Jim And Sasha Allen Advance On ‘The Voice,' ETH Viewing Party To Be Featured
Newtown father and son singing partners Jim and Sasha Allen made it to the Top 13 contestants on NBC’s show The Voice last week. On Monday, November 15, each musical act had the opportunity to choose a song and dedicate it to someone special in their lives.
Jim and Sasha performed “Your Song” by Elton John in the live episode. They were one of three acts left on coach Ariana Grande’s team and one of only two groups in the whole singing competition.
Sasha shared, “We’re dedicating [the song] to my cousin Stephanie, who was an incredible dancer. She was in her third year of medical school, and she passed away at the age of 26 … We have a huge extended family. Losing her was like missing a piece of a puzzle. Her drive and her passion is so inspiring for both of us.”
Jim added, “We also feel her presence. This song helps us celebrate that she is with us.”
During their rehearsal with coach Ariana Grande, she gave them advice and referenced how they can modify a part to sound like Celine Dion’s song from the movie Titanic, “My Heart Will Go On.”
Grande finished her feedback by teasing the duo saying, “Why are you so good at everything every week?”
When Jim and Sasha took the stage for their live performance Monday night, the two men stood at the top of a large set of stairs with Jim on guitar. Behind them were moving images of clouds up in the sky and serene beams of light illuminated around them, giving a feeling of divinity and tranquility.
The crowd cheered ecstatically, and by the end of the song Grande stood applauding and could be seen nearly in tears. Coach Blake Shelton was the first to give comments after their performance and said that both of them have continued to improve throughout the season of the show.
He complimented them by saying, “I’m telling you, last week was unbelievable and you did it again.”
Grande agreed and said that not only are they improving, but they are fearlessly tackling great songs.
“You do it so beautifully and so carefully and so stunningly each time,” Grande said. “I am so moved by you both and I hope America votes for you both.”
Elimination Night
The Voice Host Carson Daly revealed the results of America’s votes the following night, on November 16.
All the contestants were brought up on stage and stood with their team. Whenever the camera panned to Jim and Sasha the two appeared to be in good spirits with smiles on their faces, bringing some levity to the suspenseful situation.
Jim told The Newtown Bee on November 17, “As we waited to hear which of our friends would be voted through, and as the cameras captured a view of each team, we were having a lot of fun enjoying the excitement of the moment. We were so happy for each act as they were announced, having become good friends with these extraordinarily talented singers.”
After Daly revealed, “America also saved … from Team Ariana … Jim and Sasha Allen!” the father and son pair both hugged singer Ryleigh Plank from Team Grande. They then proceeded to walk down the stage steps and hug their coach.
Next week, Jim and Sasha will perform live as part of the top 11 contestants on The Voice.
As for what America can expect from their upcoming performance, Jim shared, “We are really excited for our next song. It’s a well-known piece on which we can rock out and also bring in some of the band members closer on stage.”
Less than 24 hours after the Allens moved ahead to the next round of competition, Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers Vice Chair Jennifer Guman announced a second viewing party for the hometown team. The first was held on Monday, with a large crowd attending to show their support for the Allens.
The public is invited to 45 Main Street on Monday, November 22, for either or both special events planned.
“An NBC affiliate network will be on site to do a recording that they will send to the network to air on the live show that night... All in attendance will need to sign a release form and get a bracelet to participate. We will have a link to the release form on our site shortly,” Guman explained.
The early recording will be done between 6 and 6:15 pm. The viewing party will run from 8 to 10 pm. Visit edmondtownhall.org for additional information and tickets.
Jim and Sasha are grateful to have such great support from their hometown.
“To all our friends and fans in Newtown, and to Jen Guman of Edmond Town Hall, we so greatly appreciate your enthusiasm, your support, and the beautiful artwork and signs! Simply amazing! Thank you all so much!” Jim said.
Watch Jim and Sasha Allen on The Voice, by tuning in to NBC on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 pm.
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Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.