Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster because 'The Voice' Season 28 just unleashed its first Battles round, packed with jaw-dropping saves, devastating eliminations, and even a few tears from the legendary Reba McEntire. If you're new to the show, these Battles are where contestants from each coach's team face off in duets, with the coach deciding who stays and who goes—often leading to steals from other coaches. But here's where it gets controversial: for the very first time in 28 seasons, the singers picked their own duet partners, flipping the script and adding extra tension. Dive in as we break down who triumphed, who got yanked, and why some choices left us scratching our heads. Spoiler alert: we're about to call out a few coach decisions that might ruffle some feathers—stay tuned!
First up, over on Team Snoop, Yoshihanaa (Grade: A-) took down Natalia Albertini (Grade: A) in a showdown on Aretha Franklin's classic '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.' Yoshihanaa kicked things off with powerhouse confidence, delivering the anthem as if she'd sung it every night of her life, but Natalia stole the spotlight with her bold, soulful delivery—think extended notes and fierce growls that packed a punch. While Yoshihanaa had a solo moment that could've been bigger, we were floored by Natalia's edge. And this is the part most people miss: Snoop surprisingly crowned Yoshihanaa the victor, yet wisely saved Natalia too. Fair play, or did he dodge a tougher call?
Switching to Team Reba, Aaron Nichols (Grade: A) edged out Daron Lamee (Grade: A) on Elvin Bishop's 'Fooled Around and Fell in Love.' What a perfect pairing—their contrasting styles melded seamlessly into magical harmonies that built like a crescendo. Reba, true to her country roots, opted to keep Aaron, whose twangy energy fits her vibe perfectly. But we were heartbroken over Daron; his incredible talent deserved another shot. Here's a decision that's sure to spark debate: Was this a clear win, or should Reba have bent the rules for such vocal gold?
On Team Bublé, Jazz McKenzie (Grade: B+) outshone Trinity (Grade: A-) with a fiery rendition of Jamiroquai's 'Virtual Insanity.' Jazz brought chills with her deep, confident lows, while Trinity soared into high-register territory, pushing the track into fresh, exciting realms. If we could magically combine their strengths, it'd be a superstar in the making—but alas, Michael Bublé (much to our shock) picked Jazz. The bright side? All coaches fought to steal Trinity, and she loyally stuck with Bublé. We can't help but wonder if Bublé underestimated Trinity's potential—was this a missed opportunity?
Team Niall saw Dustin Dale Gaspard (Grade: B+) defeat Revel Day (Grade: A-) on Hozier's viral hit 'Too Sweet.' Dustin handled the tune solidly, adding growls for flair, but Revel's velvety lows had us totally captivated, making the bigger moments unforgettable. Yet Niall Horan chose Dustin, waving goodbye to Revel. For beginners trying to grasp the show's magic, remember these duets highlight raw talent, but coach biases can play a huge role. And this is where it gets controversial: Did Niall overlook Revel's smoother, more impactful take? We'd love to hear your take!
Back to Team Snoop, Kenny Ike (Grade: A-) narrowly beat Kanard Thomas (Grade: A-) on Joe's smooth 'All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do).' It was neck-and-neck—these guys connected deeply, romancing the crowd with their similar yet stellar styles that harmonized beautifully. Snoop Dogg leaned toward Kenny, and we're just relieved not to pick a side. But here's a point for discussion: With such parity, was this outcome fair, or could both have advanced?
Finally, closing out Team Bublé, Rob Cole (Grade: B) prevailed over Austin Gilbert (Grade: B+) on Blake Shelton's 'Honey Bee,' a fitting country duet that wrapped the night with heartfelt drama. While not the most thrilling performance, Austin unleashed his mustache magic and enthusiasm, giving it the energy it needed. Rob held his own, but the emotional stakes were high. Bublé kept Rob, but Reba swooped in with tears, stealing Austin for his passion and cowboy charm. 'You’re a cowboy,' she said, and just like that, Austin's journey continued.
As Night 1 wraps, we bid farewell to Daron Lamee, Revel Day, and Kanard Thomas—three voices we'll miss dearly. Did the coaches make the right calls, or were there steals and saves that changed everything? We subtly wonder if the partner-picking twist created unfair advantages, or if it leveled the playing field. Share your opinions in the comments: Who should've won their battle? Should more saves have happened? Was the twist a game-changer or a flop? Let's debate!
