Archive for June 2015

The eighth and latest season of hit U.S. reality-talent show The Voice has just concluded. The show has proven to be a massive success in America and has been influential in the careers of several artists. Rising country music star Danielle Bradbery got her break when she won the fourth season of the show.

Indeed, Bradbery was the youngest ever winner of The Voice, until this season. Season eight saw sixteen-year-old Sawyer Fredericks beat out the hundreds of other hopefuls to claim the win. Sawyer can now look forward to the $100,000 prize money, and a recording contract with Republic Records.

The teenager has already been making waves during and since the show’s run. Indeed, the Connecticut native has already set iTunes sales records. He looks set to have a huge future ahead of him. The fact Sawyer is so young means his talents will surely only get better over time.

We saw something of a change coming into this new season of the show. Gwen Stefani confirmed she would not return as a coach for season eight. The No Doubt singer was replaced by Christina Aguilera, who returned to The Voice after a two-year absence. She joined Blake Shelton, Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine, and rapper Pharrell Williams.

It was Pharrell who would prove to be the winning coach, as he masterminded Sawyer’s victory. The young singer won the show with a stunning rendition of the original song Please. The song was penned by his idol Ray Lamontagne, and the passion in Sawyer’s voice was evident. The win looks set to catapult the young American to international super-stardom.

Season eight of The Voice has seen the show grow in strength. It has managed to endure where rival shows like The X-Factor failed.. The ratings improved vastly from season seven, and it seems clear the show will endure for a while yet. The (re)addition of Aguilera seems to have been a masterstroke from the producers. Putting such a strong, successful and independent woman in among a group of men has worked wonders.

So, what’s next for The Voice, and indeed for Sawyer Fredericks? Well, the show is pretty formulaic in and of itself, but that seems to work. There’s certainly an audience for the show, and even in its eighth season it shows no sign of decline. It’s safe to say we can expect more of the same in the future. Producers will always be looking to uncover and showcase the next generation of unsigned stars. If nothing else the show provides several hours of entertainment and escapism for its audience.

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As for Sawyer Fredericks, well, he’s a young man with the world at his feet now. It’s going to be a pivotal couple of years as he develops his sound and personality. It’s important that the people around him keep him grounded, and that the right decisions are made. Sawyer needs to try to keep hold of mentor Pharrell Williams for as long as possible too.

In a world where popular music careers are often short-lived, it’s vital that Sawyer make the right choices now. If he makes sure he learns to write songs himself he will always have a shot at a successful career. For now the jury is out, and it’s going to be an exciting but busy few years for this new superstar.

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I watch a lot of films, as you will have probably guessed. And I have some favourites that I call on every now and again. They are sure fire winners as far as I’m concerned, and can often fit the mood or occasion that I find myself in. Give them a go and see how they work for you - I’m pretty sure there’s something for everyone!

For rainy Sundays

Nothing beats hearing the rain pour down outside while you are curled up by the fire with a film on. Apart from when that movie is in glorious black and white. And, for those lazy Sundays when you have a couple of hours to kill, I strongly recommend that you take a look at Breathless - or À bout de souffle to give it its French title (avoid the Richard Gere American remake. It's OK, but the original is far superior. And better for when it rains.) It's a razor-sharp 1960 film by Jean-Luc Godard that looks and feels like it was only made yesterday. I studied it during my first year at university and it's brilliant. And it also has Jean Seberg dripping cool with the best pixie cut you will ever see.

For when you crave fast food

There's only one option here. Food, Inc is an incredible documentary that lifts the lid on the American food industry and presents it as you have never seen it before. It's a harrowing watch at times, and there is no doubt that it will have a lasting effect on you, as it has me. Take a peek at my full review and the next time you are feeling like heading down to your local burger joint, watch it instead. You will probably settle for a home made salad.

For Valentine's

OK, so Valentine's Day can be an issue when it comes to watching movies. You could toss a coin and pray to the heavens that you will win. But if you lose, you will face a selection from the greatest/most ridiculous man movies of all time. Now, you might get lucky, but I have two options that could save your bacon. If you are in the mood for something lighthearted, try Bridesmaids. It's the only 'rom-com' that pretty much every guy I know will happily watch. And, if you are both in a more thoughtful mood, try a double bill of Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. It's a brilliant look at two people meeting for the first time and probably the only romance film ever made that men will tolerate. Although - good luck trying to talk him into watching it!

For when you want your head to explode

Sometimes, it’s necessary to test yourself when you watch a film. But, no matter how prepared you are (unless you read the spoilers first), you will struggle with Primer. The first fifteen minutes or so are a tough watch if you aren’t a mathematician, but as the plot unfolds it takes you on a winding road - well, several, actually. It will make your head spin, but in the most delightful way. I would recommend reading the first section of this helpful guide first, and then settle down for the fun. And, once you have finished, you will probably want to watch it again to see where you were wrong all along.

Enjoy!

The Voice Season 8*

The Perfect Movie For Any Occassion*