Rules That Contestants Have To Follow On The Voice US

By Nick Hadji 1 year ago

You Have To Be 13 Years Or Older

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The Voice US is an amazing show because it allows young teens to compete alongside adults, providing they are at least 13 years of age. Many kids have experienced success since appearing on the show. The youngest winner up to now is Danielle Bradbury who won Season 4 when she was only 16 years old.Original content sourced from Femanin.com

Applicants Must First Audition Virtually

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Applicants don't just turn up at the audition venue and stand in the queue until it's their turn. If that was the case, there would be a stream of hopeful singers stretching for miles. They must record themselves first and submit the clip to the casting team for them to review.

Producers May Recruit Applicants

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Producers have also been known to reach out to local musicians across the country and ask them to audition, says Season 1 contestant Vicci Martinez. She told Cosmopolitan, "What I realized is they wanted to make it a show that had real artists, people who were serious about doing music and not just people who sing in the bathroom." Interesting!

Hopefuls Have One And A Half Virtual Minutes To Impress

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During the virtual casting call, singers are timed and have exactly a minute and a half to impress. That includes introducing themselves, explaining why they have chosen that particular song and then singing the chosen song, including at least one verse and a chorus...

Groups Compete Along With Solo Acts

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There has been backlash in the past as duos and trios can register and compete and it's thought the trios should be called "a group."  This is because they may have an unfair advantage on the duos. After the folk trio "A Girl Named Tom" won Season 21,  many fans debated this point but the process did not change.

The Call Backs Are Next!

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After passing the virtual casting call, it's then time to sing in front of the producers.  Thousands usually apply from Los Angeles but only a hundred will get to the next stage.  Following further discussions, it is determined who is tv ready and who is going to be brought on to the show. Exciting times!

There's Intense Training Before Blind Auditions

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Kat Perkins from Season 6 revealed that The Voice US provided her with training on every possible scenario such as getting sick to managing social media. This appears to be something the show has implemented over time, as contestants in Seasons 1 and 2 didn't remember receiving such training.

Applicants Are Free To Try Again

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Some singers who don't make it to the blind auditions are obviously very disappointed but there is still a glimmer of hope as they are allowed to return in future seasons and try again. Ddendyl Hoyt tried out for Season 5, didn't make the cut but came back, joining Shakira's team the following year.

They Get To Rehearse Before Filming

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Wannabes are not stuck straight in the spotlight in front of a live audience as that would be extremely daunting for them. Several days leading up to their big moment, the singers are allowed to practice with the live band and camera-block with producers on the audition stage.

Coaches Listen To 20 Auditions A Day

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To us, the viewers, it may seem as if the coaches are listening to hundreds of singers in a single day but that's not actually the vase. Blind auditions tape for 5 or 6 days, getting through around 18-20 auditions each day. This was confirmed by the former executive producer, Audrey Morrissey.

Singers Get To Choose Their Coach If More Than One Chair Turns

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If a contestant is fortunate enough to see at least two, or up to four judges turn around in their chairs, then he or she is faced with a difficult decision. Which judge should the singer go with? Performers will have to decide the coach they want to work with the most and that might not be easy.

Contestant Can't be Scared In Front Of Crowd

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Despite putting in lots of hours rehearsing, nothing can fully prepare someone to audition in front of the four coaches.  Then there is the huge audience who are cheering behind them, making the room sound so loud. It's so important that the contestant doesn't get scared as this will show in their performance.

Contestants Get Offered Perks From Judges

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This isn't exactly a rule but it is certainly worth mentioning. The coaches, stars in their own rights, often keep a few tricks up their sleeves from season to season!  When they are fighting over the same contestant, one of them might offer custom apparel or do an emotional serenade.

Everyone Gets A Makeover After Blind Auditions

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Fashion consultant Donna Morrissey told SheKnows that they shop for each artist so they can come up up with some great looks. Once the live shows are aired, the looks are customized for each individual performance. Hairstyles are often changed as well, to match the outfits.

Singers Should Trust Their Coaches

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Coaches want to see their teams succeed more than anything and more often than not, they do make the right call. John Legend came up for a song for Maelyn Jarmon in Season 16 and the singer wasn't sure about it. Turns out it was a smasher and the crowd went crazy!

They Don't Get To Choose Their Own Songs

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For the most part, coaches will pick the songs for their acts throughout the season, even if the contestants are not always in agreement. Occasionally, the song goes against the singer which can be frustrating and the coach has to hold up their hands and take responsibility.

Those Red Chairs Aren't As Dramatic In Person.

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The chairs aren't as loud as they appear to be on television.  The "whoosh" noise that happens when a coach hits their button and spins around is added in post production. The contestants would hardly be aware when they are focussing on their performance and singing to the audience.

Rehearsal Times Depend On Each Coach's Schedule

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When dealing with high profile celebrities, singers have to be ready to perform, no matter when. Vicci Martinez, in Season 1, recalled she once waited until 3 o'clock in the morning for coach Cee Lo Green.  She had to rehearse and record three songs to be uploaded to iTunes following that particular week's episode.

Contestants Won't See Carson Daly Much

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The host has such a crazy busy schedule that he doesn't have lots of time to mingle with the contestants. Carson Daly flies back and forth each week, spending Monday and Tuesday with The Voice US in LA and the rest of the week he is back in New York with the Today show.

Things Move Fast During Live Shows

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Contestants have to be quick on their feet and remain ready to perform at a moment's notice. The iconic show has anywhere between 30 and 50 crew members performing set changes during the commercial breaks and it gets very hectic, especially against the clock.

Teams Get Advice From Everyone

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Being surrounded by such talent is certainly a huge learning opportunity.  What isn't shown to the viewers is the amount of coaching provided by the whole staff.  That includes the vocal coaches, of course and the band director and producers who all get involved in the process.

The "Instant Save" Changes Everything

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Just because a contestant on the show receives the lowest amount of votes, that doesn't automatically mean that they will be eliminated. The instant save competition, where the two singers with the lowest votes perform new songs for America's re-vote, will be the decider on who stays and who goes.

After Elimination, Contestants Leave Immediately

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Some contestants strike up friendships with other singers when they are preparing for the blind auditions.  They can spend weeks training and it is very intense.  Once a singer is eliminated, that's it!  They are out on their ear and are not allowed to even call or text.

But Not Before Speaking To A Mental Health Professional

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After being eliminated, contestants will speak with a psychiatrist who has been hired by the show. "It's very needed because you'll never go through anything like it again," said one of the producers.  It can be an emotional and traumatic experience to be thrust into the spotlight with so much media attention.

Contestants Watch Other Performances From Separate Building

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As viewers, we never really know what goes on behind the scenes on of our favorite shows, The Voice US.  Fans may be surprised to know that when they aren't on stage, singers watch their competition from a Press room, a golf cart ride away, in another building.

Team Members Can Seek Support From Coaches Any Times

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Even after the show gained traction, the celebrity coaches stayed supportive to their acts. Adam Levine was supposedly available 24/7 through a special email he set up through The Voice US.  His assistant also offered to take calls during the night before a performance.  That's commitment!

Singers Develop Close Bonds With Their Coaches

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The relationships you see on the show are not just for the tv - they are very real.  It has been reported that Blake Shelton had even given his personal phone number to his team so they can text him.  Blake has also been known to invite his performers to his home for barbecues.

 Some Relationships Last After Show Is Over

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Coaches can remain mentors for their singers way after the finale.  It can even lead to incredible work opportunities, whether or not the singer has won. In 2017, Blake tapped season 6 semi-finalist Sundance Head and Season 2's RaeLynn to open for him on his last tour...

Singers Can Find Fame Without Winning

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From Melanie Martinez to country artist RaeLynn - there have been many contestants who were not crowned the winning voice of their season but still grew a huge fan base after appearing on the show. Not having the pressure of living up to the win, they were more relaxed and grateful for any opportunities.

Winning Doesn't Always Guarantee Success

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The $100,000 prize from the record deal with Universal Music Group is quite mind blowing but does not guarantee continued success. The very first winner of The Voice US, Javier Colon, left Universal after just one year, apparently due to differences between the label and himself.

Secrets Behind The Voice US: Contestants Have To Sign Crazy Contracts

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Competition shows are known for having to be very careful and cover every avenue in terms of liability, and The Voice is no different. The contestants have to sign crazy contracts which stipulate what the show can and can't do at the expense of the contestants.

Judges Are Replaced So Much To Keep Costs Low

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You might have been wondering why judges are replaced so often on the show - there have been so many amazing judges, and it's hard to see your favorite go so quickly! Well, the show constantly replaces judges to keep costs down - because new judges cost less than long-time ones!

There Was An Apparent Feud Between Christina Aguilera And Blake Shelton

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There was an alleged feud between Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton, and people thought that was the reason that Christina didn't return as a judge. The feud came about when Shelton apparently wanted his partner Gwen Stefani to to stay on the show instead.

The Winner Of Season 1 Gave Up His Prize

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It sounds strange to think you can actually win a talent show but then backtrack and give up all you've worked hard for. But that's exactly what happened to the winner of season 1, showing it is possible to give up that fame and victory. It just goes to show that having a record label doesn't result in success.

There Was A Voting Glitch In Season 6

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This one would have turned out a lot worse if it didn't turn out that the victim of the voting glitch ended up being the winner anyway! The glitch came from purchases on the iTunes charts, which were supposed to count as votes towards the three remaining contestants, but not all the iTunes purchases were logging.

Gwen Stefani's Marriage Drama

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Whilst working as a judge on the show, Gwen Stefani had her then-husband Gavin Rossdale as an 'advisor' to her contestants on the show. But apparently they didn't play - or rather, work - very well together, and apparently got into a fight over the decision.

The Live Tour Of The Voice Was A Failure

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How could a tour of professional and talented singers banding together ever be a failure? Well, apparently it can be, because The Voice official tour was a big fat failure. While some locations sold a lot of tickets, the sales were ultimately disappointing and the tour was cancelled.

There Was Controversy Over CeeLo Green

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CeeLo Green was a judge on the show who was popular at the time, and after deciding to take a break, was told that he'd be welcome back anytime. But that was before he became embroiled in accusations of assault and certain controversial tweets and he didn't officially come back as a judge after that.

Contestants Don't Get To Say Goodbye If They're Eliminated

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This one has to hurt - you've come all that way as a contestant and made friends and you don't even get to say goodbye after getting that soul-crushing news! Apparently it's very abrupt because they're asked to leave the set immediately, and also to leave the hotel they've been staying in!

The Judges Pick Songs For Contestants

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This makes it all the more hilarious when judges clapback at contestants for saying that they didn't think the song was right for them or suited their voice - when the judges are the ones who chose the song! You'd think as a contestant you'd at least be able to pick your own song.

The Contracts Actually State That The Show Can Expose Contestants To Ridicule

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One of the things the contracts for contestants state is that the show has the right to publicly ridicule or expose them to humiliation, which makes sense these days seeing as it's a talent show for 'drama' and ratings. The contract made it clear contestants could be facing public embarrassment!

The Contestants Speak With A Psychologist Before They're Allowed To Go Home

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After a contestant is eliminated, they have to speak with the show's psychologist straight away so that they can determine whether the contestant is doing okay after the elimination. If they're deemed 'okay', then they're sent away from the show immediately.

The Famous 'Whoosh' Is Added Later

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One of the most iconic things about the show is the whooshing sound as the judges press that button and swing their chairs around. But the 'whoosh' sound is actually added later during the editing stage, so the chairs don't actually make a noise that moment they're turned!

Contestants Are Trained To Face Issues Like Feeling Sick

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Contestants who get through to the audition stage aren't just trained about performing or how the audition works - they also undergo training for problems they could face on stage, like feeling sick and fainting, as well as training on how to deal with success or failure on the show.

Months Can Go By Between Audition Call And Blind Audition

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The time between an audition call and the blind audition is actually quite lengthy - imagine waiting all that time with knots in your stomach waiting for the next round! That's because all that required training mentioned above takes place during these months.

Kelly Clarkson Prefers The Voice To Idol

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Kelly Clarkson became a celebrity sensation thanks to her appearance on American Idol - so you think she'd have a soft spot for this talent show in particular. But actually she's admitted that she much prefers The Voice to American Idol - or any other talent show!

The 'First Female Coach To Win' Confusion

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When Christina Aguilera won The Voice US as judge to the crowned contestant, she was labelled as the first female judge to win the show. While this might be true of the US version, it's not true of all series of The Voice around the world, as female judges have won before!

The Biggest Success of The Show Didn't Actually Win It

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Superstar singer Melanie Martinez has arguably been the show's biggest success, but it's surprising because she didn't even win the show. She wasn't even in the final or down to the last two! Melanie appeared in season 3 and she was eliminated on week 5 of the show.

And The Show Has Been Criticised For Its Lack Of Success

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When you think of other talent shows, you've definitely heard at least one of their songs in the charts, and you usually see a lot of them for a while before they either hit the big time or fade away. But the thing with The Voice is that it's hard to recognise any of its winners or contestants in the charts when you think about it.

Kelly Clarkson Has Been Considered The Show's Best Coach

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Unsurprisingly, talent show success Kelly Clarkson has also been considered the best judge and coach on the show - not just because of ratings or likeability, but because she had the highest percentage of winning the series. It's also great to see a judge that's been through the process themselves!