Did The Voice’s John Legend Just Issue the Biggest Dis Since Adam Levine?
Charlie Mason
Editor
Good news for Adam Levine. The former Voice coach may finally start to live down the Season 15 gaffe that found him pleading with viewers to save one of his contestants (who had been too ill to sing) over another (who actually had performed). The show of favoritism dogged the Maroon 5 frontman until and even after he exited stage left ahead of Season 16.
During Monday’s Season 25 Voice Semi-Finals, coach John Legend praised performance after performance, which is par for the course. But after Team Reba McEntire standout Asher HaVon slayed Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable” (listen below), the EGOT winner went what was perhaps a step too far. After sharing that his dad had texted to declare that Asher “is The Voice,” Legend said, “Now I’m a little biased toward my team, but no matter what other factors people are voting on, I believe you’re the best vocalist in the competition.”
Technically, Legend may be absolutely right. Personally, I prefer his team’s Nathan Chester. Regardless, the show of support had to feel like a bit of a game-changing gut punch to Chester and teammate Bryan Olesen. Whatever their coach may say during Tuesday’s Semi-Finals Results Show (8/7c on NBC) or next week’s Finals, they — and the audience whose votes he will be courting — will know that he doesn’t see them as the cream of the crop.
How would you feel if you were Nathan and Bryan? Obviously, Legend didn’t mean to dis the contestants that he’d recruited. But it had to sting, no?
Why are you manufacturing drama?
I love it when the coaches are effusive and praise ALL the singers. It’s good. It’s a great thing. Niall did it often in both his seasons. I’m particularly thinking about his praise of Ruby Leigh on one of the live shows.
John didn’t do anything bad last night.
Don’t be ridiculous.
Every coach give input towards contestants regards what team their on.
I didn’t think it was a diss when Adam asked people to vote for his sick contestant, and I don’t think it’s a diss for John to say someone’s good on someone else’s team. He didn’t say his contestant wasn’t good or that he himself (John Legend) was better. Also, he could have just said something in the heat of excitement. Sometimes it’s not that deep.
While I get some folks might be surprised, John is just being honest which is what the show is all about. I think the fact that you are trying to stir up controversy and haters is more disturbing to me than anything John Legend said. I presumed the show is about the best voice, not which coach wins.
I have watched for many years and the best coaches are very honest and truthful to all the contestants in review of their performances. He was moved by Asher’s performance. People who judge do not come from this same heart place. If the contestants feel slighted their need to put their big pants on and work as hard as they can.. no one knows who is going to win. Kudos to John!!
This is about one of the most ridiculous comparison’s I’ve seen here. Adam’s was about a singer who didn’t even sing and I doubt she was too sick – sources I hear tell me she was mad about being in the bottom 2 and didn’t want to sing for her life against someone who gave a solid performance. How does that compare to a person from another coaches team getting praised? And I believe that John was coming from a place where people that are flamboyant and different like Asher don’t win because there is a contingency of conservatives who will never vote for someone who is not like them.
The voice has been getting more scripted last couple years. That and the vast back story of every person trying out has caused me to not watch much. I liked it when it was about singing and less phony stories.
Very happy to see everyone’s comments here asking why a deal is being made of John’s comment. I guess if I were on his team, I might feel a sting, but I’d probably have to admit to myself (since I’d know what singing is all about) that he’s right. Doesn’t mean I’m a bad singer and couldn’t have a career, just that Asher Lavon is pretty phenomenal. My reaction is that it was refreshingly honest.
It was his honest opinion. There is no drama.
I think because he is mad because he didn’t turn for him in blind audition
He is so good 👍 😍 😭!
I think Bryan Oleson should win the Voice. He can sing, just about everything and his performances and sets are top notch.
The truth is the truth !! He’s just telling it !!