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'The Voice' 2023 Playoffs: Chance the Rapper slammed for 'playing hot potato' with Kala Banham all season

Fans believe Kala Banham was 'robbed' off the semi-finale spot in 'The Voice' 2023

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: As 'The Voice' 2023 presses on, the competition becomes fiercer and the stakes higher than ever. The contestants, having survived the intense Knockout rounds, are now gearing up to leave it all on the stage in hopes of advancing to the next level. While some fortunate singers received a "playoff pass" and automatically secured a spot in the Playoffs, others had to fight tooth and nail to earn their spot.

The Playoffs are undoubtedly one of the most thrilling aspects of 'The Voice'. With teams going head-to-head and artists showcasing their very best work, viewers are filled with mixed emotions as they bid farewell to some of their favorite performers. Among those who left a lasting impression was Kala Banham. Kala's rollercoaster journey on the show came to a close this week, even as the Coaches gushed over her phenomenal Playoff performance of 'My Funny Valentine' by Ella Fitzgerald for Team Chance. The coach deemed the singer his "silver lining" after she had been rejected by two other Coaches earlier in the competition.

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Kala Banham does not make it to the semi-finals

Kala's eventful journey on 'The Voice' culminated this week, even as the coaches were enamored by her Playoff performance of 'My Funny Valentine' by Ella Fitzgerald for Team Chance.

"She's my blessing in disguise," declared Chance, overwhelmed with emotion. "I'm so proud, that was so incredible. Like, it's crazy that you slipped through two other Coaches. You made me cry in the rehearsal. It was amazing." Kala's journey in the competition began unconventionally when Niall blocked Kelly from recruiting her after her rendition of Joni Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now' in the Blind Auditions. In the Battle Rounds, Clarkson saved Kala from elimination, stealing her from Horan's team after her performance of 'Skinny Love.' Kala was then saved from elimination once again during a double steal by Blake and Chance in the Knockout Rounds, ultimately landing on Team Chance.

During Kala's Playoff performance, Chance held his hands over his heart, and Clarkson and Shelton gave her a standing ovation. "You made it Kala's version, like as if that was a brand-new song," said Clarkson, moved by the performance. "It was so beautiful and dark, but inspiring—all the great adjectives." Horan also lauded Kala for her song choice, remarking, "That song was made for you. I spoke to you about this when we started—make sure that you sing songs that could be on your record. And that's just a different level now." Shelton added, "That was actually perfect. You have to put her in the next level, for that reason. That was unbelievable." Despite the high praise from the Coaches, Chance ultimately chose Sorelle and Ray Uriel to advance to the live performances for Team Chance, eliminating Kala Banham from the competition once and for all. "It just reminded everybody how dumb they were for losing her on their team like I would never make a choice like that—are you crazy?" said Chance, before reversing course and making the tough call to let her go.

'Not picking kala is CRAZY'

Fans on Reddit slammed this decision as they thought Kala was "robbed" of her opportunity to be in the semi-finals by Chance. One Redditor said, "Kala really gave four A+ performances just to be left in the dust. Such a shame that the coaches played hot potato with her all season. My favorite by far of the season. She’s such a beautiful storyteller, and her voice is just so pretty.", another chimed in saying, "I loved Kala and am so sad she left. What were the coaches thinking letting her go? I hope she goes on to bigger and better things and someone gives her a recording contract." Another user sarcastically said, "Huh. Well those were some choices. Did they pick the worst of the group or the best? I’m not sure I understand the format" 

Some even tweeted, "OMG I can’t believe you let Kala go Im sorry but she’s 1000 time better than Ray, nothing against him … he’s good but no where near her Now Sorelle awesome choice" and some said, "Ahh man you whiffed it with Kala. Her version of My Funny Valentine was one of those once-in-a-lifetime versions." One user claimed, "You blew it letting kala go bro she definitely should of advanced."

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