Gay Couple Brings Kelly Clarkson To Tears On 'The Voice'

OneUp on 'The Voice' (screen capture image via NBC)

Adam Bastien and Jerome Bell, a gay vocal duo with hopes of winning reality talent competition The Voice, delivered a smooth-as-silk rendition of The Spinners’ “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” this week.

The Motown steps, falsetto & full-on tenor vocals, plus obvious chemistry showed these two, who perform under the moniker “OneUp,” have what it takes to go far in the competition.

After three judges (Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and Blake Shelton) hit the red button, Hudson asked how the two came together.

The answer was awesome and made Clarkson cry.

“We met, and then we fell in love, actually,” says Adam.

But Clarkson became even more moved when their family came out onstage and it was a veritable rainbow of gorgeous diversity.

“At a time in this country when its so divisive, this is such a beautiful thing,” said a clearly emotional Clarkson. “It is proof that in this country love is limitless. It can happen anywhere, any way…It’s the most beautiful thing that’s happened to me this season.”

Hudson chimed in saying, “I want to be in the family!”

Blake was patient for a while, but finally made a fervent pitch to coach the two pointing to his history of success with duos on The Voice.

“I have had the most success with duos of any coach in the history of The Voice. Why not pick a coach who has a proven track record with duos on The Voice,” said Shelton. “You need a cowboy, come on!”

After what Clarkson describes as a “Survivor tribal council meeting,” the boys decided their coach would be…?

And the video cuts to black before we get to see the pick.

Check out the boys blind audition below and then check in to The Voice on Monday at 8 p.m. on NBC to find out who OneUp chooses as a coach.

Podcast: Catch Up On This Week's LGBTQ Headlines In Less Than 20 Minutes

Hit play below - you know you want to hear me chat :)

In this week’s podcast:

• The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals handed down an important ruling for transgender protections in the workplace

• Should we boycott Bermuda for taking away marriage equality?

• An out high school football star is targeted by the haters of Westboro Baptist Church but his classmates aren’t having it

• A gay couple found their wedding photo used in a political attack ad by the Tennessee state Republican Party #WTF?

• Take two - Starkville, Mississippi, is getting it's first Pride parade

• The 2018 Paralympics have begun and there’s at least one out and proud Paralympian this year

• Mindy Kaling's new series Champions on NBC features a 16-year-old out character who's never seen the inside of a closet

• VICE follows gay married couple Rick & Griff in Atlanta to learn how folks are monetizing their social media following

• NBC's "The Voice" made history this week with the series' first transgender contestant

• Randy Rainbow takes on the NRA with his parody of "Kids" from the 1960s Broadway hit Bye Bye Birdie

NBC's "The Voice" Introduces First Transgender Contestant

NBC's The Voice made history this week by introducing the series' first transgender contestant, Angel Bonilla.

After wowing the judges with her performance of Sam Smith's “Lay Me Down," Bonilla explained that she was from the Philippines where she was born as "Carlos."

“As early as 5 years old, I already knew that I am a girl trapped in a boy’s body,” Bonilla says. “Growing up in a very conservative family, it was very difficult for my father. When my dad saw me as a girl for the first time, he was puzzled. He’s not sure if I am his son, but he embraced me. I promised him that I will do great things. I wanted my father to be proud of me, and I’m doing this to honor him.”

Bonilla was thrilled to accept Adam Levine as her mentor. Looking forward to the next round on The Voice.

Watch Angel's intro package below.

Out Former NFL Player Esera Tuaolo Kills On "The Voice" Blind Audition

Well, I know who I'm pulling for on this season of The Voice!

From People Magazine:

Former NFL player Esera Tuaolo amazed The Voice judges and the audience with his rendition of Andra Day’s “Rise Up” on the premiere of the singing TV show.

Tuaolo, 49, kept his sexual orientation a secret from his NFL teammates during the nine years he was a defensive tackle, but the player revealed on Monday night’s show what it was like to finally come out.

“When I finished in the NFL, I came out to my family. When I said those words for the first [time], when I said that I was gay, it was like this huge mountain just crumbled,” the former Minnesota Vikings player said.

“I felt light as a feather, but when I jumped on the scale I was still that 6’4”, 300 pound Samoan that’s gay and played in the NFL.”

Going from NFL star to singer has been part of his journey to living his life to the fullest.

“What The Voice has given me is an opportunity to reach for the stars,” he said before stepping onto the stage.

My hubby, Michael, has known Esera for years and says he's one of the nicest guys.

He does a great job on "Rise Up," one of my favorite songs. Watch below.

Sundays just got that much better with my new buddy Esera! And he’s a great singer too? Double whammy! #VoicePremiere

— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) September 26, 2017

Kelly Clarkson & Out Singer Billy Gilman Deliver Stunning "It's Quiet Uptown" On THE VOICE Finale

Last night, The Voice finalist Billy Gilman teamed with Kelly Clarkson on "It's Quiet Uptown" from Broadway blockbuster Hamilton.

Clarkson recently covered the tune for the The Hamilton Mixtape project, a collection of songs from the show recorded by major recording artists.

Normally an ensemble moment in the show, Clarkson and Gilman delivered the duet to devastating effect, swinging from tender and quiet moments to showcasing both their signature power notes.

Gilman's Monday night show-stopping performance of the Frank Sinatra classic "My Way" can be viewed here.

The out singer was a front-runner the entire season, but ended up in second place to country artist Sundance Head.

Still a big winner in my book. I'm looking forward to what's next for the talented Mr. Gilman.

Billy Gilman Shines In THE VOICE Finale

Out singer Billy Gilman performed his last night on THE VOICE exactly as he had the entire season, his way.

Gilman opened the show with a stirring version of the Frank Sinatra classic “My Way,” doing the first verse a capella.

Adam Levine joined him for a duet of The Everly Brothers’ “Bye Bye Love”, and he closed his run on the talent show with an original track – “Because of Me.”

A child star at 11 years old, Gilman scored a huge country hit with “One Voice,” earning him a Grammy nomination. He came out as gay in 2014.

I've become a big fan throughout his run on THE VOICE. Fingers crossed he wins.

You can find more of his music on iTunes here.

Billy Gilman Slays "Anyway" On THE VOICE

Out singer Billy Gilman continues his march through this season's THE VOICE with a stunning cover of Martina McBride's "Anyway."

In case you haven't been watching, I've covered his awesome journey on The Randy Report here and here.

Make sure you watch until the end when Gilman pulls out those big, huge notes he's famous for.

#GoGilman!

The Voice: Billy Gilman & Andrew DeMuro Go Head-To-Head "Man In The Mirror"

Out singer Billy Gilman sang with fellow Team Adam member Andrew DeMuro in a head to head matchup on last night’s The Voice, taking on Michael Jackson’s classic “Man in the Mirror."

What did the judges think?

Blake Shelton: “I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a more evenly matched battle. Billy has this voice that just cuts through everything, just like a laser voice. It’s so good, man. Then Andrew has all these little runs and things that he throws in there that separates from Billy. So, I don’t think you can go wrong here either way.”

Alicia Keys: “Billy your voice started out in this crystal space. And then you think of where we are in the world. It ended up making me feel that maybe things aren’t so bad as they sometimes seem, so thank you for that.”

In the end, Adam Levine moved Billy Gilman on to the next round.

I think they really were evenly matched here. Hottie Andrew is right in there, vocally on point and totally present in the moment.

And yeah, I'm always a sucker for a good "Man in the Mirror" cover.

Former Child Country Star, Out Singer Billy Gilman Kills On THE VOICE

Back in 2000, Billy Gilman became the youngest singer to have a Top 40 hit on the country music charts with his first single, "One Voice."

His debut album of the same name went on to be certified double-platinum. For several years, he was famous as "that child country singer."

Gilman came out in 2014 just days after fellow country singer Ty Herndon came out publicly. At the time, Gilman said he'd struggled with Nashville due to "whispers" about his sexuality, and in the aftermath of Herndon's story, he felt the time was right. You can read my post on Gilman's coming out here.

Last night, Gilman was a surprise contestant on The Voice, and just like 16 years ago, created a sensation.

Now an adult, Gilman has found his true voice, his true sound; and all four judges were impressed.

I have to say I heard about his appearance before I saw it.

My first thought was, "Well, he's not new to the industry and he had his shot. This might not be fair."

But watching the video below, I think there is a new ballgame here in that Billy Gilman of today is a different singer, a different artist and a different person that the "Billy" of 2000.

Truth be told, he kicks butt here. Terrific vocal and presence. I'm thinking good thoughts for him as he starts this journey on The Voice.

And even more that he's bringing visibility to the LGBT community.

Jordan Smith Makes Spectacular Debut On Season Premiere of THE VOICE

Gwen Stefani blown away by Jordan Smith's performance

This is The Voice at it's absolute best.

Contestant Jordan Smith sings "Chandelier" by Sia on the season premiere of The Voice and blows the judges away. Gwen Stefani is so impressed she has to run up and hug Jordan.

I like that this clip doesn't show you Jordan until the judges see him. Fans of the show are already rallying around Jordan.

Good luck, man. Great voice.

Music Throwback: Karise Eden On The Voice Australia "It's A Man's World"

Taking a little trip on the "way back machine" this morning - three years ago on The Voice Australia, Karise Eden kills it on "It's A Man's World." Check out how quick all four judges hit the red button.

This was the first season of The Voice Australia and clearly, Karise went on to win for good reason.

Her debut studio album landed at the top of the Aria Charts and was certified double platinum.

Find more of her music on iTunes.

Singing Nun Winner of Italy's THE VOICE Releases "Like A Virgin" As First Single

So, in what might have surprised many, singing nun Sister Cristina Scuccia won Italy's version of THE VOICE this summer after she knocked the judges out with her soulful rendition of Alicia Keyes' "No One."

So, as the winner, Sister Cristina keeps the surprises coming by choosing Madonna's "Like A Virgin" for her first single.

The 26-year-old told Catholic newspaper Avvenire about the choice:

"I chose it myself, without any desire to provoke or cause a scandal. By reading the text, without letting yourself be influenced by previous (interpretations), you discover it is a song about the ability of love to renew people, to redeem them from their past,” she added. "That's how I wanted to interpret it. That's why we transformed the pop-dance track it was into a romantic ballad a bit like Amos Lee, more like a secular prayer than a pop song.”

Her debut album, Sister Cristina, is set to be released on November 11th, with new interpretations of Keane's “Somewhere Only We Know,” Coldplay's “Fix You” and Alicia Keys' “No One.”

Rock on, Sister. Rock on.

New Music Video: Gwen Stefani "Baby Don't Lie"

Singer/songwriter/fashion trend-setter Gwen Stefani releases her new music video “Baby Don’t Lie” on Mad Love/Interscope Records.

The track is available now for digital download here.

New music: StrikeForce "One Day At A Time"

The brainchild of Steen James, StrikeForce’s debut single “One Day At A Time” features vocals by Yianna Stavrou – featured on Season 1 of Australia’s edition of “The Voice”, and has collaborated on tracks with Fabian Gray alongside her own solo projects.

With StrikeForce set up as a ‘‘think tank of creatives” led by James, future tracks will feature a variety of singers, writers & talent.

“One Day At A Time” originally started life with Australian producer Paul Wiltshire as a contemporary urban ballad, however the positive and uplifting lyrics and melodies offered more versatility & lent itself naturally to a “dance” vibe. In the hands of US based Producer/Remixer/DJ Mark Picchiotti, the song evolved into a feel good sing a long dance/pop anthem fusing elements of EDM & soulful house with gospel-tinged melodies.

The release also includes remixes by Jay-J, Club Junkies, JRMX and Pete Hammond.

Check out the official StrikeForce Facebook page.

World-wide release on November 18, 2013.  Check it out on iTunes.


(via press release)

Cher to mentor Blake Shelton's THE VOICE team this season

Blake Shelton & Cher at the Season 4 finale [photo: NBC]

THE VOICE has nabbed a huge coup in having the one and only Cher participate in the reality talent show as the mentor for Blake Shelton's team.  From Yahoo Music:

Blake Shelton has as big and brash a personality as Cher's, so this pairing should be a fun one. It should also be quite emotional for Blake. Backstage at last season's "Voice" finale, Blake surprisingly revealed to Reality Rocks: "I lost my dad a year and a half ago. And my dad's favorite artist on earth, bar none, no question, was Cher. My dad worshipped Cher. I wish he could have seen tonight's episode, because I would've been texting him saying, 'Hey, I met Cher! I took a picture with Cher!'...She has no idea about any of that, but it was a real big deal to meet her…she's just as viable and important to music today as she ever was."

Cher's appearances will begin during the Battle Rounds commencing October 14.

Video: Cher sings "Woman's World" on THE VOICE finale

Complete with pink feather/bird headdress and the famous Cher swagger.

“Woman’s World” is the first song from Cher's upcoming and highly anticipated new Warner Bros. studio album which will be released on September 24th.

Australia: Teaser for Season 2 of THE VOICE with Ricky Martin

First look at Ricky Martin in action as he joins The Voice - Australia

No, he's not shirtless or naked in the video, but we almost see him shake his bon bon a bit.

Video: Sexy & shirtless Adam Levine for 7 Hollywood Magazine

LGBT ally and all around good guy Adam Levine showed some skin at his photo shoot for the Icons issue of 7 Hollywood Magazine.

Check him out on the cover of the magazine - go buy it!

The Voice honors Sandy Hook victims and families

The coaches and contestants of The Voice honored the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting tragedy last night, opening the show with a moving version of "Hallelujah".

Ricky Martin - From EVITA to The Voice Australia

Ricky Martin will be the new coach of The Voice Australia.

He replaces Keith Urban who transferred to American Idol. He joins Seal, Joel Madden and Delta Goodrem for Season 2.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

Ricky Martin will join the Australian edition of The Voice as a coach for the music competition show’s second season.

The first season of the show on the Nine network became the country’s top-rated TV show. Martin replaces Keith Urban who left the show to take on his new role on American Idol.

Martin will join the Australian version of The Voice alongside coaches Seal, Joel Madden and Delta Goodrem for the 2013 season.

“Ricky Martin is one of the world’s biggest stars,” said Nine’s director of television, Michael Healy. “He brings huge experience to our panel of coaches, which he’ll pass on to our Australian Voice artists in 2013. Most of all, we think he’s the perfect addition.”