Week of The Woman: "Portraits of a comeback"

Monica, the R&B diva with the big voice and bigger heart.  Lately, Monica has been everywhere.  A successful comeback album, 'Still Standing', and a happy marriage and family, what more can an artist ask for these days.  Monica has uprooted her deep Atlanta ties and took her family to Los Angeles, where she still is a big part of the industry.  Monica is a mentor for the up and coming talent on NBC's 'The Voice',and there are talks about another album coming up later this year.  One thing I admire about Monica is that she comes off as a 'real' person.  No facade, no putting on airs--Just Mo. I've met Monica a few times and she always acts the same. She is a grounded individual and a very pleasant person on and off the stage.  Keep doing your thing Monica and we look for more new music soon!

"The VOICE" destined to STAND OUT in the crowd!

Did everyone catch the debut of 'The Voice' on NBC this past Tuesday?  It is a new reality singing competition show.  The twist is that initially the 'coaches' who just so happen to be some of the biggest stars in the music industry can not see the performers.  They have to rely on 'the voice' alone to see who has what it takes to make it in the 'business' of music.  The coaches are Maroon 5 front man, Adam Levine, Goodie Mob stand-out and 1/2 of Gnarls Barkley, Cee-Lo Green, Grammy-Award winner Christina Aguilera and 2010's CMA country vocalist of the year, Blake Shelton.

Promos for the show have been circulating since November 2010, and I initially thought the show was going to be hokey.  "Just another 'American Idol' rip-off.", I thought.  But watching the debut, I was pleasantly surprised.  The show has a lot of character and it the back stories of the contestants is heart warming.  The premise that it doesn't matter what you look like, but what you 'sound' like is ever-present and it means so much to the contestants.  Some that have true talent, but because of their age, or disposition, may not get a fair chance in the music game.
You really have to use your ears and heart to determine true talent and not your eyes.  Vocal coach, Cee-Lo Green mentioned on the premiere episode that it is about the "Journey" and not about judging.  The coaches are there to provide guidance and assistance, not to critique and ridicule.  This is a refreshing take on the music business which is so fixated on the look.  While 'Idol' relies on pre-packaged 'artists' that 'look the part' of what America sees as a pop star, 'The Voice' takes the other avenue.  It's all about 'the voice' first and foremost.  The other variables are not as important.  You can primp & preen anyone into looking like a star, but 'the voice' makes you a star!
The vocal coaches each have to pick a team of 8 contestants to compete, which in time will be narrowed down to 4 contestants each until they find that one VOICE!
I for see this show doing really well and producing some true bonafide singers.

'The Voice' airs Tuesdays on NBC and is hosted by the likable veteran in the game, Carson Daley.