Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Girl Named Tom performs on Season 21 of The Voice. (NBC Photo)

In 21 seasons, a duo or group has never won The Voice.

In 21 seasons, astonishingly enough, a black female artist has never won the show.

The Voice casting department clearly hoped to end one of those droughts when it rounded up talent for Season 21.

Five duos or groups advanced from the blind auditions, more than any other season in Voice history.

And Season 21 has featured such an embarrassment of riches when it comes to R&B/soul talent that not all the deserving black female singers made it to Monday night’s live playoffs.

“Where are the country artists?” you might ask. After all, The Voice has always been dominated by country artists, especially male country artists.

Sorry, they weren’t invited to the Season 21 party. The Top 20 heading into Monday’s show includes just one country-pop artist (Lana Scott of Team Blake).

And if you think that was coincidence, then you’re not nearly cynical enough about The Voice casting process.

Which drought is most likely to end as fan voting begins?

Well, outstanding female R&B / soul singers with lots of experience as background or gospel singers are nothing new to The Voice. And they’ve never gotten their due.

So my hunch is that Girl Named Tom is the favorite heading into Monday’s show. The Voice has never featured a sibling trio of their caliber before.

And they’re close enough to country — remember that brilliant knockout round performance of “Wichita Line”? — to attract support from those fans.

Here’s a team by team look at who I think is most likely to advance from Monday’s live playoffs.

The Voice official rules confirm that the show will have six voting shows, with the finals set for Dec. 13-14.

The last time The Voice used this format (Season 17), three singers advanced per team, two based on fan voting and one based on a coach’s save. Tuesday’s instant save will create a Top 13.

Wendy Moten performs on The Voice Season 21. (NBC Photo)

Remaining artists: Bella DeNapoli, Holly Forbes (stolen from Team Kelly in knockouts), Jim & Sasha Allen, Raquel Trinidad, Ryleigh Plank

My take: Holly Forbes became the top vocalist on Team Ariana the minute she was stolen. But if she isn’t voted through, Ariana could face an agonizing choice since all the other artists have been on her team since day one. My picks based on what we’ve heard / seen so far would be Holly, Ryleigh and Jim & Sasha.

Team Blake Shelton

Remaining artists: Lana Scott, LiBianca, Paris Winningham (stolen from Team Legend in knockouts), Peedy Chavis and Wendy Moten.

My take: Wendy will advance, by fan vote or Blake’s save. Blake has had her pegged as a finalist since her four-chair turn audition. If Lana and Paris match their knockout round performances, they will deserve the other two spots.

Team Kelly Clarkson

Remaining artists: Girl Named Tom, Gymani, Hailey Mia, Jeremy Rosado and Katie Rae (stolen from Team Ariana in knockouts).

My take: Girl Named Tom will advance. Jeremy Rosado will advance, partly because he’s been consistently solid, partly because he’s a male on a season of The Voice where females outnumber males 12-7 in the Top 20. Given the success Kelly has had with young artists, don’t be surprised if Hailey gets the third spot.

Team John Legend

Remaining artists: David Vogel (stolen from Team Ariana in the knockouts), Jershika Maple, Joshua Vacanti, Samuel Harness and Shadale Johnson

My take: Samuel Harness’s combination of rasp and emotion makes him my favorite male singer on Season 21. Shadale’s combination of emotion and performance ability combined with superb vocals make her my favorite among the remaining female R&B/soul singers. Joshua was one of the big surprises of the knockout round, but the edge for the third spot here goes to Jershika.