Becoming a judge on a talent show like “The Voice” is no small feat. To secure such a role, one usually needs to have a high level of talent and expertise in the field of music, especially vocal performance. These judges are tasked with guiding and nurturing the talents of the contestants and ultimately shaping them into the best artists they can be. While it is essential for judges to provide constructive criticism and valuable insights, some believe they should refrain from political or personal commentary, especially when it comes to sensitive matters such as patriotism and song selection.
Coaches often voice their opinions on The Voice. In order for their vocalists to advance to the next stage of their performance careers, they must coach them through difficult situations and push them through. They face many difficult situations and must achieve this without allowing their personal emotions to get in the way.
However, when John Legend and Kelly Clarkson gave their opinions on a particular song, things got a little too intimate for the audience. As a result of Clarkson and Legend’s harsh criticism of singer Gyth Rigdon who sang “God Bless the USA”, millions of people criticized them on Twitter.
Gyth sparked controversy because the song selection was understandably divisive given how divided the nation is in politics and even in the national anthem itself. Things got a little heated when Clarkson and Legend criticized the song choice as much as Gyth’s performance, adding to their already valid concerns about the singer’s voice and vocal delivery. However, they applauded Gyth for choosing a song that had significant personal meaning for the performer.
Gyth tried to make it difficult for the judges to criticize him by singing a patriotic song on stage while covered in red, white, and blue scarves. He did this by citing America as his justification. Even Kelly Clarkson admitted it was a transparent trick when she later discussed Gyth’s performance with Country Living.
Either you can’t criticize this song or I think you’re going to go to hell.
However, Clarkson was not afraid to voice his disapproval. “I’m going to say it’s not my favorite vocal this season,” she told the singer, “because I think you’re a ridiculously talented singer.”
The song contains many long notes because we all sing at the same time, often in front of a large crowd, she continued. This wasn’t my favorite, but I appreciate that you chose it and that it has special meaning for you. I also think it’s beautiful that this has never happened on the show before.
John Legend continued: “I agree with Kelly that it wasn’t your best vocal performance, but it was very strong and I could feel the energy and emotion.”
Obviously, most people did not share their views.
Ultimately, “The Voice” judges, like all public figures, must walk a fine line between expressing their professional opinions and being aware of the potential impact of their comments. It’s a delicate balance, and in a world where opinions are amplified through social media, every word can carry significant weight.
As the debate continues over whether or not the judges’ criticism was justified, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of providing feedback in a public forum, especially when it comes to matters as deeply rooted in national identity as patriotic songs. Ultimately, the job of a talent contest judge is to offer guidance and support to emerging artists, even if that means navigating sensitive topics with care and consideration for the audience’s different perspectives.
What do you think of the criticism of this performance from The Voice judges? Did Twitter criticize them unfairly?