Author

Rodlyn Mae

A 2014 Wrap Up: 5 Things We Said Goodbye to This Year

1. Taylor Swift’s Romances

With the release of her new album 1989 last October, Taylor Swift has made it clear that she has had a break up with break ups. Swift has learned the importance of standing on her own two feet, and the true value that comes out of being single. With more time to focus on herself and the changes she wants to see in the world, Swift has spoken out against bullying, sexism, and the double standard in the music industry. You go Tay!

2. Jelena

After following the tumultuous “Jelena” relationship for a couple of years now, it seems safe to say that it’s over…for now, at least. While Justin is “super single” and happy to be according to an Instagram post a few weeks ago, it might take a little more time for Selena to get over her ex-lover. All eyes witnessed her highly emotional performance at the AMAs of “The Heart Wants What It Wants,” which ended with a backdrop of a silhouette of a man, who is believed to be Bieber. Selena also reportedly had an emotional breakdown at her bestie Taylor Swift’s 25th birthday bash, where she burst into tears because of Justin. The future Jelena holds may be unclear, but we never know what might happen.

3. How I Met Your Mother

Hundreds of thousands of fans were left breathless last March 31st with the end of a story, a family, and ultimately, an era. Ted Mosby finally concluded the tale of how he met his kids’ mother, with the sole purpose of asking them if they were okay with him dating their Aunt Robin. Though many were dismayed with the true intent of the 9 year narrative, many “Tobin” fans were overjoyed that Ted and Robin found each other in the end, despite the increasing unlikelihood with every passing season. Fans bid farewell to a group of friends they had grown to love and wished to be a part of through the years, who finally settled down and finished their quests of finding not only true love, but themselves.

4. The iPhone 5

It is no surprise that everyone dropped what they were doing and lined up outside of their local Apple Store with the release of the latest iPhone model. But while some were pleased with the upgrade, most were probably just surprised, if not a little bit (or a lot) confused. While possessing better quality cameras and improved software, perhaps the most noticeable feature of the iPhone 6 and 6S is their grand size. Even though their large dimensions make it seem like you’re holding up a graphing calculator to your face, no one seems to mind. Anything to be in with the times, right?

5. Ariana Grande’s “Good Girl” Image

Wearing shorter skirts and higher heels, there is no doubt that Ariana Grande is no longer the innocent red-haired Cat Valentine we used to watch on Nickelodeon. With her music career flourishing now more than ever, Grande has chosen to share her art with sexy music videos like that of her hit single “Love Me Harder,” coupled with more suggestive lyrics in her album My Everything. Her latest single, “Santa Tell Me,” expresses her wish for a lasting love that will make it until next Christmas. What does Big Sean have to say about this?

31 December, 2014 0 comment

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Louisa Wendorff’s Blank Space/Style Mash Up Leaves Taylor Swift “Obsessed”

written by Rodlyn Mae

“OBSESSED.” This was the single word pop sensation Taylor Swift tweeted last December 27th, along with the link to singer-songwriter Louisa Wendorff’s latest cover, which happens to be a mash up of Swift’s “Blank Space” and “Style” from her album 1989. The cover takes place in the woods, where Louisa and her buddy Devin Dawson, on acoustic guitar, sing back to back in the middle of a winding road.

The two upbeat pop singles are given an eerie twist with the help of the acoustic guitar and both Louisa and Devin’s hauntingly beautiful voices. Both songs combined are given an entirely different feel, but totally obsession-worthy nonetheless. We can definitely understand why Taylor fancies the cover!

If you want more of Louisa’s music, be sure to check out her EP Arrow, which is available on iTunes.

Make sure to subscribe to her on Youtube and follow her on Twitter for more updates.

29 December, 2014 0 comment

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Laura Quinn and MAX All of Me Collab

written by Rodlyn Mae

Singer-songwriter MAX and dancer Laura Quinn remind us to keep our loved ones close during this holiday season with their heartfelt cover and dance solo of “All of Me” by John Legend. Laura awes us with her flawlessly executed ballet as she performs a piece she choreographed to her boyfriend MAX’s rendition of one of the year’s most beloved ballads. The ever so talented couple proves to us just how powerful love for the arts can be in creating something truly beautiful and moving. The video was filmed and edited by Christian Torres, and color graded by Manny Figs.

Laura has also recently starred in Fall Out Boy’s music video for their hit single “American Beauty/American Psycho.”

Be sure to subscribe to her on YouTube and follow her on Twitter and Instagram for more updates.

26 December, 2014 0 comment

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MAX: All I Want For Christmas Is You

written by Rodlyn Mae

Youtube artist MAX covers Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” just in time for the holidays. MAX puts his own twist on the classic with former bandmate Ryan Siegel on acoustic guitar, who toured with him during his SAY MAX tour. MAX’s falsetto gives the cheerful tune a more stripped down and smooth jazz feel. The video has reached more than 50k views within a day of its upload. Be sure to check out his Youtube channel for more covers and original songs. Happy holidays!

18 December, 2014 0 comment

The Voice on NBC

Craig Wayne Boyd Wins Season 7 of The Voice

written by Rodlyn Mae

“Team Adam has 75% chance of winning this thing, but Team Adam doesn’t have Craig Wayne Boyd.”

These magical words spoken by Coach Blake Shelton just last night were proven to be true when country artist Craig Wayne Boyd was named The Voice. As the lone member of Team Blake, Boyd has proven that the underdog has the ability to rise above his competitors and come out triumphant. The announcement of his victory reduced Boyd to tears of joy, as he has had quite a tumultuous and transformational journey in this competition. Boyd has had the opportunity to work with both Coach Blake and Coach Gwen, who both left lasting marks on him as a musician and as a celebrity in today’s music industry. As a country singer himself, Shelton was able to give solid advice to Boyd in regards to song choices and overall performances, while Stefani gave him a total makeover in an attempt to modernize his look and make his music appeal to everyone.

Both coaches’ efforts resulted in nothing but success as Boyd was molded into the star he was born to be. With a string of effortlessly astounding performances, it has been clear from the very beginning that Boyd knows who he is as an artist, and isn’t afraid to share his talent with the world. Tonight, he had the opportunity to sing “Sweet Home Alabama” with one of his favorite bands, Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as share the stage one last time with his friends (DaNica Shirey, Taylor Brashears and Sugar Joans) from the Top 20 in their fierce performance of “Keep Your Hands to Yourself” by Georgia Satellites.

The star studded night proved to be one for the books as artists like Hozier, Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, Jennifer Hudson, and Meghan Trainor owned the stage with their latest hits. The other members of the Top 4 were also given the opportunity to sing with bands and artists that they admire and love. Matt McAndrew (2nd place) was able to jam out with Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump in the band’s hit single “Centuries,” while Chris Jamison (3rd place) performed a duet with Jessie J in a duet of “Masterpiece,” a song perfect for the occasion. Lastly, Damien and Jennifer Hudson sang a sexy duet of Hudson’s latest hit, “It’s Your World.”

Despite there only being one official winner, it has been made clear to everyone that all four members of The Voice Season 7’s Top 4 are artists that truly have the talent to make it in today’s music industry. As the coaches have been saying all along, this competition is only a single leg of their musical journeys, and that there is a long road of success ahead waiting to be taken by storm by these truly deserving artists. A huge congratulations once again to Craig Wayne Boyd for winning Season 7 of The Voice, and best of luck to the rest of the Top 4 in their future musical endeavors.

Be sure to catch Craig Wayne Boyd tomorrow morning on the Today Show, as well as tomorrow night on the Tonight Show.

16 December, 2014 0 comment

The Voice on NBC

The Voice Top 4: Finals

written by Rodlyn Mae

Competition has never been this heated for the number one spot on The Voice. With Damien voted back as the fourth contestant of the Top 4 as The Voice Wildcard last week, America has made it clear that it knows what it wants. An army of Team Adam, consisting of Matt McAndrew, Chris Jamison, and Damien, was pitted against Team Blake’s lone member, Craig Wayne Boyd, in one the most intense nights of the season. Each artist was given the chance to perform 3 times: once singing a song chosen by their coach, once singing a duet with their coach, and finally, releasing their debut singles. All 4 contestants gave their all in the hopes of become #1: with an automatic recording contract with Universal Music Group, and of course, being named The Voice.

Out of the 3 performances given by the Top 4, it is not surprise that the most memorable and incredible ones were the debuts of their first singles. The gesture enabled viewers to get a taste of what is to come for each artist in the future, and solidify their fan status for the contestant of their choice.

Viewed as the underdog of last night’s show, Craig Wayne Boyd proved to Coach Blake (and former Coach Gwen) that they were not wrong to pick him way back in the beginning of this competition. Coach Blake gave Boyd a song that he’s been “carrying around in his back pocket for years,” demonstrating the strength of their friendship and Shelton’s belief in Boyd. Boyd’s release of “My Baby’s Got a Smile on Her Face” left the crowd roaring, and Coach Blake beaming with joy and pride. In the words of Coach Gwen, Boyd is, “ripe and ready to pick,” while Coach Blake comments that the “song was meant for [Craig] and it found its way to [him].”

Next up was Matt McAndrew with his debut of “Wasted Love,” which Coach Adam observes to be a hybrid of everything Matt has ever done. Being that there is no other version of this song, Matt shares, “This is my chance to not rely on anyone else’s success,” and solely, “rely on my artistry to sell this song.” McAndrew would be happy to know that he did just that. The raw, passionate performance of such an emotional and meaningful song literally set the stage on fire, and McAndrew shed a tear when Coach Adam said that it was “one of the best song’s [he’s] heard in [his] life.

Chris Jamison’s single “Velvet” showcased his strength in all 3 genres of R&B, soul, and hip hop. The song not only displays Jamison’s talent with his flawless falsettos and a catchy tune, but his progress on the show. “A star was born on this television show with you,” observes Coach Pharrell, who also shares that “watching this metamorphosis” has been nothing but pleasurable for the judges and the rest of America alike.

Last to release his debut single was Damien, with “Soldier.” The ballad comes with a powerful message, illustrating the strength that Damien has had through the years and even in this competition, and his fight to stay in it. Damien has gone above and beyond to fulfill his dreams, and America proved that he deserves a second chance when they voted him last week as The Voice Wildcard. His performance left all 4 coaches on their feet, and Coach Adam shares that he is “bursting with pride at how unbelievably well [Damien’s] thriving” makes him the “happiest coach that [he] can ever be, win or lose, in the entire world.”

There you have it America, The Voice Top 4, bigger and better than ever. The debut of their singles shows us that each is truly unique, and all have an equal shot at becoming Season 7’s The Voice. Be sure to make your vote count and help make one of these artists’ dreams come true, by voting on NBC.com, the official NBC app, or via Twitter or Facebook, or simply download tonight’s performances on iTunes. Best of luck to these incredibly talented and deserving men on the competition that will change their lives forever!

16 December, 2014 0 comment

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I is for Ill Communication: A to Z Recap

written by Rodlyn Mae

After taking a mid-season break, A to Z returns with yet another adorable episode that leaves its viewers and fans with a giddy feeling in their hearts. In I is for Ill Communication, Andrew and Zelda plan to spend the holidays together. After Andrew claims that he is an exceptionally good gift giver, the couple decides to challenge each other to see who is the better gift giver. Dragging along the others’ best friend to go shopping with them on the quest to find the perfect gift, both Andrew and Zelda confide in Steph and Stu that they actually do not want to spend Christmas with each other.

While this crisis unravels in Andrew and Zelda’s relationship, another one comes to light at Wallflower, the online dating site that Andrew and Stu work for. A customer, Irene Wallace, has been on the site for 3 years, has spend a grand total of $14K in the process, but has yet to find true love. She schedules an interview with Huffington Post to bash on Wallflower, sabotaging the company at the most inopportune moment, as most of its customers come rolling in around the holidays.

To counteract this attack, Lydia, the head of Wallflower, plots for her partner, Howard, to go on a date with Irene via a fake Wallflower account, and talk her out of doing the interview with Huffington Post. Howard complies, and returns from the date surprisingly satisfied, and even makes plans to spend the holidays with Irene. This leaves Lydia is a perplexed emotional state, as she is abandoned in the office over Christmas break, left to do the work she and Howard usually do together, alone. Employees Dinesh and Lora suggest to her that she has feelings for Howard, and that he is her “work husband.” Though Lydia denies this profusely, nothing makes her happier than when Howard returns to the office, after a strange second date with Irene, which left him in her bedroom, alone, which smelled overwhelmingly of marina sauce. The viewers find themselves marveling at the budding romance as Lydia gives Howard a box of peppermint bark, which is his favorite Christmas treat.

Things take a turn for the worst when Zelda sees a text from Andrew on Steph’s phone that reads, “Thanks for not telling Zelda about Christmas,” and Stu blurts out Zelda’s true feelings to Andrew. Four days before Christmas, the couple get together to decorate the Christmas tree, and a fight over decorating technicalities ends up revealing the true about where they’d rather be for Christmas: not with each other. The couple furiously books last minute tickets to their respective destinations to spend the holidays with their family, and go as far as the airport without addressing their fight.

But right before they part, Andrew and Zelda both realize that they cannot leave each other without saying what they really need to. Andrew confesses that his not wanting to spend Christmas with Zelda stems from his insecurity that he likes Zelda more that she likes him, but Zelda dispels this fear when she admits that she felt the same way about him. The couple finally say the much awaited “I love you” to each other, even after dating for only 2 months. The two have proven to have the love, care, and chemistry they have for and with each other only nurture and strengthen their new romance. Though their relationship seemed to be on the rocks for a majority of the episode, its ending assured its audience that Andrew and Zelda are now stronger than ever before.

The roller coaster ride continues as we dive deeper into the 6 months, 2 hours, and 12 minute account of Andrew and Zelda’s relationship, from A to Z. Where does it all go wrong? Why is the reason behind Andrew and Zelda’s break up? There’s only one way to find out: Be sure to watch next week’s episode for another half hour of love, laughter, and the deciphering of a romantic mystery.

11 December, 2014 0 comment

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MAX Puts an Interesting Twist on a Classic

written by Rodlyn Mae

Singer/songwriter MAX released a cover of the classic “Tomorrow” from Annie the musical, just in time for its showing on the big screen. The cover was shot while on the road, as MAX has been touring with long time friend Hoodie Allen on his headliner tour People Keep Talking for the past few months. Since its release yesterday morning, the video has reached over 50,000 views. The slow rock rendition which features pal Nick Dungo on the ukulele gives the Broadway number a unique and soulful feel.

Now that the People Keep Talking tour has come to an end, MAX is working nonstop in the studio in the hopes of releasing a full album in the coming year.

Be sure to subscribe to him on Youtube and follow him on Instagram and Twitter for updates:

Youtube

Instagram

Twitter

10 December, 2014 0 comment

The Voice on NBC

The Voice Finale Wildcard

written by Rodlyn Mae

On last night’s episode, The Voice made a bold, unprecedented move that changed the dynamic of the competition entirely. After the Final 3 contestants saved by America’s votes were announced, the other 9 eliminated artists who made up the Top 12 were given a chance to perform on The Voice stage one last time, in the hopes of becoming the Finale Wildcard and completing the Final 4, This gave the Top 12 the ultimate second chance to become number one. This also presented the perfect opportunity for someone from Coach Pharrell Williams’ team to once again be a part the race.

The Final 3 who were saved by America’s votes were Chris Jamison, Craig Wayne Boyd, and Matt McAndrew, leaving Damien and Taylor John Williams with one last shot at being in the running with a final performance in the hopes of becoming the Wildcard. The phenomenal performances given by the Top 12 truly made the decision all the more difficult for America. Each artist sang his/her heart out, only leaving the crowd and the coaches wanting more. Luke Wade’s rendition of “Have a Little Faith in Me” made the coaches exceptionally proud, as they commented that Wade “dug so much deeper” during this number and was “back in control.”

Damien and Taylor John Williams proved that they would do whatever it takes to become the final contestant to complete the Final 4 with their performances of “Grenade” by Bruno Mars and “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak (respectively). Coach Pharrell was impressed with Damien’s “real soul singing,” while Coach Blake commended Williams for “changing stuff up” for this final performance.

The Voice has given America an opportunity unlike ever before, in which your votes can save an artist who thought that winning The Voice was no longer in the cards for them. The final member of The Voice Final 4 will be announced by host Carson Daly this morning on The Today Show. Best of luck to the Top 12!!

10 December, 2014 0 comment

The Voice on NBC

The Voice Semifinals Live Performance

written by Rodlyn Mae

With yet another week of competition, things start to heat up even more as the The Voice Top 5 give their semifinal performances that will hopefully land them a spot in the Top 3. These 5 extremely talented men give their all as they perform numbers their coaches picked out for them, and not a single person, contestant and coach alike, was disappointed with the outcomes. The night opened with a duet between Coach Blake Shelton and country star Ashley Monroe, as they sang a soulful rendition of “Lonely Tonight,” kicking off yet another night of great talent.

Coach Adam Levine picked Michael Jackson’s “She’s Out of My Life” for contestant Damien. Choosing a song that showcased an emotionally vulnerable vocal was just the right step for Damien at this point in the competition, and Shelton comments that the number left him “on the edge of [his] seat.” While the King of Pop is a difficult artist to cover, Coach Adam couldn’t have been more thankful that Damien trusted him with his selection and had enough faith in their friendship to stick with the number, and as a result, did an “unbelievable job.”

The night switched gears as Craig Wayne Boyd gave a lively performance of “Working Man Blues,” which left not only the crowd in high spirits, but the coaches in disbelief. “That is the kind of performance you see from someone who knows exactly who they are and knows exactly how to get up there and have a great time,” comments Pharrell Williams, proving that Coach Blake’s song was the right one. With an effortless stage presence and engagement with the crowd, Boyd proves that he is a natural artist. Coach Blake even goes as far as to say that regardless of the outcome of this competition, Boyd may even “come out as a superstar in country music.”

Next up was Taylor John Williams with a song he absolutely loves and has performed dozens of times before. Coach Gwen wanted to make sure that he performed a number that he enjoyed, and his performance of “Falling Slowly” from the musical Once was not only original, but hauntingly beautiful, as he fearlessly reached all the high notes and went beyond the simple melody of the tune. Shelton was especially in awe of the strength and range Williams’ falsetto showcased, while Levine labels the number as the “perfect choice.” Coach Gwen was exceptionally proud of Williams, who she feels “knows exactly what to do,” and is on a mission to make his dreams come true.

Matt McAndrew showcased one of the greatest vocals he has ever done with his rendition of “Make it Rain” by Ed Sheeran. The combination of his riffs and the slow electric guitar made for a powerful yet eerie performance which received a standing ovation from Pharrell Williams, who simply called McAndrew a “star.” Coach Adam is blown away as he comments, “You astound me. As a guy who can do so much so effortlessly and gracefully, you are so humble.”

The final performance of the night was from Chris Jamison, who coincidentally performed his own rendition of his coach’s (Maroon 5’s) next single, “Sugar.” Using the incredible falsetto he started singing in 2 years ago, Shelton comments that it is “what [they] look forward to every week.” Coach Adam shows nothing but complete pride in Jamison, as he believes that he has had to work harder than anyone else to be in the Top 5, after experiencing a few setbacks along the way.

With 5 extraordinarily talented men pitted against each other in the fight to prove that they indeed have “the voice,” your vote is more important now than it has ever been, America. Vote wisely and help three of these contestants ascend into the Top 3, in the competition that will change their lives forever.

9 December, 2014 0 comment