With such a successful season last year, it’s no wonder that NBC has released a sneak peak of the blind auditions for next season’s The Voice in order to increase hype in the television community. Despite being only 30 seconds long, it shows the four judges, in their usual red roll-around chairs as they listen, but not see, the contestants striving to make it on one of the judge’s teams.
However, to me, it’s more than just a singing competition. It has truly unique ideas that set it apart from shows like The X Factor and American Idol. The Voice was the first widely known talent competition to integrate a live Twitter feed while contestants sang their songs. Also, rather than the same style of competition every week, The Voice mixes up its show into different segments.
Usually at the beginning of the season, contestants go through a round of “blind auditions.” This is where they sing a song while the judges have their backs turned. If a judge sees potential, and wants him or her on their team, they press a red button, and swivel their chair around. However, if more than one judge presses the red button, it then becomes the contestants choice to choose a team. After the blind auditions, contestants compete head-to-head in what is called the “battle round.” This stage focuses on how well they shine above the competition. They are forced to pair up with someone, singing the same song, and essentially see who the judges believe does the best job.
Another way the show is keeping itself new and exciting is the introduction of guest advisors that help the contestants train. Last season, the advisors were Sia for Christina Aguilera, Reba McIntire for Blake Shelton, Monica for Cee Lo Green, and producer Adam Blackstone for Adam Levine.
After the battle rounds, the strongest competitors move on the live stage shows. In this sense, the last round is very similar to American Idol. They sing the song live, and then it is up to the audience to vote to save one contestant from each team. However, The Voice changes things up by taking this information from the viewers, and choosing live on-air who they want to save and who will be eliminated.
Last year’s winner Javier Colon is set to release his album on Nov. 21, but the album is available for pre-order here.
If you want to see a preview of some of the contestants next season, watch the video for next season here. The new season of The Voice starts after the Superbowl on Feb. 5, 2012. Are you excited for the new season? Email mlkelle3@asu.edu with any questions or comments regarding the upcoming season of The Voice.
