And the answer to that question above? Nothing whatsoever.
Imagine a singing competition where you can’t see the contestants. You’ve got your ears to guide you … that’s it. No preconceived notions based on looks. No influence from stage presence. Nothing to catch your eye. Auditory stimulation only.
This is what The Voice is all about.
And I have to state in no uncertain terms: It’s not like anything else out there. This is a reality competition — a singing competition, specifically — that is immediately engaging, even to the viewer that doesn’t “do” competition-type shows.
Briefly, the “blind auditions” which have lead off the program consist of singers performing unseen by all-star “coaches” — Christina Aquilera, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green — turned away from them. The coaches can hear the contestants perform, but they don’t have the opportunity to see them during their performance. That is unless they decide they like what they hear. If they do, they depress a button which swivels them around 180° to see the singer. If only one coach does an about face, that singer is automatically on his or her “team.” If two or more coaches end up facing a contestant during a performance, the choice is the contestant’s as to which team he or she feels led to be a part of.
The true fun of this show is watching the reaction of each coach as a contestant performs. The range of emotion and surprise and wonderment on their faces is worth the price of admission. I found myself smiling broadly and often throughout the premiere, complete with feel-good giddiness at not only some of the performances but at what I saw coming from the panel of coaches as well.
But that’s not all. Post-performance, there is often an eruption of words from the group in an attempt to win over a singer to one of their teams. Some of the best comments and honest critiquing came from Marooon 5 lead Adam Levine (who I’ve taken an instant liking to) and country star Blake Shelton.
Just as quickly, however, I’m annoyed time and again by the comments and flippant attitude of Christina Aquilera. She bugs me.
Example: There was absolutely no excuse for one of her comments to the second contestant of the evening, country-flavored Patrick Thomas, when she said: “Can you take your hat off?” and jokingly followed up with, “Can you take your pants off?” What the hell was that all about? We have a brand new show debuting, off to a swimming start, and all of a sudden we get dialog truer to Jersey Shore than a reality program? Come on, Christina. Ever hear of that “making first impressions” thing? *yeesh*
I’ve taken to one contestant already. Not the best of the bunch, but seemingly with raw, natural ability. See for yourself below. (Keep watch and you can see a little bit of Christina’s ‘tude showing.)
I’m excited about this series and look forward to next week’s follow-up episode. (And if you missed it, there’s an encore performance this evening.)
Want convincing reality television isn’t one of the signs of the apocalypse? Give The Voice a go and see for yourself.
Clacked by Michael Noble 
on Apr 27, 2011 @ 12:01 EST5EDT
<—– mumbles something under her breath with sour expression on face
Okay, that did it. *grrrrrrrr* I had already decided that it was not worth the producer-pumped drama, the sad background stories, and [most of all] Christina Aquifier to sit through another singing competition. After all, Idol, upcoming X-Factor, and America's Got Talent [Yes, a singing competition with scattered variety acts]. I may not have a life, but I'd like to keep my options open.
Then I submit to curiousity [which did NOT kill the cat … just ruffled her fur a little] and read your recap. I have always thought of you as Michael, not Mike, simply because you DON'T like everything. So, are your written words enough to sway me?
No, but they are enough to get me to click on the video, and a decent rendition of my favorite Rascal Flats tune did intrique me. *arghh* But the deal maker was Adam Levine saying, "I don't know that song …." and the contestant choosing to be on his team anyway. What!?! Jeff! That light at the end of the tunnel and the train whistle you hear are NOT coincidences! No one wants a train wreck to happen, but no one wants to miss seeing it if it does.
<—– heads for DVR, shaking her head as she goes.
*POST AUTHOR*
. . . . .
Michael: instant gator (instigator)
Don’t worry, Nyela … I won’t tell anyone about your hardshell exterior coating that let’s nothing through.
It will be our little secret.
I DVR’d this last night and just finished watching it a short time ago. I LOVE the way this competition is designed. Christina bugged me too and she seemed the easiest of the judges to impress but I love how it’s going thus far.
Also, I LOVED seeing Frenchie from American Idol on here! She was good, not the best but I can’t wait to see how the mentoring brings her along.
The Voice has the potential to be what AI SHOULD have been. Love. It.
Hrm. I despise Christina Yowlslikeacatinheat, but I like the premise of this. I might catch an episode. Or not…
*POST AUTHOR*
. . . . .
Do not let “Her Christinaness” prevent you from taking a gander, T. It’s completely worth it.
Even one of our reality-spurning writers here on CliqueClack was impressed. And that’s really saying something.
didn’t watch last night, and I don’t watch Idol or America’s Got Talent or any of those type of shows except DWTS. Perhaps I just need someone to kick me in the butt and go download last night’s Voice. Sounds interesting.
I to was DWTSing it last night, but if you can arrange for Bob from Bob’s Burgers to be on I might tune in :-)
Gah!!! I think you may have just dragged me in… gonna watch tonight and see.
I do love the format, I’m not going to mention any names… but enough people have made it through other shows based on the disconnect between their appearance and their voice more than their actual voice that I really see a lot of value in this.
On a side not, and i know this makes me a bad person or something… but I really with the recipe wasn’t 3 parts fluffy life story, one part judging and just one part singing. I know that stuff is supposed to be interesting and everything; but, this show isn’t called “The Background” or “The Emotional Warm Fuzzy” its called “The Voice” … I’d like more vocals! (go ahead… hate on me now ;) ).
My only request is: “less fluff, more singing!” Oh, ok, and more CeeLo. :)
OK, OK…..I already watch enough reality TV…but I’m sucked in!
If it’s NOT repeated at the same time as Idol I’ll watch “live”. If it is, I’ll DVR it and watch later!
One day I WILL give one of these shows a go…just for the experience of it. I’d be one of those VFTW would back. Don’t get me wrong, I sing OK, but my voice is weak in comparison to the folks who actually make it to compete on air. To many years of being around smokers ruined the voice that in HS blew a teacher away.
Oh Yippie!! Michael is doing this show. If you weren’t all thumbs up and junk I’d consider bailing but now I forge on.
Sorenj….Dito. I don’t give a sh*t about who they are until they are something to give a sh*t about.
*POST AUTHOR*
Glad you’re all in!
I’m in too, the difference is that i really love Christina Aguilera, so i really enjoyed it!!! :)
I watched it last night and enjoyed it. (I don’t watch any other singing competition show.)
The one big thing I noticed, however, was a bit of hypocrisy. Whenever someone good-looking sang, when the judges turned around, the FIRST thing they did was comment on looks, usually very excited to know they had “chosen” a handsome/pretty singer. But then the show would go on and on about how this was not about looks, but about singing ability.
I understand they didn’t see the looks before voting, but it was just interesting to know that the first thought was “pretty!” and then “Oh yeah, I really liked your voice.”
**sound of powerful vacuum**
Ah Fertilizer!! Michael’s right.
**vacuum motor strains as if hose is clogged, then, with a loud WHOOSH, clears itself and goes back to previous operating level**