Welcome to the FINALE of Blu & Noelle's Music Studio! Months in the making...tonight, a champion will be crowned. We're very proud of all of you and everyone! Thank you guys for playing in this season and making it successful. Now, an envelope with the results is en route to us. Let's dim the lights.
Hayden9102:
—
In Case You Didn’t Know Cover
Lyrics (2) - So it’s cutesy, but I think the lyrics can also be a little awkward at times like they just don’t flow the best. But I get it…originality is running out.
Vocals (2.5) - his voice is nice and soothing, but I do have to take off just a little bit for that cuz I think country demands a little bit of a deeper voice or some grit in there.
Music (3) - great acoustic & just overall great sound. Perfect for a country love song.
Vibe (1) - it’s a vibe. I love country, I love love.
8.5
—
JOY
Lyrics (2) Again, this is a song with lyrics I like for the most part, but I have to question some of them…it’s just a little awkward at times.
Vocals (3) Absolutely great…the guys of this band and the choir. Although I would have liked more of a choir presence here.
Music (3) I kinda love the music here. It has great production.
Vibe (1) - it’s very much a vibe! I like For King & Country quite a bit, I almost went to see them in concert. Probably my favorite Christian artists.
9
—
STRAIGHTJACKET
Lyrics (3) I LOVED THISSS.
Vocals (2) I didn’t totally love his voice or the delivery all throughout here, but pretty good.
Music (2.5) I wanted just something a little more but it was good.
Vibe (1) DEFFFF A VIBE! I like alternative pop a lot too :)
Riddle (1) my favorite riddle!
9.5
TOTAL: 27. You submitted 3 amazing genres, country, Christian, alternative pop…and 3 very solid songs at that. I’m not sure In Case You Didn’t Know would be one of the shining songs of the season necessarily, but the cover worked out well. I think your submissions were kinda bold considering I generally lean towards female artists, not male, but yeah…you really turned your performance in the Studio around from the beginning and really have been delivering in the end game. I think your take on a Championship song was very interesting, and I liked it! Also like I said, your riddle was the strongest IMO.
° ° °
abstractjay:
—
The Wolf Cover
Lyrics (2.5) I do like these lyrics it just feels like they are trying to build up to something that never comes.
Vocals (1.5) I’m not sure…I listened to the original again…was I the one who said I wanted more? Lol cuz I don’t know if these vocals mesh well.
Music (2) it’s definitely a little…overwhelming? Overproduced? Idk. Like good but too much.
Vibe (.75) It’s almost a vibe.
6.75
—
THIS IS ME
Lyrics (1.5) I appreciate the theme of self love and the declaration being made through this song, it just feels a little weak. It doesn’t bring a whole lot to the table in my opinion. I feel like I’ve heard this song in dozens of songs.
Vocals (1.5) There’s kind of a lot happening here..some good moments sure but some delivery I don’t like too.
Music (1.5) There was also a lot happening here. I liked some of it. I think the calm parts were fitting but the louder parts seemed out of place.
Vibe (.25) I appreciate the vibe it wants to be but that’s about it.
4.75
—
JEALOUS
Lyrics (1.5) It’s just giving very…manufactured, basic, boring pop. What was the reason, jay?
Vocals (2) I don’t think he can deliver those high notes well and he tries to do it too much. Otherwise I like his voice and delivery.
Music (2) The music here is good but pretty stagnant. I want more.
Vibe (.5) It’s half a vibe.
Riddle (.5) Seems more like a rhyme, but the back half was okay.
6.5
TOTAL: 18. I think your cover came from a good place like it was initially a strong submission from you, but idk, I think the original is better honestly. I think This is Me has been used this season already? But you really had free reign here so that’s okay, but it’s just not a song that clicks with me, I’m sorry. I liked your idea there with Championship though. And Jealous is just…basic. You had a good run throughout the season mr jayseph I’m just honestly a little bummed out by these submissions!
Smi9127:
—
I Think I’m in Love Cover
Lyrics (3) I fucking love this song and the day you submitted it, it was on repeat all day. It’s been a song I’ve loved since.
Vocals (2.75) The lack of fuck was a little disappointing yeah. The only real thing that docked the partial point is she seems like she’s trying too hard in like…a pick me way? LMAO idk if that makes sense. But yeah her voice is strong and the male voices coming in were a unique touch!
Music (3) I really liked the sound they went for, I thought the electric guitar was interesting.
Vibe (1) THE VIBEEEE!
9.75
VICTORIOUS
Lyrics (1.5) They are okay but didn’t feel very strong to me.
Vocals (2) I like some of them, but some of them are annoying.
Music (1.5) It’s a little much and overwhelming at some parts. I get why but meh.
Vibe (.25) I see the vision, but not really vibing here.
5.25
CANDLE
Lyrics (2.5) I think his lyrics here are a little weaker/more generic than some of his other songs but still good.
Vocals (2.5) I think his vocals here are good.
Music (2.75) I liked the sound to this.
Vibe (1) It vibes :)
Riddle (.75) Pretty good one!
9.5
TOTAL: 24. On my end you definitely nailed the cover. My 2nd favorite submission/discovery of the season :) I get the route you went with the Championship song it just didn’t click much with me. Candle was a good song and the riddle was pretty good.
° ° °
MY REMARKS.
JAY…I really would’ve liked some more unique submissions from you. While I do like some generic pop, it’s not my favorite, and I think a lot of stuff outsells it. When you submitted Young & Beautiful in round 2, I expected a lot from you in this game, so I’m not surprised you made it to the finale. Hands down my favorite submission/discovery of the season. So big props for that! Thanks so much for playing and I hope to see you take on one of my seasons in the future with a different approach <3
SEAN…You cemented yourself as my early on winner pick once I saw both I Think I’m in Love and Royalty from you…which were my 2nd and 3rd favorite submissions/discoveries from the game! You really understood what I wanted from those themes in a way other people didn’t. I hope you play in my individual music game :) Good luck!
NICK…I do have to say with your performance of the last 4 rounds, you are my winner pick here especially with such a strong finale showing. I think you really gained steam and then lead the pack for weeks on end, really a great accomplishment at the end. You took feedback and really worked with it. Kinda iconic. Good luck! Don’t be shy to join my game!
Nick
Theme 1-This was absolutely beautiful, I love acoustic guitar covers because they’re always so raw and pure. His vocals were spot on and I think I enjoyed this more than original. 8.5/10
Theme 2- Great song choice, and I really think it speaks to your fight throughout this competition. You’ve had some really high highs and really low lows. JOY is a really powerful word and this out there submission, worked for you this time. 9/10
Theme 3- I like the riddle it was unexpected with the song choice. I’ve never heard of it before but it was catchy and had me hooked. The words are deep. Quinn is very talented artist and his songs always tell a story. 8.5/10
Jay
Theme 1- I loved when you submitted this the first time but I think the cover took it to another level. The harmonies were beautiful and that change in octave made it more impactful IMO, well done.
8/10
Theme 2- your personal story and this song made me a bit emotional on the inside. I absolutely love this movie and this is the best song on there. It speaks volume to so many people struggling with acceptance throughout the world. It’s brilliantly written and performed. 10/10
Theme 3- nice riddle and song choice. Nick can SING. I’ve never listened to him as a solo artist but you might have just put me on to something sir. Loved this. His falsetto/head voice on jealous gave me chills. Reminds me of Adam Levine. 8/10
Smi
Theme 1- solid choice. Love the original, Kat has a unique signature sound that doesn’t need anyone else to sing with her. however, it thought that the collaboration with these two was very well done. His voice complimented hers well and really stood out to me. Great harmony and great tone. 8/10
Theme 2- Panic is so underrated OMG. This had so much going on, but was so rightfully done. The fast pace of the track/lyrics and the screams were spot on every time. I love his unorthodox type of music he releases. I’ve never heard a song of his that I did not like. My favorite from him is “Hey look Ma” . This was good too though, not as catchy lyrics however. 8.5/10
Theme 3-
I thought the song went well with your riddle. I mean Again, another artist with a unique style of music. This one was lagging in the beginning a little for me, but towards the middle it picked up more. The beat changes were a little interesting to me almost like I was listening to two different songs. Not sure how I feel about it. I don’t think that this was one of Quinn’s strongest but I still love his artistry. 7/10
Winner of B&N STUDIO IS….
….
….
….
….
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
… Hayden9102 Congratulations, you came, you saw, you conquered. You are now on the gift list for myself/Noelle for winning.
Thank you Jay & Smi, for playing, you both did very well. I’m excited to see what the future in music games hold for you two because you’re both likely to be winners in my eyes. Alright Folks, it’s a wrap. Thanks for tuning in and bearing with us during these tumultuous times. We made it work! Great Productions take time. 🤩
Thanks to our Eliminated Players as well for Participating.
Your hard work has lead you to the finale. One of you will walk away champion; gift prize to come. You know the drill. Let’s get down to it.
For the finale, we are looking for a delicious trifecta of submissions from you.
THEME #1: Cover of any song submitted throughout this competition.
- What do you think shines? What do you think we want in a cover?
THEME #2: Your championship song. What will you play in anticipation of a victory, what would you play to celebrate one? CAVEAT: This song MUST include a choir for at least a portion of the song.
THEME #3: Create a riddle with your submission being the answer to the riddle!
- We put a lot of creative energy into this game and we wanted a creative element to the finale. Your riddle will be judged!
°°°
As always, we are available for clarification questions :) for the final time…GOOD LUCK! :)
Your story was my favorite! I guess I didn't communicate myself the way I meant to as only you & jay wrote up little fictional stories, and that was moreso the goal for the round, but idek if Blu knew that's what I meant even though I told him I've done this round for a previous season LOL. But anyways, yes, yours was good. King of the Clouds was also a super interesting submission and ended up being my favorite tonight. I loved the sound & the delivery. River was a solid song. Odetta I liked less but sounded nice.
King of the Clouds (9.5)
River (8)
Odetta (6.5)
Blu's Feedback:
King of the Clouds - So firstly, I thought it was cool that you chose to create a fictional story which wasn’t off limits as we didn’t specify that it has to be a personal one so this was a nice spin to a theme that I think you executed perfectly in terms of flow & description. Now for the songs, this one was cool, I love panic but some parts were scary(jumping out at you) and excessive to me throughout but I guess that’s to be expected from him. I was able to grasp the dark aspect and depression through the lyrics so that was spot on. (6.5/10)
River - Great, Eminem has a way of always delivering show stopping lyrics. There’s always a story in his verses and his passion just amplifies it. To me the lyrics seem more about a couple cheating on each other so adding a twist to it by the woman becoming pregnant after so much time spent away from each other, and him wanting to fight his addiction first, was cool. I think it made the song more interesting. I thought that the collab with Sheeran was a good take to it . The Hook/beat was so catchy and just made me continuously bob my head. (9/10)
Odetta - This guy is very talented and I love how the song tells how his like is transformed when he finally becomes a father. I think you ended the story like a great writer would, with an interesting plot twist and ending with maturation and taking on responsibility. It really helped him to overcome his addiction knowing that he had to be there for his child & make the best impact on them as a father, while being present in their lives. Lyrically great, vocally, nice, but the message was the best thing. (8/10)
I took a pill in Ibiza - This was a such a cool out of the box song, and fit your story perfectly. I liked the self-reflection aspect of the song. I also like that on surface this song will seem like a party song but it actually speaks of a depressing way to be accepted in others eyes, by harming the body, so this song was very powerful in that sense, and it had a nice hook to it. (8/10)
Permission to dance - I was grooving to this song the whole time, it was catchy, and had an awesome party vibe. I like where your story is going with this, because it does help when others are there to uplift you & help to take your mind off of negativity/discouragement in reality. It’s a positive song and such optimism and hopefulness throughout. A nice pop vibe and little pick me up lines to find some joy together. (9/10)
The Nights - I like both perspectives you gave in your previous songs and ended with this up/down summary, well done. I like the sort of dance pop mixed with country in the song. For the message, I saw it more than a good song. For the video, I see it as precise and a clear testimony and definition of youth. I’m glad you related it to your personal youthfulness joys/struggles. It is a beautiful song because it reminds the precious advises and the joy in pure forms. (7.5/10)
Noelle's Feeback:
I liked your story & that you chose songs you felt you could relate to as well. I think I was a little more iffy going into listening to your songs because they have all been popular. They were pretty solid choices though! I did like the beats you chose. The Nights was definitely your better submission, as I think the vocals in the other two songs are not as great.
I Took a Pill in Ibiza (8)
Permission to Dance (7.5)
The Nights (8.5)
Judah & The Lion- I get the feeling lost and trying to find yourself position that you’re in, it was reminiscent of myself at that age and trying to figure out what I wanted to do career wise. Im glad you mentioned that and started your story out with the struggles, this song justified that however, it wasn’t as captivating as some of your other submissions, and quickly lost my attention. (6/10)
Confetti- Very cool song, love the beat, hook, chorus & production. It was a great way to celebrate or recognized your accomplishments at 25 years old. (8.5/10)
My wife and 2 dogs- Smiiiiiiiii not the Cats ugh, we were almost a match lol. However, I did enjoy the song. I thought it was a cute optimistic song with a great message of looking on the bright side of things. I had me swaying and tapping my feet to the beat. (8/10)
Noelle's Feedback:
I thought that Quarter Life Crisis & Confetti were both above average songs, and My Wife & 2 Dogs was a good song! Quinn XCII is an artist I think I need to hear more from. Thank you for sharing your story :)
Quarter Life Crisis (7.5)
Confetti (7.5)
My Wife & 2 Dogs (9)
°
Unfortunately, this means that my predicted winner/early frontrunner boysofsummer2005 and our most openly expressive contestant CarolinaSteele will not be making it to the final 3. This was a tough decision and was explained in previous blog of no sudden death. Thank you both for your time, patience, and commitment to this competition. You were both dynamic players and all-stars IMO.
Drown- This is a really powerful song by two dynamic artist that I listen to quite frequently. The collaboration on this was insanely good. I think it went perfectly with the circumstances you’ve been faced with recently that surrounds you. It’s like how can you keep your head above water with so much tragedy close to home? I thought the lyrics were great & vulnerable, john’s voice was powerful. The instrumental was intoxicating. And you can really feel the heartburn and appreciate Christ all in one song. (9.5/10)
Soul’s Anthem- Tori never fails to amaze me, there is literally nothing that she can’t sing and put her own twist too, while pouring out her heart and soul. The backstory of this was very interesting, thanks for sharing. I think she nailed it on the head. I appreciated your perspective of this song and it’s important to not lean to one’s own understanding of things, but trust in the Lord’s interpretation for every situation. Beautiful song, angelic vocal performance per usual by Tori. (8.5/10)
Life aint always beautiful - Here’s where things start to go south for me, although I did like his tone and vocals here which reminded me even production wise, of you got a friend in me, I think you may have gotten lost by the story aspect it. I appreciate the backstory and how becomes appreciative of the beauty of life that is still granted to him, I felt that this song was not much different than the second song as terms of outlook on life, so for me the flow was lost and there was no real conclusion to the story. Beautiful song though, and meaningful lyrics, I was just missing the end of the story. (6/10)
Noelle's Feedback:
I am very sorry to hear about all the loss surrounding you. I wasn't sure what we'd be seeing from everyone and I was a little surprised, but I did think you had switched up your submissions a little bit more too. Drown was a good submission, but the other two were more so average to me.
Drown (8)
Soul’s Anthem (6.5)
Life Ain’t Always Beautiful (7)
Night Crawling - Im so happy you are still around to have done this round because as I always tell you, you’re such a mystery and people need to hear your story because it’s a powerful one. With that being said, I was shocked by the Miley choice, I’ve never imagined her in this sort of naughty vixen role so it was a step up from her performances during her younger years. You are so heavily involved in the church, so this was cool to see this side of you of wanting to take those risk but recognizing the toxicity that can come along with breaking “your rules”, the song was just okay for me though, I think production overpowered her. (6/10)
Whispers - Halsey NEVER fails to disappoint me, this summed up the core of your story perfectly as the daddy issues and mental illnesses were hugely portrayed in this song, also love the steady piano and the hushed beginning tones and then ends strong. Great submission. (9/10)
Broken Pieces Shine - This was a dark song, that really hit home for me. Oftentimes, we feel that in order to feel light and positive emotions, we need to vanquish the dark, negative ones. This speaks to how painful it is as you mentioned following the right path can be. I liked that this song reflected the darkness and lightness in the artist life and she poured her heart/soul into this song and it was evident. His song was very expressive and really makes you ponder on those epiphany’s in life. Loved her voice in this and the background instruments. (8.5/10)
Noelle's Feedback:
Whispers was my second favorite song of the round, definitely one of Halsey's best newer songs! I actually think I might've missed it when I tried listening to the album before (on YouTube so I didn't have the tracklist in front of me lol). I'm sorry to say I didn't care for the other songs though, although a couple moments in Night Crawling were attention grabbing.
Night Crawling (6.5)
Whispers (9)
Broken Pieces Shine (6)
We’ve decided to pull a judges’ save out of our ass because once again we were at a deadlock during the elimination round! This meant during your F5 round, nobody was eliminated.
The game is continuing as planned, however this round, we must be potentially heartbreakingly strict. There is not even a remote possibility you will get a sudden death round. Your score is final and the lowest two scores are certainly to be eliminated, as the top 3 will move on to our finale.
To make it to the finale we want you to submit 3 songs. Your only theme/task is to use these songs and your words to tell us a story. The story theme is important and will be reflected in judging. Not saying to write a ton, just don’t give us nothing. You can create any sort of story you want…this round is all up to you!
Good luck! Let us know if you have any questions. Co-host Noelle Heavenlee
Two players kevrev4 & Smi9127 Did not submit a song within the timeframe and therefore will be automatically facing off in sudden death.
Which means EVERYONE ELSE IS SAFE THIS ROUND! congrats on advancing to top 6. Here is your individual feedback from myself vanitysmurf and Noelle Heavenlee. No Scores will be posted, however.
Noelle's Feedback-
Boysofsummer2005 - Derek Minor ft Urban Rescue (Walls)
I really enjoyed the vocals in the chorus. I think the lyrics packed some punches. There was a strong message in the song. I think your submissions are starting to become very similar though.
—
Becksta20 - P!nk (All I Know So Far)
Pink always has good vocals. The lyrics are pretty solid. The music is nice and simple for this type of song. It was cute.
—
Hayden9102 - X Ambassadors (Hoping)
This was another song with fitting simplistic music. I’m not totally sure how I felt about the vocals and the lyrics were a little more repetitive than they maybe should have been. For me I’m not sure this song would inspire hope, but it seemed well received by others which is good.
—
CarolinaSteele - Skillet (Stars)
Great vocals & a great ensemble of their voices. Strong lyrics. Good music. All around a great pick!! My fave submission here.
—
Abstractjay - Paolo Nutini (Iron Sky)
oh honey idk what these vocals are but they were not scoring any points with me. I don’t really have anything else to say for this lol I’m sorry.
Blu's Feedback-
Boysofsummer2005 - Derek Minor ft Urban Rescue (Walls)
This was a hard hitting song and I really enjoyed the lyrics and the impact it left on me. I do however, agree with Noelle on the recurring style of music you're choosing for the competition. With so few contestants left, it's now time to start bringing out other tricks if you want to take this all the way.
Becksta20 - P!nk (All I Know So Far)
This was a good, not great song. I like the message behind it and Pink's grunginess as usual, but I felt it was a pretty safe song. I would like to see you push yourself a little more with song selections and don't be afraid to take risks.
Hayden9102 - X Ambassadors (Hoping)
I think you redeemed yourself from last round with this song. I love the simplicity too as Noelle stated. I also love how optimistic the song is and the fight against immigration laws and taking a stand for equality and justice in this country, within the song itself as the message. This was a great choice. The band sounds great, the vocals are really smooth.
CarolinaSteele - Skillet (Stars)
I don't know what has gotten into you lately, but you are peaking at the right time in this competition. Another solid, strong song selection from you. Awesome song with great lyrics. A slower song from Skillet but reminds us how the Creator of the universe knows each of us and and that he is always in control. This song speaks to my heart in so many ways.
Abstractjay - Paolo Nutini (Iron Sky)
Now I have a different opinion than my co-judge on this song. I thought it had a nice array of tunes/melodies. Like its a good mix of genres which is difficult for artists and takes lots of talent. It gives that old school music vibes with the blues (which I know Heavenlee is not a fan of old school music) lol but I love it. Vocally Paolo effortlessly goes from a mournful cry to a bluesy growl to a funky wail. The accompanying music added the perfect backdrop and the lyrics were powerful.
Kev & Smi please submit your song choices that you would have submitted last round for this sudden death round.
