The Voice Season 12 Top 12 Elimination Results held no surprises for me in terms of who America saved and who ultimately went home. What was unexpected and wonderful: the tribute to Christina Grimmie. It was absolutely the best part of the hour.
I’m sure there are cynics out there would will suggest The Voice is capitalizing on Christina’s tragic murder. Those people would have to be ones that didn’t actually see the tribute. Her coach during season six was Adam Levine. He clearly is still deeply affected about what happened. The exchanges between him and her family are things that can’t be faked. You could totally see the sincerity and sadness in his eyes as he spoke before the group and tried not to tear up. It’s that love and realness that permeated this performance of “Hey Jude” by (duh) The Beatles.
Adam outdid himself on the song’s arrangement for his very different singers. I loved the way he used Lilli Passero. As the only woman in the group it could have been difficult to fit her in with the guys – especially on a song written for four men.
That wasn’t all that was noticeable though. Generally these coach-and-team performances always give each artist a standout moment, and this was no different. Even Marc Isiah, whose very commercial pop voice has been panned by many, really distinguished himself and startled naysayers.
“Hey Jude“ was also a wonderful song choice lyrically. The Voice used this time to announce the start of The Christina Grimmie Foundation. It’s certainly a way to “take a sad song and make it better.” This is part of the foundation’s mission statement.
The Christina Grimmie Foundation’s mission is twofold: to provide financial, emotional and encouragement support to individuals and families who suffer from the devastating effects of gun violence; and support for families facing breast cancer diagnosis.
This endeavor to honor Christina’s death is highly personal to her life. Christina had been very vocal advocate about breast cancer due to her mother’s multiple battles with the disease.
Photo: Hard Rock Cafe, Susan Goldman
As for the issue of gun violence, the way she died speaks for itself. The Voice tribute in her honor is a beautiful way to help her light to shine on. Her killer doesn’t get to snuff that out.
Next Up: Did the right person go home?
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