Finally! Our four coaches have broken out of their five-episode-long frocks and into something new! That means it’s time for the next round. Bring on the Battles! It’s that time during The Voice season where our four fearless coaches have the difficult task of pitting their artists against one another, while they kick out one of their own. It’s a difficult process, but that’s the game. Luckily, our coaches do have steals, so no one is quite gone until Carson Daly reminds the coaches that their singer is available to steal. Oh, and there’s the save too. It’s also the time in the season where we sit on our couch and scream at our coaches for making wild decisions. Music is all about taste, am I right?

To keep things exciting, the four coaches have invited four very different artists to help bring out the best from their roster. This season, John Legend has Coco Jones, Michael Bublé has Cynthia Erivo, Adam Levine has Kate Hudson, and Kelsea Ballerini has Little Big Town. The range! No matter who happens to present when you enter the room, every singer is going to be star-struck. I know I would! Get your button finger ready, the coaches are about to be trigger-happy!

Adam Levine Pulls a Shocking Choice by Bringing in Kate Hudson

It’s been some time since Adam Levine’s been on The Voice, so if you’d like to cut him slack when it comes to the Battle pairings, you may. For the OG coach’s first Battle back, he is pairing Darius J with Britton Moore. They are quite different in styles, so this Battle is truly a taste test. Which artist does Adam believe can take him further. On paper, it’s Darius. Especially once it’s revealed that their song is “Creep” by Radiohead. In his sit down with the producer, Audrey, Adam states that “Darius has the kinda range that maybe can get Britton in the right place.” If you’re already feeling that one is far superior than the other, perhaps there is little hope for Britton Moore. As Darius J jokes, he is the wheat bread to Britton’s Wonder Bread.

In their coaching with Kate Hudson, we learn she and Adam Levine have known each other since high school, and she may have been at one of his first gigs. We love when celebrities knew celebrities before they were celebrities. What are the chances, right? Anyway, so Kate Hudson. She’s present as she’s shifting gears further into the world of music. So, isn’t she essentially breaking into the industry like these singers? We could discuss the “Nepo Baby” of it all, but that’s not what we’re here for. Right now at least. What’s interesting about Kate Hudson as a mentor is her feedback taps into the acting of it all. She advises them to be more emotional. Solid feedback. And then Adam tells the band, you too, pulling an acoustic audible on the spot.

The song is one that everyone can relate to in some way. For Britton, his outsider perspective was from not being a partier in school due to him being a pastor’s kid. Darius J, on the other hand, experienced life. Being unhoused. Battling addiction. There are two very different perspectives on the track. “Creep” is a fantastic song, but once the decision was made to change up the arrangement, suddenly, the Battle suits Britton more. It’s haunting hearing him take the upper part of the song. His voice is angelic, but when you pair it to these lyrics and that slight minor tinge, he becomes the alluring element of the song. Darius put on a performance, but it’s honestly a bit too performative. Britton is the underdog of this pairing, but he is easily the most interesting part of the entire performance. When he wails on that “run,” a star is born. Plagued by greatness, Adam decides the winner of the Battle is Britton Moore. It’s a brilliant choice. With Darius J available to steal, it appears it’s going to be a battle of Bublé and Ballerini, but Adam Levine decides, nah. He uses his one and only save to keep Darius on his team. With an option to jump ship or stay steady, he sticks with Adam. What was an interesting pairing ends up being a strategic game by the OG coach. He’s in it to win it!

In his second Battle of the night, Adam brings together Ethan Eckenroad and Fran Posla. Fran could easily play a younger Kate Hudson (maybe it’s the blond hair?) Anyway, this pairing is what you’d see in a coffee house back in the 90s. Their vocals fit a certain time with “July” by Noah Cyrus and Leon Bridges. They are an indie powerhouse combo that should collaborate when the show concludes. During the rehearsals, Ethan uses his guitar, making it feel as if he’s there to support Fran. By the time they reach the actual performance, he’s guitar-less, making him seem a bit lost. Ethan is almost in a lose-lose situation. Either appear like the accompanist or perform uncomfortably. Both have a bit of difficulty reaching and maintaining their lower registers, but those upper notes are exceptional. Picking one over the other becomes a decision who can get Adam closer to the crown. He selects Ethan as the winner of the Battle. After realizing he had used his save already, he probably has buyer’s remorse. Fran certainly deserved a second shot from Adam over Darius J simply based on Battle performance. A strong, unique voice walks away unclaimed.

Three Out of Four Ain’t So Bad for John Legend and Coco Jones

Since nostalgia is a major part of our lives, when John Legend brings Coco Jones into the room, he says that the first time he was there was what she was doing for him. Cue the tape of a younger Adam Levine with a younger John Legend serving as his team’s mentor. Is this a sign that perhaps Coco Jones might get a spinning chair one day? As one of music’s biggest rising stars, anything is possible. Her ability to bring her experience allows her to be a strong mentor for the EGOT winner. The first duo she gets to help is Kolby Cordell and Pablo Herrera. Both bringing the soul out of California, their pairing seems most likely meant to knock out the least desired as they fill the same lane. Though, tasking them to prepare a bilingual Latin pop song, one might believe Pablo has the edge. Their song, “Tacones Rojos” is originally performed by Sebastián Yatra, but there is a version that features John Legend and his attempt at singing in Spanish. Way to get those extra streams. You got me to download!

The thing with the Battles is not only is it about a solid performance, whoever is more interesting tends to be victorious. While Kolby does get to pull a Legend and sing some lyrics in Spanish, when Pablo spits out the Spanish at high-speed? It’s over. Pablo’s performance is far more interesting and engaging. John Legend almost did a disservice to Kolby by presenting him as the featured artist, much like he was on the original track. There is exponentially more potential for Pablo not only on this show, but in music today. He has incredible crossover appeal. Kolby is good, but is he unique enough? John decides that the winner of this Battle is Kolby, which is certainly a choice. A wrong choice. Pablo being let go without a steal is a massive mistake. This is certainly one of those times where screaming at the television is valid and warranted.

Let’s see if Team Legend can find redemption in Battle number 2. It’s Nell Simmons joining forces with Olivia Kuper Harris. They get to tear up the stage with “Feel Like Making Love” by Roberta Flack. The intriguing element of this pair on this song is that Nell Simmons has everything to make it right, but Olivia Kuper Harris, and her history with Postmodern Jukebox allows her to literally sing anything in any style. Her versatility is what makes her a formidable opponent in this competition. Coco Jones’ advice to the singers is spot on, offering them a chance to bring a little more sexiness to their story. Additionally, her assistance in how to allow the harmonies to become more than just musically present provides them a chance to get to showcase their individuality.

On stage, it’s effortless from both singers. Watching these two strong female artists bring their own vitality to the track makes it hard to decide if there is a true winner among them. From a performance perspective, Nell is a bit more poised, while Olivia’s flounce in her bounce is infectious. The coaches know that both women should be continuing on, teasing that some buttons are about to be pushed. But first, who does John want to continue on with? He gives the win to Olivia. So what happens to Nell? Adam uses his steal as John wants to save. Nell was a one-chair turn originally, so, of course, she’s going to stay with the man who believed in her from the jump.

‘The Voice’ Needs Cynthia Erivo All the Time

Perhaps in 2026 we’ll be celebrating Cynthia Erivo as an EGOT winner. But for now, she wins The Voice. My god, this woman is brilliant. She’s a huge movie star thanks to that little flick called Wicked. Ever heard of it? But beyond that, her experience treading the boards in the West End and Broadway makes her an extraordinary mentor. Her ability to get into the technical nitty-gritty is simply unmatched. Every single person on Team Bublé should cherish that free masterclass they received. For his first Battle of his sophomore season, Michael Bublé pairs Braxton Garza with Jadyn Cree. I see we’re saving the heavy hitters for later down the line. Nevertheless, the rehearsal was not the best. Seriously, when your coach has to tell you that “you’re a long way from this song meaning something to you,” you have a lot of work to do. Jadyn Cree came into the game as an alt-pop princess, she has a Billie Eilish upside with a Hayley Williams tonality. Forcing her onto a track that’s so bland is quite baffling.

Singing “Danny’s Song” by Loggins and Messina, it truly comes down to preference. Braxton has a sound better suited to this song. Yes, it’s got more country grit, but it makes sense that this would be a song he would cover. Jaydn Cree has a sweet voice, but this Battle becomes a showcase of being a featured artist. She is not given the opportunity to be a star. Jadyn is the offspring of The Voice alum Bryan Olesen. She is there to continue the legacy while making a name for herself, and yet the reigning champ simply cuts her off at the knees. Thankfully, he is not cutting her loose, likely because letting her go would allow another coach to steal her. Michael decides that his winner is Jadyn. The family legacy continues. With Braxton available to steal, he walks away with no coach willing to take a chance on him. It’s a tad surprising that Kelsea doesn’t want him, but she does have some male country powerhouses already that she’s going to have to sift through. The outcome of Jadyn winning the Battle is beyond welcome, it just comes as a shock.

Little Big Town Reminds Us Why Harmonies Rule

When it comes to mastering stunning harmonies, no one quite does it like country quartet Little Big Town. Whether you love country music or not, when they hit those four-part harmonies in tracks like “Boondocks,” something just comes alive. It’s an exceptional decision to invite the country legends into the room to serve as mentors because the Battles are essentially duets. It’s crucial to have people present who know how to do it. They joined Blake Shelton during Season 7 as mentors. Now, they’re helping their country sis lead her team to victory. Playing in the world of harmony first are Angie Rey and Tatum Scott. Time to see if they can replicate the harmonies Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman bring to Little Big Town. Honestly, Angie and Tatum could be mini versions of Karen and Kimberly.

They take on “Girl” by Maren Morris, another one of country music’s brilliant female vocalists. It’s a girl-power anthem that allows them both to bring out their own empowerment. Both women own the stage. Tatum starts a bit nasally, especially compared to the purer sound from Angie. When they combine their voices in the chorus, it’s special. Angie comes out strong and shows that she really wants to be in this competition. Tatum seems a bit more timid on stage. She seems to run away from Angie. Like literally crosses the stage to get away from her. It becomes a battle of preference as Kelsea selects Angie as the winner. She makes the correct decision. Is Tatum leaving? Nope! John Legend steals Tatum as she is about to walk away. Can he help her get to the next level? It’s going to be a very difficult journey for Tatum on Team Legend for the Knockouts, and we don’t even know who will be there yet.

The first night of the Battles produces some extraordinary musical moments. It’s never easy to say goodbye to any artist, but the ability to have a second chance with the saves and steals is a beacon of hope. If only the coaches knew how to make the right decisions. It’s always hard to look back in hindsight, but the way the Battle Rounds are formatted, it’s a risk to steal or save too early. Yes, each coach may have a wish list of who they may want should that opportunity open, but it means that some early Battles losers are left out. We’ll see if the second night sees a bit more risk.

The Voice airs Mondays at 8:00pm on NBC. All episodes are available to stream on Peacock.