I was tweeting up a storm last night watching NBC’s new show The Voice. In the past I’ve not been a fan of many reality TV shows – they always seem to highlight personality traits that I feel like we should be working on banishing, not praising. The Voice is truly exceptional in concept and the hefty amount of inspiration it leverages. Here’s what I found so refreshing about the show:
Coaching, not judging
The 4 coaches, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, and Blake Shelton, are exactly that. They are there to impart their wisdom and experience to their chosen teammates. It’s mentoring at its best.
It’s not about looks
The coaches are choosing their teams solely based on vocal ability, not looks or stage performance. They are looking for raw, true talent and not pretty faces. Finally, we’re getting back to what matters most in music: the music.
The back stories are incredible
There is a real human element to these contestants. They are singing their hearts out and I love that their stories are given to us before we ever see them step out on stage. Some of them actually made me tear up, and with the context of their personal history, their music is that much more meaningful.
Humor
I loved watching the coaches duke it out for their team members of choice. And all the while they keep their senses of humor alive and well, which only bolstered their heartfelt comments. “Serious, but fun” lives up to the show’s promise to viewers.
Carson Daly
I love that he’s backstage with the contestants and their loved ones. He’s a gentleman, supportive to all (whether they get a coach of not), and collecting those beautiful histories of the contestants to share with us. He’s perfect.
Apple’s in on it
The opening number of Crazy done by the 4 coaches is not to be missed. Immediately I went to iTunes and saw that The Voice was the opening page of the iTunes store and that I could purchase all of the singles from the contestants, as well as see specialized play lists created by the coaches. Brilliant and a surprising delight.
American Idol, you’ve been trumped. This show is going to change the game in reality TV. Well done, NBC. Already looking forward to next week!
Published by Christa Avampato
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
I was tweeting up a storm last night watching NBC’s new show The Voice. In the past I’ve not been a fan of many reality TV shows – they always seem to highlight personality traits that I feel like we should be working on banishing, not praising. The Voice is truly exceptional in concept and the hefty amount of inspiration it leverages. Here’s what I found so refreshing about the show:
Christa,
It’s great to know that you are enjoying the show.
It is refreshing to be free of shallow contestants and even more superficial judges. It is unfortunate to judge people based on looks when we should be searching for talent.
I wonder how NBC came up with this idea. It seems like it would be fun to watch and the human angle can pull you in.
The human element is endearing because of the “blood, sweat and tears” involved in trying to make the grade. Contestants want to achieve their dream at a great personal cost. And some of them actually make it and that is great.
Keep on writing such posts and keep us updated about your activities and ideas. Your posts are memorable, interesting.
Cheerio.
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Hi Archan,
Refreshing is the perfect word for the show! I also love that age doesn’t matter either and that the coaches are the ones making the choices, avoiding the popularity contest.
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