<p id=”par-1_33″>Few reality TV moments hit harder than a shocking elimination on <em><a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/tag/the-voice/”>The Voice</a></em>. Over the years, the singing competition has some delivered jaw-dropping upsets, sending fan-favorite contestants packing far earlier than expected. </p>
<p id=”par-2_35″>Whether due to controversial coach decisions, unexpected public votes, or last-minute saves that didn’t go their way, these eliminations left audiences in disbelief. Here are some of the most blindsiding exits in <em>The Voice</em>‘s history.</p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-thunderstorm-artis-season-18″>Thunderstorm Artis (Season 18)</h2>
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<p id=”par-3_36″>Thunderstorm Artis had the perfect blend of soulful vocals, artistry, and star power. As a frontrunner on John Legend’s team, he consistently wowed audiences with performances like his haunting rendition of “Blackbird” by The Beatles. </p>
<p id=”par-4_59″>However, during the Season 18 finale, Artis shockingly placed third behind Todd Tilghman and Toneisha Harris, despite widespread predictions he would win. Tilghman expressed shock over Artis’ elimination to <a href=”https://tvline.com/interviews/the-voice-todd-tilghman-winner-thunderstorm-artis-controversy-1199858/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>TV Line</a>, saying, “I can’t believe Thunderstorm didn’t win, either! He is a phenomenal artist and an even better person. As good as he seems? He’s even better than that.”</p>
<p id=”par-5_22″>Artis recently auditioned for Season 23 of <em>American Idol</em>, winning a Golden Ticket to Hollywood. He is currently a competitor this season.</p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-pia-renee-season-20″>Pia Renee (Season 20)</h2>
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<p id=”par-6_46″>Pia Renee, a standout vocalist on Team John Legend, had a run filled with powerhouse performances. Her rendition of “Need U Bad” by Jazmine Sullivan showcased her range and unique tone, earning high praise from <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/the-voice-coaches-lasted-two-seasons-or-less.html/?swcfpc=1″><em>The Voice</em> coaches</a> Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Legend, and Nick Jonas.</p>
<p id=”par-7_31″>Yet, during the semifinals, Renee was eliminated, much to fans’ dismay reported <a href=”https://www.goldderby.com/article/2021/the-voice-pia-renee-eliminated-john-legend/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Goldderby</a>. The outlet reported that 7% of viewers believed the entertainer was “robbed” of a spot in the finale.</p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-hunter-plake-season-12″>Hunter Plake (Season 12)</h2>
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<p id=”par-8_52″>Hunter Plake was not only one of the most unique contestants in <em>The Voice</em> history but also a fan favorite with an indie-pop sound rarely seen on the show. His hauntingly beautiful <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/the-voice-secrets-top-seven-songs-guarantee-chair-turns.html/?swcfpc=1″>covers of songs</a> like “Electric Feel” by MGMT and “Somebody Else” by The 1975 set him apart from other performers.</p>
<p id=”par-9_66″>Despite delivering some of the season’s most streamed performances, Plake shockingly fell short of the finale, finishing in fifth place per <a href=”https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/entertainment/music/2017/05/16/dramatic-end-plake-misses-finals-voice/101767316/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>The Daily Advertiser</a>. He thanked coach Gwen Stefani upon his exit, saying, “You’re just an incredible person to look up to in the <a href=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/the-voice-top-12-performers-music-earned-most-chair-turns.html/?swcfpc=1″>music industry</a> and as an artist, and as a person. I just loved sitting underneath you and learning. Thank you so much.”</p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-amanda-brown-season-3″>Amanda Brown (Season 3)</h2>
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<p id=”par-10_44″>Amanda Brown was one of the most versatile contestants in Season 3, seamlessly moving from classic rock (“Dream On” by Aerosmith) to R&B (“Someone Like You” by Adele). Her bold song choices and powerhouse vocals made her a favorite on Team Adam Levine. </p>
<p id=”par-11_63″>However, in a shocking twist, Brown was eliminated before the finale, despite delivering one of the most memorable runs of the season. <a href=”https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-voice-cuts-amanda-brown-melanie-martinez-70935/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Rolling Stone</a> reported, “Brown’s elimination seemed to catch many viewers by surprise, as shocked reactions had her still trending on Twitter a full 15 minutes after the fact.” Her elimination was so unexpected that even her fellow contestants were visibly stunned.</p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-janice-freeman-season-13″>Janice Freeman (Season 13)</h2>
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<p id=”par-12_34″>Janice Freeman was one of the most inspiring contestants to grace <em>The Voice</em> stage. With raw emotion and vocal prowess, she captivated audiences, particularly with her rendition of “The Story” by Brandi Carlile. </p>
<p id=”par-13_42″>However, her shocking elimination in the playoffs stunned fans and even moved her coach, Miley Cyrus, to tears. Many believed Freeman was a certain performer for the finale, making her exit one of the most blindsiding moments in <em>The Voice’s</em> history. </p>
<p id=”par-14_48″>In March 2019, Freeman died at the age of 33 from a blood clot. Cyrus appeared at her memorial (per <a href=”https://people.com/music/miley-cyrus-emotional-tribute-janice-freeman-memorial/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>People</a>), saying, “I’ll always be your sister, I’m here for you, and I’m here for your family, and Janice I’ll miss you more than I could ever say.”</p>
<h2 class=”wp-block-heading” id=”h-is-the-voice-too-unpredictable”>Is <em>The Voice</em> too unpredictable?</h2>
<figure class=”wp-block-image size-full” id=”emb-6″><img decoding=”async” src=”https://www.cheatsheet.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/carson-daly-kelsea-ballerini-john-legend-michael-buble-adam-levine.webp?strip=all&quality=80″ alt=”Carson Daly, Kelsea Ballerini, John Legend, Michael Buble, and Adam Levine during The Battles on ‘The Voice'” class=”wp-image-3787135″><figcaption class=”wp-element-caption”>Carson Daly, Kelsea Ballerini, John Legend, Michael Buble, and Adam Levine during The Battles on ‘The Voice’ | Trae Patton/NBC</figcaption></figure>
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<p id=”par-15_43″>These eliminations prove that <em>The Voice</em> is one of the most unpredictable reality competitions out there. Unlike shows like <em>American Idol</em>, where the public vote reigns supreme, <em>The Voice</em> combines coach decisions, instant saves, and fan voting—sometimes leading to heartbreakingly unfair results. </p>
<p id=”par-16_25″>While every contestant’s journey is different, one thing remains true. Shocking eliminations keep fans talking about and tuning into <em>The Voice</em> each and every season.</p>