The Voice 19 live shows are only 3 weeks long, which is unfortunate. Glancing over the remaining list of artists it becomes clear this is an extremely talented group of singers. Any contestant ranked in the Top 7 could have been a contender for the finale in some prior seasons. It’s a group that could have delivered an entertaining 5-6 weeks of live shows if it were the old days.
My thinking in ranking the artists–top vote getters at the top of the list, Instant and coach saves at the bottom. Desz and Tamara Jade could flip spots. Or Jim Ranger could sneak into the Top 4.
Here’s how I ranked the final 9 contestants. How would you rate them?
The Voice 2020 Top 9 Power List
9. Ben Adams – Team Gwen – When Gwen chose to save Ben Adams, an unremarkable country singer stolen from Blake Shelton, I was shocked. But a twitter poster made a good point. Coaches want to win, and they often do that with country singers. Still, with three pure country singers, and one considered Americana in the Top 9, the field is crowded. Gwen can’t compete with country champ Blake Shelton.
8. Bailey Rae – Team Legend – As a young singer with potential, Bailey needs an experienced hand to guide her. For all of John’s talents, he’s not it. He’s shown time and time again that he knows very little about country music. She’ll probably have to choose her own song. At best, she might make it into the Instant Save.
7. Cami Clune – Team Kelly – On another season, Cami might have had a shot at the final. But this season’s fierce competition only leaves room for her as an Instant Save contestant. Problematically, she’s turning into a one trick pony. She needs to switch it up this week.
6. Jim Ranger – Team Blake – Like Cami, in another season, Jim might have been a shoe in for the final. He could have won in some other season! But this season, he couldn’t beat fellow Team Blake member, Ian Flanagan for the Top 9 vote getter spot. Also, he exists in the shadow of talented singers Tamara Jade, Desz, John Holliday and Carter Rubin. However, as I said above, he COULD dark horse his way into the Top 4.
5. Tamara Jade – Team Legend – Tamara and Desz could switch places, I think. One will probably make the Top 4, but not both, because their styles are similar. The two are easily the best female vocalists of the Top 9.
4. Desz – Team Kelly – She won America’s vote with a changed up version of “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Hopefully, she and Kelly keep nailing the song choices.
3. John Holiday – Team Legend – I’m not a big fan of John’s singing style. But he is a unique stylist, in possession of a prodigious musicality. And, he knows how to deliver a show-stopping performance. I don’t expect that to change.
2. Ian Flanagan – Team Blake – Ian is Blake’s front runner this season. Like John, I’m not a huge fan of Ian’s vocals. His super-gavely deep voice isn’t for me. But also like John, his sound is unique. Ian’s authenticity is his tipping point compared to his fellow country singers.
1. Carter Rubin – Team Gwen – Fifteen year old Carter could deliver Gwen Stefani her first The Voice win. It would be a great note to leave The Voice on (For now…Nick Jonas is returning for season 20). Carter’s pure, strong vocals are only part of his appeal. He possesses vocal maturity, while also remaining appealingly earnest. He could win the whole thing.
