The singer from the Syracuse area picked the LA coach.
It took the fourth show of blind auditions before Josh Batstone, the teenager from Fulton, a snowy burg some 20 miles northwest of Syracuse, got his first camera time on this season eight of NBC singing competition “The Voice.”
I was ready with my iPad Air because the local affiliate had announced on the dinnertime news that this was his night.
Good thing. Josh’s spotlight was not the full deal. No, his audition result came in a mid-show video clip voiced by host Carson Daly.
He sang.
His style was pop. The screen told us he sang “Amnesia” by Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer.
Adam Levine wants him.
Two judges hit their buttons, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.
He picks.
Todd decided to join Levine’s team instead of Shelton’s squad.
Singer and coach embrace.
As “The Voice” watchers know, Levine likes nothing much more than beating his buddy Shelton out for a singer. One-on-one, head-to-head, mano-a-mano? I would have liked to hear the in-fighting on this one.
Of course, now I’m wondering why they lumped my local singer with the sort-of-shown-in-the-first-round group. Is this handful of performers to be considered underdogs when we get to the battle rounds? Does it mean they get more stories to come? Some singers got big backstory videos these past four nights and then weren’t even picked for any of the four coaches’ teams …
Oh, NBC producers, what have you in store with your editing trickery for young Josh Batstone?
“The Voice” has posted an interview with Batstone on YouTube.
Nice kid. He himself thinks he was pitchy until he hit a big note. Loved meeting and listening to Adam already. Hmmmmm …
What do you think the short on-air time in the blind audition round means for Josh Batstone? What coach would you pick, Blake Shelton or Adam Levine? Any predictions for season eight so far?
Mark Bialczak 
I love “The Voice” mostly because of the interaction between the coaches. Very hard to watch as it is hit and miss on the road. Bravo to your local. Is he still in?
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He was eliminated in the battle round, Shelley. They didn’t show the whole song, sadly. It must be hard to follow any shows on the road. You and John have more fun on your plate than this, I’m sure. 🙂
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I just saw this show for the first time and I really enjoyed it! I like all the judges, so it’s a tough call. There’s something to be said for picking Blake so you can maybe get yourself into two genres ala Taylor Swift.
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I think Blake is my favorite coach because of his contacts, his personality, his wife is also a famous singer, and he seems to be the most genuine and easiest to get along with of the four. And, Don, it is great to see you back here! Enjoy the show.
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I like all of the judges, but would probably pick Blake or Pharrell. I like what I see when they are in private sessions. I like who they have to assist them, I enjoy Christina, but also loved Gwen Stefani. last year. I enjoyed the performance of Josh, did not actually catch where they said the song’s title and group. I also liked the little young man, with long hair, but am really not doing well at writing down names, this year. I need to start! Smiles!
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It’s no fun to take notes, Robin. Just watch and enjoy. They did not say the song’s title and group for Josh. I stood there with my iPad and took pictures constanty when he was on the screen. I looked at the photos and the graphic had the song title. Then I googled the title and saw the group that sang it!
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I watched last night and don’t recall this kid at all. ?? I must have gotten up to get water. I don’t like Adam this year. That whole first night, he didn’t get one soul. He was overdoing it. He seems angry. He may be “the sexiest man in the world” but maybe marriage to his BoFN Bihati Prinsloo or whatever doesn’t agree with him. And getting up to dance with the teen girl last night? It reeks of desperation. I could hear pre-sexcapades Cosby saying, “Will you stop touching me??” But she chose Blake anyway. Blake makes winners.
I also didn’t like Pharrell getting all up in that blond Oklahoma boy’s face. I HATE it when people go all thug like that. Even Mr. Humble smooth-skinned almost 42-Pharrell couldn’t stay in his seat. They need to stay in their recliners like good celebrities. They’re beginning to make XTina look sane by comparison. And that’s SOMETHING.
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I Blake and XTina are calmer, Adam is desperate to beat Blake and Pharrell is more intimidated with XTina next to him than Gwen, No Doubt. All in all, though, still a pleasing show. I hope my Fulton teen gets some air time Round 2, Kerbey, so you can see him.
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I’ll keep my eyes peeled, no doubt. The show makes me so so happy.
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He did a great job, I really liked him. I like Adam and I think he is a very smart guy, but I’m not sure I trust him as a judge. I think the desire to win will trump the chance to keep a contestant that he can take time to really mentor, long term. I’m a devotee of the show, but I’m weary of the formula. Having said all of that, there are some amazing singers that have made it through so far. Put me on Team Meghan Linsey, please.
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lucky for you to have a local guy to root for. i think that the short screen time is not a good sign, in the scheme of things, they know who to focus on and spend time on. all that being said, i am hopeful that i am wrong and he powers through! )
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Yes, the storm clouds, they appear to be ominous, Beth. 😦 But I’ve been fooled before.
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I don’t watch the Voice but I need to start. I just keep forgetting. (I’ve been trying to outrun old age but it seems to be catching up with me!)
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Nah, you’re way ahead, PJ. I read your blog!
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Congrats to your local “star”! My daughter’s roommate who is from Fulton County has a friend who dated Josh. She’s all excited! I would go with either Adam or Blake if it were me. Plus, they are cute! LOL.
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How cool! You have a rooting interest now, too, because of the judge’s daughter’s friend’s dating history. 😉 See how I remember, Mrs. B?
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Impressive how well you remember things, Mr. B. You’re good. 👀
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I listen to certain people, Mrs.. B. 😉
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Okay I’m totally about The Voice and loving the episodes! There’s so much talent. I would go with Adam as my coach but would first want Adam and Blake to duke it out over me hehe 😀
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Oh, and how they would fight over you, Christy! Wait, I’ve never heard your voice … 🙂
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Adam and Blake are so funny when they tease one another! My voice is a bit of a higher tone with although not as high as Adam’s singing voice. I’ve heard your voice through the videos so that’s not really fair to not reciprocate… 🙂
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You owe me a video! Get on a radio show, Christy B. 🙂 Or “The Voice.”
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Yes, I actually do watch this show but don’t remember seeing him at all. Unfortunately, I think the short air time may be a sign of things to come, but who knows…
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I hope they at least show his battle, Marissa. If they don’t, that would really stink!
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I’m sure they will!
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would shock you not to know that I have never seen The Voice. Am not even a bit Adam Levine fan, which I think makes me a horrible representative of the female gender. You shall do the music reporting and I will learn from you. Very cool that a young guy living in your neck of the woods has a shot at stardom 🙂 Fun to follow, I’d bet.
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Ah, Liz, your tastes are individual, independent and admirable. 🙂 Yes, if I’m going to have this on the TV, I may as well have a local stake involved.
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Ahh you have a local to root for – awesome Mark! The kid is really well spoken and seems so grown up! ❤
Diana xo
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I agree, Diana. A high schooler! When I watched the clip, it made me wonder further why he was given 30 seconds on the show last night.
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