bit concerned that they may have been wearing hot pants (the boys) during the VT trailer. My vote remains with Jamie.

The toughest choice of the night for me was always going to be Team Will, with two of my original team choices battling it out. I wasn't overly keen on Jermain's version of Without You, but I can't deny his voice, and Sophie May will have to pull out something ultra-special to get my vote. Which she only went and did, with Royals! So confident and so smooth and also down to earth. But, my vote switched back to Jermain during their Let's Dance number with Will, when he was note perfect and awesome. So that team I left to the die hard fans of each artist to decide.

The coaches quite rightly refused to say who should go through before voting closed, and I'm sure if asked afterwards, would have remained reticent. Who on earth thought to ask that in the first place?

The Big One then, next Saturday, BBC One at 7pm. See ya there x

The Voice: Knockouts

The major culling is done! The coaches jettisoned over half their teams this weekend and no-one was safe. Except, of course, their absolute favourites - they must have had them, as they got to know each singer and find out who the divas are and who's easy to work with - it's got to have an influence, hasn't it?

Team Kylie: Leo first,with I Wanna Know What Love Is which I wasn't a fan of, but that was very very good, fantastic falsetto - well done. Handing onto Jai, with Take Your Mama, she has terrific presence but I'm just not a fan of the voice. Jade next with Blue Moon, lovely tone but maybe a bit too understated? Lee made Careless Whisper all kinds of Gothic and I can't decide if I like it or not; Femi ... California Dreaming, first one to really grab me *biased* love watching him as well as hearing him, so smiley ... Rachael the best of the girls with New York, which would have seen my three from here as her, Leo and Femi ... and then up stepped Jamie with a great performance with Sex on Fire. Will and Tom in agreement: Three from Jamie, Leo, Femi and Rachael; Ricky says the boys were better than the girls. Kylie's first choice is Lee!! Shocker? Jamie safely chosen but one of my two will lose out. It's Rachael who gets the final spot. And Femi is gone *sad face*. Let's enjoy him one more time.

Team Tom: Celestine kicks them off with You Might Need Somebody, showing off her powerful voice but it went awry a couple of times. I admired the challenge of jazzing up I Love Rock'n'Roll by Melissa but it didn't work for me. Accomplished and polished, I do like Gary's soulfulness but don't think Freedom was particularly challenging. Bizzi I felt could have also chosen something more akin to the soulful Hey Jude - something he could get his tonsils stuck into - When I Need You a bit bland. Georgia surprised me with a interesting and lively version of Three Little Birds - best so far. Steven followed with another quite bonkers performance with Grace Kelly. And then came Sally with Walk on By. I'm stealing her. Utterly captivating - you only had to look at everyone else watching her, spellbound. And Tom choking back tears. A complete no brainer that she was his first choice with very little preamble. Loved how she told him he looked fantastic. A good call with Georgia next and the final spot going to Bizzi.

Team Ricky: A brave choice and a gutsy performance from Jessica but the vocal wasn't strong. Enigmatic Chris with Over the Rainbow built it up beautifully - and I didn't hate the falsetto either! Beth definitely has a future - she's fearless on stage, confident in delivering Teenage Dirtbag. Christina Marie made Visions of Love seem effortless. Jazz - my favourite so far - with a Beyonce song, Work it Out, a great package, presence and vocal. Max advised by Ricky to "show us your eyes a little bit - girls love that" never a truer word, Ricky *swoons* Home was his most complete performance yet. Unique sound. Emily with Slip - like that she's brave, and she left nothing on stage. Jessica looks close to tears already and the coaches general consensus is for Chris and Christina Marie, and Ricky duly puts them through. Major trauma for him though, choosing between Emily and Jazz. Both were picks of mine and I'd have gone with Jazz, but Ricky plumps for Emily. Two power female singers though - Jazz would've given him something a little different.

Team Will: So this is where I lose four of my team potentially! James out first with Love Hurts and it's not his best, sadly, seemed a bit strained. Iesher with Try It On My Own and while I'm still not a fan of her voice, she seems very sweet and more confidence means she's more expressive too. Callum reins in his dancing to give a good performance of Sound of the Underground. Jermain didn't need the music - A House Is Not A Home melted everyone. I'll park his album right next to my Gregory Porter. Anna's dad (I presume) was blubbing by the time she finished her soft yet strong version of Autumn. Nomakhosi has great energy and I love her voice but the song choice didn't do her any favours really. Sophie May has that fragile quality that made Moon River fresh while retaining that vintage feel. Everyone is in agreement re Jermain but Will picks Iesher first, then Jermain and then ... Sophie May bags the final spot.

I'm wondering if the coaches chose the running order or if it's just coincidence that the final singer got through in every team ... 

Team Scatty: Jermain; Emily; Sally; Sophie May; Rachael. See the coaches live round ready teams here and tune in BBC1 at 6.45pm for the live quarter final. TTFN x 

The Voice: Battle Rounds 2 - Stop, look and listen to Femi

Another five through for me sees my team up to 10! I'm quite chuffed at only losing 3, although two of my top picks did end up having to be steals. And how Kylie teased us so ...

In a moment of pure reality TV drama (no, even I'm not going to liken it to proper drama), I decided to share my live thought jottings of the Femi/Iesha showdown with Stop, Look, Listen.

"I definitely didn't see her audition - must've got home late. His voice just flows over you; hers cuts through you. You really get so much more emotion from him. She really is quite blank, isn't she? Will and Emma have swapped places; Will's going to ip dip ...and chooses screechy Iesha. Balls. Come on Kylie, please steal Femi. But we're not near the end of the show yet, so I don't think she will. Balls. Awesome, he's serenading her, making it up but still she doesn't ...OMG YES SHE DOES, whoop - bloody excellent bit of telly. Take that, X-Factor."

And then she tells us he was always her no.1 target! 6/13.

So anyway, onwards... with no more steals. 

Team Ricky: Chris versus Jamie - Rolling in the Deep. Serious soul versus rock'n'roll, and both worked well with the song. Intense, I was chopping and changing between them, loved Jamie rocking it out, not keen on Chris' falsetto but loved his softer soul. He got Ricky's vote. Still 6/13

Team Kylie: Rachael versus Amelia - Holy Grail. Both well out of their comfort zones, so potential car wreck - but no! Gorgeous vocals from both made it a very tough call. Had I not been biased towards Rachael, I may have actually chosen Amelia. But Kylie likes that indefinable quality in Rachael's voice too. 7/13

Team Will: Kiki versus James - Because the Night. For me, Kiki was performing; James was being. I'll be gutted if Will doesn't choose him. Where's he going? What is Will on? Will he come back? #where'swilly said the producer's on screen hashtag. Let's talk amongst ourselves for a bit *hums* Can I go now, asks Ricky. No, you can hold it, says Marv. Will returns and James takes the spot. 8/13

Team Tom: Melissa versus Vicky - Just Give Me A Reason. Melissa has a nice tone but Vicky just edged that for me, a little more raw and she grew in confidence throughout. Tom opts for Melissa though. 

Team Ricky: Myles versus Max - Eleanor Rigby. So different, but nothing to choose between them. There was one high note from Myles that was very sweet and swayed me over Max's quite unusual vocal. Ricky goes for the unconventional risky rock of Max who sounds different every time.

Team Will: Sophie-May versus Cherie - Love Cats. Scatting alert in a jazz battle - which didn't ignite, really, but I prefer Sophie May's voice - we heard a different sound to her audition - and I'm glad she got through. 9/13

Team Kylie: Jamie versus Joe - Counting Stars. Two of my original choice who were culled, some great moments from both, some not so. I think I'd edge towards Jamie, he is the local lad after all. In the most emotional battle of the night, it's he who gets the nod.

Team Tom: Leverne versus Georgia - 22. They don't like each other much, do they? Although, I don't think I like Georgia much either. Not fussed by either vocal and would say Georgia was better; Tom agreed. Leverne gutted at the song choice not showing her off as much. Distinctly underwhelmed, both of us.

Team Kylie: Gemyni versus Jade - Baby One More Time. Quite ordinary, Jade with the edge and gets the nod.

Team Tom: Gary versus Elesha - Caught Up. Understated but full of quality moments. I thought Elesha but Tom hasn't got many men, has he? The 'run' seems to have been key for Gary.

Team Ricky: Luciee-Marie versus Jazz - Grenade. Oh, please Ricky, choose Jazz. I don't think I could stand listening to Lucieeeeee more, it's, like, all the worst like, teenagers evah - and very screechy. Jazz earthy and real but I think can do much better than that - the key seemed a bit too low. Praise the Lord Soul and his Jazz Disciples, Ricky puts Jazz through. That makes it 10/13.

Team Scatty: Beth; Jazz; Emily (Team Ricky); Femi; Rachael (Team Kylie); James; Sophie-May; Nomakhosi; Jermain, Anna (Team Will) What are the chances of four of my five getting through in Will's team?!

Check out the coaches teams here. Knockouts next - who'll be safe in each team, as the odd one? Till next week x

The Voice: Battle Rounds 1 - pretty young things and figthers

Here we go then, the moment my team of thirteen could well end up a team of zero! Happily, that wasn't the case and five of mine made it through, though I sadly lost two.

First up, Team Will: Jermain versus Sarah - I knew You Were Waiting. Oh, his range, those deep notes - seriously, someone needs to throw me a rubber ring. Sarah is good but I'll never forgive Will if he lets Jermain go ... he doesn't, of course. 1/13

Team Kylie: Lee versus Jimmy - When You Were Young. Neither did much for me, if I'm honest. And I can't be doing with insecurities when you've been given such an opportunity - deal with it, hang it out there or give it up. Lee wins.

Team Tom: Sally versus Talia - Dear Darlin'. Terrific song, suited to both - sadly, Talia not at her best. I do like the down to earth Sally though, and her voice is very moving, she really lived it and Tom duly puts her through.

Team Ricky: Tila and Tavelah versus Beth - Roar. Advantage Beth with the song; advantage T&T with the numbers. While not overly impressed, I suspect Beth alone would've made it more her own, which is perhaps why she got the nod. 2/13

Team Kylie: Leo versus Steven - Thunder in my Heart. Leo far more dynamic both vocally and physically - but our first steal of the evening, as Tom hits the button for Steven!

Team Tom: Kenny versus Bizzi - Jey Jude. The first really big battle and much as I love Kenny, Bizzi did outperform him - fantastic vocals from both but Kenny deemed too shy - aw, he's so sweet and smiley. Bizzi through with Tom, no steal for Kenny :( My first loss.

Team Will: Callum versus Tom - Pretty Young Thing. Nothing to choose between them vocally but show off Callum gets the nod of the shyer Tom, who has the more unique voice. Gutted, no steal on Tom as Callum gets through. I'm hoping things don't always come in threes ...

Team Kylie: Jai versus Nomakhosi - Tainted Love. And I thought "Oh. Sh1t" that'll be more suited to Jai than Nomakhosi but I was wrong - there was scatting! Jai marginally better than her audition but still a bloody racket, frankly - Kylie chooses her and I actually scream at the telly. After Will's comments, he's surely going to steal Nomakhosi? Bluffs us but yes, duly stolen *phew* 3/13.

Team Ricky: Emily versus Kelsey-Beth - Fighter. For me, Emily had the energy, attitude and the stonking vocal of the Figther; Kelsey-Beth a bit too nice, and Ricky keeps Emily. 4/13

Team Tom: Celestine versus Mairead - It's My Party. Not the one I first thought of, but the Jessie J one, thankfully! I couldn't understand Mairead at all, shocking diction, whereas Celestine was loud and clear and straight through.

Team Will: Jessica versus Anna - Good Riddance. I personally thought Anna was way better than Jessica, whose vocals were decidedly dodgy and who really needs to learn to put her emotion into her singing - I'd be scared about a gibbering wreck on my team, but clearly Ricky isn't and steals her after Will chooses Anna. 5/13

Team Ricky: Christina Marie versus Nathan - The Power of Love. Probably the toughest choice of the night. Personally, just on the basis that there are other female power singers in it, I'd have gone with Nathan. Will calls Ricky mental for not choosing him too - but he can't steal, and neither does Kylie, the only coach left with one.

So my team now looks like this: Jermain; Beth; Nomakhosi; Emily; Anna.

And this is how the coaches now stand. Next battle is Saturday, BBC 1 at 7pm. Till then x

The Voice: Get Ready for Nomakhosi

The one I've been waiting for: Nomakhosi is the name. Awesome audition with the Temptations song - I could actually hear it playing on Jazz FM - and with added scatting. I was a little concerned Kylie wasn't going to turn, but *phew* relief as she finally did. In my team battle, Nomakhosi gets a bye!

In other news, Tom Barnwell made me smile, even after he'd left the stage, as did Gary Poole's neat version of Valerie - another terrific audience reaction got Tom and Ricky turning, with Tom landing another man. Another one for Tom and for me, as nice guy, Kenny Thompson's raw but lovely tone, saw Tom oust Ricky at the last second. I also like what Jamie Lovatt did with his song - this time Ricky got his man. The only other female joining me was Cherri Prince, Will's last hope. Jazzy yet different.

A host of last show 'NOs': Johnny - flat; Jane Frazer - club singer; Roxanne Yarnold - good but not fresh; Angie Brown - why? Why? Fantastic and awesome voice - but why do the hit? It just dated her. A different choice would've probably secured her Tom's final spot; Likewise, Teresa Vasiliou - sad story but still a 70s vocal - Tom was tempted; Bianca Nicholas very good but lacking appeal; Aaliyah - fresh lyrical and rapping but not quite there vocally; Joe West, another lovely lad but again, not strong enough vocally; Liz Oki had us all in tears when she set Will off - reminding him of his not-long-passed-away auntie - with a beautiful rendition of George Michael's Different Corner; A groovy version of Roxanne from Pete Davies wasn't enough, though very good; had Erin been earlier, I'm sure she'd have got through - Tom hitting his button in annoyance, having already filled his team.

The only 'Yes' not in my team (I guess I should have just waited until the judges sorted themselves out and then did it, but hey ...) was Luciee Marie Closier, who I felt tried too hard to be quirky, and much preferred her lower register when she slowed down - glad Ricky turned for her, a lot of potential.

How many have I got? Only 25! Let battle commence then - how to shred them down to 12 from:

Jazz; Nathan; Emily; Amelia; Femi; James; Chris; Max; Joe; Jade; Leverne; Jermain; Mairead; Sophie-May; Beth; Anna; Tila & Tavelah; Rachael; Jamie; Tom; Nomakhosi; Kenny; Jamie L; Cherri; Gary.

So, I listened to them all again and made two lists: The ones I definitely couldn't bear to let go, and the others. I bet the coaches wish they could do that - Team Scatty is:

Nomakhosi; Rachael (Team Kylie) - Beth; Emily; Jamie L; Jazz (Team Ricky) Kenny (Team Tom) Anna; Femi; James B; Jermain; Sophie-May; Tom (Team Will).

See the coaches'complete teams here and roll on the Battle weekend! Till then x

The Voice: Thought there'd be more feathers

I'm going to have to have a serious whittling session after next week, because I've added another four to my team!

Top of my keep list is Jazz Bates-Chambers. No idea what was going through the coaches' minds, but how happy was Ricky that none bar him turned for her? He was on the edge of his seat at the end and jumping straight out of it once they blew it. Brave song choice, brilliantly delivered and very different - shades of Erykah Badu/Jill Scott.

Ricky was also the only judge to turn for two of my other choices (what a mega team he's going to have!) Nathan Amzi, a versatile show voice, full of emotion, and Emily Adams with a great song choice showcasing a very mature and confident old soul voice - the audience reaction sold Ricky. Kylie nabbed the other, Amelia O'Connell's pure (apart from one little wobble) vocal has awesome potential and gave me goosebumps.

Country and Western singers has mixed success, with John Rafferty showing a nice range but being just too well, nice - some good critique for him from Will though. Talia Smith had a coupla dodgy moments in an attacking performance and Tom couldn't help himself.

I think I might audition for the next series, just so I can get a consolation hug and kiss from Ricky ... amazing eyes. #newcrush.

More family affairs, with us not seeing enough of Buheiji and Leanne & Natalie - I liked what I heard -while the Dixon boys had centre stage individually. We knew one would make it and one wouldn't but which one? Shenton was very much a club singer tribute act and it showed, even though it should've been my thing. Bizzi began too low but unexpectedly went for a rock song instead of the R&B he'd had recording success with - I didn't think his range was big enough but Tom and Kylie turned - he's now Tom's only guy.

Will added another two, very different acts to his team, both with huge potential. Kiki DeVille. I was unsure about, but the last notes got me thinking "oh, she's gooooood" while Callum Crowley showed great range but I felt weakened towards the end - it might have been Kylie and Will turning in tandem that put him off. Ricky also went - but Tom hit his button too late!

Three 'Nos' that were so, so close: Marc William, a definite original but looked like he was in real pain throughout, which I found pretty off putting; Paul Raj, who got everyone groovin' but couldn't maintain a great start. Some lovely notes, some real duff'ns. And Amrick Channa was completely and utterly fabulous, fun and groovy but drew the "I thought there'd be more feathers" comment from Ricky - very Diva, very camp club act - not for this, but I'd pay to see him at an all in one Xmas do!

I have one tiny criticism of the coaches: I'm getting annoyed that they don't turn for a voice, but then kick themselves when they see how young/pretty they are. And how their faces fall when who they have turned for isn't as attractive to them. PTB, you need to address that.

You can view all the clips again on the website, where there's also the news that Zoe Ball will be hosting an It Takes Two type magazine show for The Voice. It'll be on daily in the hallowed 6.30pm midweek slot, from the first live show up to the final. Because I've got nothing better to do ... oh, jeez.

Team Scatty: Jazz; Nathan; Emily; Amelia; Femi; James; Chris; Max; Joe; Jade; Leverne; Jermain; Mairead; Sophie-May; Beth; Anna; Tila & Tavelah; Rachael; Jamie. It's looking likely I'll have to stage my own private battle round!

Till next time x

The Voice: Sneaky Will adds two to watch

Finally, the numbers seem to be evening up, with me adding five guys and one girl to my team!

It was mainly thanks to Will though, that my top two guys made it through - turning right at the very last nano second, when it seemed the other coaches were going to let them walk.

Femi Santiago (above) melted me totally, with Stevie Wonder's My Cherie Amour - and I thought, put his own spin on it, rather than it be the classic interpretation - he gave it a modern feel. Nice guy, and a real inspiration for others to not give up when sh*t happens. And how lovely to see someone smiling when they sing with emotion, rather than appear angst ridden.

Likewise, James Byron was also a last-second Will catch. Loved his voice, plenty of guts and determination too and I think Will can bring out lots more. Chris Royal did a terrific version of Avicii's Wake Me Up, very refreshing, and a lovely tone. Ricky beat Tom and Kylie for him, and also chose Max Murphy, a British judo champion. I wasn't so keen on the quieter moments but loved him when he rocked it out. Irish dancer Joe Keegan had some quality about his voice which I really really liked - almost Chet Baker-ish, I dunno - just something about his voice. Kylie beat Ricky for this one.

The only female who made it through for me was Jade Mayjean Peters - good diction, didn't go manic - got all four turning. My only concern is how controlled was that? Has she just been practising that and nothing else? I hope not - fabulous potential. Kylie V Ricky (again) and she went for Kylie.

Returnee Nick Dixon sadly missed out again. After a promising clip from last year, it just didn't sound as sweet. I wonder whether, when the  'Nos' go away, do they take lessons or gig to improve or just wait it out till the next time? Because that's what they need to do - sometimes it's not having the live experience that lets them down. Fiona Kelly wasn't a spectacular enough opera singer for them to take a punt on, while my One That Got Away was Lucy Winter. She had club singer written all over her, but no, she was terrific - vibrant, passionate and a great, great voice. Reece Bahia went with One D - that's a no no, really, no-one is going to get through singing it exactly the same as them; Jolan and Yinka Williams, I'd have loved to hear more from - two more possibles for the Ones That Got Away award.

Successful auditionees included Steven Alexander (Kylie) whose voice sadly didn't match the style, just not strong enough. Kylie: "We would probably work on ..." the actual singing, eh, Kylie, hm?  Elesha Paul Moses, one half of Nutarna last year, improved towards the end and Tom signed her up - Will remembered her but didn't turn this time.

Team Scatty: Femi; James; Chris; Max; Joe; Jade; Leverne; Jermain; Mairead; Sophie-May; Beth; Anna; Tila & Tavelah; Rachael; Jamie. I appear to have too many - I shall cull at the end of the Blind Auditions!

Check out the coaches teams and all the other news here.

The Voice: Saving the best till last

I say the best, Rachael O'Connor was pretty much the only standout. And where are the men? Only four in the whole show last night and all the teams so far are very female heavy, which ain't contributing to a variety of styles much.

Vela the folk duo were part man, but nerves maybe meant they sounded a bit flat. Bunny, bless him, was nice, and you could sit and listen to him quite happily without your socks blowing off. John Quinn I liked and was hoping they'd pick, just because he's a bloke, but no. Great voice but not fresh enough, sadly. Likewise the bluesy Charlie Wood - very much enjoyed his version of "I can't stand the rain". West End singer Leanne Jones (Hairspray) fared no better than Kerry Ellis - this isn't the style they're looking for, too trained - the coaches figure they won't be able to do much with them.

Rachael's voice was unique but also musical, pure and gorgeous. And I liked her family. I know I shouldn't judge on that, but seriously, there are some auditions where I'm embarrassed for Emma and Marvin, having to be in the same room as the screamers. There's happy and excited, and then there's hysterical.

The only others I picked were twins Tila and Tavelah. It was refreshing to have a bit of R'n'B and it'll be interesting to see what Ricky can do with them. The opera-jazz of Milly J was the only other one I might have turned for, had we heard her from the start.

Will added Jessica Steele, a returnee from last year - I wasn't complete convinced, found her a bit warbly, and Sarah Eden-Winn, a powerful voice but too similar to a host of others - could well be the safe karaoke song choice, as Will pointed out.

Tom added Melissa, who all but Will turned for, and who I thought was absolutely dreadful! Different doesn't equal good, guys! I can show you different and I'm tone deaf!

Kylie picked up another three, including the aforementioned Rachael. Gemyni, another set of twins (Tila and Tavelah the others) - but while one was good, the other wasn't so -and Jai McConnell, an acquired taste I need to hear more from: she didn't seem to actually sing much, but all four turned and they're the experts, right? She's likeable though: To Will: "You got a lot of chat, haven't you?" Will: "?" Ricky tried to explain, but not too hard.

The coaches teams can be found here. Who can tell me who Lesher Haughton is, please? I thought they sneaked one through one week, without saying who she was - just appeared in the role call of Will's team but it was sooooo quick. I've no mention of her previously and don't recall the name. And I'm pretty good with names *suspicious mode* Foxy?

Team Scatty: Laverne; Jermain; Mairead; Sophie-May; Beth; Anna; Tila & Tavelah; Rachael.

Bye for now :)

The Voice: Tom keeps it in the family

Sir Tom Jones upped his team to six - and still not a hint of testosterone except from him! Amongst his harem, Danny McFly's sister and Adele's cousin.

Vicky Jones sounded promising but didn't wow me, although Kylie also turned; Georgia, who, like her more famous relation, has only a first name, was quite different and right up my street although I've not put her on my team yet, as I feel she weakened a little in the higher, longer notes.

The proper old skool voice of Celestine caught my attention, very confident and sassy, while Laverne Scott-Roberts I decided I didn't like but ... one lovely audition later and she's on my team. A different original sound that all the coaches turned for.

A very mixed bunch of NOs - apart from the edited together boy rock singers for Ricky: Nathan Kobierrowski we needed to hear more, tuning an issue. Ben Affleck, I mean, John Rush, was brave doing Lady Ga Ga but not vocally strong enough and Jeff Anderson would've probably be on my team had he made it through - I remember enjoying him on Jesus Christ Superstar, where he made it through to the final stages. Less rock and more emotion would have seen him through I think, he has a very sweet voice, verging on the operatic at times.

Swing singing superhero and funny Welsh guy Paul Blake, who utterly convinced Will he was American - and don't we love that Will's turning English, referring to Tom and Ricky as 'those blokes' - did a great version of Jump (not the Pointer Sisters, the other one) but was just possibly verging on the edge of club singer so didn't make it. Then came the Si Genaro Show. He stepped away from the pigeons and gave us the Chicken Train instead, which might have seen him through had he done that instead of the harmonica-beat box-dodgy-vocal-on-account-of-the-dancing-around-that-he-did-thing.

Of the other coaches, only Ricky found one he was looking for, as first time in front of a live audience reluctant singer, Myles Evans, stepped up with his guitar at the behest of his seriously ill sister. Very genuine but needs work.

Team Scatty: Laverne; Jermain; Jamie; Mairead; Sophie-May; Beth; Anna.

Laters x

The Voice: Team Will looking strong

So, it's week two and I'm sadly lacking a week one blog post because someone managed to lose the notes I made, full of witticisms and critical observations *coughs* I can therefore only let you know that Team Scatty, at the end of Week One, consisted of Beth McCarthy and Anna McCluckie, lovely voices - Anna the pick - and brave song choices reinterpreted very well.

Onwards, then, with Week Two.

Jermain Jackman quite frankly, blew everyone else out of the water - why all four never turned for him is a mystery to me, lawd knows he showed them enough versatility singing a hard, hard song and bunging shed loads of emotion into it - crafty Will turned at the last second. But someone really needed to tell him his skirt was tucked into his knickers.

Local lad, Jamie Johnson from Gillingham, did very well, and I've put him through too - great potential; likewise Mairead Conlon, although a) STOP TALKING and b) if I see your dogs dressed like that again I'm calling the RSPCA. Didn't like the song choice but an interesting voice. The only other to challenge Jermain was Sophie May Williams and again, Will nabbed her without a fight! I was expecting something more jazzy but a very strong unusual vocal.

Bob was great and I really thought Tom would snap him up, but you could see he wasn't 100%, likewise Miles almost got me but sadly he didn't end well and the coaches, like me, were waiting for a big finish. Lewis and Jimmy sounded like inexperienced Bryan Adamses, and Kelsey Beth was promising but never quite fulfilled it. Has anyone told Kylie she can only have so many? She seems to be turning for everyone: I can't believe she's actually only got four in her team.

The teams as they stand can be found here. And Will is clearly way out ahead. Apart from me, obviously, cos I've got all his plus the best of the others ;)

Team Scatty: Jermain; Jamie; Mairead; Sophie-May; Beth; Anna.

Till next time x

Snippets: The Voice; Strictly Come Dancing on Ice

Changes afoot in the world of The Voice, as both Danny and Jessie are stepping away from their coaching roles to concentrate on their careers.

In Glitterland, four professional dancers have left Strictly Come Dancing: Last year's winner, Flavia Cacace and pro partner Vincent Simone, former champ with Harry Judd, Aliona Vilani and  ever-present in each every series so far, Erin Boag. Their places will be taken by Iveta Lukosiute, who stood in for Aliona last year, Emma Slater, Aljaz Skorjanec and Janette Manrara.

Dancing on Ice could exit with an All-Stars series next year, bringing favourite contestants together - which might be interesting if they left it purely to the public: Todd Carty ftw? Much tougher would be if they brought the previous winners together but hey ... there's also talk that ITV will go it alone without Torvill and Dean - would you still watch?

So I'm playing about with the domain name, lost it and apologise now if you have to re-save the link, the original blogspot address. Sadly, Blogger, from being an incredibly simple set up has made it all very complicated and I will have to begin a new Rhythm of Life sometime soon. This one will be archived on there though, and I will give you a new link :)

A win for Danny's Team: Andrea Begley is The Voice

Was it a shock? Really? The moment Jessie told everyone to Vote Leah was probably the turning point, cos us viewers are a bit funny like that.

I think it will always be the most mainstream artist to win - the demographic of the audience suggests it. But like last year, all the finalists will get their shot.

Andrea is a deserving winner, any of them would have been. With the right songs she'll gain an appreciative audience, and Danny has proven himself when it comes to the right songs. I wouldn't say she blew me away on the night, but I could definitely sit and listen to an album quite happily. Ho Hey was my favourite by her.

Leah did blow me away with the extended version of Lovin' You. The way her voice soars and dips I find incredibly moving, although I wasn't so sure of I Will Always Love You, a good start gave way to a bit of dodgy section, I thought. As for the duet, fantastic production but really dear Will, a little bit indulgent, maybe? More Leah, less Will next time, eh? But I loved her dad. I reckon he probably got as many votes as she did.

Mike did well but I guess it's not really my thang. But if there is a market for country here, he will do well. Biggest shock and final 'One that got away' was undoubtedly Matt, who won the first and second rounds for me, by far the strongest performances. My only explanation is that soul singers are less of a novelty now, it could have easily been Trevor up there. Only topped by Leah's Lovin' You as far as the performances on the night go.

So there we go, over for another year and I can hopefully get back to more straight dance news. In fact, I'm musing on changing the blog ever-so-slightly so it can be a bit more consistent on the dance/theatre front, with less on the reality shows - the Sleeping Beauty post I did recently proved to be far more popular!

So I shall see you soon, probably with a few snippets while I decide how to re-design. Not sure I can part with the Glitter Balls though ...

The Voice: Semi Finals

Not one but perhaps two shocks? I thought Joseph would have made it through but it looks like Tom's earlier instinct was correct with Mike. And if left to Jessie, I'm pretty sure Ash would be sitting pretty in the final, although on the night I have to say I also preferred Matt.

Our finalists then: the Gentle Folky sound of Andrea, whose pure vocal again created goosebumps, versus Country Boy Mike, with that lovely tone that's gotten stronger each week, versus Soul Boy Matt, as watchable as he is listenable, versus In-A-Genre-All-Her-Own Leah, smashing it again. I agree with Jessie though - a safe song for her. They couldn't be more different and we have no idea who the public are favouring. Isn't that fantastic?

The team performances were also a major contrast. Jessie and her boys just saaaaang it; Danny has a knack of choosing great songs to show them off and delivered again; Tom tended to drown out his two and as for Will? Love him to bits but that was pants by the girls, it was fun but Will was the star.

Losing Ash was a blow to my team, but appearances suggest Jessie will not let him fade away. I'm left with just Leah although Cleo went out fighting, giving it everything. Karl seems assured of support from Danny, while Will told Joseph and Cleo he wanted to work with them.

Relive the semi final performances again here. The final begins at 7.15pm, see you then :)

The Voice: Quarter Finals

It's public vote all the way tomorrow - who'll be the shock exit, I wonder?

My team of four are intact: Joseph; Leah; Cleo and Ash, although that will definitely be reduced to three at most, since both Leah and Cleo are Team Will. And since Leah went to no.3 in the downloads this week with her awesome rendition of I Will Survive, I'm pretty sure it'll be her going through. Star of the week again for me.


Joining Leah in the Semi's on a Fast Pass were Ash (Lego House, good interpretation), Andrea (Hey Ho, got the place rocking) and Joseph (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher, didn't blow me away as much as I thought it would).

Through on the public vote were Cleo (Imagine, brave and great to just hear her sing) Karl (A Thousand Years, quite lovely) Mike (When I Was Your Man, the best I've heard him) and Matt (Wonder, such amazing presence).

Out went Sarah and Leanne, both given high tempo so so songs (Love Sensation and  Where Have You Been respectively) which showed off their voices but didn't capture emotionally, whereas Alys did turn Jamaican reggae into Welsh folk but with a few wobbles (Is This Love) and Mitchel, the best of them, with a terrific performance of Radioactive, full of energy and confidence.

Song choices will have a major impact tomorrow, let's hope they choose wisely!

The Voice: Knockout Rounds

Last weekend saw the coaches cull their teams down to three each. By and large you couldn't argue with their decisions, although I lost a lot of my favourites *sad face* And most of the performers excelled, making their coaches decision much tougher than anticipated.

Due to the odd number, each team had one member sail through on a Fast Pass to the live shows. They were able to show off what they can do at the end of their team's section. For Team Will, Leah was the Chosen One, with the absolute best performance of the night for me, singing Minnie Ripperton's Loving You and making it her own. Goosebump City, absolutely stunning.



Tom chose Mike Ward and while he's a nice guy, I thought vocally he was one of the weakest. Danny sent Karl through, whose performance didn't really set me alight, while Jessie opted for Ash, who did well with Beyonce's Sweet Dreams but I think can do better.

The one that got away - best performance that didn't make it through was Trevor (Team Jessie), who was awesome, losing out to Sarah, who I again found too screechy. Danny, sadly, never got into his stride. Tom and the other coaches were a little perplexed, because Trevor was That Awesome, with a fantastic song choice delivered perfectly.

Revelation of the night was Alex (Danny's steal) who I actually preferred to Andrea and Abi. His lower register was actually quite lovely, although he did most in the falsetto - but he was in tune this time! It was always going to be Andrea though, the emotional response she induces in Danny (blubbing like a baby) sending her through. Connor's energy wasn't enough to counter the power of Mitchel, sent through to join Andrea and Karl, though Sean ran him close, his version of Ain't No Sunshine the best I've heard him.

Jessie's other group was just as tough, Lovelle's lovely tone and unusual vocal not enough to oust Matt, who was just On It. Letitia was more confident but the vocal lacked a little something. My fave, Jamie (Team Tom), lost out to Alys, but no complaints because her voice too is wonderful. Cherelle gave her best performance, although lost her way a little halfway through.

And we lost one of the Medway boys, as Adam was up against Joseph and Ragsy in Team Tom's other battle. All three were excellent but Joseph has that special indefinable something and duly made it through.

Disappointment of the night was losing Moni, who only had to repeat his rehearsal for Will to put him through. But he went over the top, and Leanne's stunning vocal gave her the nod. Jordan was terrific too, and a close third. Cleo was succesful over Lem and John - although, had Jessie not intervened, I think Will may have put Lem through. He has a special quality too, although  enjoyed Cleo's scatting.

The Teams:
Tom - Alys, Mike and Joseph
Jessie - Ash, Sarah and Matt
Danny - Andrea, Karl and Mitchel
Will - Leah, Cleo and Leanne. He can at least call them all together at once: Cleahanne.

The remnants of my nine, sadly reduced to a measly four: Ash, Joseph, Leah and Cleo.

The live quarter final is this Friday at 7pm. If you want to re-live the knockout performances, you'll find them all here.

The Voice: Battles Weekend 2

It's all very well having a mammoth two hour show, but with the cutting out of all the non-essential chit chat (I know, I told them to do that) I'm watching with crossed legs ...

Travesty of the night was Alex getting through, where other much better voices didn't. What was Danny thinking? But with four acts leaving from each team next week, I guess it won't make much difference. I'll just hope my nine are among the twelve left standing: Abi; Adam; Ash; Lem; Jamie: Joseph; Leah; Cleo and Moni.

Team Danny went from hosting four of mine to just one - and unless Abi can be more commanding on stage, she won't last. He chose Mitchel over Ricardo, Abi over Laura, Sean over Paul and Karl over Nadeem. Mitchel deserved it, much as I'd have like to hear more from Ricardo. Laura I really enjoyed but want to see how far they can push the Ragga with Abi. Paul for me was just more exciting than Sean, while Nadeem's tone was so lovely and his vocal so pure, against the boy-bandish sound of Karl.

Team Tom were all fantastic and apart from Joseph v Diva really could have gone any way. A lovely country love story from Emma Jade and Mike saw Mike just get the nod, while Alys's more unusual voice took her through over Lareena. Ragsy and Colin were excellent, light and shade and really strong - I thought Colin might nick it but no, Ragsy got the vote. Diva are wonderful but Joseph just outshone them.

So far, so strong - Tom and Danny nail the song choices for their acts to bring out the best in them. If only we could say the same for Jessie and Will!

Mary J Blige, Jessie? Really - lots of attitude needed but Alex was merely annoying and Letitia intimidated. Never really got going. Letitia the far better vocally and Jessie puts her through - leaving Will and Danny to fight over Alex??! It's just ... weird. On the other hand/complete opposite end of the scale/and other cliches - Trevor versus Lem was bloody awesome, with a fantastic song choice they clearly both relished: Soul Man. Super epic battle, Trevor put through; Lem stolen by Will. Eventually. Jeez, Will, take your time!

Will, for some inexcusable reason, gave Liam and John the Phil Collins/Philip Bailey song, Easy Lover. The other coaches shared my *eek* at that. I couldn't choose between them, due to the screechyness. John is taken through; Jessie upset she can't steal Liam. Who I didn't take to, really, after initially liking him. Will made up for it with Emily v Moni which was another barnstormer and could have gone either way. The performance of Moni gets it - Emily's an artist, I'm sure she'll do well.

You can see all the battles on the website. The first of the knockout rounds airs at 8.30pm on Saturday; the second at 7.15pm on Sunday. Each act gets to choose their own 'killer' song they hope will see them through. Till then :)

The Voice: Battles Weekend 1

There were the epic ones, the so-so ones and a couple that made you want to gauge out your ears with a spoon.

In the epic category was Jamie versus LB - plus the added bonus in rehearsal of Tom showing his mastery, with the U2/BB King song When Love Comes To Town. Both compelling performers, LB sweet but Jamie's power just edged it for me. Three coaches plumped for LB but the man that mattered - Tom - chose Jamie: "I think I can see something that the other coaches can't." And then no-one stole LB, sadly.

Also at battle standard was Matt versus Jordan, with the dreaded Stevie Wonder Song of Death - doing a fabulous job with my samba song, Do I Do. Matt much more comfortable on stage - love the slide- Jordan so controlled vocally. Coaches split, Will takes Jordan through and Jessie steals Matt: "I have him nooow!"

Ash versus Adam was another power performance, but with a beautiful James Morrison song I Won't Let You Go, allowing them to both saaaannng, as Jessie would say. A close decision, won by Ash but with Danny already saying he would steal - Tom is chosen by Adam though, as he's listened to his music most.

Last of the battles I really enjoyed saw Leah versus CJ, with The Way You Make Me Feel, their interplay and dynamic was great and charismatic though CJ is, Leah definitely has more potential overall, vocally. Will duly takes her through but we lose CJ.

Good performances with not much to choose between them saw Andrea triumph over Alice, her raw emotion giving her the decision; Leanne beat Barbara & Carla, who to be fair, none of the coaches knew what to do with, all three showing their fantastic range, albeit with karaoke favourite 'Hero'. The much improved Cherelle got Tom's vote over the the accomplished Elise, surprisingly not stolen. I loved the falsetto/rap combo of De'Vide but Danny was Jessie's pick. Lovelle and Nate didn't quite give me the goosebumps I was hoping for, with No Air, although mighty close. Lovelle was my choice, and it was she who Jessie put through. Conor just nicked it for me, up against duo Smith and Jones, all of whom though sounded lovely. Danny agreed but no-one stole the couple.

Over in the *my ears, my ears* corner, due to a couple of shocking song choices by Jessie and Will, respectively, was Sarah v Katie with Katy Perry's 'E.T' which was a god-awful dirge fest so bad, I left it to go and check on my spuds. Two good voices, thoroughly ruined. Sarah got the nod; Katie bravely criticised the song, thus ensuring no-one stole her. And as for Nu Tarna v Cleo ... jeez, it was a case 'Finally' when it ended. What a racket. The mouthy one in Nu-Tarna needs to learn that being loud and shouty doesn't = personality. Cleo did enough to justify Will's choice. I'll hope for better from her next time.

So my team has lost two and now stands at twelve: Abi; Nadeem; Paul; Ricardo; Adam; Ash; Lem; Jamie; Joseph; Leah; Cleo and Moni.

Catch all the clips on the website and don't think it's all gone to pot when you tune in this week - it's Eurovision. The Voice will be back the week after. Till then folks.

The Voice: Bring on the Battles!

All the teams are complete - especially mine, for which I've decided to ignore all the rules and have 14. Because I don't actually count, see, it's all just pretend!

Successfully through and who impressed me enough to swivel were Moni Tivony (Team Will), bravely going for Bob Marley and seriously impressing me and all four coaches - I reckon he could sing anything, really strong vocally; Abi Sempa, East meets West to great effect, thought her vocal simply lovely. Tom was twitching and finally Danny went. Good man - she completes his team. Gillingham lad, Joseph Apostol I thought would be Jessie all the way - his diction coupled with a beautiful voice saw her turn, but along with Tom - and Joe's mum's a big Tom fan ... he completes Team Tom. Jessie nabbed the other Medway lad, Chatham's Adam Barron, whose voice reminded me of a more gravelly Lou Rawls. The girlfriend needs to control herself though, really, that was a bit embarrassing. He won't die if he doesn't make it, chill out!

The ones I need to hear more of: CJ Edwards, the final auditionee and Will's last chance - I loved the hand claps at the start but I'm not sure how strong he is vocally, although he certainly has charisma. Letitia Grant-Brown (Team Jessie), controlled passion, quite raw, odd duff notes, impressively mature for a 17 year old. John Pritchard (Team Will) was quite different, I liked then I didn't then I did - didn't like the screechy ending.

The one that got away BIG TIME: Bronwen Lewis - a shame that Will and Jessie felt they had similar already, she had a lovely, original tone - Danny and Tom both upset they couldn't go.

The 'Nos': Adenike never hit the notes she needed due to nerves; Danny Foster (ex-Hearsay), although imaginatively reinventing a Spice Girls' song, and Jay Aston (ex-Bucks Fizz), just weren't vocally strong enough, while Brett Davison was far too boy-bandy. Others just not outstanding enough included Sophie Mendoza, Georgia Thursting, Julie Gordon, Rita Payne, Laine Hines and Rob Reynolds. The most gorgeous voice not to get through belonged to Gemma Louise Edwards, opera singer - but with an operatic duo already in his team and he the only coach with a spot left, Will just couldn't take her on.

So we're ready for the Battle Rounds! And this is where it can all get a bit canny, with The Twist! Acts the coaches were hankering after but didn't get could well be jettisoned by their existing coach, so will they pounce and steal someone at the expense of one of their own? These are the teams as they stand now, and my team is beyond complete: Abi; Nadeem; Paul; Ricardo; Adam; Ash, De'Vide; Lem; Jamie; Joseph; Carla&Barbara; Cleo; Leah; Moni.

Till next week :)

The Voice: Almost there ...

My team is nearing completion, as a few Soul Men made it on there tonight! And the show seems to be swinging along a lot quicker now, thank you PTB, with less chat and more audition time.

Builder and landscaper carpet fitting chef, Jamie Bruce got an oh, yes from me, with a voice like Galaxy silk - first time I've been quite moved. Sweet yet raw, powerful yet subtle, get in my team, you! Will or Tom? He seems like a Tom guy but ... yes, he joins Tom.

Ricardo Afonso (Team Danny) had a similar effect, all groovy and got the coaches rocking. He's got a lovely little kid too, and a touch of Hugh Jackman about him, so what's not to love. Oh, he's a West Ham fan too! Ah, no #hearingaidforDanny. And then up stepped Paul Carden, another strong but smooth more on the rock side of things, he also made Team Danny - I'd like to hear him really stretch himself.

And I would have loved to have heard more of De'Vide, the singer/rap duo; Jessie did hear enough and took them in, I'm happy to gamble. Jessie also turned (eventually) for Nate James, a name some of us knew. Like him but thought the song choice shocking and it nearly cost him. Will chose this audition to confirm that he is officially nuts.

Jordan Lee Davis brought forth a "Well, I wasn't expecting that!" So different and really deserved a shot - Will and Danny finally turned to give him it and Will nabbed him. And Tom took on the clearly talented but nervous-as-hell-so-she-missed-her-music-cue-on-a-really-dodgy-song-choice Cherelle Basquine. Great potential if she gets it right. And Tom also took Colin Chisholm, proper rock singer aiming for a second stab at fame, after a previously taste of it with the Bilbo Baggins Band. His voice certainly had a ring to it although I found it a bit middle-of-the-earth. But he certainly wasn't dwarfed by the other performers, although his hair is a bit of an elf and safety issue on its own. You can groan now.

The Yes But Nahs - there were quite a lot. Good, but didn't make me swivel: Sean Rumsey and Alice Barlow both impressed Danny sufficiently though, as Nutarna did Will. But the long haired one is getting on my nerves already. Lareena Mitchell had Tom written all over her. Really, they pinned her down and used marker pens all over, just so he got the hint. Ok, not really. And no, it's not Leanne Mitchell come back re-incarnated or anything.

The Nos: Contestant no-name we all thought was a girl was a boy who sadly went as flat as a three day old bottle of lemonade with the top off. Katie Evans, not strong enough; Gemma Marshall, we just didn't hear enough; Eva Iglesias (any relation, we wonder?) shouty club singer; Em Brulee. Seriously. If everyone she knows isn't calling her Crem then clearly this nation has lost its sense of humour. Ant Henson, weak; Cassie Chan, again not enough heard and Gill Forster, good but we've heard similar before.

The Ones That Got Away - I was willing the coaches to turn for these, thought they had great voices and sounded original: Charlie Ryan, who they thought was two people, such was his range; Aret Kapetanovic was way better and different from some they've put through, so I was pretty shocked no-one turned. I disagree with Tom that you should sing how you look - you should be yourself and have your own style in both. Wear what you wear, sing what you sing - who wants to be labelled?

Only seven spots remain now - Danny and Tom just one place left in their teams, Jessie with two and Will with three. See them all here. I've added Jamie Bruce, Ricardo Afonso, De'Vide and Paul Carden to Nadeem, Ash, Lem, Carla&Barbara, Cleo and Leah, leaving me just two spots.

Did you play the Predictor game last week? I did and got five out of six correct, so I'm feeling rather smug - I may even do it again. Till next time :)