Who should win The Voice?

After a rocker, an opera singer, a soulful crooner, and a former Mousketeer vie for the top prize in NBC's talent competition, critics lay bets on their favorites

Many critics still consider Juliet Simms the frontrunner on "The Voice," though Chris Mann's strong finale performance may help him overtake her.
(Image credit: Lewis Jacobs/NBC)

This year's breakout reality TV star isn't a particular person, but rather the hit singing competition The Voice. NBC's American Idol rival has outdrawn its Fox counterpart in the ratings, and received rave reviews from critics. On Monday night, the show's four remaining contestants competed in the finals for a shot at a record contract and big cash prize, with the winner to be announced Tuesday, after Americans vote. One performer from each celebrity coach's team is left: Christina Aguilera's Chris Mann (a classically trained opera singer); Blake Shelton's Jermaine Paul (an R&B talent); Cee Lo Green's Juliet Simms (a passionate rocker); and Adam Levine's Tony Lucca (a former Mouseketeer). Who should be crowned The Voice?

Juliet Simms is the frontrunner: Simms has led the pack for weeks, and she's done "nothing to diminish her chances," says Michael Monday at New Jersey's Star-Ledger. Sure, her performance Monday of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" wasn't nearly as mesmerizing as past songs, but she more than made up for it with a rocking duet of "Born to Be Wild" with Cee Lo. And her solo performance of "Free Bird" was the most impressive vocal of the entire night. "Between her poise, her style, and the grit in her voice, it is going to be tough for anyone to beat her."

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