'The Voice' is tops

While “American Idol” falters along like a dinosaur on the verge of extinction, “The Voice” thrives. And with good reason – “The Voice” trumps “Idol” in all aspects: caliber of talent, entertainment value and sheer freshness.

A former “Idol” fan, I stopped watching after Simon Cowell departed and the panel was “updated” with Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. I'm still trying to determine whether Tyler lost a bet or if he made a deal with the devil went awry (as such deals generally do, exemplified in numerous episodes of “The Twilight Zone”). Those are the only two scenarios that I can conjure up that explain why a rock legend would tarnish his legacy and judge a talent show for would-be pop stars.

After missing its first season last year, I got hooked on “The Voice” this time around in the midst of the midwinter lull in entertainment. After the battle rounds began, Monday night quickly became the evening of television I looked forward to most.

What I enjoy about it most is that the show's methods help to weed out the weakest links much more efficiently than “Idol,” which then results in more talented finalists. It's really beneficial to take America's vote out of the equation – that's how duds like Justin Guarini make it to the final sing-off with Kelly Clarkson.

The judging panel on “The Voice” is also superior. I'll take Cee Lo Green over a member of the “Idol” trio any day – a hugely successful and talented performer, songwriter and producer at the top of his career, the man clearly knows what he is talking about. While I was ready to bang my head against the wall when Christina Aguilera gave the axe to the strongest member of her team, she can always be counted on for entertainment. Is she wearing a bedazzled disco frisbee on her head? Did she come back from the commercial break three shades more orange than she started (another dip into the self-tanner, perhaps)? Is she holding a grudge against the contestant she once sang with on “The Mickey Mouse Club?” I can't wait to see what she does on the next episode.

However, what I really can't wait for is tonight's episode now that we are down to the two strongest members from each team. Who will make it to the final four?

I read that “Idol” is also down to the finals, with only five singers remaining. Who will win? I couldn't care less.