Gwen Stefani walks off The Voice stage after forgetting lyrics
- During The Voice's Season 26 finale, Gwen Stefani forgot her lyrics and left the stage, creating a brief pause in the performance.
- After a moment of distress, Stefani regrouped and successfully completed the duet with Sydney Sterlace after two attempts.
- Viewers expressed disappointment with the show's performances and song choices, leading to criticism on social media.
In the United States, Gwen Stefani experienced a significant mishap during the Season 26 finale of The Voice, which aired live on December 10, 2024. In a deleted scene prior to the live part of the show, Stefani was seen leaving the stage in distress after forgetting her lyrics while performing a duet with her finalist, Sydney Sterlace. Close sources disclosed that although some segments were pre-recorded the day before, Stefani seemed visibly nervous and took a moment to gather herself before continuing the performance. Her outfit included a crystal-studded white and silver skirt and matching top, reflecting her usual glamorous style. Despite the pre-recorded nature of the performance, Stefani's nerves impacted her delivery, leading her to stop the show to reset the lighting and stage set-up. Those present noted that Stefani was quite on edge during the performance, whispering a prayer and pacing before the take. After her brief departure, she managed to rejoin Sterlace and they executed a successful duet in two attempts after the initial blunder. The show’s producers ultimately omitted the failed takes in the final edit, showcasing only the polished versions for the audience. However, the finale attracted mixed reviews from viewers. Many audience members expressed disappointment over the overall tone and song choices during that episode. Social media reactions echoed this sentiment, with fans commenting about the lack of vocal strength in the performances presented. Critics noted that the first part of the finale felt less engaging and highlighted a broader concern regarding the remaining contestants and their song selections. Ultimately, the impact of Stefani's misstep was compounded by the pre-existing viewer dissatisfaction with the finale's execution, fueling discussions on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter). This incident not only highlighted the pressures performers face in high-stakes environments but also reflected emerging criticism regarding this season's talent and production choices, leaving fans divided on their reception of the competition.