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The Voice Backstage: Judith Hill and Sarah Simmons Talk About Their Shocking Elimination

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By Jenna Mullins May 29, 2013 5:10 PMTags
Holly Tucker, Judith Hill, Sarah Simmons, The Voice Tyler Golden/NBC

Last night, The Voice voters dropped a bombshell and eliminated two frontrunners from the competition: Judith Hill and Sarah Simmons. The Internet erupted with fury when their names were called, but no one was as upset about the results as their coach, Adam Levine. Hill and Simmons revealed to us that the Maroon 5 frontman took them aside after the show to have one last emotional pep talk.

"Adam was pretty bummed and very passionate about both of us," Hill told us backstage. "He said to us, ‘You know, it's a game show. You deserve to both be here.'"

Added Simmons: "He was really upset for sure. Very, very upset."

Hill was also visibly down when we chatted with her about being sent home, but she attempted to stay positive about the whole experience. "It was pretty crazy up there. It's like being in the Hunger Games; people are just like yelling out names," she joked. "It's crazy. I feel like I had a great experience on the show. People got to see a taste of me, and being able to bring art and drama to the stage is just what I love.

Simmons also shared her fellow teammate's silver-lining outlook. "This whole experience has just completely helped my soul deeply and helped me find myself even more," she said.

To hear more from the eliminated ladies—and why Shakira thought she almost ruined someone's career—watch our exclusive interviews below!

Watch: "The Voice" Elimination Shocker

See more backstage interviews from The Voice tonight on E! News at 7 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)