The Dutch singing competition The Voice of Holland, currently airing as The Winner Takes It All on SBS6, is generating controversy after a recent elimination decision sparked outrage among viewers. The show, a format created by John de Mol Jr. And Roel van Velzen, has seen a resurgence in following a hiatus caused by sexual misconduct allegations against crew members in .
The latest uproar centers around the elimination of contestant Sezina, despite receiving high praise from the judging panel. According to reports, Sezina performed a rendition of “I’ll Be There” that prompted one fan on X (formerly Twitter) to declare she was “better than Mariah Carey.” Another viewer simply stated, “What a voice!”
The judges – Rolf Sanchez, Roxeanne Hazes and Waylon – were demonstrably impressed. Sanchez described the performance as “not normal,” while Hazes and Sanchez both awarded Sezina a score of 9.5 out of 10. Waylon, who also serves as the judging panel’s chairman, went even further, giving Sezina a 9.5 and praising both her and fellow contestant Dany van Velthoven, stating, “It is unbelievable that you don’t have a fantastic career.”
Despite the positive feedback, Waylon ultimately awarded Dany van Velthoven a perfect score of 10 for his performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” leading to Sezina’s elimination. This decision ignited a firestorm of criticism online. Viewers expressed disbelief and accused the jury of making a “bizarre” and “shameful” choice, with one commenter lamenting, “Again the best one is out.”
However, not all viewers disagreed with the outcome. Some acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, describing the battle between Sezina and Dany as “the best of the program.” One viewer conceded that both contestants were strong, even while expressing a preference for Sezina to continue.
The controversy highlights the inherent subjectivity in singing competitions and the challenges faced by judges when evaluating talent. The show’s format, which relies on blind auditions and subsequent judge evaluations, is designed to prioritize vocal ability. However, factors such as performance style, stage presence, and even personal connection can influence judges’ decisions, leading to outcomes that may not align with public opinion.
The Voice of Holland, known internationally as The Voice franchise, has been a significant cultural phenomenon since its inception in . The show’s premise – focusing solely on vocal talent without visual cues during the initial audition rounds – was a departure from traditional talent shows and quickly gained popularity. The Dutch version, broadcast on RTL 4, has spawned numerous international adaptations and launched the careers of several successful artists.
The show’s recent return to SBS6 follows a period of significant turmoil. The aforementioned allegations of sexual misconduct led to the premature conclusion of the twelfth season in and a subsequent hiatus. The current thirteenth season represents an attempt to rebuild trust and restore the show’s reputation. The current presenting lineup includes Chantal Janzen, who replaced Wendy van Dijk in , and Edson da Graça, who joined the show for this season. Martijn Krabbé, a long-time host of the show, returns in a voice-only capacity.
The incident with Sezina’s elimination underscores the delicate balance between artistic judgment, public perception, and the pressures of reality television. While the judges are tasked with identifying and nurturing talent, their decisions are inevitably subject to scrutiny and debate. The show’s continued success will likely depend on its ability to navigate these challenges and maintain a fair and transparent competition.
Dani van Velthoven, the contestant who prevailed in this particular battle, recently announced his engagement, adding another layer of personal narrative to the unfolding drama. The show continues to air on SBS6 every Saturday at 8:00 PM.