Sometimes it happens while watching the footage of their childhood or broken past.
Sometimes it happens when they sing during the Blind Auditions.
Sometimes it happens when they hug their friends and family after they’ve been chosen by one of the coaches.
But it always happens during the Battle Rounds when one of “The Voice” contestants is stolen.
The tears come. Flowing and free. Just like Shakira’s shiny blonde hair.
Why?
Well, as I caught up on the Battle Round episodes yesterday—and cried every single time a guy or girl was stolen by another coach—I asked myself the same thing.
And then, as I swiped the last tears from my cheeks, the answer was all too clear.
When a man or woman, boy or girl, makes it through the Blind Auditions on The Voice it’s because one of the four coaches saw something in them that qualified a chair turn (if you don’t know the premise of The Voice but enjoy music or competition, do yourself a favor and watch this show). It might be the timbre of the voice that prompts a coach to turn, or it may be the competitor’s control or range, or the power displayed therein, but when a coach turns around it’s always because they hear potential.
After the Blind Auditions, the show’s participants move into Battle Rounds where a coach pairs up two teammates to perform one song, after which one contestant will be chosen to remain on the team and one will be sent home.
Unless another coach steals. (cue the tears)
By this point in the show, viewers have seen a little more of each participant’s story and are now familiar with why they want to win the show (and a recording contract). Viewers have seen them struggle and fight to overcome obstacles, they’ve gotten to know their families and why they sing, and they’ve seen their drive and determination.
These participants are spending their lives in pursuit of their dream, some even putting their jobs and education on hold in order to compete on the show.
And then the Battle Rounds arrive and the people you’ve come to admire and respect for their passion and effort try their absolute best, humbly receiving and implementing critiques and guidance from their coach and advisor, and leave their heart on the stage.
But no matter how good they do, one of them will not remain on the team.
The coach agonizes over the decision of whom to choose and whom to send home and viewers can almost visibly see the heartbreak of both coach and participant.
The struggle is 100 percent real.
While one competitor experiences the elation of having been chosen and runs off the stage to hug their coach and family backstage, the remaining competitor is left on stage with Host Carson Daly and begins to give a heartfelt thank you to their coach for investing and believing in them, etc., etc.
Despite the devastating reality that their dreams are left unfulfilled, they try to hold back the tears (some unsuccessfully) and keep their head up as they walk down the stairs to exit the show forever.
BUT…
…with a flash of light, another coach pushes their button and steals the competitor.
When all hope seems lost, redemption comes.
That’s why I cry.
I cry for redemption.
I cry because although they weren’t as good as someone else, they were still chosen.
I cry for hope.
I cry for a second chance.
I cry because of the Gospel.
“Every good story is a version
of the One True story.
Danger
and
despair
and
all is lost
Suddenly changes into
hope
light
and restoration.”
-Tim Keller
Sophie Miller 