It’s officially a wrap-on The voice‘s blind auditions for season 26! On Tuesday’s episode, each of the coaches rounded out their team of 14, and as a result, there were more chairless turns as they became choosier about which contestants they pressed their buttons for. Still, the talent remained at a high level, with two final four-chair turns concluding the audition round.
By the time the Blind Auditions were over, each of the coaches had amassed a strong collection of singers, representing a mix of music genres, different vocal styles and a wide age range. Gwen Stefani was the first to fill out her team, followed by Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire and, last but certainly not least, Snoop Dogg. While the coaches celebrated their teams’ completion with impromptu performances, this was a temporary salve for the rivalry about to begin. The voice with the upcoming rounds of battle.
But before we get ready for the next round, you should know which singers gave their best to grab the last spots in front of the coaches.
Best turn with four seats
Country singer Katie O opened the latest Blind Audition episode with an immediate four-chair turn, thanks to her near-perfect cover of LeAnn Rimes’s “One Way Ticket (Because I Can).” She was praised by Stefani for her steady and strong vocals, and for “sounding just like Reba” according to Snoop. McEntire wholeheartedly agreed, calling them “twins.”
It didn’t seem like much of a fight to figure out where Katie O would land, since every sign pointed to McEntire. But that didn’t stop Bublé from taking on a faux-country tinge in an attempt to convince Katie O to pick him. Ultimately, she stuck to her rural roots and chose Team Reba. “She’s country, and I’m out there fighting for my country singers,” McEntire said.
Most unique view
Jose Luis’ performance of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor” was one of the most unique of the episode. He gave his own flavor to the song by accentuating the feminine qualities of his voice. Luis’ powerful vocals, like Katie O, earned a four-chair turn and were clearly visible the moment he stepped on them The voice podium — immediately catching the coaches’ attention.
“You took the text and made it your story,” Stefani said, suggesting that Luis showed only a “little, small taste of who you are” during his audition. The singer from Puerto Rico joined Team Gwen, mainly because he saw himself “reflected in Gwen musically but also “in the fashion part.”
Who spins us chair
Recurring Vote Hopeful Cassidy Lee returned for opportunity No. 2 after failing to make it onto the show in season 18, when she experienced a chairless twist. Lee has since joined a female rock and roll band, the Annie Dukes, and gained stage experience performing shows with ZZ Top. The time away proved fruitful, as her raspy cover of Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good” reminded Bublé of typical classic rock, impressing him enough to welcome her to his team.
“I hear something in your voice that is unique,” said Bublé, who has collected singers with unique styles during the auditions. “It’s really feminine, but at the same time you have a rocking growl. And I love that you play guitar.”
Quote of the evening
“Reba Magnet-ire! Because she is a magnet and you should retire!” Snoop joked after McEntire won over contestant Katie O as the newest member of Team Reba. Later in the episode, the rapper pressed a special “Reba Magnet” button, which brought down a giant horseshoe magnet with McEntire’s new nickname on it to rile up the country star (and the crowd).
A look ahead to next week
It’s the start of the battle rounds! The coaches are given the unenviable task of pitting two of their own singers against each other. The artists will perform together and ultimately their coach will select which one will move on to the next round. Strategy is key: combinations and song choices will play an important role in the decision-making process.
Additionally, ‘steals’ are now in effect, meaning all coaches can save or steal an eliminated singer during the round. The voice becomes especially interesting when the stakes are so high. Follow along as we capture every step of the competition.
The voice Battle Rounds airs Monday, October 21 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on NBC.
