'The Voice' Fans Cry Foul After Top 4 Contestants Voted For By America Are White, POC Singers Battle For 5th Spot

Viewers were on the edge of their seats earlier this week during the NBC singing competition show’s two-part semifinal, during which the last performers sung their hearts out in hope of advancing to the final round.

Three of coach Blake Shelton’s contestants — Bryce Leatherwood, bodie and Brayden Lape — and Morgan Myles, who’s on team Camila Cabello, were safe from elimination, thanks to the viewers, USA Today reports. That left John Legend’s three singers — Kim Cruse, Parijita Bastola and Omar Jose Cardona — and Gwen Stefani‘s contestant, Justin Aaron, in the bottom four.

Cardona made his way to the finals after performing Lady Gaga’s 2011 hit “You and I,” becoming the sole person of color in the top 5, Decider reports.

People were outraged to learn the top four performers who received the most votes are white, leaving all of the participants of color at the bottom. Some believed the votes tallied did not match the contestants’ talent and that the votes were motivated by racism, not star power.

“The demographic who watches The Voice is definitely racist and favors the young, white, country male singers. They’re not even the most talented. Let a POC get the spotlight they deserve,” one viewer tweeted.

The demographic who watches The Voice is definitely racist and favors the young, white, country male singers. They’re not even the most talented. Let a POC get the spotlight they deserve. #TheVoice

— Casey gray (@caseygray2008) December 7, 2022

One fan even suggested The Voice‘s casting process adheres to the paper bag test.

“#TheVoice fans casting their votes every week,” they shared.  

#TheVoice fans casting their votes every week pic.twitter.com/IOR3XfM0ry

— Sean (@RealitySean1) December 7, 2022