The Voice 28 Recap: Battles 3 Live Blog with Videos
The Voice season 28 Battle Rounds conclude and the Knockouts begin on the episode airing on Monday October 27. Each of the coaches–Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, Niall Horan and Snoop Dogg–will pare down their teams, utilizing a giant twist. In addition, Battle Round advisors return.
The Knockouts feature two new mega-mentors–Zac Brown and Joe Walsh–plus a Mic Drop Button twist in which each coach selects an artist to compete for America’s vote and a chance to perform at the Rose Bowl.
For the last of the Battles, former coach, Kelsea Ballerini will aid Team Bublé, another former coach Nick Jonas helps out Team Reba, Lewis Capaldi will team up with his good friend, Team Niall, and Lizzo joins Team Snoop.
For the first time in the history of the show, the coaches WILL NOT pair up the contestants for Battle! Instead, the artists on each team will pair themselves. Each team starts with 12 members, 8 will remain by the end of the round, including 1 steal and 1 save.
The Voice 28 Battles Begin with Celebrity Advisors and a NEW TWIST
The Battles conclude
Jerrell Melton vs Ralph Edwards – Lose Control by Teddy Swims – Team Snoop
Ralph sang a rock song for his audition, but he loves soul music. Jerrell sings big songs and has a background in theater. Ralph knows and loves the song choice, Jerrell had to look the song up. Ralph proposed to his girlfriend right after his Blind Audition. Lizzo and Snoop suggest Jerrell come in with more confidence.
Ralph’s gritty voice is a counterpoint to Jerrell’s smooth tenor. But the two are on the same page when it comes to delivering a soulful tune. Both bring something unique to the stage. Both singers are pretty great! Who to chose? It may come down to taste and who is best for Snoop’s overall team.
Niall calls Jerrell’s voice “really pure, really clean” and Ralph’s vocals “aggressive but controlled.” Reba calls it a “very tough decision to make” but she’d choose Jerrell. Mike compares Jerrell to soul greats from the past. He believes Ralph will go far on the show. Snoop calls both singers “superstars.” Snoop chooses Ralph, Jerrell is eliminated. Not a surprise–Ralph is a charismatic singer.
Peyton Kyle vs Shan Scott – Don’t Dream it’s Over by Crowded House – Team Reba
Shan and Peyton were both one chair turns. Who helps Reba pick these songs? Does she really know the 80’s pop classics? Shan has been gigging around Nashville for years. Peyton had appendicitis right before his Blind Audition. Nick shared a story about the record company dropping him. The pair settle on a hybrid between acoustic and full band version.
The acoustic opening shows off both singers’ voices. Peyton’s theatrical voice and falsetto cuts through, while Shan displays an alluring husky tone. Again, two very different singers but they manage to vibe. I’m not sure who Reba should choose. But if forced–Peyton. He’s powerful.
Michael calls Peyton’s voice “clinical” while he feels Shan is distinct. He’d pick Peyton. Snoop felt Peyton seemed nervous at first and he compares Shan to a singer with an 80s sound. Nick loves Shan’s Laurel Canyon vibe. He’d choose her. Reba chooses Peyton, Shan is eliminated. Ultimately the correct choice.
Teo Ramdel vs Elias Gomez – Die with a Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars. – Team Bublé
Montaged performance leaves Michael choosing Teo, Elias is eliminated. It’s a strange song pick, but both singers perform the heck out of it. Snoop wanted to steal Elias, but he already used his save.
Dek of Hearts vs Jack Austin – I Will Wait by Mumford and Sons – Team Niall
Dek is a country trio who nabbed a 4-chair turn, while Jack has a theater background. They wound up paired by process of elimination, so this will be interesting. Obviously, Michael steals the loser. The song pick seems to favor the country trio. Niall helps the quartet blend more.
The song kicks off with Jack and an a’cappella segment. Jack is not intimidated by his circumstances. His confidence is infectious! It’s a weird combination, but they all make the most of it. Dek displays beautiful and precise harmonies, while Jack sings with a pure beautiful tone. Both acts get the opportunity to show off their strengths.
Reba loves the trio’s enthusiasm and calls Jack cute as a button. She wants both acts to advance. Michael would choose Dek of Hearts. Snoop calls the performance amazing and admires Jack’s dance moves. Niall picks Dek of Hearts, Michael STEALS Jack. Niall chose Dek because he’s never worked with a group before.
The Knockouts Begin
In the Knockouts, coaches pair up team members again. But this time, each will perform a song of their own choosing. The loser goes home–no steals or saves this time! However, there is the mic-drop thingy described above.
Aubrey Nicole, Leyton Robinson – Team Reba
Joe Walsh from the Eagles is Reba’s mentor. He suggests that Leyton not take so much time to hit a high note. Reba and Joe want her to look at the audience. Aubrey’s father had cancer before she left for college. Thankfully, he went into remission. Reba gave Aubrey tips on how to phrase the song. Joe suggests that she pull it back a little.
Aubrey Nicole – I’m Going to Love You Through It by Martina McBride
Aubrey’s high notes aren’t perfect, but she pours so much emotion into the song, that it doesn’t matter. The performance obviously comes from a very personal place. What a range on this vocalist.
Leyton Robinson – I Could Use a Love Song by Maren Morris
Leyton delivers a more subdued performance than Aubrey–which may work against her. Her pop country voice is solid, but she can’t compete with Aubrey’s big moments.
Michael calls Leyton’s voice distinct and mature. Aubrey gave him goosebumps. “I believed every single word of it.” Snoop calls Leyton “tremendous.” Snoop lost family members to cancer. Aubrey’s song touched him. Niall felt Leyton shined on her song pick’s chorus, and calls Aubrey’s heartfelt performance “believable.”
Reba becomes VERY emotional sharing with Aubrey. Remember that Reba lost her step-son Brandon Blackstock to cancer. He had been sick for awhile. Reba doesn’t name him, but calls Brandon her “oldest son” who did not win his battle with cancer. Of course, Reba picks Aubrey, Leyton is eliminated.
Snoop and his team do a little promotion for Raising Cane’s chicken. Oh boy.
Kenny Iko, Ralph Edwards – Team Snoop
Snoop’s mega-mentor is country artist Zac Brown. Oh. Snoop sang on Zach’s new song. Ralph is back for another round after winning his Battle last hour. Kenny’s father recently learned he has Parkinson’s disease. Zac suggests that Kenny drop the key on his song by a half step to avoid strain on the high notes. Ralph needs to get behind the beat on the first two verses, says Snoop. Zac helps him with phrasing.
Kenny Iko – There Goes My Baby by Usher
Kenny is definitely singing to the ladies with this Usher song. But while his vocals are solid, they aren’t outstanding–until he hits an unexpected falsetto note. His stage moves are pretty smooth and he performs with confidence.
Ralph Edwards – Dive by Ed Sheeran
It’s hard to imagine Snoop not going for Ralph. His vocal is powerful and heartfelt. He allows himself to be vulnerable. He leaves nothing on the table. Sincerity will likely win the day, and it should!
Niall calls Kenny one of a kind. He believes Ralph could win the show. Reba feels Kenny performs like a seasoned veteran, while Ralph’s voice comes from his “toenails.” That’s an interesting image! Michael compliments Kenny for making it look easy, and marvels at Ralph’s willingness to allow the audience to hear the “sweetness and the softness” in his voice. Snoop seems to need the “gangster holy ghost” more and more. Snoop picks Ralph, Kenny is eliminated. Snoop believes Ralph can win it all.
Sadie Dahl, Ava Nat – Team Niall
Niall describes growing up on Joe Walsh music. His family LOVES the Eagles. Meanwhile, Joe plays a little ditty in the background, and the band is thrilled to play with him. Niall notes that he saved Ava and stole Sadie. Joe knew Olivia and calls her the “nicest person in the world.” Joe felt the first verse of Ava’s song was “too quiet” adding that she needs to sell the song in the first seconds of the performance. Sadie confesses she’s nervous as Niall points out pitch issues.
Sadie Dahl – Too Good at Goodbyes by Sam Smith
Sadie chose a challenging song, and she’s handling it. A few cracks in her voice belie nervousness, but for the most part, she’s nailing the big notes.
Ava Nat – Hopelessly Devoted to You by Olivia Newton John
Not crazy about this song choice, really. Her Blind Audition and Battle were home runs. However, she’s bringing everything she’s got to the song. She reminds me of a 60s chanteuse like Dusty Springfield or Jackie DeShannon as she torches it up on stage. Still, SO MANY better songs to choose at this point in the competition.
Reba calls both artists “great singers.” She can’t pick. Michael appreciates Sadie’s wide vibrato and Ava’s “beautiful” tone. “You have the confidence to restrain yourself,” he said to Ava. He would pick her. Snoop calls Sadie’s performance “flawless.” He’d pick her. Niall picks Ava, Sadie is eliminated. Yeah, I thought Niall would pick her. She’s one of his favorites.
