Minnesota performers on 'The Voice': Where are they now?

"The Voice" is more than a month away from crowning its Season 11 champ, but there's already one clear-cut winner: NBC.

After five years on the air, shows can go flat, especially ones that rely on swiveling chairs and haven't introduced the world to a genuine superstar. But while the NBC vocal competition has taken a hit in the ratings — averaging 11.75 million viewers on Mondays and Tuesdays as opposed to 15 million-plus four years ago — it remains TV's most popular reality contest, with enough cachet that the network has renewed the show through the end of 2017.

The show's success hasn't automatically benefited the contestants or judges, though.

Sales for Maroon 5's 2015 single "Sugar" were certainly sweetened by lead singer Adam Levine's status as a judge, while his on-air sparring partner, Blake Shelton, went from a potential host for an updated "Hee Haw" to an arena-tour staple, breaking records on the country charts and nearly selling out St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center for two nights last month. The show also wound up serving as matchmaker for him and fellow judge Gwen Stefani.

But while his new squeeze has gotten exposure from "The Voice," it hasn't had a significant impact on Stefani's career. The same could be said for Shakira, CeeLo Green or Christina Aguilera, who was the biggest name in the show's inaugural season — and then saw her 2012 album, "Lotus," tank.

The payoff for contestants has been even more questionable. Among the 10 winners so far, Cassadee Pope and Danielle Bradbery have had the most success, with moderate showings on the country charts, but nowhere near the fame that former "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood enjoys. Judith Hill has the biggest name recognition of previous contestants, but is best known as the singer befriended by Prince.

Minnesotans haven't had much of a chance to prove they can buck the trend. Among the hundreds who have competed on the air, only six call the Twin Cities home — not a huge surprise as "Voice," like "Idol," tends to prefer entertainers with a Southern twang. Oklahoma, Alabama and Kentucky — all states less populous than Minnesota — have had more contestants.

And yet, some locals have clearly benefited from the prime-time platform.

Tim Mahoney

Home: Minneapolis.

Made it to: Battle round, Season 1.

Before: Twin Cities veteran with weekly gig at Champps in Eden Prairie.

After: Continues to perform throughout the state. Just released a single to promote awareness of domestic violence, with an EP to come in November.

Home: Forest Lake.

Made it to: Quarterfinals, Season 2.

Before: Finished fifth in CBS series searching for new lead singer for INXS.

After: Now lives in L.A. Put out debut album, "A Letter From Home," via Kickstarter in 2014. Some investors complained they never received the CD and autographed picture they were promised.

Home: St. Paul.

Made it to: Third place, Season 3.

Before: Regular on local circuit, including Happy Gnome and the Nomad.

After: Sang at 2013 presidential inauguration ball. Nationwide tour included a sold-out performance at Minnesota Zoo. Just scheduled a holiday show Dec. 4 at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis.

Home: Eden Prairie.

Made it to: Battle round, Season 4.

Before: Co-fronted country-rock outfit White Iron Band with his older brother.

After: Gave TV competition another shot, appearing on "American Idol" last year, but was quickly eliminated. His Mark Andrew Band has a new album, "The Eclectic Electric," with a release party Nov. 23 at Famous Dave's Uptown.

Home: St. Paul.

Made it to: Knockout round, Season 5.

Before: Sang backup to Caroline Smith and rapper Mike Dreams.

After: Won praise for her 2015 album, "Be You," and has more than 2 million Spotify plays of the single "Intoxicated." Headlined 2016 Juneteenth ceremony in Minneapolis.

Home: Minneapolis.

Made it to: Knockout round, Season 5.

Before: Busy with studies at Hopkins High School; launched Bandcamp page.

After: Provided vocals on "Somewhere Out There" for KARE's promotional spots during Sochi Olympics. Her a cappella cover of the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams" on YouTube has gotten more than 3 million hits.

Home: Minneapolis.

Made it to: Fourth/fifth place, Season 6.

Before: Played in hard-rock band Scarlet Haze and was a cast member of Hey City Theater's "Tony n' Tina's Wedding."

After: First person to sing "Star-Spangled Banner" at U.S. Bank Stadium. Recorded a tribute to murdered "Voice" castmate Christina Grimmie. Playing a regional Christmas tour, including a Dec. 17 date at Chanhassen Dinner Theater.

Neal Justin • 612-673-7431 • @nealjustin