'The Voice' Season 24: Fans disappointed over Lila Forde's 'off-key' slow Beatles rendition during NBC show finale
UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: In 'The Voice' Season 24 finale, Lila Forde takes up a Beatles song for her second performance. Fans, however, were dissatisfied as they believed the singer's voice was unsuitable for the famed rock band's interpretation.
"I'm getting pre-emotional," admitted her coach, John Legend, during rehearsals. So far this season, Lila's performances have a history of making John cry.
.@lil_fody has definitely changed our world with this performance! 🌌 #TheVoice pic.twitter.com/fD2JALtUbb
— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) December 19, 2023
Lila entered the stage again later in the first night of the finals to perform The Beatles' 'Across the Universe', and her coach showered praises.
"This was heavenly, it was cinematic, it was transcendent, it was beautiful, it was magical," he said.
He believed that was "exactly" what she needed to accomplish for her season's final performance. "I'm so proud to be your coach," he added.
On Reddit, fans, however, wrote, "Big Lila fan but her song choices tonight didn't do her any favors, especially the second Beatles tune. She might have blown her chance, but I hope not."
Another user chimed in, "Yep, questionable choices. If you’re gonna do a Beatles song, there are SO many others that would’ve showcased the purity and range of her voice! I think she’s in trouble, sadly. Imagine her singing Blackbird, In My Life or The Long and Winding Road?"
One user also commented, " Very disappointed."
A fourth user quipped, "She seems high af which is very Beatles but not for the finals ha."
On X, angry viewers asked, "Who gave the okay for this girl to be singing a Beatles sing? This is shameful..."
Another annoyed fan added, "Oh no! Lila was off-key with this one. And a slow Beatle song? NOT a good song choice in the finale."
Who gave the okay for this girl to be singing a Beatles sing? This is shameful... #TheVoice
— Anita Baker (@anashvillegirl) December 19, 2023
Oh no! Lila was off-key with this one. And a slow Beatle song? NOT a good song choice in the finale 🫤#TheVoice pic.twitter.com/IfSUWEFq3S
— One-Stop Reality (@StopEditor) December 19, 2023
Niall Horan calls The Voice's Lila Forde his favorite
Niall Horan went even further, naming Lila as one of his favorite vocalists in the world right now and calling her "special".
"The hardest thing in music to do is completely be yourself," he said. "And all you do, constantly, in a competition full of acrobats, is just be yourself."
Who is Lila Forde on 'The Voice' Season 24?
When Lila debuted her Blind Audition, she was sitting at a keyboard and singing Blind Faith's 'Can't Find My Way Home', and she quickly became a fan favorite. She had her pick of coaches thanks to the Four-Chair Turn, but she chose fellow soulful singer John, who has constantly lauded her as a fully-formed musician with a great future.
The Voice's Lila Forde comes from a musical background
Lila's mother is an accomplished pianist. Lila discovered the power of music at a young age and sang in a chorus.
She went on to study jazz voice at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music.
Lila grew up in a "spiritual family," according to her NBC description. Her parents have been meditation teachers for the past two decades.
They have since purchased a meditation camp resort in the Pacific Northwest. She and her parents "curate immersive experiences for their guests, organizing sound baths and facilitating meditation retreats".
'The Voice' Season 24 finale results will be announced on December 19, at 9 pm ET on NBC.