The Voice: Boy George turns on controversial contestant

ONE second Boy George was pleading with a Voice contestant to pick him as his coach. Minutes later, he turned on him.

CHANNEL Nine built him up as the most controversial Voice contestant in Australian history, and they weren’t wrong.

In last night’s episode, Sam Perry performed Prince’s 1984 hit When Doves Cry and all four coaches quickly turned their chairs.

But Sam isn’t a typical singer. He’s a vocal loop artist who uses a loop station, effect pedal and microphone to create layers of vocal harmonies and basslines while singing over the top.

The 28-year-old Western Australian’s audition blew away the coaches with Delta Goodrem saying it was “by far the coolest thing we have ever had on the show”.

Sam Perry is the show's most controversial contestant. Picture: Instagram

As the coaches all pleaded with Sam to pick them as his coach, Boy George all but said he was a certainty to win the $100,000 grand prize.

“I think whoever you pick will be winner,” Boy George told Sam. “I think you could win this, it’s so interesting.”

Sam went on to pick Kelly Rowland as his coach and it didn’t take long for Boy George to change his opinion on the performer.

“This is called The Voice, it’s not called The Technology,” Boy George said to camera.

“This is about singing. It [Sam’s audition] connected with us because we’re musicians but not necessarily with the audience. You don’t break hearts with machines.”

Sam’s audition proved to be a hot topic on social media with viewers divided over whether it’s fair to let an artist who relies so heavily on technology to advance in the competition.

Sam Perry is NOT a singer. That is NOT singing. He shouldn’t have been permitted entry. He’s a DJ NOT a singer and I don’t like his personality either. He is NOT a singer. This is ridiculous. #thevoiceau

— Libby Shaw (@lizsydneycomms) April 22, 2018

Sam was great at what he does, maybe electronically “outside” the rules, can’t see how he performs in future rounds...

— Peter🏊🏼‍♂️ (@_imorph3us) April 22, 2018

I know, everyone is entitled to their own opinion...but does anyone agree? 😔 pic.twitter.com/2dpoHDDgh7

— sarah jane ☾ (@sarah__jane__) April 22, 2018

strip him of all the equipment and see if he can sing... isn't that the point of this show?

— SiL3NCE (@SiL3NCEgaming) April 22, 2018

Confusing. How does he compete come time for the battle rounds?
Im not saying he was rubbish. I just dont see where to go from that performance

— James Halliday (@JHalliday84) April 22, 2018

Sam Perry appeared on the Today show this morning and was asked how he felt about Boy George turning on him in last night’s episode.

“I think he was a little salty because I didn’t go on his team,” Sam told the Channel Nine breakfast co-hosts.

“I think he was the first to turn his chair, but I think if I chose him, would he have said anything bad? Probably not.”

The Voice continues on Channel Nine tonight at 7.30pm.