The Voice Finalists Talk Paying Tribute To Newtown Victims

“The Voice” paid tribute to the victims of Newtown, Conn., on Monday night’s show, opening with a beautiful rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” and finalists Terry McDermott, Cassadee Pope and Nicholas David spoke to Access Hollywood after the show about the touching performance.

Terry said he was brought to tears during the performance, which also featured previously eliminated contestants, as well as coaches Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera.

“It was very emotional. I was crying. In fact, I don’t think I could get through one chorus without crying. And everybody was the same. It’s such a, it’s so hard to comprehend a tragedy of that scale and especially, with the majority of the victims being young as they are. I’m a father of a 6-year-old and it’s so hard to even comprehend that somebody could commit such an atrocity,” he told Access of the pre-taped performance.

“And for us to show, even in this smallest way… that our thoughts are with them and that we do care and that we send out love and support and bring people together on the subject, I think is a wonderful thing,” he added.

Like Terry, Cassadee’s emotions were also running high.

“It was difficult. At rehearsals, I was a wreck… and I felt like it was our duty to be rocks for those families. To stand up there, be strong, and help them through this tough time,” she said. “So I tried really hard to stay strong for them.”

Nicholas echoed his fellow finalist’s sentiments.

“It was extremely hard… whenever I closed my eyes sometimes I’ll see my sons’ faces and to think that’s someone’s kid. It is freaking crazy and it doesn’t make any sense. I think it’s really ugly, but I don’t want to give that energy, what I want to give is energy the bravery of the teachers.

“It was very hard, but I took that, wrestling with that pain and wrestling with that I can see my kids and thinking that those people are not going to be able to see their kids, but only in memory. And my heart go out to them for healing. And healing in their own time when their hearts are ready, when they’re lives are ready,” he continued. “And just to remember… our life it’s a gift. It really is a gift and we need to respect that gift.”

On Tuesday night, “The Voice” will crown its Season 3 winner.

— Jesse Spero

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