The Voice: Christina Aguilera left for good reason

Christina Aguilera left The Voice for good reason. The show isn’t solely based on vocal talent any more. It’s now far too similar to other singing shows.

Christina Aguilera recently did an interview with the LA Times where she explained her reservations about The Voice, and why it was the right time for her to leave. One of the main reasons she had for leaving is her belief that The Voice has strayed from the original design of the show.

Her decision to move on is well warranted. The show is not about The Voice. It’s about the fan vote, the packaging, and the genre.

Is Aguilera agitated for no reason?

Some have pointed to Aguilera’s lack of success on the show as a reason for her departure. Words like “agitated” and “salty” are thrown around. After all, in her multiple seasons as a coach, she’s only had one winner the entire time.

Before we go on, it should be pointed out that Alisan Porter absolutely deserved to win season 10 of The Voice. Her rendition of “Blue Bayou” was positively ethereal, and her absolute destruction of “Deep Water” undoubtedly prompted thousands across the nation to Google “girl on the voice who gave me goosebumps and made me cry.”

So why is she leaving?

Ultimately, Aguilera makes it very clear why she’s leaving The Voice. She said, “year by year, I kept seeing things that were not lining up with that original vision.” The vision to which she’s referring is obviously the only true blind audition in singing competitions, where the voice is the only reason the judges turn around. No packaging is involved. Demeanor, presentation, story, appearance, none of it matter.

Once the blind audition is over, everything changes. It shouldn’t.

Aguilera went on to say, “Certain factors and things are dictated according to what ratings will be. It’s definitely a business.”

What she’s likely referring to is the increasing importance a contestant’s appearance and story becoming critical to their eventual success. Indeed, even her single champion Porter benefited from history as Curly Sue, and more importantly as a recovering alcoholic.

Past history confirms her stance.

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Look as far back as season four of The Voice to see some of the problems appearing. Fan voting ruins nearly everything, but the framing of Judith Hill as only Michael Jackson’s former backup singer, versus Danielle Bradbery as the sweet, innocent teenager who sings pop country. Hill’s voice and performances were far superior to Bradbery’s.

Or how about Jake Worthington’s absolutely ridiculous second place finish in season six of The Voice? There is no way he was better than Christina Grimmie. Guess what? Jake is a country singer.

Craig Wayne Boyd in season seven? His win over Matt McAndrew and Chris Jamison is flooring. Of course, Boyd auditioned with “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’,” so his genre is clear. One look at his appearance makes it that much more clear.

Sundance Head was a clear-cut winner in season eleven, but it might as well be called The Country Voice at this point.

When country doesn’t win.

Furthermore, when country isn’t perfect, the packaging begins. The minute Gwen Stefani turned around and freaked out about Jordan Smith in season nine, everyone who has seen the show knew what would happen next. Cue makeover. Cue haircut. Up next, sob story about overcoming [insert adversity here]. He won before his audition episode finished.

And guess what? He beat Emily Ann Roberts and Barrett Baber, both country artists; so, it’s not like country was shut out.

When country or makeover isn’t in play, then bet on the youngest competitor. Bradberry was 16 at the time of her win. Next was Sawyer Fredericks at a younger 16. Finally, Brynn Cartelli won at 15 years old in the most recent season of The Voice. Expect a zygote to win in the near future. A zygote with a cowboy hat.

Next: Another "singing" show that has degraded

So if The Voice is not about the voice, then it is no longer unique. It’s the same as American Idol or any other singing show in the end. Only the first round is exclusive. After that, it’s more about who can paint the best visual picture.

The Voice is between seasons, and season 15 is expected in the Fall of 2018.