The Voice fans have been more vocal than usual about their gripes with the judges this year.
From the introduction of Tones and I as the secret fifth coach to the language of the judges, viewers have been divided on whether they should keep watching for the contestants or just turn off the show entirely.
While it has mostly been coach Richard Marx in the spotlight for his divisive feedback to contestants — which many called “harsh” and “disgusting” — the first episode of The Knockouts had fans distracted by another coach’s decision entirely.
The first round of The Knockouts produced some standout performances from contestants who have quickly become fan favourites on the show.
However, as the show progresses and fans become attached to contestants, there is bound to be outrage, and this was very true of round one after Ronan Keating’s decision “totally shocked” viewers watching at home.
Who made it through to the Quarter Finals from Ronan’s team?
The Knockouts are brutal.
After passing through the Blind Auditions phase and getting the chance to train with their chosen coach, the hopeful singers are then pitted against members of their own team where only a handful will be selected to progress to the Quarter Finals (unless they’re saved by another coach, of course).
The other contestant who progressed in the first round of The Knockouts was 12-year-old Leyla Sabo, who blew everyone away with her performance of ‘You Stole the Show’ by Sienna Spiro.
In the first round of The Knockouts, Jamie Koul, one of Ronan Keating’s contestants, was selected to progress to the next round after he sang ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ by Gotye.
Fans upset over Ronan’s decision: ‘Big bad choice’
While the decision to progress Leyla through to the next round was undisputed by fans, many were disappointed that Jamie was selected over contestant Sam Cliffe.
“The artist Sam was sent home. Why?” one fan wrote online. “He was awesome; without his piano, he was way better in every way than Jamie, and he let him walk away. I don’t understand.”
“Yes I agree I was totally shocked when he didn’t pick Sam,” another said. “Bad choice, Ronan, big bad choice.”
“Seriously Ronan?” a third chimed in. “You have a knockout final and choose the artist who was clearly the worst. Yes, he has a great voice — you gave him a c–p song, he ruined it, and you take him through — what a waste of the other artists’ time.”
However, some fans suggested that Jamie was chosen so the decision to choose Leyla wasn’t as difficult down the line.
Either way, fans’ outrage over Ronan’s decision is proof that even if a contestant doesn’t make it far on The Voice, their journey isn’t over. With enough support, The Voice is only the beginning.
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