Jennifer Hudson and Blake Shelton during The Voice Season 13. (NBC Photo)
Of course, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine will be back. They’ve coached every season so far.
Of course, Christina Aguilera isn’t coming back. I mean, after labeling the show “a churning hamster wheel?”
But Jennifer Hudson will return for her second season. And Kelly Clarkson will be coming back for a second stint as a coach as well.
A couple of points about this development.
1. Opinions are mixed about Kelly’s performance as coach. Personally, I think she’s often very funny. But I prefer my Kelly Clarkson humor in small doses.
During the Season 14 blind auditions, The Voice served up heaping doses of Kelly, and it was simply too much. On more than one occasion, intentionally or not, she stole the spotlight that should have been focused on a deserving contestant.
Maybe it was just a matter of a learning curve. But on a show that oft needs to be reminded that this should be about the singers and not the celebrity coaches, Kelly and The Voice need to tone it way down at the start of Season 15.
2. I strongly prefer Alicia Keys to any of the other recent female coaches on the show (i.e. Miley Cyrus, Gwen Stefani), but I’d rank Jennifer second even if she is a bit too diva-ish for my taste.
It’s the same reason I’m not crying crocodile tears over the fact that Christina will never return to the show.
But Jennifer deserves credit for seeming genuinely invested in her contestants. Hopefully, producers can convince Jennifer to keep her shoes on in Season 15.
3. Jennifer’s return makes Kyla Jade’s participation in Season 14 even less tolerable. Honestly, if I was The Voice, I would have postponed this announcement until after Season 14 ended.
Imagine this three season rundown: Season 13 — Jennifer Hudson coaches; Season 14 — Jennifer Hudson’s background singer wins The Voice; Season 15 — Jennifer Hudson coaches.
I mean, producers should have their heads examined. That’s an instant credibility crisis — or certainly should be — for a show that’s already suspected of manipulating results in the past.
Anyway, that’s my take on the big coaching announcement. Let me know what you think by commenting below.
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1 Comment
Hmm, interesting analysis. First, though, I don’t think Kyla is going to win, so that will likely be a moot point. You’ve opined that the record label probably has some say in the winner, and I think the label will see more potential in the youngsters, Jackie Foster, Brynn and Britton.
Regarding Kelly, I think she’s been great for the show. I’ve not followed the show in the past, so I can’t compare (I’m watching this year because of Jackie Foster), but Kelly’s interaction with the other coaches has been very entertaining. And the purpose of this show is to entertain me, not be exactly what the contestant’s need.
Finally, your blog has been very interesting to read as I’ve followed this season of the Voice for the first time. Thanks for the info and insights.