‘The Voice’ grand finale recap

After dedicating more hours than I’d care to admit to season three of “The Voice,” Tuesday night’s overlong, predictable conclusion didn’t feel exactly gratifying. Even Christina Aguilera’s attire was bereft of the eccentricity that I so adore. As Aguilera bids us adieu for a season-long leave of absence, I was hoping for a wacky wig, an enormous headpiece and, of course, her usual flagrant disregard for any and all forms of pants. In comparison to the season two finale’s sequined diaper, I found her garb quite tame: a black sweater festooned with white feather epaulets and shimmering strands of beads and brooches, paired with what appeared to be black leather hot pants and black knee socks, topped off with a bobbed blonde hairpiece.

At least Cee Lo, who is also departing for season four, left us with an ensemble to remember him by. I could best describe it as evocative of Bowser from Super Mario Brothers, in festive winter white. Only he could make a football player’s protective shoulder pads look fashion-forward, adorning them with chains and tall spikes, complete with his signature shades. What are we going to do without Cee Lo and Xtina?

I don’t think that I need to tell you that Cassadee Pope was named the winner. Scottish rocker Terry McDermott came in second place, leaving Minnesota soul singer Nicholas David in third. “The Voice” essentially called in every singer in the history of recording music to join the contestants onstage throughout the night – among them were Smokey Robinson, Bruno Mars, Peter Frampton, Kelly Clarkson, Rihanna and the Killers. Singers from the top 12 and beyond came back for group performances (some more successful than others); it looks like Dez Duron and Cody Belew have already taken my suggestion to strike while the iron was hot and form a boy band. I was happy to see Amanda Brown and Melanie Martinez again. Side note: I spotted a girl at a Buffalo bar with half-blonde, half-brown Melanie Martinez hair. If nothing else, her coif has become influential.

One of the highlights of the evening was seeing Avril Lavigne join Cassadee Pope onstage for a duet of “I’m With You,” the culmination of Pope’s season-long “Single White Female”-ing of the punk/pop princess. I’ve gotta hand it to our season three champion – she sounded better than Lavigne.

Now, the true challenge begins: starting a post-“Voice” career. Past winners and many finalists have floundered. Season one winner Javier Colon parted ways with the record label he was signed to after the show due to lack of support for his album. Jermaine Paul, victor of season two, has yet to release his album, aptly titled “Finally.” It’s too soon to tell how some of the others will fare. Here’s one success story: Chris Mann, the operatic member of season two’s final four, performed for the president, singing Christmas carols with First Lady Michelle Obama, as well as at “Christmas in Rockefeller Center.”

What does the future hold for Pope? How about some of the best singers in the top 12, including (but not limited to) Trevin Hunte, Amanda Brown and Terry McDermott? Did the Muppets’ invitation to the finale get lost in the mail? Is it even possible for Shakira and Usher to be remotely as entertaining as the coaches they’re temporarily replacing?

The saga continues: season four of “The Voice” premieres March 25, 2013.