'The Voice' Season 24: Viewers slam Gwen Stefani for picking 'difficult' Bread song as coaches strug

May 2024 · 6 minute read

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: Eli Ward and Jason Arcilla were paired by Gwen Stefani for the last leg of 'The Voice' Season 24 Battles due to their comparable "vibes" and styles. Fans on X, however, had differing opinions on the Bread song that Gwen selected for Eli and Jason to perform.

"Neither are belters," the music star explained.

Also Read: Why was Gwen Stefani amazed by Jacquie Roar? 'The Voice' Season 24 finalist sports 'perfect' white satin dress in finale

"You guys got one of the hardest songs," she remarked, adding, "It's building up."

Eli stated that the song reminded him of his girlfriend, who has always been supportive of him and his musical ambitions.

Gwen expected Eli to exude confidence and sing as if he could.

Also Read: 'The Voice' Season 24: Viewers slam NBC show for making 16-year-old Ruby Leigh steer away from yodeling for finale

"It's going to come down to who's ready," Gwen stated before the competition. She believed that both were prepared and that either could advance in the competition.

Jason began the battle by singing 'Make It With You', a 1970s classic. Before taking up the melody, Eli added some dulcet harmonies and accompaniment.

Also Read: 'The Voice' Season 24 Semi-Finals: Gwen Stefani mocked for losing all singers, fans criticize her talent judgment

The song emphasizes note sustainability and the ability to sing creatively with another singer.

Speaking on the song choice, one viewer on X wrote, "Ugh, Gwen, why a Bread song for these two? Can’t stand that song. Wish they’d have sung something else."

Another said, "Gwen stefani lovesssss making her team sing a bread song (which i love btw)."

Ugh, Gwen, why a Bread song for these two? Can’t stand that song. Wish they’d have sung something else. #thevoice

— louisa (@amandolinwind) November 1, 2023

 

gwen stefani lovesssss making her team sing a bread song (which i love btw) #TheVoice

— tamia 💛 (@officialtamiaa) November 1, 2023

 

One person noted, "Interesting song choice.. not sure it fit as a battle song. I actually preferred Jason’s voice on this song, it sounded like it fit him better."

Another said, "What's with the song selections for #TeamGwen They all seem REALLY difficult to sing for most of the pairing!"

One viewer complained, "What is up with the choices tonight. Jason was great but Eli is so much better."

Another disappointed fan added, "Again tonite, the judges decision based on this round, the battleround, baffles me...'he' outsang & performed his opponent tonite, and 'he's' going home? obviously Gwen had her mind made up b4 tonite...very disappointing night for me..."

What is up with the choices tonight. Jason was great but Eli is so much better 🙄

— Lori Shaffer (@lcshaffer13) November 1, 2023

 

again tonite, the judges decision based on this round, the battleround, baffles me...'he' outsang & performed his opponent tonite, and 'he's' going home? obviously Gwen had her mind made up b4 tonite...very disappointing night for me...

— KeithLuvs2Draw (@m4goodtimes) November 1, 2023

 

Eli Ward vs Jason Arcilla battle left 'The Voice' Season 24 coaches divided

The coaches spoke after a standing ovation from the spectators. "Y'all were so smooth with it," John Legend told the duo.

"Jason, I really love the gentleness of your tone... I think I would side just slightly with Eli," John stated.

Reba supported Eli.

"Eli, I love your fifties meets seventies kinda smoothness," Niall Horan said, adding, "There's a real smoothness to your voice."

After implying that it was difficult for Niall to choose, he stated that he will support Jason.

Who did Gwen Stefani pick for 'The Voice' Season 24 Knockouts?

"Eli your's just shocked me...you have a really warm chest voice," she murmured, adding, "I think I'll have to go with the person who is really more ready."

She chose Jason to advance in the competition.

Who is Jason Arcilla on 'The Voice' Season 24?

When Jason was 9 months old, his parents moved to the United States from the Philippines in search of a better life for their family.

Jason began making his own music when he was 14 and liked it, but he had to put it on hold as he and his high school sweetheart became parents to their daughter Oshynn when he was 17.

It was exceedingly tough for him to be a teen dad, and he battled to get his music off the ground. Jason gained full custody of Oshynn when she was five years old and moved him home with his parents.

Jason's mother assisted him in raising Oshynn as he worked up to three jobs at once. After landing a stable job at a friend's new pub, Jason began to develop contacts.

He now works incessantly and supports his daughter solely on his musician's salary. With his band, Jason Arcilla & the Rhythm Sons, he performs at resorts, private gatherings, brunches, weddings, and other venues.

Jason's family was affected by the flames in Hawaii, but he feels he is on the show for a purpose.

Who is Eli Ward on 'The Voice' Season 24?

Eli's interest in music began when his mother enrolled him in piano lessons at the age of five. Later, he trained himself to play the drums and guitar, and he began creating songs.

Eli had to learn to balance his multiple abilities in high school. He'd play jazz band before school, track after school, and then drumline after that, all while keeping excellent enough marks to be in the National Honor Society.

Eli is a cross-country track and field athlete representing the University of Iowa. When Eli runs, he breathes to the beat of the music he's listening to, and his runs may last up to 16 kilometers.

Eli, now a senior in college, has made the difficult choice to leave the squad in order to focus on music. He's in a band, and they occasionally play country covers.

Eli, on the other hand, wishes to concentrate on performing his own work, which is more singer-songwriter/pop.

'The Voice' Season 24 airs on Mondays at 8 pm and Tuesdays at 9 pm ET on NBC.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

More from MEAWW

'The Voice' Season 24: Gwen Stefani threatens to walk off stage if Kara Tenae is sent back home

'She isn't singing live': 'The Voice' Season 24 coach Gwen Stefani accused of 'lip syncing' her single ahead of Top 9 reveal

ncG1vNJzZmillZbEuHrCqKRorJiaere7yJycZquVlsCwuoxra2aumZrEpr7SZqqlmZ1itLixzWaqrZ2WlruqecWoqWaomZi4qrrGZpuinpaesLa402aZq52RmXq0u82gZJqrXZi8oq%2FHnqpmq6Snwqizy55kraddpbakt4ybnK2vlZq7brHLomSwmaKZeqK6w2ahmqufo3qivsKio6WZ