Things I Learned From ‘The Voice’ Live Shows, Week Three

As much fun as I have working on The Voice, and as neat as it is to be working on one of the biggest shows on television, that’s not why I do it. I’m there because I love music, I love these people, and I’m well aware of how these two things can change a life. It means something to me to be a part of that.

Some of you may have read my column from two weeks ago, where I addressed the spat over Twitter comments that were made about Raelynn. It was really a simple thing for me: it upset me to see her spoken of that way, and I wanted to say something about it. I also thought it was important to thank Blake for the fact that he said something about it. All I wanted to do was support an artist and her coach.

I didn’t expect that the column would catch on pretty quickly. It started what I think is an important discussion about internet etiquette, which was good. But more importantly I had people come to me and thank me for saying something, and sharing their own feelings about the issue. I found out that I gave a voice (pardon the pun) to many other people’s feelings. To be able to affect other people in that way was very gratifying and humbling to me.

And then came Tuesday night, when I found out just how big those words I wrote have become. I’ve gotten to know Blake fairly well since working on the show; I’ve spent time with him just about as many times as I’ve gotten to talk to Adam. Even so I was floored when he came into the press room and decided to come talk to me first. At the end of our interview we spoke about that column. I was touched by the compliments he gave me. Before he left we hugged and he told me “I love you.” And then my brain exploded.

That wasn’t even the end of it: on my drive home, I got a call from Blake’s publicist, who is one of the people I truly love working with. She mentioned to me that Blake’s wife, Miranda Lambert, was backstage that night and she’d said that she had also read that column.

To realize that I could write something that touched quite a few people, something that reached someone as big as Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert, is an incredible honor and exactly why I do what I do. I touched the lives of two people I look up to. I’m still having a hard time believing it.

I’m in this job because I’ve been affected by so many people that have been a part of The Voice. I’m very blessed to say that I have earned the respect of Blake and Adam over my time on the show. I can’t explain what it’s like to realize that not only have I met two fantastic people, but that they appreciate me. That mutual respect and affection, particularly from Adam, who is the person that I look up to more than any other, is the biggest honor I’ve ever received in my life. I know that my hero not only knows me, but sees me for who I really am, and likes that person. And so does another of his pretty fantastic colleagues.

Every day I’m a better person because of the things I have learned from spending time with these artists and their coaches, and more importantly, the friendships I’ve made in that time. Those are things that are going to last well beyond who is named “The Voice.” And that’s what matters the most.

Responses

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  1. I really hate that the judges were able to eliminate one person on their team, that’s not the way it’s supposed to be. They were trying to add drama but I think they failed. The new rule is crap. I don’t know why they changed it but it sucks, it’s supposed to be America’s vote. I really liked the person Christina sent home and would have rather seen that-girl-that-always-changes-the-way-that-a-song-is sang-because-she-can’t-hit-the-normal-notes. All of her songs sound the same.

  2. Based on the fact that this is supposed to be a competition, in my opinion, the elimination of Jessy Campbell was a really bad choice, and when Christina was asked about her decision she had no ligitimate response. This leads me to believe that there is more to this than just being able to work with someone in the future. There is something not being said. Ask yourself this question. Why would anyone coaching a group of singers, (in a singing competition), eliminate their best chance of winning? They can always continue to work with people outside of the show, Blake is doing it now. I do understand that the coaches are allowed to eliminate who they want to, but it is a bad idea to eliminate a fan favorite. The show is called “The Voice”, not the voice that needs more work. I can watch judges make crappy decisions on those other singing shows. I just expected better from the voice. Decisions like the one that Christina made brings down the quality of the show. I am pretty sure that my opinion means nothing, but its sad to see someone that could have won this contest be eliminated because of someone elses personal issues. ” If ” this was some personal issue that christina has with Jesse then its a sign of low character on her behalf.

    cujah

  3. What I learned from watching The Voice so far – that I should avoid watching televised music/voice contests. While I think this show has the most talent out there, the actual way the show is run is driving me crazy, especially after the last 2 episodes. The only music contests I’ve ever closely followed is an online one called MakeAStar and that is much smaller in scope which means we as fans have all the control with the voting and we can even interact with the contestant by leaivng them real time comments — something I have yet to see these major shows even think about doing.

  4. Can’t imagine being related to a contestant on this show, or any other elimination show, for that matter. Being told, on the air, that you aren’t good enough… ugh! And being a judge that has to say that? Maybe worse.

  5. I liked the Voice the first season. I am tired of seeing Christina’s boobs hanging out. I am so glad to see her new look. She looks so much better. I like the premise behind the show saying it is based on talent and not looks. However, I think that can be negated whenthe judges get to eliminate people from their teams. I think the show should have people behind a screen singing and letting the judges an the public vote strictly on voice. People become biased when they see you Teenage girls will vote for a hot singer who may not be as good as an older man. I think judging based strictly on the actual voice should not have looks involved at al until the final show.