Although Kelly Clarkson and John Legend, both judges on *The Voice*, are typically known for focusing on singing quality rather than politics, a recent incident involving the two sparked controversy. During contestant Gyth Rigdon’s performance of “God Bless the USA,” Clarkson and Legend faced backlash after they critiqued not only his vocal performance but also questioned the song’s appropriateness in the current political climate.
The judges found it challenging to critique Rigdon without appearing unpatriotic, given the patriotic nature of the song. Clarkson even acknowledged how tricky it was to judge a song of such significance, making light-hearted remarks about the difficulty. While they praised Rigdon for his emotional connection to the song, they were also honest about his vocal delivery.
However, many viewers felt that their critiques were overly harsh or unwarranted. This incident highlights the delicate balance judges must maintain between offering constructive feedback and respecting a performer’s song choice, especially when it carries deep emotional meaning. Ultimately, it underscores the diversity of perspectives within the audience and the inherently subjective nature of art.