The Vocal Showdowns Rage On: Five Singers Exit, and One Mysterious Rescue Keeps the Drama Alive
NBC
Hold onto your seats, folks—Tuesday's episode of The Voice in Season 28's Battle Rounds was a rollercoaster of tough calls, with five talented artists getting the boot and just one eyebrow-raising save that left us all scratching our heads. If you're new to this show, think of the Battles as high-stakes duels where coaches pair up their team members to perform songs together, deciding who advances and who gets eliminated. It's all about showcasing raw talent under pressure, and this round kept the intensity cranked up! (For a refresher on Monday's clashes, check out this link: https://www.tvline.com/recaps/the-voice-season-28-results-battles-night-1-recap-austin-gilbert-1235530444/.)
With celebrity advisors like Kelsea Ballerini, Lewis Capaldi, Lizzo, and Nick Jonas dropping wisdom before each act, Tuesday's showdowns were a wild mix. Sure, there were some flawless pairings that had us cheering, but we also saw plenty of lopsided matchups—and let's just say, there was one chaotic trio that we'd rather erase from memory entirely. But here's where it gets controversial: Were the coaches always spot-on in their picks, or did some decisions feel like they overlooked hidden gems?
While Monday wrapped up with Coach Reba McEntire shedding joyful tears, Tuesday's extended two-hour broadcast left the country music icon beaming with delight. For that alone, we're eternally grateful—it's these emotional highs that make reality TV so addictive.
In total, 15 performers stepped into the spotlight for Tuesday's Battles, but by curtain call, only nine were left to fight another day. Curious if your top picks survived? Dive into our detailed rundown of the night's performances, and then hit the comments with your hot takes. Did any of the coaches botch a big call that could change the game?
Team Reba: Letter to Elise vs. Ryan Mitchell (Don't You [Forget About Me])
NBC
Snoop Dogg dubbed this duel 'groovy like a drive-in movie,' but we're left wondering what exactly he meant—because to us, it came across as more puzzling than thrilling. What were the judges inhaling with their total agreement on praising this one? It played out like an uncomfortable group dynamic, with Elliott from Letter to Elise bouncing back and forth between bandmate Chris and rival Ryan, ensuring no one felt sidelined. Yet, Ryan emerged as the standout, infusing the iconic Breakfast Club track with a sultry coolness and dazzling us with his versatile vocal range.
WINNER: Ryan Mitchell (A-)
ELIMINATED: Letter to Elise (B)
Team Snoop: Sadie Dahl vs. Toni Lorene (Love On the Brain)
NBC
From the very first note, these two ladies dominated Rihanna's soulful ballad, kicking things off with powerhouse harmonies that hit hard. Toni didn't just nail her intricate runs; she poured in deep emotion that made the song resonate on a whole new level. Sadie, on the other hand, seemed a tad less energetic and somewhat detached from the lyrics. So, Toni's victory didn't shock us, but we were taken aback when Niall Horan swooped in to claim Sadie for his squad—based on this performance alone, it felt like a bold move that might pay off big time.
And this is the part most people miss: Sometimes, a steal isn't just about the battle; it's about spotting potential that hasn't fully blossomed yet. Could this be a game-changer for Sadie?
WINNER: Toni Lorene (A)
SAVED BY NIALL: Sadie Dahl (B+)
Team Bublé: Lucas Beltran vs. Max Cooper III (It's a Beautiful Day)
NBC
Handing Michael Bublé's upbeat tune 'It's a Beautiful Day' to this pair felt a bit sneaky at first, especially since Lucas channels a youthful version of the Canadian legend himself. Surprisingly, though, that resemblance didn't give him the edge. Max, though less polished in his delivery, brought a genuine authenticity that Lucas's more lounge-style approach lacked, making the song feel real and heartfelt rather than rehearsed.
WINNER: Max Cooper III (B+)
ELIMINATED: Lucas Beltran (B+)
Team Niall: Camille Tredoux vs. Kayleigh Clark (Cowboys Cry Too)
NBC
This clash stood out as one of the night's most balanced contests, with each singer bringing their unique flavor to the table. Kayleigh delivered a poised, polished performance rooted in classic country charm, while Camille infused it with a folk-inspired, singer-songwriter vibe. But when they harmonized? It was pure magic, blending seamlessly like a dream duet.
WINNER: Kayleigh Clark (A)
ELIMINATED: Camille Tredoux (A-)
Team Niall: Alex Brown vs. Liam von Elbe (Linger)
NBC
The Voice didn't give us much screen time on this 'Linger' performance, but what we saw made it clear this was Liam's moment to shine. Alex contributed some stellar high notes to their group vocals, yet it often felt like his role was just to support, while Liam added that extra spark of charisma and depth. Even without seeing the full thing, knowing Niall's admiration for Liam's sound, we figured this outcome was inevitable from the start.
WINNER: Liam von Elbe (A-)
ELIMINATED: Alex Brown (B+)
Team Bublé: Carly Harvey vs. Marty O'Reilly (At This Moment)
NBC
In our view, this decision boiled down to sheer dynamism. Carly performed with a relaxed confidence, but Marty's gravelly rasp and immersive passion were impossible to ignore—he owned the stage like he was truly in the song's emotional core. She managed a few impressive notes late in the game, but for the coaches, it wasn't enough to turn the tide.
WINNER: Marty O'Reilly (A-)
ELIMINATED: Carly Harvey (B+)
Team Reba: Aubrey Nicole vs. Cori Kennedy (Somethin' Bad)
NBC
Talk about a spectacular finale! Aubrey and Cori clicked instantly on this legendary duet by Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, radiating attitude and unstoppable energy throughout. Cori's signature growl took a slight lead in commanding the track, but Aubrey matched her confidence stride for stride. This was a toss-up for us, so we're thrilled Reba chose to rescue Aubrey too—and that Aubrey turned down Snoop's last-ditch steal attempt to switch teams.
But here's where it gets controversial: Was saving Aubrey the right move, or should Cori have been the sole winner? Some might argue it diluted the competition's intensity. What do you think—does allowing saves give coaches too much wiggle room to play favorites?
WINNER: Cori Kennedy (A)
SAVED BY REBA: Aubrey Nicole (A)
There you have it—the highs, the lows, and those puzzling moments that keep us tuning in. Do you agree with the eliminations, or do you think certain coaches made blunders that could haunt them later? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's debate! And remember, in the unpredictable world of talent shows, one save might just spark a comeback story. What's your take on the most underrated performance of the night?
