The Voice..?

BBC TV's The Voice . . . Really enjoyed the initial rounds where the judges were unable to see the singer and just concentrate on their voices. They had a unique premise and glossy production. They were winning in the ratings war over Britain's Got Talent. And they had Tom Jones.
That was until this weekend's episodes.
What has changed?
The judges (Tom Jones, Jessie J, Will.I.Am and some Irish guy who has managed to fly under my radar) have 10 acts and have had to pair them up to go head to head with each other, removing half of them, leaving each judge with 5 acts with which to move forward.
The whole premise, in my view, has been compromised.
For example - last night, one of the judges put forward a soft-spoken girl paired with an older guy who would have given Jon Bon Jovi a run for his money. During rehearsals, his voice was overpowering hers and he was being advised to reduce his volume.
However it was clear that their judge was favouring the girl, as the guy was shown to be overly confident, cocky, even arrogant. The show's editing had me rooting for the girl, regardless of vocal talent.
So why do I have a problem?
The judges have obviously decided who they want to take through, pairing them off with inferior performers wherever possible and allocating them songs which compliment their favoured act. Then it comes as no surprise when they ditch the unwanted underdog.
My partner and I have correctly guessed every winner (bar one) before the actual performance took place, simply from watching the rehearsal clips.
What looked like a really new and refreshing concept has now become an also-ran.
Anyone know when the X Factor is back?