This week has been a difficult one for college students nationwide. With a plethora of beloved shows re-emerging, including "New Girl" and the highly-anticipated return of "Grey's Anatomy" (eeek!) I may not get any work done!
The media is flourishing with questions of whether Shonda Rhimes will bring back our favorite Grey's OGs and what will happen on "New Girl" now that (spoiler) Cece and Schmidt are married! All of this entertainment frenzy has had me on my toes all week, but it didn't stop at those shows alone. An unexpected victor surfaced this week, capturing my attention and my heart. Although I've detachedly watched it in seasons past, this season of ABC's "The Voice" has rapidly become all I can think about, talk about, and be about. Here are some reasons why:
1. Everything means nothing, if I ain't got you, Alicia.
Alicia Keys is killing it on her dream team roundup, and who could be surprised? Not only do her 15 Grammys ensure her coaching abilities, but everything else about her is drawing the world in. Her warm, accepting persona has comforted the nervous contestants thus far, and she's blessed the world by singing on various occasions. There have only been three episodes, but she's already proven to be an excellent choice.
2. She came in like a wrecking ball.
Love her or hate her, Miley Cyrus adds some much needed spunk to the show. Perfectly overfilling Gwen Stefani's adorably out there role, kween Miley's outfit, personality and dance moves have been on par. While there has been speculation that ABC sold out by adding her as a coach, I would argue that her upbringing, her natural talent, and her influence on popular music culture disproves that theory. The internet, I'm sure, will tear her apart for everything that she does this season, but the best thing about Miley is that she doesn't really care. That being said, our quota of outrageous on-the-air behavior is sure to be filled.
3. She could go all the Wé.
I'm calling it now, this girl is something special. There have been many truly talented performers added to the four teams this week, but this 17-year-old New Yorker has me on the edge of my seat. Her cover of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good" sent chills down my spine and turned all four of the judges' chairs. Her incredible vocal range and sweet personality are enough, but then you add her adorable, high-pitched voice to the equation and you can't help but love her. Keep doing you, girl, the world can't wait to hear more from you.
4. I need more Riley Elmore.
How many 16 year olds would no less audition for the show singing Frank Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight," but do it so impeccably well? We have one in our midst, and I couldn't be more excited to see him continue on the show. Elmore seems to be your classic example of an old soul, something that I adore in people his age. He has a huge appreciation and passion for jazz and old school styles of music. His uniqueness is something that we long for in entertainment today, and it is sure to be made even more special with Adam Levine as his coach.
5. Brendan Fletcher. Just because.
This guy has enough emotion to bring the whole audience into the feels. Not only does he have the vibe of a true New York artist, but he has that John Mayer-like swagger that I need more of in my life. His raspy but powerful voice has the potential to win this competition, and the heart and soul that he puts into his music have the potential to win over America's heart.
These contestants and coaches are sure to add to the magic that the show already creates and the hold that it has on its widespread audience. I hope you're ready to tune in, because this is bound to be the best season yet.
