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Tuesday night’s Season 17 finale of The Voice was a rarity in that there was no outcome that was going to incite us to throw things at the TV (as I did when Addison Agen didn’t win Season 13 and Kennedy Holmes didn’t win Season 15 — luckily for my TV, my aim is lousy). We generally like, if not love, all four finalists this go-’round.
Based on Monday’s TVLine poll, Team John Legend’s human showstopper Katie Kadan had the edge. But based on iTunes, Team Kelly Clarkson’s Jake Hoot was probably in the lead (all three of his Finals numbers made the Top 10). And John correctly predicted that Team Blake Shelton’s Ricky Duran would have the highest-charting original song of the night.
As for Team Gwen Stefani’s Rose Short — oh, my dear, sweet Rose — none of her songs cracked the Top 10. Before we found out who actually won the title, there were, of course, probing Carson Daly questions along the lines of “Would you rather win or lose tonight?” and about 104 performances. Let’s discuss, shall we?
Alex Guthrie, Will Breman, Max Boyle and Shane Q, “Gimme Some Lovin'” | This was a fun, energetic way to kick off the show — and at least Will and Alex sounded really good. The key didn’t seem to suit Max — every note felt like a strain. But Shane, though he was never gonna be a favorite of mine, was better than he’d been in the weeks leading up to his elimination; maybe without the pressure of the competition, he was able to cut loose again.
Lady Antebellum, “What If I Never Get Over You” | Watching Charles Kelley at the start of the group’s performance, all I could think was, “That — that’s the stage presence that I keep wanting from Jake Hoot!” Undoubtedly, it’s something that Jake or any artist could develop over time. Charles was just so casually cool, and though he didn’t move around a ton, he wasn’t static, either. Also, the song was freaking gorgeous. Those harmonies — da-amn!
The Black Eyed Peas and J Balvin, “RITMO (Bad Boys for Life)” | Hmm. Well, this was entertaining for two reasons: 1. the dance troupe that performed like a Lite-Brite with ADHD, and 2. the song’s “Rhythm of the Night” refrain (thanks, Corona). “They always do the best performances,” Carson Daly told us afterwards. Thanks. Thanks for that, Carson.
Katie Kadan (Team Legend) and Adam Lambert, “Believe” — Katie’s Grade: A- | Oo, this promised to be amazing. The American Idol alum sang first with the pitch-perfectness that makes him a superstar. Katie followed, singing with uncharacteristic restraint — which was admirable. But for me, she didn’t really come alive on Adam’s Cher cover until she got to the big parts that are more her stock in trade. In the end, she was, as we’ve come to expect, terrific (especially on the huge note that the two of them did together toward the end).
Rose Short (Team Gwen) and Yolanda Adams, “In the Midst of It All” — Rose’s Grade: A | Go, Rose! The Grammy winner was, predictably, flawless, and our blossoming Rose managed to match her. Then… aw, crap. There was a long stretch where she was just left to stand there and watch as Yolanda showed off. As a result, Rose wound up seeming more like a backup singer than a real duet partner. When Yolanda yelled “Rooose!” after they were done, I half-expected her to keep going with the thought. “Rooose… I’m so sorry I didn’t let you sing more!” At least what we did get of Rose was amazing.
Cali Wilson, Kat Hammock, Gracee Shriver and Marybeth Byrd, “Neon Moon” | Though the foursome never really gelled, this was pretty good. Gracee in particular impressed me — maybe she wanted to make super sure we were reminded that she’d been cut too soon? (I woulda!) Cali was back to sounding like the contender she’d once been, Kat’s breathy voice worked on the number (despite the fact that it was the softest of the bunch), and Marybeth gave a last glimpse — or whatever the audio version of a glimpse is — of her potential.
Dua Lipa, “Don’t Start Now” | This was catchy and all, very Kylie Minogue (which is always a good thing), but what really sold the performance for me was the discoriffic choreography and especially the roller skaters. Any performance that gives me Xanadu flashbacks is a winner in my book.
Ricky Duran (Team Blake) and Gary Clark Jr., “Pearl Cadillac” — Ricky’s Grade: A | Performing with one of his idols, Ricky at first just seemed like a backing guitarist/vocalist. I could barely even hear him next to Gary’s amazing falsetto. When Ricky got the spotlight, s—! I didn’t know he could sing that high. Maybe that was why I hadn’t heard him when he’d begun singing (and it hadn’t been that his mic was turned way down) — he was actually matching Gary note for note. This was stunning.
Maelyn Jarmon, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” | Oh, Maelyn! Remember how delightful Season 16 was as it became more and more like The Maelyn Show; she was just perfect every time at bat. She was here, too. Her vocal was as warm as chestnuts roasting on an open fire. I wouldn’t be surprised if, even as Grinchy as I am, I’d have visions of sugar plums dancing in my head when I crash later.
Jake Hoot (Team Kelly) and Little Big Town, “Over Drinking” — Jake’s Grade: A | Good for Jake! He more than held his own with the country legends and sounded like just one of the gang. Plus, bless his heart, he tried to move a little bit. It’ll happen, big guy — eventually. Probably. Maybe.
Jennifer Hudson, “Memory” | Well, no version of the Cats classic is ever gonna top Betty Buckley’s for me — it’s iconic. But there’s no denying the beauty and dynamism of JHud’s rendition, either. Lord, does the sometime Voice coach have a set of pipes! And her performance was saturated with emotion that was as moving as the gorgeousness of her vocal.
Hello Sunday, Myracle Holloway and Joana Martinez, “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” | From the start, this team-up was gelling better than the other two had. And the Supremes classic was made for Myracle — she sounded here like someone who should’ve been in the Final Four. The youngsters were fine but mostly just looked like they were having a blast.
Luke Combs, “Even Though I’m Leaving” | For some reason, my TV malfunctioned at the start of the CMA winner’s performance — the color went out, and suddenly, I was watching in B&W. Then, about halfway through, he pulled a Wizard of Oz and switched to color. (No munchkins in sight, though.) It bears mentioning that, as much as I might have remarked on Jake’s tendency to stand stock-still on stage, Luke did the same thing, and it doesn’t seem to have held him back any.
And in the moment(s) of truth…
Fourth Place
Rose Short (Team Gwen) — sigh; did I really say I wouldn’t throw anything at the TV?
Third Place
Katie Kadan (Team Legend) — double sigh; gimme something else to throw, dammit!
Runner-Up
Ricky Duran (Team Blake)
Season 17 Winner
Jake Hoot (Team Kelly) — the one-chair-turn did it!
So, your reaction to the rankings? Grade the finale in the poll below, then let loose in the comments.
Katie’s 3rd place surprised me, but everyone was so good that I can’t really be sorry about the results. It was a great season – deserving finalists and all the coaches stepped up. Ricky is still my favorite and I wish that the 2nd place finisher didn’t always get swept away by the confetti – but congrats to Jake.
All very predictable with the worst coming in first.
This was very predictable, exactly how the The Voice producers scripted it, Kelly winning with a male country artist that Blake was told not to turn around for. ( He said he thought he had been blocked ) Jake has such a great voice only 1 chair gets turned, that being Kelly ? C’mon, this reeked of a set up.
I am not so sure everything is a conspiracy They were all really good, country artists historically do really well in this.
Yup, the winner sounds just like everyone else. Boooooring. Katie got massively robbed. Looks like producer manipulation to me. Ugh.
Sure, and maybe the producers did all that streaming on iTunes.
No, actually Katie got a platform to perform, and she is grateful for it. No one manipulated anything. Jake just received more votes than the other 3.
Truth!
Hoot was the weakest of the 4, but country tends to get the votes on a show that, despite perhaps it’s best pool of talent ever, is increasingly uninteresting at the end. I mean, voting is open before a single note is sung. I really thought Hoot’s finale performances were a significant step down from his earlier shows- some iffy vocal moments. While his voice is pleasant, it’s rather limited. Katie might have been the best voice they’ve ever had… certainly right there with Jordan Smith from a few seasons ago. Almost stopped watching after last season, maybe I’ll watch until the finale next year.
Totally agree. That was a shock.
Tonight reminded me why Maelyn is my favorite Voice winner of all.
I DIDN’T LIKE THE ENDING OF THR VOICE I DON’T KNOW WHAT PEOPLE WERE watching but the two most powerful singers got knock out and to me it was wrong these two ladies were the best and I feel so ROSE AND KATIE GOT ROBBED
hahahaha
i did not really like Rose , Katie good but her type of voice is not my cup of tea, my fav was always Jake happy he won
Let me guess your race and where in America you live! Lolz
I felt somewhat jilted by the finish. Katie should have been the winner hands down. Jake was the eloquent country singer. He was great too. My top 4 was 4) Ricky, 3) Rose, 2) Jake & 1) Katie. But I am happy for Jake he is good. The original song fit him well.
They were all amazing!!! Everyone in the final was a winner. Great season 17. Love the show all the way from Vancouver BC Canada!
I’m from New Westminster BC Canada. I wish we still had Canadian Idol. Good singers here too.
I also think Miracle should have made the final. The wrong singers went home earlier thanks to not so great singers like Kat and Cali hanging on.
Oh gee…an African-American woman powerhouse singer got knocked out at number 4 AGAIN? And a female powerhouse like Katie (remember MaKenzie?!?) gets knocked out just for a generic country singer to win. I stopped watching after the travesty of that Kennedy/MaKenzie/bathrobegate season…and followed this one “just in case” online. But…glad I’m done with this ridiculous show.
Sorry Charlie I accidentally gave you the grading a D. Didn’t read properly and thought the poll was on the final four results (How boring another male country singer).
On grading I would give you an A.
Katy Kaden….3rd place…..ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
People have lost their minds.
Katy would be great in Broadway or feature film song. Personally, she is a great voice but I would not buy her music. Way too loud and deep angry tone for me. I was ecstatic over the winner this year.
This season was CRAPPY!!! Then the winner was announced, that made it even more CRAPPY!! Jake was the weakest singer, I meant WORST singer! I thought it would be better with Adam gone, it was still horrible!!! The show needs revamping!!! I’m actually thru watching!!! BYE FELICIA!!!
Disappointed Ricky didn’t win but not surprised Jake won after reading the fans comments here. I think Ricky is the better entertainer and is multitalented and has more stage presence than Jake. Oh well country sells. Hopefully Blake will help Ricky get a recording deal and won’t waste his time on Kat- my apologies to her fans.
Ricky is 10 times better than Jake. Jake is a nice guy with a pleasant voice but nothing really special. And I heard a LOT of hinky notes from Jake. Ricky is already a polished performer and a GREAT singer! I hope he gets a successful music career after this because he deserves it.
I really thought Katie was the biggest talent and that it was obvious! I loved Jake too, but thought she was technically and professionally better. She raised the roof! John Legend should get her in the biz!
I think both Katie and Rose were spectacular to watch in their performances, but when I’m just listening to music at home I don’t want it to blow the roof off my house. I think if they’d had a song or two that was more intimate, it could have made the difference. But, yes, Katie totally deserves to be promoted in the business – they all do, really.
Okay…** deep breath ** … as a *show*, I really enjoyed the finale. Great performances all around (and Charlie, I absolutely would have given the Katie Kadan/Adam Lambert duet an A+—-it was fantastic!). I’ve never heard JHud sing with such subtlety and nuance—her vocals actually made me interested in seeing the movie. Ricky’s sudden falsetto was a shock and I have no idea why he didn’t bust it out earlier in the season. And Rose was typically superb.
But that ending! Look, I think Jake is really talented, with a rich, vibrant vocal tone. I suspect he will do well on the country charts, if Blake helps Kelly promote him. But there is NO WAY he is better than the two women who were the best singers in the entire competition. For them to come in 3rd and 4th was just plain wrong. (And yes, I voted all season.) Oh well, I hope John and Gwen stick by Katie and Rose and help promote them after this…
My ‘bone to pick’ w/this show…..never seems like any of the winners or top finishers get promoted to the general public once the show is over. American Idol may have ‘owned’ the contestants for the first year, but many were able to break out and become incredibly famous (and rich). Where o’ where are The Voice contestants after the final show. Some maybe in honky tonks or possibly on tour, but never promoted to A list status. A shame as many of these contestants are just as talented, or more so, than AI contestants.
Finally someone points that out. I’ve been saying it to people for years. The show has to do something about that because it seems like even the winner isn’t necessarily given a record deal on the spot. (they’re definitely given bad a&r that’s for sure) This is a key factor that has to change. Plenty of talented singers have come through this show, yet I could name the ones that have had success on any genre chart on my two hands (ie ten fingers [singers] tops). The show cares more about it’s star powered coaches and ratings than the talent that comes through and it has got to change ASAP.
Adam Lambert and JHud always make any show for me. Goosebumps the minute they open their mouths.
What the hell??? I’m super glad Jake hoot won, I love his voice BUT I thought for sure Kadie was a shoe in. Third place???? Now way. I am still in shock.
I have been watching The Voice for many years. This season was, to my mind, the best season ever, with superb contestants and great performances. The outcome, however, was the worst and most disappointing ever. I had reflected, prior to the finale, that the rankings would be:
Katie, Ricky, Jake,and Rose. Boy, did I get it wrong! Katie was the BEST: dazzling voice,
passion, range, depth, charisma, eye-popping fashion & accessories, DESERVED to win. Ricky also, a GREAT singer and electric guitarist, charisma, passion, depth. I like Jake,
with a good and resonant voice, but not much, if any, charisma or star quality. My ONLY
consolation : like Jennifer Hudson who lost American Idol, BOTH Katie AND Ricky will go on to become very successful professionals and attain fame and fortune, which they both deserve. My favorite judges are Kelly and John, love them both. I also like Gwen. I do not care for Blake. I find him arrogant, mean-spirited, narcissistic, and it is, for him, all about winning The Voice, not for his contestant, but for him. I wish he would be replaced with Alicia Keyes or Jennifer Hudson ! But on with the show.
Wow, Katie got robbed big time. She should have won this hands down. I thought was good this year and correct 4 were in the finals. Didn’t care for Rose and I thought she would be in last place. I do like Ricky and Jake, but not ahead of Katie. Something went horribly wrong here. You could see the absolute shock on Katie’s face and I found that very sad. I hope John helps her get her break she so deserves same with Blake and Ricky. What a shock and disappointment with tonight’s results. I’m happy for Jake and Kelly, just sad for Katie.
I think the voting would be fairer without the Apple Music/iTunes component. Can you stream without having an account? What do others think?
Laura, I agree. The old way, using iTunes sales, worked because ANYONE could access iTunes for free, regardless of computer/phone platform. Apple Music streaming is only available if you PAY for Apple Music, so that method of voting is only for their customers. I do vote using the Voice app, but as an Amazon Music subscriber, it’s very frustrating to not be able to use this more active method.
Katie should have won
Predictable but none the less very disappointing. Jake Hoot is as stiff and boring as they come. I can never see this guy becoming a big star … nice voice … the world is full of nice voices. Katie was transcendent but I think it was a mistake to have so many of her songs were full of bravado to bring the roof down. A few more soft ballads would have been nice to hear from her. She’s just a unique talent. I also think it’s time they split the Voice into two shows … one country … one everything else. Country fans seem to be more active in voting in these shows which is fine but to those of us that don’t have an ear for Country music it would be nice is other genres had a better shot at the title.
I think this season was one of the best (if not the best). All the finalists were great and I was so glad Adam was gone. Some amazing and enjoyable performances. I was initially a big Katie fan, but I agree with Nick that too many of her songs focused on her bravado and attitude, rather than on her great voice. In the end I almost began to think “Oh.not again” when she came on to sing. In the end, I preferred the “comfortable” singing of Jake – but I would have been happy with any one of the four winning.
The Voice should pack its bags and just go. It ‘s getting old, has become boring, hard to watch. And most importantly the show has never helped anyone career really. With the exception of 1 or 2 artists. What is the point?
Kelly’s incessant talking has destroyed The Voice for me
I guess now that Kelly owns the studio and on her talk shows brag that she wouldn’t stop talking u less you vote for Jake that she wouldn’t be quiet .sad that he has to win that way.as Blake and Gwen were the real top coaches and really should have won 1st a d 2nd followed by Kelly 3rd.it goes to show that if your a chatterbox people will do anything to get you to be quiet
Wow, hating on Kelly Clarkson much. I didn’t hear any complaining when Blake won each season with less than stellar contestants because of his popularity. If you really think her fans voted for him so she would shut up, you’ve lost your mind.
While not a fan of the WGWG type contestant, they win. There’s no expert panel who is deciding who wins and losses these shows it’s the “superfans” and they like what they like.
Also, and before I say this I think Katie is very very very good I don’t understand everyone talking about how original she is. From the first moment I heard and saw here I thought, whoa, did Sarah Potenza change her name so she could compete again. Their look is almost identical and voice could be dubbed over the other one and no one would notice. I won’t try to link it but do a google search and watch some of their duets (they played together in the past) , it’s uncanny (in a very good way)
Katie was never my favorite. She singing perfectly i have no doubt but she is too perfect. She is a showman. She can sing perfect but not from to heart. Her heart not in it. No one think this would happen on the poll. But Ricky was my favorite and too bad he is not win. I don’t have problem with Jake too. I love country. I love Blake, Luke, Little Big Town and i’m in love to Lady Antebellum.
I was routing for Ricky! They were all good. Katie was getting to be a little full of herself!!!