Now that “The Voice’s” live shows are approaching, Michael Bublé had to select two contestants to advance to the top eight. Unfortunately, his choices sparked backlash among netizens, who believed another contestant deserved a spot more than anyone else.
Part of a recent episode of “The Voice” was shared by the singing competition on Instagram. In the clip, Michael Bublé faced the tough decision of eliminating three out of five team members from progressing to the live shows.
After emotionally stating that all his team members deserved a chance, Bublé selected Sofronio Vasquez and Shye Roberts. The remaining contestants, Sloane Simon, Jaukeem Fortson, and Cameron Wright, congratulated those who made it into the top eight, but not everyone agreed with the musician’s elimination picks.
Even Fortson, one of the eliminated contestants, expressed his disappointment in the comments of “The Voice”‘s Instagram post. He wrote, “THANK YALL SO MUCH!! It is very sad I didn’t make it to lives, BUT I am forever grateful to have been on a platform like this one.[sic]”
Jaukeem Fortson on “The Voice” on November 26, 2024 | Source: Instagram/michaelbuble/nbcthevoice/carlypearce
Fortson’s fans quickly rallied behind him. One emotional commenter wrote, “You deserved to make it to the lives they just made a terrible mistake by not picking you. 😭.” Another supporter shared, “IM SO SAD!!! You were the most talented, interesting, & best singer on this show.[sic]”
The fan continued, “[You were] the only reason I watched!!! Idk what these judges don’t see?! I’m so confused… maybe there’s another reason I’m unaware of LOL bc I am literally so sad that you are gone. I’m truly so upset!!!!!!!!! BUTTTTT i know it’s not the end of the road for you. Keep shining that light and god given gift you have kid🤍 [sic].”
Another fan lamented, “Jaukeem’s version of ‘Man in the Mirror’ could be released tonight and be a number one Hit! He is One in A Million 🙌💯 very upsetting that you took his chance away.” Expressing disbelief, someone else added, “Whaaaattt? Not Jaukeem? 😮.[sic]”
Agreeing, another fan commented, “[I am] very disappointed he wasn’t chosen!!!!” One supporter remarked, “Hakeem was the reason I watched…won’t be watching now that’s he'[s] gone 🥲. [sic]”
Jaukeem Fortson on “The Voice” “The Playoffs Part 3” season 26 on September 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
On “The Voice”‘s Instagram post featuring Fortson’s performance of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror,” another fan expressed frustration, stating, “[Fortson] should’ve won the whole show with just this song.”
Someone else wrote, “Very very disappointed he didn’t go through!!! 😡,” while another user called it the “Best performance yet on this season !!! 😍🔥👏❤️.” Despite the backlash Bublé didn’t make his hard decision alone; he had help and guidance from his friend Carly Pearce.
Pearce served as the Playoff Advisor for Bublé’s team. Bublé also shared an Instagram photo of himself sitting next to Pearce on “The Voice” set. He captioned the post, “Excited to have my friend @CarlyPearce join me on ‘The Voice’ tonight!”
The musician added, “Fun fact – this was when we had the great idea to record our Christmas song together. Check out the episode and the new song #MaybeThisChristmas!” In a clip from the show, Pearce was seen meeting Bublé’s team and offering advice and encouragement.
The singer wasn’t the only one encouraging the team, Fortson was actively supportive of his teammates before his elimination. For instance, on November 19, 2024, he celebrated being part of Bublé’s top five and pushed for the viewership of his team, writing, “I’m so excited! Please watch my talented friends tonight!!!!🎤”
After his elimination, he confirmed his departure from “The Voice” on Instagram. Fortson shared, “I’ve learned so much and met some amazing people who share the same love for music that I do.”
Jaukeem Fortson on “The Voice”‘s “The Playoffs Part 3” season 26 on September 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
He revealed that being part of the competition was a major accomplishment and that he was excited for the next chapter of his journey. Fortson encouraged his fans, saying, “When one door closes, another one opens!”
Thanking them for their support, he expressed excitement for what lies ahead. Fortson concluded his post by revealing that he is okay and asked fans to share “Positive comments [and] nothing sad 🙃.”
Jaukeem Fortson on “The Voice” “The Knockouts Premiere” season 26 on September 9, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
During his playoff performance of “Man in the Mirror,” Fortson received enthusiastic praise from the judges. Despite being only 14, he impressed both the audience and the panel with his vocal abilities.
Vasquez performed Roy Orbison’s “Crying” for the playoffs, and Bublé was so moved by the rendition that he got up for a standing ovation.
Wright took on Whitney Houston’s “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” with backup singers, prompting Michael Bublé to proudly dance along. Roberts secured a spot in the live show with her performance of One Direction’s “Story of My Life.”
On the other hand, Simon chose a modern piece, singing “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan. Her performance also earned a standing ovation from the judges but unfortunately didn’t secure her a place in the next round.
