5 Memorable Contestants on The Voice

Back in 2011, NBC decided to join the singing talent competition game after the success of shows like “American Idol” and “The X Factor”. The show has a simple enough concept, with four superstar judges/coaches unable to see the contestant’s face. Thus, contestants are chosen solely due to their voice, which was a big change from previous reality competitions.

The coaches then work with the contestants to determine a winner with the hopes that it shoots the singer into the same level of stardom. The top prize at the end is $100,000 in cash and a record deal for the winner. Throughout the years, there have been several notable contestants to either earn the top prize or at least find enough fame thanks to the show. Here are the five most memorable contestants from “The Voice”.

Christina Grimmie

Before Christina Grimmie’a appearance on the sixth season of The Voice in 2014, she pursued her singing ventures on YouTube, recording and uploading covers of popular songs. In time, she found herself opening for Selena Gomez & the Scene, the Jonas Brothers, and performing on the Ellen DeGeneres show performing a cover of “How To Love” by Lil Wayne. Grimmie’s passion, great pop vocals, and stage presence made her stand out. 

The judges all adored her, earning her a four-chair turn on the show. With help from her Mentor, The Voice judge Adam Levine, Grimmie took third place in the competition. She went on to have a successful career that tragically was cut short when she was murdered after one of her shows by a crazed fan in June of 2016. 

Melanie Martinez

Melanie Martinez auditioned for season three of The Voice in 2012. She managed to stand out during her audition due to her acoustic rendition of Britney Spears’s “Toxic” and her quirky sense of style. Three of the four judges turned their chairs for her, including the judge she chose as her coach, Adam Levine. Through the battles, she came out on top. 

Though, come week five, she was voted off the show via viewer votes. During the following years, she worked on writing and recording her own music. Later, she signed with Atlantic Records and went on to have a very successful career thanks to her album “Crybaby”. 

Sawyer Fredericks 

Sawyer Fredericks auditioned for season eight of The Voice in 2015, ultimately winning the entire competition that season. The judges were immediately blown away by his audition, performing his version of the folk song “I’m a Man of Constant Sorrow”. 

The depth of his rich blues voice took them by surprise, especially considering he was only 16 years old. He chose Pharrell Williams as his coach after a four-chair turn, who led him to success. Fredericks’ was signed by Atlantic Records after his big win and has had a successful career following his time on the show. 

Jordan Smith  

Jordan Smith auditioned for season 9 of The Voice in late 2015. He surprised everyone when he began his audition by belting out the popular song “Chandelier” by female singer Sia. His ability to comfortably use his falsetto to hit those high notes was a pleasant surprise for the judges. 

With a four-chair turn from the judges, Smith chose Adam Levine as his coach. With Levine’s coaching and Smith’s passion and natural talent, he ended up winning the competition for that season. 

Cassadee Pope

Cassadee Pope auditioned for season three of The Voice in 2012, eventually becoming the first female winner since the show’s start. She began her singing career as the lead of her band Hey Monday before pursuing a solo singing career in 2012. 

She auditioned with the song “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia, earning her a four-chair turn. Her chosen coach, Blake Shelton, helped her win it all. She’s had a successful career in country music since her time on the show.