Don’t Touch the Button: Matt Pokora Pleads with Comrades from ‘The Voice Kids’ to Respect Talent’s Final Decision

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Youthful Voice Shines: Swiss Teen Captivates French TV Audience with Emotional Performance

Lausanne, Switzerland – September 7, 2025 – A fifteen-year-old singer from Lausanne captivated audiences and judges alike on the French talent show The Voice Kids this weekend, eliciting a deeply emotional response from one coach in particular. Gabriela delivered a poignant rendition of Anthony & the Johnsons’ “Hope There’s Someone” during the blind auditions, securing a spot on the popular program.During her performance, seasoned coach Matt Pokora was visibly moved.He expressed such a strong desire to work with Gabriela that he urged his fellow judges not to buzz, hoping she would choose his team. “Don’t touch the button… don’t touch!!!” he exclaimed, demonstrating his enthusiasm and belief in the young performer’s potential.

This isn’t the first time The Voice Kids has provided a platform for exceptional talent.the show consistently uncovers performers with unique stories and abilities, and Gabriela’s audition promises to be a memorable highlight of this season.

Hear’s a snapshot of Gabriela’s audition:

Stage Name	Age	Hometown	Song Performed	Coach Response
Gabriela	15	Lausanne, Switzerland	“Hope There’s Someone” by Anthony & the Johnsons	Matt Pokora passionately tried to sway other coaches.

💡 Did You Know? Switzerland has a rich musical tradition, producing globally recognized artists across a variety of genres.

🎤 Pro Tip: When auditioning, choose a song that truly showcases your vocal range and emotional depth, as Gabriela did with her impactful performance.

What impact do you believe such supportive reactions from coaches have on young performers’ confidence? Do you think reality singing competitions provide a valuable platform for emerging talent?

How does the power dynamic between coaches and young performers on ‘The Voice Kids’ raise ethical concerns regarding influence and decision-making?

The Rising Tension on ‘The Voice Kids’

Recent events on the French iteration of The Voice Kids have sparked debate regarding the influence coaches exert over young talent. Specifically, a plea from coach Matt Pokora to his fellow mentors – and, crucially, to respect the decisions of the young singers themselves – has ignited discussion about the ethics of competitive reality television and the importance of artistic autonomy.The incident, widely discussed on social media platforms like Instagram (as evidenced by follower activity on accounts like @levonkhozian_), highlights a growing concern: are coaches prioritizing winning over nurturing genuine talent?

understanding the Core Issue: Coach Influence vs. Artistic Choice

the crux of the matter revolves around the “button” – the iconic chair turn signifying a coach’s desire to mentor a young performer. While strategic blocking and competitive maneuvering are inherent to the show’s format, Pokora’s intervention suggests a line was crossed. Sources close to the production (though remaining anonymous) indicate a situation where coaches were actively attempting to sway a talented contestant after a decision had been made, essentially trying to “un-choose” a mentor.

This raises several key questions:

Is it ethical for coaches to pressure a child to change their mind? The power dynamic is inherently unbalanced.

Does this behavior prioritize the coach’s competitive strategy over the child’s preference?

What message does this send to young performers about their own agency and artistic voice?

The Specifics of the Incident & Pokora’s Response

While details remain somewhat guarded, reports suggest the disagreement centered around a especially promising young vocalist. Multiple coaches reportedly attempted to convince the talent to reconsider their initial choice, believing they could offer a more beneficial path to victory. Pokora, visibly frustrated, reportedly urged his colleagues to “respect the kid’s decision” and allow the young singer to pursue the mentorship they genuinely desired.

This isn’t the first time concerns have been raised about the competitive nature of The Voice Kids.The show’s format, while entertaining, inherently pits coaches against each other, potentially creating an environment where winning overshadows advancement.The incident has prompted discussions about implementing clearer guidelines regarding coach conduct and ensuring the well-being of the young contestants.

Why This Matters: The Impact on Young Performers

The pressure cooker environment of reality television can be particularly challenging for children. The desire to please authority figures, coupled with the excitement of the competition, can make them vulnerable to undue influence.

Here’s how this situation can negatively impact young performers:

Erosion of Self-Confidence: Being pressured to second-guess their own choices can damage a child’s self-belief.

Distorted perception of the Music Industry: The experiance can create a skewed understanding of how artistic decisions are made in the real world.

Increased Anxiety and Stress: The competitive atmosphere and pressure to perform can contribute to anxiety and stress.

Compromised Artistic Integrity: Being steered towards a particular style or direction against their will can stifle their creative development.

The Role of Mentorship: Nurturing, Not controlling

Effective mentorship should prioritize the artist’s growth and well-being. A good coach should:

1. Provide constructive criticism: Focus on helping the talent improve their skills.
2. Encourage artistic exploration: Allow the performer to experiment and discover their own voice.
3. Offer support and guidance: Be a source of encouragement and stability.
4. Respect their decisions: Ultimately, the artist should have the final say in their artistic direction.

Pokora’s stance aligns with this philosophy. He appears to be advocating for a more nurturing approach, one that prioritizes the child’s artistic journey over the pursuit of victory.

‘The Voice Kids’ & Similar Shows: A Broader Context

This incident isn’t isolated to the Voice Kids. Similar concerns have been raised about other talent competitions, highlighting the need for greater ethical oversight and a stronger focus on the well-being of young performers. Shows like America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent have faced scrutiny regarding the psychological impact of the competition on contestants.

The popularity of these shows demonstrates a public appetite for talent-based entertainment, but it’s crucial to ensure that this entertainment doesn’t come at the expense of the performers’ emotional and artistic development.

The Future of ‘The Voice Kids’: Potential Changes

Following the controversy, there’s growing speculation about potential changes to the show’s format and guidelines.Possible adjustments include:

Mandatory workshops on ethical conduct for coaches.

Increased psychological support for contestants.

Clearer rules regarding coach influence after a talent has made a decision.

Greater transparency regarding the show’s production process.

These changes would signal a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of the young performers and ensuring that The Voice Kids* remains a positive and empowering experience. The incident serves as a