The Voice 21 Finale: Will Girl Named Tom Be The First Group to Win “The Voice?
Monday’s (Dec 13) The Voice 21 finale went as expected. The vocals could have been a bit better, but it was still an enjoyable night as all 5 finalists were very worthy. Jershika Maple brought it vocally in both performances, while Paris Winningham had a fun throwback setlist. Hailey Mia didn’t play to win but to show artistry; a smart move on her part for her future. And Wendy Moten had another moment during the final performance. (Read our Recap)
Finally, let’s talk about Team Kelly Clarkson’s beloved trio, Girl Named Tom. This group seemed like the most clear-cut winner going into the finale. And looking back, they have seemed like the winner since they received overwhelming support from fans during the Knockouts and Playoffs. Momentum has really carried this group through the competition, and they never seemed to be coasting.
Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain
The trio’s finale performances consisted of ballad dedications and up-tempo numbers where contestants looked back at their time on The Voice. The group opened with their up tempo pick, “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac. In their video package, they reveal to host Carson Daly and coach Kelly that pre-audition, they planned to pick Team Blake Shelton. Carson also noted that “River” charted at number 1, and that no contestant has hit the chart summit in at least a few seasons. They chose “The Chain” to please fans who have been asking for it all season. Kelly mentioned that the group has been keeping the song in their back pocket for this moment. In rehearsal, Bekah revealed that she will attempt some belts that she’s never shown off on The Voice stage before.
The arrangement is a lot of fun. The group seemed to have a presence to them that reminded me of their “Viva La Vida” performance. They displayed a real star quality and confidence amid sweet harmonies. I think the leads should be less dispersed as Bekah is the one who truly stands out as a singer. A musical buildup led to a cool haunting and quiet section that led to an even bigger build up. The crescendo was a bit flawed and Bekah a bit pitchy, but the feeling, emotion and dynamics made up for the imperfections.
Blake insisted that the group IS country and called them “incredible.” Kelly thanked the group for not picking Blake and believes the song was “perfect” for them.
Alison Kraus Cover Baby Now That I Found You
For their ballad choice, the group sang the Alison Krauss version of the 60s song “Baby Now That I’ve Found You” by The Foundations. They cry as they read letters in their package, dedicating the song to each other. The trio returned to what they do best–warm harmonies on a simple folky song. What they do is so pure, and even if some of their songs are simple and similar, when they do it that well, it makes sense to stay in this lane. A very pretty performance, this was the better of the two from a vocal standpoint.
A light or something buzzing in the background distracted the coaches during their comments. But Ariana Grande loved the performances and called it “ethereal.” Kelly called it “flawless” and “crazy beautiful.”
Will Girl Named Tom win The Voice?
Girl Named Tom showed once again why they are/have been a frontrunner all season. Will Wendy’s closing performance of classic “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” win her the championship? It’s possible and I believe that Wendy narrowed GNT’s lead. But I am still leaning towards a Girl Named Tom victory. And after such a great season, I am proud to say that any of the finalists would make deserving winners.
