Carole King, Really?

No I didn't watch The Voice, yes it sounds good, yes Blake Shelton is really that hot and charming. Yes I wish my DVR was not exploding from the last 25 episodes of Oprah or I would try a new show. Yes it sounds like Simon Cowell may be shaking in his boots a bit with this competitive coaching talent search.

There, it's said.

Now for the JLo / Sty Fashion Showdown. Look JLo: Gold and nude mixed materials mini dress with long straight hair. Look STy: It looks like grey rubberized pants with a light gold metallic button down shirt and a burnished metallic leather jacket. Metal on metal on metal. JLo wins for not doing what Sty did.

As you might be able to tell from my title, I am scared of this week's theme. After having wide themes like songs from the movies, post 2000, etc, forcing a specific singer songwriter's songs who in my opinion sounds a lot older than the songs of Elton John scares me. Why not just do singer songwriter theme? That works for all!

Wow Babyface joins Jimmy to mentor. And the contestants are dueting as well as performing solo.

Jacob -- "Oh No, Not my Baby" He seems really beaten down and Jimmy thinks he is in jeopardy. Cute preppy outfit. Fun, good energy. Goes wild on the riffs. I wish I knew the song. Steven liked that he shook his tailfeather. Agree with JLo that the vocal wasn't perfect but the performance was strong. Randy liked how he sang. He's trying which is great. B

Lauren -- "Where you Lead" (Otherwise known as the amazing Gilmore Girls theme song). Last week she was told by the judges to stretch herself, I don't feel she has played it safe per se. Babyface helped her stretch. I can't explain but this girl is my soul mate. I am always worried about hitting the high note. Really. Jimmy brings in Miley as a surprise for Lauren. Miley gives her a great talking to about getting over the negativity. Smart confidence booster. I thought she seemed super polished in this performance and comfortable performing. Sweet arrangement. JLo tells everyone to clap because she pushed her voice. Randy liked her swagger and said she threw down the gauntlet even though he didn't love the song choice. Steven made her cry with his words of encouragement and pride in the break in her voice. This girl is for realz. A-

Duet between Haley and Casey. "I Feel the Earth Move" AI is banking on these combos. I hope they duet on the tour. They really compliment each other. Haley looks great. Love their jam. So much energy and the style of Casey's voice was exactly how he should record music. Steven called out Casey for showing how in love with Haley he is.

Scotty -- Had a rough week last week. "You Got a Friend" Jimmy and Babyface tell him to pull away from the twang a bit. He is going for the emotional button. Smart stripped down opening. Look I love this song, but it sounds old no matter who sings it. Better focus on his vocals made me realize his vocals are weaker than they come across in a fast song. His best vocal showing, but too little too late for me? Why did he have to raise his eyebrows before the last line? So hokey! Randy thought it was practically flawless. What? Steven thought his voice was at its best. JLo complimented his storytelling. He is a ham. Loved Ryan making fun of his eyebrow raise. B-

James -- "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?" James takes on a love song. Babyface was blown away. Jimmy was blown away. This is a moment. Do you hear the power of this guy's voice? How can you compliment Scotty when you hear this? His range, his talent is remarkable. I want to be as cool as JLo when she dances along. She is so gorgeous. I can't wait for the James Durbin / Steven Tyler duet in the finale. Look if he could stay on key in that on his breaking point range of his voice -- INCREDIBLE. I was blown away. Steven let us know he made out with a girl to this song. JLo thought it was magical and pointed out his consistency. Randy loved his versatility and called him out as the winner. That might have been a bit too far, but I agree that this guy is a star. A

Sweet touching moment backstage with James dedicating his performance to his wife.

Scotty and Lauren duet (surprise!) "Up on the Roof" Country singers love a duet. Lauren is so great at adding her style to a song. She blew Scotty away. He was flat and could not compete with her. JLo said she sang her brains off. I don't think she wanted to compliment Scotty.

Who was the little girl on Steven's lap?

Casey sings "Hidey Ho" No idea how to spell that. Very stylistic, fun staging. Many times I am not a fan of the dramatic on this show, but Casey has managed to sing with a lot of drama, perform with a lot of drama, and still over the weeks has also shown me enough of his voice and talent (especially in the duets with Haley) that I now understand he won't record with melodrama, just with spunk. He is an entertainer. Steven loved the performance. "You make my scalp itch it was so good." B+

Haley -- "Beautiful" Babyface called her a good artist. Almost a technical snafu. Ed thinks she doesn't "get" the songs she is singing. You know what? She has a joy in her face, a smile when she sings because she is so at ease that I think it makes it seem like she doesn't have the gravitas. She is happy. She sang this with such ease and comfort and she does not choose an easy path to sing with. Her vocal choices are challenging. Great song choice for her. If the judges criticize her after the compliments they gave Scotty, I don't even know what to say anymore. Steven says he saw God while she sang. JLo said she has one of the best voices in this competition. Randy said he didn't love the beginning. Shut it Randy. Excellent job Haley!!!!!! A

Duet from Jacob and James. "I'm into something good" They did not want to duet. Cute but so corny. I could not stop staring at JLo's legs. Love the diva ending.

James won the night with Haley barely a half step behind. Lauren and Casey were strong. Jacob and Scotty are in the bottom, I think, with may Jacob headed home though I am ready to kick Scotty to the backroom of Tootsie's (a fine Nashville establishment).

Jacob B
Lauren A-
Scotty B-
James A
Casey B+
Haley A

Don't be ashamed of your obsessions...or being so good that you make Steven Tyler's scalp itch.