Tag: The Voice

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Voice Dominates ARIA Chart

Ordinarily when I write about the ARIA Charts the local successes are all about the albums. We tend to produce quality product, but the downloading public flocks to the international smash songs that saturate the airwaves. But the tide has turned this week, and it’s all thanks to The Voice.

After her big win, I expected we might find Karise Eden’s name cropping up, but I didn’t expect she’d claim four of the top five spots. Her cover of “Stay With Me Baby” came out on top, but her version of “Hallelujah” showed it had real staying power, maintaining its number two possie.

Even more startling about this week’s chart is that the remaining top five position was nabbed by her Voice comrade Sarah De Bono. Darren Percival also made his mark, with his outstanding original “Damage Down” sitting at number eight.

These results really show the power of this program. We’ve seen reality shows encouraging us to download the live performances before, but by making this action part of the voting process it actually compelled us to do it.

Justin Bieber predictably rocketed to the top of the album charts with his newie Believe, but Keith Urban did a great job to clinch the number two spot. His greatest hits album The Story So Far jumped from number four, and should hold steady with his national tour approaching. That’s seen Missy Higgins slip to number three with The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle.

Click below to see this week’s top tens.

Continue reading “The Voice Dominates ARIA Chart” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karise Eden Wins “The Voice”

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock you know that 19-year-old Central Coast soul singer Karise Eden has taken out the first season of The Voice.

Like most of the country I was on the edge of my seat watching the show, and while I was firmly on Team Darren I didn’t mind one bit when Karise won. She’s got such a distinct voice, such amazing musical instincts, and such incredible power. And she’s from my neck of the woods! She was definitely a worthy winner.

I’m really impressed with the way Channel Nine’s played with the format. I enjoyed the first American season when it aired last year, but Australia’s version is definitely superior. I was thrilled that they scrapped the confusing elimination round where judges weighted an allocated percentage of their votes towards a chosen competitor. And the decision to showcase original songs at the grand final was inspired. I also appreciated the way the voting was all done by the time the Monday night show aired. There were none of the desperate pleas for last minute votes we usually see on these types of programs, and that allowed us to really celebrate the achievements of all the artists. And of course there was that judging panel, a team of real pros who had such a natural chemistry together and commitment to the show and their stars.

As clichéd as it sounds, there were really no losers on The Voice. I’ll be shocked if the top four, as well as some of the other finalists, don’t take their musical careers to the next level. I’ll miss watching them on TV on Monday nights, but look forward to seeing where they pop up next.

Image source: Eva Rinaldi @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Those Shock “The Voice” Eliminations

Regular readers may have noted that I haven’t reported on The Voice as I have other reality music franchises. It’s been a deliberate exile to be honest. While I’m tuning in I want to experience this one rather than feeling that pressure to type away each evening. Besides, no one needs to read what I’m writing around those late 10 pm finishes.

But I felt like weighing in now in the face of some shock eliminations. Having watched the first American series I knew what we were in for. I was so excited by the talent I saw, although I was nervous knowing the battle rounds were to come. These are tough, with singers paired up, forced to sing songs that may play to their competition’s strengths more than their own, forced to compete directly against other major players. It’s cutthroat stuff. I can’t say I was happy with every decision made last night, but it’s the nature of a format designed to keep the pace moving.

Much has been made of Mahalia Barnes elimination. Her battle with Prinnie Stevens divided us in the lounge room. I understood why Joel paired them as they were bound to split votes, but it would have been a loss whichever way it fell. For what it’s worth I would have backed Mahalia, but I wonder whether that’s because I’ve seen her live many times before.

Honestly I was most disappointed by the matchup of Adam Hoek and Rachael Leahcar. It was only ever going to go one way, and Adam ended up feeling like a sacrificial lamb. I think the competition will be a lot poorer without him. With a different song and a different partner it could have been so different.

The Mitchell Thompson and Fatai Veamatahau battle also divided us. Frankly the performance was so searing neither of them deserved to depart. But it’s the nature of the beast, and again we lost another talent far too soon.

The Voice is far from an even playing field. I expect more shocks as I watch this evening. But I prefer this cutthroat fast-paced show over those drawn out reality TV shows any day, don’t you?

Image source: Wikimedia Commons