Monthly Archives: April 2012

The Week America & the Coaches of the Voice Got it All Right

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Not that I disagree with EVERY decision the celebrity coaches have made this season, but we have disagreed more than agreed.  As we get closer to the end of the competition the choices are going to get tougher each week. How could they not? The best is what’s left on the show and someone still has to go.

While waiting for America’s choice from Team X-Tina I knew that as much as I loved Ashley De La Rosa, I knew that Lindsey Pavao killed for weeks on the ITunes chart.  I also knew that Chris Mann was a powerhouse who constantly communicates with his fans.  This goes a long way; pros in the industry could learn a thing or two from Mann. 

So, when Chris was saved by America it was no surprise and I didn’t disagree with them.

 

Team Blake’s trio was up next and I knew who my favorites were.  I go back forth from Erin Willet to Jermaine Paul.  But Raelynn is from Baytown! I felt like a traitor going against my hometown girl.  But hey, it is what it is.  When Jermaine Paul was saved by America’s votes I just knew that, no matter what, Blake would save his little country girl.

Side note: It took my 6 year old niece to tell me that “Boyfriend” was Bieber’s new single. LOL! Nice job, JB! Well he came out to give us a “peek”…and I mean a “peek” at a “clip” from the new video for the song.  Love the little R&B/Hip-Hop feel to the song. I just wish the Bieb would pull those dang pants up…I’m just saying….

 

Team X-Tina’s Last Shot Performances

Ashley De La Rosa – I love her! I pleaded with her, not that she could hear me. I really hoped she would go for the gusto and she came out with an okay rendition of “You & I”.  Her attitude was on point and, as usual, she owned the stage.  But it just kind of fell flat…this is a LAST SHOT!

Lindsey Pavao – She came out to win with “Please Don’t Go”. While I always knew she had talent, I was never a big fan….until that performance.  If it’s all about just that performance…she should have taken it.

And she did…X-Tina chose Lindsey to continue with Chris into the semi-finals.

Last Shot Performances for Team Blake

Erin Willet – Her dad would be so proud of her delivery of “Proud Mary”.  Her rich voice conquered the song and she worked every bit of that stage. Go ERIN!

Raelynn – Okay, I really see her as Blake’s favorite.  She’s a country girl and he is such a big supporter.  Now, I’m still thinking that someone was waiting to sign her and put a bug in his ear, “Let her go, man!” I truly love “If I Die Young” for its vulnerability and gentleness.  I kept wondering what that song ever did to her because she just attacked the poor song with that voice.  Where is the feeling?

Now while I just knew Blake would keep his country gal around, I was so proud of him when he made the right choice.  He kept Erin around to advance into the semi-finals with Jermaine.

When I see those types of tough decisions and that coaches/judges on these types of shows seem to really be making sound choices it helps me to accept the choices that I didn’t quite understand.  Like Christina’s choice to eliminate Jesse on Monday night’s show.  Although I can’t help but miss being outraged all over social media. Can’t wait to see what happens next week!   

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http://www.examiner.com/article/nbc-s-the-voice-contestant-chris-mann-striving-to-mannifest-his-dreams

So Ready for the Party Weekend – Serani and Jouvert at Banana Bend

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So, I’m pretty excited about the weekend. I’ll be extremely busy writing and taking care of clients, but there will be some PARTYING going down! I haven’t been out in a while and I’m so pumped about reggae star Serani coming to Houston Friday night.

Serani’s had great success as a producer, working with Sean Paul and Tony Matterhorn.  He also sings my jam “No Games”…an anthem for all ready to be real and get serious with someone.

As soon as I’ve recovered from that I’m heading over to Banana Bend Beach for a Jouvert experience.  For those of you who don’t know what Jouvert is let me fill you in:

Courtesy Jamaica Star

Jouvert is a large street party during Carnival in the eastern Caribbean region. Jouvert is a contraction of the French jour ouvert, or dawn/day break. (Borrowed that from Wiki).  But in plain terms, here in Houston it is a part of our Caribbean Carnival – Houston CaribFest.  We not only party on the road, we let it all hang out in a truck yard…yes I said a truck yard.  Plenty of water from trucks spraying all over the place, party goers covered in mud and paint, and wining your waste in total abandon.  You have to experience that just once in your life.  Well, then you’ll be hooked.  LOL! Come on and join us this July!

Courtesy Lioness Promotions

Well this weekend it won’t be the huge gathering of thousands…I’m thinking more like hundreds…but it will still be a blast! I will try my hardest to remain fully clothed….I’m not promising you anything.

What do you have planned for the weekend?

 

 

 

Announcing The Musings of NikkiJo Jean Crazy Blog Contest

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First off let me start with a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who commented on Jean Crazy: Top Ten Jean Brands!

 

I hope the post provided useful information for you guys! Remember, if you are not already subscribed to The Musings of Nikki Jo; sign up now to be alerted to all posts and upcoming contests. And now…

Congratulations to the winner of The Musings of Nikki Jo

Jean Crazy Contest -

Amanda Jankowski Skibniewski!

 

 

Amanda will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card to use anyway she sees fit…but of course I’m hoping she picks up a hot pair of jeans and posts pics of her rocking them!!!

What the WHAT Moments from The Voice Last Night

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What the What Moments from The Voice Last Night

Last night’s The Voice had me saying WHAT THE WHAT so many times! The surprise elimination was the first WTW, but that isn’t where the oblivion ended.

The performances of Rae Lynn, Jesse, Jordis, and Lindsey were pretty good.  Nothing to write home…or a blog post…about.  Yes, I know that Lindsey is the #1 Apple ITunes seller of the season….yada yada…she’s great. But my favorite performances from last night were delivered by:

Ashley de la Rosa: “Foolish Games” allowed her to play with the rock music she really wants to do.  Loved the staging! Blake was certainly right when he said the smartest decision of the season was Xtina’s save a couple of weeks ago.

 

Erin Willet: Through her grief she has been pulling it off each time she hits the stage. I even loved the costuming this week. She worked to fill the big shoes of Adele with “Set Fire to The Rain”.  I was a little worried.  She didn’t hit it hard like Adele but she sang the hell out of that song so YAY!

 

Jermaine Paul: Wow did he come out this week! He has always been HOT, but this week the Alicia Keys backup singer really showed out with his tender rendition of “Against All Odds”. I was never a big fan, but he has now won me over.

A few other YAY moments:

I wanted to steal Christina’s ring ! And Cee-Lo was working that sparkly little big faced watch on those cute little arms!

Team Xtina surprised Crenshaw High School Choir with a visit and an invitation to perform with the team live! Great job giving back girl!

Maroon 5 with front-man Adam Levine and guest Wiz Khalifa performing “Payphone”.  I can never get enough Maroon 5, so I was all good.

The strippers that came out with XTina during her performance that flocked Blake and through bills at him….which brings me to…

 

 

 

The Remaining WTW Moments:

I was all ready to see her perform again, but who in the hell told Christina that she was cute in that get up? I am a huge fan, but that did not flatter her one bit! She has been looking great on the show so I don’t know why she went there.  You know that Kelly Osbourne is going to be all over this one. I say “leave her alone”…but I know that this time it’s too easy. Why make it so easy for your haters, Christina? I would say wear whatever you feel, but really that was not the right choice. Where is June Ambrose when you need her! She’s crying out for help, June!

Next up….and the BIGGEST WTW Moment:

Jesse Campbell was Christina’s choice to be eliminated tonight. I can get with Blake’s decision to let Jordis go, she was in the bottom last time around. But Jesse….REALLY? I’m not a pro so I’ll let her do her thing with her team…but I’m not getting it!

No worries Jesse, you’ll be signed by the summer!

 

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The Voice: 8 Stayed…4 Packed It In

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Last night’s episode of The Voice was a bit of a shocker in some ways and a given in others.  America’s thinking was a tad off…but it’s about their vote. So let’s get to it…

America Saved:

From Team Adam:       

Mathai – Her original delivery of “Ordinary People” captured America’s hearts.

Tony Lucca – He was one of those that I wasn’t quite sure of with his safe performance of “In Your Eyes”. Well, America was certain about the former Mouseketeer. I-Tunes also ranked him #2 behind Juliet Simms in the rock chart from Monday night’s show.

Pip – He held on!!! Shockingly – it must have been the tons of teenage girls holding him in this.  His voice is great, for sure.  But there is nothing about him that makes me excited.

From Team Cee-Lo:

Juliet Simms – She also had the number one spot on I-Tunes with her rendition of “Roxanne”. This one was no surprise for me.  I truly loved her after that performance.

Jamar Rogers – Loved his “Are You Gonna Go My Way” so I was on board with this choice. Keep on, Jamar.  Just not sure how long he can last with his competitors.

James Massone – He wasn’t a shock, I do like him.  And the little girls obviously love him enough to save him.

This left Team Adam’s Kim Yarborough (not a shock); and surprisingly Karla Davis and Katrina Parker to sing for the final spot on the team for the night.  Cheesa, Tony Vincent (not a shocker to me), and one of my favorites Erin Martin to vie for the final spot on Cee-Lo’s team.

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Just the Hits & Misses from The Voice Monday Night

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This week was all about Team’s Cee-Lo & Adam. I’m only hitting on those sure hits and misses for the night.

THE HITS

Katrina Parker was a definite “HIT” for Team Adam singing “Tonight Tonight”.  Her Adele-esque vibes were present once again but she owned the song and Katrina really showed up and showed out.

The Judges Two Cents: Cee-Lo was impressed but not wowed by the performance.  The Billy Corgan hit is quite a hard song to sing, but she did it well.  Adam loved the performance and was happy with the choice of song.

Another “HIT” was Team Cee-Lo’s Juliet Simms.  She originally turned all three judges in the Blind Audition.  This week she went off the beaten path with “Roxanne”, which was a great choice – if she nails it.  She did! I loved the throaty voice and breaks she allowed to happen naturally.  Her look was okay and I loved her smoky eye! She may have milked the beginning just a bit, or maybe I was just ready for her to rock it.

The Judges Two Cents: Adam said it was the best performance so far, Christina gave her props for her “dope” voice, Blake loved it and now understands what the fight over her was about, and Cee-Lo said simply “Wow….just wow.”

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The Voice Saying Goodbye to Members of Team’s Christina & Blake

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Saying Goodbye on The Voice Elimination Rounds

First off – Christina was working that orange dress!

Moving on…America saved three from Team Blake – Erin Willet, Jermaine Paul, and Rae Lynn. From Team Christina the votes put Jesse Campbell, Lindsey Pavao, and Chris Mann on top keeping them in the competition at this point.

The bottom scorers from Team Blake – Naia Kete, Charlotte Sometimes (still love that name), and Jordis Unga were left to sing for one spot on the team.

One of my favorites Naia Kete was up first with “If I Were a Boy”.  Kete was gorgeous in blue with those beautiful dreads draped over her shoulder.  Her little brother had tears as he watched her fight for her place in the show.  When she finally broke out and went into her own style she shined.  Blake noted that he wished she had done something on the reggae tip, but he was the one who took her out of her element for Monday night’s show.

Second for Team Blake was Charlotte Sometimes with “Iris”.  While I loved her dress, I do wish her hair was up for this performance.  You really felt it when she sang the line “I don’t wanna go home right now.”  The performance was a little rough, but she did great with those little tender moments.

Jordis Unga rounded out the Team Blake competition.  She brilliantly delivered “Wild Horses” and it almost made me ignore the horrible dress and messy hair look…almost.  But she was fierce with great tone and she milked the great moments that the song offered.

All of the judges were touting Jordis’ praises and in the end Naia Kete and Charlotte Sometimes were sent packing.  I still love Naia, hopefully we will hear more from her soon.

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The Voice Night One of The Live Rounds Recap

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Started off the Live Rounds of NBC’s The Voice with Team’s Christina and Blake. Adam was rocking a fresh new cut and Cee-Lo was quite a sight in his red jumpsuit, chest hair out, and donning a wig.  Still don’t know what that was about! Now let’s get on to the performances.

Team Blake’s Jermaine Paul kicked it off with “Living on a Prayer”.  I’m still not sure why they went there, but he pulled it off.  Blake felt he was passionate, Christina felt he worked the stage well but didn’t see the connection in the song.  To vote for Jermaine call 866-ULOVE-01 or 866-856-8301.

Team Christina’s Chris Mann (one of my personal favorites) performed “Bridge over Troubled Waters”.  He had great control, showed raw emotions, and delivered a few great bravado moments.  Although Kansas had their basketball to watch, hopefully they tuned in to support their hometown boy! Cee-Lo loved it, Adam (although distracted by Cee-Lo’s costume) loved the fact that he chose the song, and Christina said he truly owned the track. Vote for Chris Mann by calling 866-ULOVE-02 or 866-856-8302.

RaeLynn, fellow Texan, showed up ready to rock out Maroon 5’s “Wake up Call” for Team Blake. She added her country twang; it’s just a part of who she is. 

I don’t think there was enough melody there to show her range, but she had great star appeal on that stage stomping those boots around on stage.  Christina loved her sass, Adam said that like when she didn’t choose him – she again broke his heart, and Blake declared that she represented the newest generation of country music well. Save Rae Lynn by calling 866-ULOVE-03 or 866-856-8303.

Team Christina offered up hip-hop artist Moses Stone “Stronger & Power”.He came out and gave a stunning performance with the choreography, vocals, and the rap skills. Not sure he will make the cut; I wish he would have really gone with more vocals this week. Adam had the same thinking, commenting that he has more potential as a singer.  Blake said he really believed the competition was about singing, but Christina says that they are tapping into a different type of genre and that the music heard on the radio of the same type is auto tuned.  She gives him credit for this being all natural and an all in one package. Call 866-ULOVE-04 or 866-856-8304 to give Moses your support.

Break – Betty White was in the audience flirting with Blake and plugging her new show “Off Their Rockers” that premiers Wednesday night on NBC at 8/7 central.

And back to the show.  Naia Kete from Team Blake with the beautiful dreads came out with “Turning Tables”.  I’m really disappointed that she didn’t throw the reggae vibe in, but that’s just me.  No, wait…again Christina and I agree. That’s odd.  But I digress; Christina said that she did have some moments that weren’t great and that she wished she had put the reggae touch on it.  Blake reiterated that he wanted to show that she could do more than just reggae and she did just that.  He also commented on those tender moments that I loved! Love her raspy voice as she strummed that guitar.  Give Naia some love by calling 866-ULOVE-05 or 866-856-8305.

 

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