‘The Voice’ Battles Kick Off With Kelsea Ballerini + TWO Steals
Trae Patton/NBC Reading Time: 3 minutes
The Voice Season 20 returned on Monday night to kick off the Battles. Coaches Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Nick Jonas, and Blake Shelton paired up their artists for duets.
Kelly wasn’t feeling well, so Kelsea Ballerini sat in her chair while the coach watched the performances remotely. This round also featured several celebrity advisors. Luis Fonsi joined Team Kelly, Dan + Shay joined Team Blake, Brandy joined Team Legend, and Darren Criss joined Team Nick.
WATCH ‘The Voice’ Battle Performances
Gean Garcia vs. Ryleigh Modig (Team Kelly)
Kelly paired up these singers to perform “POV” by Ariana Grande. She said they bring each other to a new level when they perform together. After their performance, Blake said he couldn’t believe Kelly would pair them up, because they’re both so good.
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Kelsea said Gean had a “pitch issue” but he corrected it, and she said she wanted to buy Ryleigh’s record. She called Kelly during the critique, and the coach said she could “feel safe” picking either of them. Kelsea ended up picking Ryleigh as the winner. Both John and Nick hit their steal buttons for Gean, who chose to join Team Legend.
Aaron Konzelman vs. Connor Christian (Team Blake)
Blake paired up these singers to perform “I Ain’t Living Long Like This” by Waylon Jennings, saying they’re both “so unique” with an edge to their voices. Nick complimented Blake for putting these singers together.
Blake couldn’t believe how good both of his artists were. He ended up choosing Connor as the winner of the battle. None of the artists chose to steal Aaron, so he was eliminated.
Dana Monique vs. Devan Blake Jones (Team Nick)
Nick paired up these singers to perform “Stuck With You” by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber. He said both singers have “more classic styles” that he wanted to set against a modern song. The other three coaches praised Dana’s performance in particular.
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Nick said there’s a “joy” that surrounds Dana when she performs, and told Devan he was a “great vocalist.” He ultimately chose Dana as the winner of the battle. Nick then hit his button to save Devan from elimination, saying he “showed up.”
Pia Renee vs. Christine Cain (Team Legend)
John paired up these singers to perform “Baby” by Brandy, their advisor. Brandy said the way they sang it, it was the grown-up version of the song. Both Blake and Nick said Pia’s performance was “explosive.”
John ultimately chose Pia as the winner of the battle, saying she “brought her A game.” None of the coaches chose to steal Christine, so she was eliminated from the competition.
Awari vs. Jose Figueroa Jr. (Team Nick)
Nick paired up these singers to perform “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. Advisor Darren Criss said he would “pay money” to not have to pick between the artists. Nick said they were “neck and neck” going into the performance.
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Nick said the battle was “phenomenal,” especially when the artists got past their nerves. He ended up choosing Jose as the winner of the battle. None of the coaches chose to steal Awari, so he was eliminated.
Ethan Lively vs. Avery Roberson (Team Blake)
Blake paired up these singers to perform “I Just Got Started Lovin’ You” by James Otto. Before the performance, he said they were “completely different” as artists. “That’s what steals are made for!” Blake said after they sang.
Blake ultimately chose Ethan as the winner of the battle. Kelsea could be seen texting Kelly during the critique, and she ended up hitting her button to steal Avery for Team Kelly right as he walked off the stage.
