NBC's "The Voice" gives Idol a run for its money

By George Mattingly

A&E Editor

NBC's singing competition "The Voice", which finished its first season last week, has stirred up a buzz amongst viewers who were quick to compare it to American Idol, the king of Nielsen ratings for 10 years. A closer look uncovers the pros and cons of each for viewers.

The concepts of each the show differ completely right from the audition process. On American Idol, the contestants go through a long process starting with open auditions that focus on stage presence, talent, and appearance and where the most outlandish auditions are showcased. Then it's on the Hollywood week where the contestants are narrowed down until the judges decide the top 24 and the rest is up to America.

The Voice contestants partake in a much simpler process, with the coaches' backs to them to focus more on just the talent. If they want the person on their eight-person team, they push a button that spins their chair to face the stage. If only one coach turns around, the contestant becomes part of that coaches team; if more than one coach turns around, the contestant gets to choose which coach they would like to work with. Each team is narrowed down to four by the coaches' decision and then America steps in to vote.

It's no question to me that the quality of singers is higher on American Idol, and by the time America gets to vote, they have a choice of 24 strong competitors. On The Voice, there is a clear separation from the talented and the not-so-talented. However, American Idol seems to produce the same type of wholesome, commercial singers whereas The Voice is made up of a very diverse group of contestants ranging in appearance, personal style and musical style which gives them an edginess that American Idol lacks.

Next, the judges on American Idol are juxtaposed with the "coaches" on The Voice. The idea behind the coaches was to create a relationship between the contestant and coach based on guidance and mentoring.

I like that the coaches on The Voice are involved with each contestant throughout the entire process that allows them to see each contestant grow. However, I believe the judges on American Idol provide the contestants with more constructive criticism to each contestant which will help them to become better singers and performers, whereas on The Voice, the coaches are full of nothing but words of praise which don't help the contestants much.

Lastly, the voting processes of each show differ from each other. After the initial audition process where the judges narrow down the top 24, the decision is entirely up to America except for the judges' optional save. This voting keeps America involved with the show throughout the season but as we all know the have missed the mark quite a few times. Consider the elimination of several contestants like Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, Adam Lambert, and Pia Toscano. On The Voice, the coaches have a hand selecting the contestants up until the final 8 contestants after which the decision is left to America. I think this process helps to keep the coaches' opinion involved throughout the show to make sure the right contestants have a chance.

Although it may be too early to tell whether The Voice will have lasting success like American Idol, it has stood out enough to let the viewers decide for themselves.