It’s been a minute since 2017. Back then, we weren't just doom-scrolling; we were actually watching network TV in massive numbers. If you look back at season 13 of The Voice, it feels like a bit of a time capsule. It was the year Jennifer Hudson finally brought her "JHud Productions" energy to the U.S. version of the chair, and honestly, the show hasn't quite captured that specific lightning in a bottle since.
Ratings were still hitting that 10 million viewer sweet spot. People cared.
The Jennifer Hudson Factor and the Coaches’ Dynamic
Let’s be real: the chemistry between coaches can make or break a season. By season 13 of The Voice, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton’s "frenemy" schtick was starting to feel a little rehearsed. Enter Jennifer Hudson. Fresh off her stint on The Voice UK, she brought a level of technical vocal critique that we hadn't really seen. She wasn't just there for the quips. She was throwing shoes. Literally.
If a performance was too good, a heel was flying toward the stage. It became her trademark.
Miley Cyrus also returned for her second season, and her coaching style was surprisingly technical. She wasn't just the "Malibu" singer; she was a vocal nerd. She spent hours on arrangements. Between Miley’s eclectic vibe and Jennifer’s powerhouse presence, the "boys' club" energy of Adam and Blake was finally balanced out. It felt competitive in a way that didn't feel scripted for the cameras.
That Epic Winner: Chloe Kohanski’s Rock Revival
When we talk about winners, most people forget them six months later. Not Chloe.
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Chloe Kohanski—now known as Chloe MK—wasn't even supposed to be on Blake’s team. She started with Miley, got stolen by Blake, and then proceeded to dominate the iTunes charts. That’s something that doesn't happen anymore because of how streaming has shifted, but in 2017, seeing a gravelly-voiced rock singer hit #1 on the charts with a cover of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" was huge.
She wasn't your typical "Voice" contestant. She didn't do the vocal gymnastics. She had this 1980s Stevie Nicks grit that felt authentic. It proved the show could still produce a "cool" artist, not just a wedding singer with a high range.
Why the Ratings Actually Held Up
Usually, by thirteen seasons in, a reality show is on life support. This season stayed steady. Why?
- The Talent Pool: You had Addison Agen, a 16-year-old with a voice that sounded like she’d lived a hundred lives. She was the runner-up and, for many, the emotional heart of the season.
- The Song Choices: This was a year where the show leaned less on tired Top 40 hits and more on "classic" singer-songwriter tracks. We heard Joni Mitchell. We heard Bonnie Raitt.
- The Format Tweaks: They hadn't yet introduced the "Block" or the "Comeback Stage" gimmicks that eventually cluttered the later years. It was still mostly about the singing.
Honestly, the simplicity worked. You had a clear narrative: the powerhouse diva (JHud) vs. the rock chick (Miley) vs. the vets.
The Brooke Simpson and Red Marlow Contrast
If you want to understand the demographic of season 13 of The Voice, you have to look at the finalists. You had Red Marlow, who was as "country" as it gets. He was Blake’s bread and butter. Then you had Brooke Simpson, a powerhouse vocalist from the Haliwa-Saponi tribe. Her rendition of "Amazing Grace" was arguably the vocal peak of the entire season.
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The show managed to appeal to the "Middle America" country fans and the younger, more diverse pop audience at the same time. It’s a needle that NBC has struggled to thread in more recent years as the audience has fractured.
Dissecting the Live Playoffs
The Live Playoffs in season 13 were brutal. They did this thing where they cut the field almost in half in a single week. It was high stakes.
- Blake Shelton's team was stacked with country talent, but Chloe was his "alt" wildcard.
- Adam Levine struggled this season. He didn't have a clear path to the finale, which was a rarity at the time.
- Jennifer Hudson’s "Team JHud" was arguably the most talented, but the public voting didn't always reflect the vocal prowess of singers like Davon Fleming.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Season
People often think Blake Shelton wins just because he’s Blake. While that’s partly true, season 13 was a masterclass in his strategy. He took a singer Miley Cyrus let go and convinced the country audience to vote for a rock star. That’s not just popularity; that’s smart coaching.
Also, there’s a misconception that the show didn't produce "stars." While Chloe Kohanski didn't become the next Kelly Clarkson (few do), she maintained a significant indie following and changed the "sound" of what was acceptable on the show. Before her, it was all about the "Big Note." After her, it was about "The Vibe."
Looking at the Data: The iTunes Dominance
Back in 2017, the "iTunes Multiplier" was still a thing. If a contestant got into the top 10 on the iTunes charts, their votes were multiplied.
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Chloe Kohanski hit that mark repeatedly.
Addison Agen hit that mark repeatedly.
This meant the fans weren't just passively watching; they were actually spending money to support these artists. In the current era of The Voice, that engagement has largely shifted to social media likes, which don't carry the same weight or financial "buy-in" from the audience.
The Impact of the Mentors
We can't talk about this season without mentioning the advisors. Kelly Clarkson was actually a "Key Advisor" this season before she ever sat in a red chair full-time. Seeing her mentor the kids was basically a screen test for her future role. You also had Billy Ray Cyrus helping Miley and Rascal Flatts helping Blake. It felt like a massive music industry event every week.
Actionable Takeaways for Superfans
If you’re a fan of the show or a singer looking to audition, season 13 of The Voice offers some pretty timeless lessons. First, the "Steal" is the most important moment of the show. Chloe Kohanski is the walking, talking proof that being eliminated by your first coach can be the best thing to ever happen to your career.
Second, song choice is everything. Addison Agen’s run with "A Case of You" proved that being vulnerable and quiet often beats being loud and flashy.
Finally, if you want to revisit the best of this era, go back and watch the "Knockout Rounds" from this year. They represent the peak of the show’s production value and talent scouting. The current seasons are fun, but season 13 was the last time the show felt like a genuine cultural powerhouse rather than just another reality competition.
For the best experience, track down the full performances of "Landslide" and "Call Me" from the playoffs; they illustrate the exact moment the momentum shifted toward the eventual winner.