Cassadee Pope surprised no one by winning NBC’s “The Voice.” She rocked her way from Florida and indie band Hey Monday and bested dozens of contestants including finalists Nicholas David and Terry McDermott to take the crown. Go Team Shelton!
It was an anticlimactic finish to the show. Our bet was on McDermott to pull off an upset as the dark horse in the competition but it was not to be. He was runner-up.
The show’s voting procedure gave her an almost insurmountable lead. Her songs consistently ranked at the top of the iTunes charts (basically multiplying her votes). She proved her talent week-in and week-out and charmed viewers with her engaging smile and professional polish.
Which raises and interesting question: Was she a pro already? Definitely worthy of debate.
Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Bruno Mars and The Killers were the musical guests and kept the audience on its toes. The final three sand with celebrity guest and could bring back their contestants voted off earlier.
Pope teamed up with Melanie Martinez, De’Borah and Liz Davis to sing “It’s Time,” by Imagine Dragons. McDermott partnered with Amanda Brown, Bryan Keith, Michaela Paige and Rudy Parris on KISS classic “Rock and Roll All Nite.” David invited Amanda Brown, Dez Duron and Trevin Hunte for Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road.”
For the celebrity sing along, David sang “Cruisin” with icon Smokey Robinson. McDermott, surprising, sang with ’70s sensation Peter Frampton on “Baby, I Love Your Way.” Pope sang “I’m With You,” with her idol, Avril Lavigne.
Next up is Season 4; it premieres on March 25, 2013 and some changes will be in store. Latin sensation Shakira and R&B crooner Usher will take over for Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green.
