I’ve been watching NBC’s The Voice all season and was impressed with this year’s calibre of performers. There were coffeehouse crooners, singers from bar bands, and even Michael Jackson’s former back-up singer.
But one of the standouts this season was a teenager who loved country music but had never performed beyond Thanksgiving dinner for the family. She’d dreamed of having Blake Shelton as her coach. So Mom signed her up and here she is today, season four’s winner.
Already Danielle Bradbery’s got a record deal and a new car. Blake, and even Adam Levine, have called her “one of the most important voices” to country music in years.
Okay boys, calm down. She’s 16. True, she’s pretty, perky and practically pitch-perfect. And she sang every song with the same blank-eyed, smiley detachment, barely making eye contact with her own mother – ironically, while holding her hand and singing, “My Momma’s still my biggest fan.”
Bradbery has talent, no doubt. But is she ready to be a music star?
There have been obvious references to LeAnn Rimes who shot to stardom at 13. Sure, LeAnn did well for several years – before she grew up and started making her own musical choices, married her backup dancer, started a questionable acting career, had an affair and then married her co-star and became tabloid fodder. When was the last time she had a hit record?
Of course, Danielle’s parents are comforted by the fact they’ve met Shelton and he is going to keep a watchful eye on their little girl. No one should draw any comparisons to the way Rene Angelil met with 12-year-old Celine Dion’s parents before becoming her manager and romancing her seven years later.
But what about school? Bradbery’s going to become a role model for young people. Perhaps education would be a better symbol of success than a rockin’ wardrobe. Plus, Danielle’s youth and inexperience has given her the emotional depth of a puddle.
There’s a reason why reality shows such as So You Think You Can Dance require contestants be at least 18 years of age. Personally, I’d aim for 20. By then, kids have had some education, probably had a job or two and even possibly fallen in love. With some life experience and hopefully, thicker skin, they might be able to handle the criticism and cruel eye of the public.
Danielle once described herself as a Barbie doll. She’s not too far off. What little we’ve seen is almost too perfect, which is going to make her a prime target for the media. Shouldn’t she be allowed to grow up before she starts living in a very adult world?
