'The Voice' Season 29 stirs things up with introduction of two major changes and new voting twist
'The Voice' Season 29, also known as 'Battle of Champions', premiered on February 23 and has since then been consistently making waves since then. However, the ongoing season marks a major shift in the format of the popular musical reality television show. The current season is the show's first outing with three coaches instead of the usual four. In addition, all three coaches featured in the ongoing season, John Legend, Adam Levine, and Kelly Clarkson, are former champions themselves and have rightfully earned their place in the large red chairs. Apart from this, the ongoing season also features two radical changes that make it completely different from the previous seasons.
The concept of live voting has been done away with on the current season, and the former contestants on the show, in association with 'The Voice' superfans, will be casting their votes throughout the semifinals and on the season finale to determine the winner. The Triple Turn Competition was introduced during the Blind Auditions, which kicked off soon after the ongoing season's premiere earlier in February. For the unversed, Blind Auditions on 'The Voice' typically feature a three-chair turn, when all three judges turn around to praise a contestant's performance. The new concept pits the judges against each other in a race to accumulate the most three-chair turns. Whichever judge is at the top of the list will be up for a unique advantage in the Battle Rounds.
Another major change is the Super Steal. It is one of the most innovative designs ever introduced on the show. During the Battle Rounds, coaches can steal contestants who are in danger of being eliminated from another team. In accordance with the Triple Turn Competition, whichever judge has the highest number of three-chair turns will be eligible for the most powerful Steal of all. Such a steal would instantly nullify any other coach's attempt to steal the same contestant. To put it into perspective, in case two different coaches want the same eliminated Battle Round artist on their team, the coach who deploys the Super Steal will readily win without having to pitch himself to the contestant in the first place.
Although the Super Steal is crucial to the game, it can be used only once. Moreover, as the Battle Rounds eventually give way to the Knockout Rounds, the All-Star Showdown will come into effect. The All-Star Showdown allows each coach to bring back two former contestants. The said contestants will be tasked with performing in sing-offs to help their coach gain an advantage in the finale. While Levine is bringing back Javier Colon and Jordan Smith, Legend has opted for Maelyn Jarmon and Renzo. On the other hand, Girl Named Tom and Jake Hoot will fight on behalf of Clarkson. 'The Voice' airs new episodes on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.
