The auditions are finally over, and the live rounds are underway on “The Voice” and “X Factor.”
But the contestants aren’t the only ones facing off for first place. The two shows are also in a heated battle for fans, and “The Voice” is proving victorious.
“The Voice” has a consistent coach’s panel throughout its three-year run, consisting of country singer Blake Shelton, pop star Christina Aguilera, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine and the soulful Cee Lo Green.
More important, “The Voice” has done a “two thumbs up” job keeping the competition fresh by adding new elements like this year’s “steal button” and the introduction of the “knockout rounds.”
On the other hand, or in this case, on the other channel, “X Factor” has had quite a rough start to its sophomore season.
Britney Spears and Demi Lovato joined the judges’ table alongside returning mentors Simon Cowell and record executive L.A. Reid, while Khloe Kardashian and Mario Lopez signed on as the show’s new co-hosts.
The newcomers were expected to bring a huge fan base to the show, but the ratings seem to contradict this expectation.
“X Factor” maintained an average 8.5 million viewers an episode, while “The Voice” averages more than 12 million viewers an episode.
Fans of the Fox show blame the network for the poor ratings.
Viewers were outraged when Fox cancelled a week’s worth of episodes without warning to air the MLB World Series. And the numbers reveal the show lost a few million viewers because of the delay.
However, these numbers may change now that “The Voice” coach Cee Lo Green faces date rape allegations. Rumors spread he may step down from his spinning chair.
Whether Green decides to stay or leave midseason, he and Aguilera announced they will take a one-season break next year to promote their upcoming albums. Hit-makers Usher and Shakira will temporarily replace them.
“The Voice” airs on NBC Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m., and “X Factor” airs on Fox Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m.
