NBC’s ‘The Voice’ is Crushing the Competition

When I first began seeing preview commercials for NBC’s new vocal talent competition ‘The Voice’ back in March, I was anxiously awaiting to see it for myself. The premise of ‘The Voice’ is quite different from past vocal showcases like ‘American Idol’. The contestants sing their hearts out while the judges (or coaches as they are referred as) have their backs turned, making sure that their voice and vocal talent is the only thing being judged and not the look or package. The coaches, singers—Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee-Lo Green, and Blake Shelton, vie for who they want to “groom” and put on their team in order to find the next big vocal talent, and it makes for very good television.

For almost 10 years, ‘American Idol’ has played a very important part in helping unsigned vocal artists get heard. But over the years, it has become a diluted version of itself with the hokey sing-a-longs, blatant ad placements, and shuffling of judges. Idol used to be the show to watch but after viewing this season, I am no longer a fan. ‘The Voice’ has really stolen my attention away with its focus on real talent and vocals, and less on commercialization.

Add to it he epic vocal battles each week where two artists on each team go head-to-head with a “duet” to see who will win and who will get cut. It’s great television watching singers use their instruments to battle it out in an all stakes competition. The last singer standing will have a record deal.

No fluff, no dramatic tendencies, just talent teaching other talents what it takes to become a star. With a great concept and the onslaught of former judge Simon Cowell’s ‘X Factor’ coming this fall, American Idol’s days are surely numbered.

What do you think of ‘The Voice’ so far? And if you also watch American Idol, which show comes out on tops? Use the comment section below and let’s chat!

‘The Voice’ airs Tuesdays at 9pm CST, 10pm EST on NBC.