Chloe Kohanski
The recent grand finals of the 2017 season of “The Voice” was won by Chloe Kohanski—yet another jaunty feather in the cap of her often victorious mentor, Blake Shelton, who trounced cojurors Adam Levine, Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson.
“Our” best bet, Davon Fleming, was nowhere to be seen—except in a memorable duet—but we know that he will have a good and long stellar singing career, despite his “defeat.”
As for the other exceptional musical finds discovered this season, Chloe’s top rival turned out to be Addison Agen, despite the fact that she’s only 16 years old.
Yes, they’re getting younger and younger these days, so “older” singers had better speed up their stellar bids—or look for other ways to pay the bills!
‘Victoria’
Another exciting production we watched last month was the TV drama series, “Victoria,” on the life and times of England’s female monarch, who turned out to be more indomitable than most kings.
What made the period drama an especially informative and fascinating view was its focus on Jenna Coleman as a young queen.
She was only a teenager when she had to ascend to England’s tumultuous throne, so many older and craftier pals and lesser royals did their best and worst to manipulate and co-opt her.
But, they were firmly and feistily put in their place, because she turned out to be impervious to their blandishments and “control tactics.”
A key bone of contention that the production dramatized in great detail was the long standoff and national crisis that ensued when the high-placed and powerful manipulators tried to force Queen Victoria to approve a new prime minister of their choice.
Boy, did the royal sparks fly when they too aggressively provoked her in this wise—and her would-be persuaders and tormentors quickly and abjectly scurried away to escape her right regal wrath.
‘CNN Heroes’
A third TV treat that we savored with excitement and involvement last week was CNN’s special awards show for its 2017 batch of CNN Heroes.
Hosted by Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa, the awards show extolled 10 individuals whose singular daring and dedication are making a big difference in their respective localities and spheres of involvement.
Viewers were both amazed and chastened to learn that one of the “young wonder” heroes, Ryan Hickman, was only 8 years young! And yet, he has already made a lot of money for his chosen mission—to keep debris out of the ocean through his Ryan Recycling Company!
The point made was all too obvious and forceful: If a young boy can do so much good for others, adults should dare to do even more! Message movingly received—loud and clear.