The 2019 seasons of The Voice captivated millions of viewers worldwide, showcasing extraordinary vocal talent, fierce coaching battles, and unforgettable musical moments across various international franchises. While multiple editions aired throughout that year, the spotlight naturally gravitates toward the standout performers who defined the competition, captured the hearts of audiences, and launched promising post-show careers through their powerhouse performances and unique artistry.
Understanding the Phenomenon of The Voice 2019
The reality television landscape in 2019 was heavily influenced by singing competition shows, with The Voice holding a dominant position in primetime television. During this period, the format—built upon blind auditions, dramatic battle rounds, strategic knockouts, and intense public voting—continued to prove its effectiveness in unearthing raw, unfiltered talent.
For the artists stepping onto the stage in 2019, the competition represented more than just a trophy; it was a high-stakes platform for exposure. Coaches like Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Gwen Stefani brought star power and mentorship to the US editions, while parallel global franchises maintained equally rigorous standards. The artists who shone brightest during this year did not merely possess strong vocal cords; they demonstrated versatility, emotional depth, and a distinct artistic identity that resonated long after the microphones went dark.
Criteria for Selection: What Made a 2019 Standout Artist?
Evaluating artists from a massive pool of contestants requires looking beyond simple placement in the finale. While winning the competition is a significant achievement, many non-winners carved out equally impressive trajectories based on specific artistic criteria:
- Vocal Control and Tone: The ability to execute complex arrangements without losing emotional resonance or pitch accuracy.
- Genre Adaptability: Success across multiple musical styles, from classic rock and soul to modern pop and country.
- Stage Presence: The capacity to command a massive arena stage and connect intimately with home viewers through a television screen.
- Originality: Standing out in a sea of covers by infusing personal style and unique interpretation into established tracks.
- Audience Engagement: Generating viral moments, high streaming numbers, and sustained social media support during and after the broadcast.
The 10 Outstanding Artists of 2019
The following selection highlights ten remarkable performers who captured public attention and delivered career-defining vocal performances during the 2019 broadcast cycles.
1. Maelyn Jarmon
Winning Season 16 of the US edition under the guidance of Coach John Legend, Maelyn Jarmon captivated audiences from her very first blind audition with her hauntingly ethereal rendition of "Fields of Gold." As a partially deaf artist, Jarmon relied heavily on visual cues and pitch vibration, yet her technical precision and emotional delivery were unmatched. Her soaring high notes and delicate phrasing set a high standard for the entire season.
2. Jake Hoot
As the winner of Season 17, Jake Hoot represents the classic country powerhouse archetype that frequently succeeds on the franchise. Coached by Kelly Clarkson, Hoot brought a rich, resonant baritone and deeply authentic storytelling to the stage. His journey was marked by consistent growth, culminating in powerful performances of traditional country staples and original material that earned him a devoted fanbase.
3. Katie Kadan
A powerhouse soul singer from Chicago who competed in Season 17 under John Legend, Katie Kadan possessed one of the most distinctive and commanding voices in the show's history. With a raspy, blues-drenched tone reminiscent of classic rock and soul legends, Kadan delivered electrifying covers of artists like Aerosmith and Aretha Franklin. Her unapologetic stage presence and joyful energy made her an instant fan favorite.
4. Ricky Duran
Hailing from Massachusetts and mentored by Blake Shelton in Season 17, Ricky Duran blended classic rock sensibilities with Latin influences and modern pop appeal. Duran’s guitar prowess matched his smooth, gravelly vocal delivery, allowing him to command the stage with an effortless cool. His performances of songs like "Born Under a Bad Sign" showcased his ability to bridge generational divides in rock music.
5. Rose Short
Another standout talent from Season 17, Rose Short brought gospel-trained power and profound emotional vulnerability to Team Gwen. A former prison guard who pursued her musical dreams later in life, Short possessed a limitless vocal range and a staggering ability to build dynamic intensity throughout a song. Her renditions of anthems like "Both Sides Now" left both coaches and viewers spellbound.
6. Dexter Roberts
Competing in Season 16 on Blake Shelton’s team, Dexter Roberts brought authentic Southern country roots to the forefront. Having previously appeared on rival singing shows, Roberts used The Voice platform to refine his stage craft and showcase a warm, inviting vocal tone suited for modern country radio. His dependable performances and charming demeanor carried him deep into the live rounds.
7. Gyth Rigdon
Also representing Team Blake in Season 16, Gyth Rigdon finished as the runner-up with a polished, commercial country sound. Rigdon combined traditional storytelling with a contemporary pop-country aesthetic. His emotional tribute performance of "God Bless the USA" and his original single "Proof I Was Here" highlighted his commercial viability within the Nashville music scene.
8. Shawn Sounds
A high school choir director who stepped into the spotlight during Season 16 on Team Legend, Shawn Sounds delivered buttery-smooth R&B vocals and immaculate falsettos. Sounds excelled at taking contemporary pop hits and transforming them into soulful masterclasses. His technical control during high-pressure battle and knockout rounds demonstrated the poise of a seasoned professional.
9. Hello Sunday
Comprising Myla Finks and Caila Quinn, the teenage duo known as Hello Sunday competed in Season 17 on Kelly Clarkson's team. Despite their young age, the duo displayed astonishing vocal synchronization, dynamic harmonies, and stage maturity well beyond their years. Their ability to tackle high-tempo pop tracks while executing complex vocal runs made them a unique fixture of the season.
10. Will Breman
Mentored by John Legend in Season 17, Will Breman brought an eccentric, high-energy artistic flair to the competition. Diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, Breman used music as a vital outlet for self-expression, captivating audiences with his impassioned guitar playing and raw, soulful vocal deliveries of classic rock hits like "Say You Love Me."
Comparative Overview of 2019 Standout Artists
| Artist Name | Winning Season / Placement | Primary Genre | Coach | Defining Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maelyn Jarmon | Season 16 / Winner | Pop / Indie-Pop | John Legend | Ethereal tone and precise pitch control |
| Jake Hoot | Season 17 / Winner | Country | Kelly Clarkson | Rich baritone and authentic storytelling |
| Katie Kadan | Season 17 / 3rd Place | Soul / Blues | John Legend | Raspy, powerful blues-drenched delivery |
| Ricky Duran | Season 17 / Runner-Up | Rock / Blues-Rock | Blake Shelton | Guitar virtuosity and gravelly rock vocals |
| Rose Short | Season 17 / 4th Place | Soul / Gospel | Gwen Stefani | Limitless range and emotional depth |
| Gyth Rigdon | Season 16 / Runner-Up | Country | Blake Shelton | Commercial country appeal and stage presence |
Post-Show Trajectories and Impact on the Industry
The journey on The Voice stage is notoriously fast-paced, but the true measure of an artist's success lies in their ability to sustain momentum after the cameras stop rolling. For the class of 2019, the post-show phase involved navigating independent music distribution, regional touring, and adapting to shifting digital streaming landscapes.
Artists like Jake Hoot and Maelyn Jarmon successfully leveraged their victory titles to release independent EPs and singles that charted well on iTunes and Billboard indicators. Meanwhile, powerhouse vocalists such as Katie Kadan and Rose Short utilized their massive live-performance exposure to secure residency dates, festival slots, and collaborative projects within the soul and gospel communities. The 2019 cohort proved that even in an era of rapid digital saturation, traditional television platforms could still serve as effective launchpads for dedicated, hardworking musicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won The Voice in 2019?
Two different artists won the US editions of The Voice in 2019: Maelyn Jarmon won Season 16 in May 2019 under Coach John Legend, and Jake Hoot won Season 17 in December 2019 under Coach Kelly Clarkson.
Which coaches participated in the 2019 seasons?
The coaching panels for the 2019 seasons featured a rotating lineup of music industry superstars, including Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Gwen Stefani, and Adam Levine, who made his final appearance as a coach in Season 16.
How are contestants selected for The Voice?
Contestants progress through multiple rigorous stages, starting with untelevised producer auditions, followed by the famous blind auditions where coaches listen with their backs turned. Successful artists then move through battle rounds, knockout rounds, and live performance shows decided by public voting.
Do winners of The Voice receive a record deal?
Historically, winners of the US edition received a cash prize and a recording contract with Universal Music Group. However, many modern contestants opt for independent releases post-show to maintain greater creative control over their musical output and branding.
Final Recommendation
For music enthusiasts looking to rediscover the best vocal performances of the late 2010s, revisiting the official performance clips of Maelyn Jarmon, Katie Kadan, and Jake Hoot from the 2019 broadcasts offers a masterclass in modern vocal execution. Seek out their studio recordings and live knockout performances on official digital archives to appreciate the technical skill and emotional range that defined this standout year in reality television music.
