the voice is watching dreams come true

I should preface this by saying I don't watch any other competition shows (unless you count The Bachelor/Bachelorette, which is a completely other thing).  The reason I was always afraid to tune in to American Idol or The X Factor had nothing to do with the talent and everything to do with the judges.  Regardless of who was sitting up front deciding who was good enough to stay on the show, they're judges not coaches.  I don't know all the rules, so I won't pretend I do, but as far as I can tell - they give a little advice and a lot of criticism.  The praise is there, I've seen the clips, but it's lost under banter and belittlement.  On The Voice, these coaches are there to help and guide and truly take time to assist these artists be the best they can be.  In theory, even if you don't win The Voice or make it to the Top 8, you still got quality time with an epic talent.

Let's break down all the reasons this show is insanely satisfying to watch:


1. The Coaches

Look how happy and shiny they are - red was a nice choice... they're a good looking group.  ANYWAY, when I first saw this show (and I hate to admit it was after the Superbowl... I knew it was all a ploy to get new viewers and it worked on me), I didn't love their banter.  It felt forced and as though some producer was telling Christina to bitch and Adam to bicker.  CeeLo didn't say much of anything and Blake just stuck with the country charm.  Maybe they didn't know each other well enough?  Maybe they were still getting comfortable?  Maybe they were trying to compete with Simon's jackassness on Idol/X Factor?  Either way, it didn't work.  I obviously don't know what any of these people are like in "real life," but I can say that rude didn't look very natural on them.  NOW, however, they have it down.  They tease, sure, but it's a friendly game rather than a bloody battle.  They all have their sounds and strengths, and they're aware of their own abilities, each other's talents, and what would be the best for the terrified person on stage.  It really feels like a show with four incredibly gifted and lucky people that are trying to spread their love and knowledge of music.  Any time with any of these coaches would be a fantastic opportunity for those select few that take a chance and let er rip.  The most interesting part for me as a viewer is when you have strong opinions for who would be best for each artist.  Just because I'm a huge Maroon 5 fan doesn't mean I think Adam should get all male pop/rock stars.  And I don't always believe Christina should take the female powerhouses.  It's about personality and confidence, both of which are plentiful in those bright, red chairs.  These four are there to nurture and there's a beautiful comfort in that.

2. The Rules

So after the Blind Auditions, there's the Battle Round, which I don't really like, but they made it as nice as a "battle" could possibly be.  Two people on the SAME team are paired up to sing a duet.  They have to harmonize and perfect the performance while still attempting to outshine their competitor.  Each coach brings in a friend from the music business, like Kelly Clarkson or Cher or Ed Sheeran, who assists the coach in helping the contestants.  After the performance, the coach has to send someone home.  This is the part I don't like.  I prefer the coaches remain coaches instead of acting like judges, BUT the twist... the remaining contestant can be stolen by another coach.  Throughout all the battles, the coaches each have two steals.  This is the freakin best.  Obviously, you watch people go home more than get saved, but the moment when they think it's all over and they're back to waitressing or selling insurance and then another coach presses their button... amazing.  Their hope is back and they have another chance.  The Voice is essentially about chances and the people willing to take them.  Whether it's a contestant entering the arena or a coach ready to help one more person - risks are taken and dreams are made.

Listen to how amazing these people sound together...

What.

Next there's the Knockouts where two singers, again on the same team, are back in the ring.  This time, though, they sing alone while the other watches on.  Again, the coach needs to send someone home.  After Battles and Knockouts - we're on to live performances where America takes the wheel and the coaches can return to doing what they do best.


3. Talent

These people are INSANE.  They have so much drive and they're so different.  The true beauty of this show is that it's all about their voices not their look.  Even if we try not to let someone's attractiveness or lack thereof sway our opinion, it often does anyway.  On this show, that has nothing to do with getting a shot.  The coaches can't see you, they can only hear you, and that alone is how they determine whether or not to turn around. 

**Please note their families joy at watching them succeed.

Here's a perfect example of how it works both ways.  Dez is an insanely good looking human...

And Nick's got something else goin' on...

But they both got the same opportunity and made their own unique impression.

 

This is a show about music rather than a show just about competition. For these people, this is their moment, their time and they're ready.

 

 

 

 

 

Every week, a dream comes true, and due to the nature of the show, going home doesn't mean the dream has died.  You made connections and an impression on America, and you are one step closer to having it all.