The Voice 19 final performances aired tonight (Dec 14) as the Top 5 sang for YOUR votes for a chance to win the crown. Will the winner come from Team Blake Shelton, Team Kelly Clarkson, Team John Legend or Team Gwen Stefani? The results will be revealed tomorrow (Dec 15). In the meantime, it’s time to vote and make your predictions.
The Voice 19 Recap: The Top 5 Live Final Performances (Video)
The idea of finalists singing original songs in competition is a good one. But unfortunately the so called “winners” songs are usually mediocre. Tonight’s songs didn’t bust through that expectation. The contestant spends all season covering top notch tunes from beloved artists. But the most important moment in the competition comes down to a song the songwriters couldn’t sell, or that is an album leftover. The original songs didn’t do any of the artists favors. Ian Flanigan’s “Never Learn” was the best of originals. The lyrics were somewhat contrived, but it had a pretty melody, and Ian managed to sell it.
After performing her original, “Holy Ground,” Desz didn’t look happy with her performance AT ALL. Did the overwhelming stage smoke throw her off? Did she forget the words? Again, it just wasn’t a great song. Although, once she began ad libbing near the end, her performance came alive.
And while I felt sure Carter Rubin had this. Now I’m not so sure. His original was forgettable, and he performed “The Climb” first. Jim Ranger ended the night with the Joe Cocker version of The Beatles’ classic “A Little Help From My Friends.” It wasn’t the best vocal of the night–Desz and Carter are better singers by many miles–but he knows how to please a crowd. Plus he’s a preacher who loves his family. I’m going to be irritated if Blake Shelton wins the show two seasons in a row with what amounts to essentially the same dang contestant (Season 18’s winner Todd Tilghman–also a country music singing preacher).
I appreciate John Holiday’s talent and musicality. But his straining notes and nasally upper register didn’t cut it for me. He’s sung more opera than pop music. I’m surprised he and John didn’t go to that well at all this season.
Time for the polls. It’s time to VOTE!
Favorite Performance
Who WILL win?
Who SHOULD win?
Grade the Episode
