'The Voice' mentor Sting’s harsh comments leave contestants reeling
'The Voice' mentor Sting's harsh comments sparked questions about whether his blunt critique style crossed the line, particularly in how forthright he was with the contestants. Although reality show judges are expected to offer constructive critiques, Sting's remarks seemed to go beyond that, feeling more discouraging than motivating, far from the guidance contestants might need.
During ChrisDeo's performance of 'Beneath Your Beautiful' by Labrinth, Sting told her she sounded "young" and suggested her voice needed more maturity. While ChrisDeo is a teenager and still developing, calling her "tense" and telling her to "relax" may have felt a bit heavy in judgment. Instead of encouraging her growth, Sting's comment sounded more like a critique of her potential, something a young contestant in such a high-pressure environment might not have been prepared to hear.
Mikaela Ayira's performance of 'Scars to Your Beautiful' by Alessia Cara also drew sharp criticism from Sting. Although he acknowledged that she took a risk by picking an unusual song, he criticized her lack of emotional intensity, saying she didn't reach the "big emotional highs" of the song. Such critique can be discouraging, as it suggests that no matter how bold your move is, it may never be good enough for Sting.
Sting focused more on Torre Blake's style than her vocal technique. While he praised her for making Kacey Musgraves' 'Slow Burn' her own, he suggested that her understated, laid-back delivery might have gotten lost on the massive stage of 'The Voice'. He compared her to Sade Adu, suggesting that her style was better suited for an intimate setting rather than the large, televised competition stage of 'The Voice'. Sting's comments about ChrisDeo's vocal maturity and Mikaela's emotional delivery, in particular, could be interpreted as more discouraging to their confidence than motivating them to improve. In a competition where all participants are under immense pressure to prove themselves, this kind of direct criticism does more to de-motivate than to inspire.
Instead of guiding them toward improvement, at times, his comments felt like a verdict on their overall abilities, which could affect their confidence. His approach, though perhaps well-intentioned, may have missed the mark by not only challenging the contestants but also undermining their belief in their capabilities. The line between honesty and discouragement can be very thin, and in this case, Sting may cross that line.
Which singers were eliminated on 'The Voice' Knockouts 3?
During the third Knockout round of 'The Voice' Season 26, multiple contestants went home. In addition to Tate Renner, Mor Ilderton, Georgia Starnes, Mary McAvoy, ChrisDeo, Torre Blake, and Kiara Vega, several other talented singers, several others also saw their journey on the show come to an end.
What will happen on 'The Voice' after Knockouts 3?
With the Knockouts over, the Playoffs are next. The coaches will trim their teams down to just two artists, which makes it even more difficult for those remaining contestants to stay in the game. The decisions in this episode showed that the judges put their hearts into each choice, fully aware of the weight they carry as the finale approaches.
New episodes of 'The Voice' Season 26 air on Mondays at 8/7c and Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.