Yea. The coaches are also entertaining without it being at the expense of contestants. (Interesting the choice of words the show uses for the contestants too. "artists".) I think people find someone like Blake more appealing than someone like Simon. Although I did prefer it with Usher and Shakira. (Not that it isn't lovely to hear Christina sing a bit every week.)
Carson is pretty underrated too. I have a soft spot for him, as I grew up watching TRL, but he's got a good personality, works well with all of the coaches, and does a good job. Ryan Seacrest is awesome, but anyone they get to host the xFactor with is awful.
It also doesn't feel as manipulated. I'm sure they have their personal picks. (CoughDanielle&michelle&Cassadeecough) but beyond preferential performance slots, they really don't play favorites the way Idol does. I didn't realize this, but apparently The Voice does not profit off the winner. Winning the voice means you get a recording contract with a label (Universal branch, I believe), but beyond that, the winner is essentially a new artist.
That explains why The Voice contestants haven't had as good of luck as some idol contestants (besides the type of artist The Voice draws.). The show isn't investing in your career afterwords. (Although the coaches might). But it also explains why it feels like people have more of a fair shot.
Idol went sour a little for me after Haley. I really disliked the way she was treated. I've expressed that before.
(most of us have. And I think that's partially what makes Haley's fanbase so..protective..) Then with the subtle jabbing at Jessica..(The Jimmy slut shaming, JLO saying every performance she does sounds the same..when Jess was standing next to Phillip Phillips..) and Usher becoming a judge...I just switched over. And enjoyed it more.
