Highs and Lows of Gwen Stefani on ‘The Voice’ + What To Expect in Season 17
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After Adam Levine’s sudden departure, Gwen Stefani is returning to The Voice for season 17! But based on her track record, we already have some idea what to expect from her as a coach.
Let’s take a look at her time on The Voice already and speculate what’s ahead for the pop star!
HIGH: Taking Jeffery Austin to The Finale
Gwen Stefani’s most successful contestant ever was season 9’s Jeffery Austin. A one-chair turner, Gwen took him all the way to the Finale where he finished in 4th place. Jeffery made it to the top 10 on iTunes four times throughout the season and impressed the coaches and audience with his performances week after week. Now, he hosts “The Day After” podcast with Lyndsey Parker, a recap show of The Voice and American Idol.
LOW: Only One Finalist in 3 Seasons
Though Jeffery Austin made it to the Finale, Gwen has never had another finalist on her team. In three seasons, she was only able to take one singer all the way to the end. And even then, he finished in 4th place. Gwen has had some early front-runners too like Viktor Kiraly, Ellie Lawrence, Brennley Brown, Hunter Plake, and JChosen. The farthest any of them made it was to the Semifinals.
HIGH: Instant Save Record
No one has quite the track record that Team Gwen does when it comes to the Instant Save! Of course, contestants have to be in the bottom to even be part of it, but their chances are better on Gwen’s team than any other. In season 9, every single Instant Save was won by Gwen. Korin Bukowski twice, then Braiden Sunshine, then Jeffery Austin. She also had Ryan Sill on her team in season 7, who won two Instant Saves. No one else had accomplished that feat before!
LOW: Number of 4-Chair Turns
In Gwen’s first season, season 7, she only had one four-chair turn, Anita Antoinette. Similarly in season 9, she only had one as well, Lyndsey Elm. And Lyndsey was eliminated in the Battle Rounds! Finally, during season 12, Gwen upped her game and got two four-chair turners, JChosen and Troy Ramey. But all that being said, four total in three seasons is…not the best record.
HIGH: Her Performances on The Voice Stage
One of the reasons I’m most excited to have Gwen Stefani back on The Voice is her performances! Not only has she sung solo multiple times, but she has performed with the other coaches, her team, and with Jeffery Austin in the Finale. Gwen brings a fun, dynamic energy to the stage that is unique to the other coaches. Let’s hope this means we’ll be hearing new music from her on The Voice stage!
LOW: Letting Go of Craig Wayne Boyd
One of Gwen’s most regrettable decisions was letting Craig Wayne Boyd go in the Knockouts of season 7. Though he was up against fan favorite Anita Antoinette, Craig had a lot of potential. And he went on to win the whole show! It’s hard to say whether that would’ve happened if he remained on Team Gwen, but either way she got rid of the season’s winner.
HIGH: Her Chemistry/Relationship With Blake Shelton
One big high in Gwen Stefani’s career on The Voice has been her relationship with fellow coach Blake Shelton. We’ve seen it evolve from just co-workers and frenemies to being girlfriend and boyfriend! Since then, their chemistry has been an amazing part of the show. With Adam gone now too, we’ll need someone to go head-to-head with Blake! Gwen fills that void perfectly.
And there will be plenty more Shefani moments to come! But will we see another Team Gwen finalist? History would say no, but we’ll find out in the fall! The Voice starts again this September on NBC with coaches Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend.
