Hanson's Kristen Merlin out of magic on 'The Voice'.

PositionLiving

Normally I wouldn't tamper with America's choices when it comes to "The Voice,'' but about 90 minutes before this week's voting ended at noon Tuesday, I downloaded two songs on iTunes: "Foolish Games'' and "Heaven.''

Downloading on iTunes counts in the voting process, so my ballots were cast for Kristen Merlin and Jake Worthington.

Not that it helped, as Hanson was eliminated on Tuesday night's results show.

Merlin had been strong, and it's no secret I've been a fan since her blind audition. Her version of Jewel's "Foolish Games'' Monday sealed the deal. Team Shakira seemed an odd choice for a country singer from Hanson, but it worked out well: She was the last one standing on that team, and benefited from one-on-one attention from the saucy Colombian singer.

A few weeks ago, with 12 contestants singing for their spots, Merlin's microphone quit. She was belting out an impressive rendition of the Sugarland hit "Stay'' and never stopped singing as she removed her earpiece only to realize no one could hear her. In the last seconds of the performance a technician raced onstage and handed her a new mic and she hit the last notes without missing a beat.

While it was probably a frightening moment for her, it only served to make the coaches and the audience love her more. Back home, everyone's behind her with the "Town Hall Ladies'' holding up a supportive sign and even the Water Department displaying her name on their sign.

After her two performances Monday, Shakira sang her praises.

"Her voice, if you hear it on the radio someday, you'll say, 'This is Kristen Merlin,' '' she said.

Merlin is ready for the radio, a tour and the intensity of the music business. So is Worthington -- so long as someone is looking out for his interests.

I'd be in the front row at a Worthington show. The Future Farmers of America member couldn't be any more honest and sweet, but kids like him can get eaten alive in the music industry. So let's hope his coach, Blake Shelton, remains a mentor.

Worthington talked about the support he's gotten from friends and fans back home in Texas.

"(They've been) cutting my face out and putting it on lollipop sticks,'' he said of the masks being made by fellow Texans.

Merlin faced off against Worthington, John Kaufma n from Team Usher, Christina Grimmie and Kat Perkins from Team Adam Levine in Tuesday's elimination. Merlin's journey on "The Voice'' may be ended, but without show-stopper Sisaundra Lewis, whose departure last week left...

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