The highly anticipated Battle rounds of season 28 of The Voice kicked off on Monday night, October 13, showcasing the competitive spirit and vocal prowess that fans have come to love. This season introduced an exciting twist, allowing contestants to pick their own partners for the battles while the coaches still had the final say in song selection.
Among the A-list mentors joining this season were Lizzo, who worked with Team Snoop Dogg, and Lewis Capaldi, collaborating with Team Niall Horan. Former coach Kelsea Ballerini returned to assist Team Michael Bublé, while Nick Jonas teamed up with Team Reba McEntire.
The format change led to captivating performances, particularly between Team Snoop’s Natalia Albertini and YOSHIHANNA, who faced off on the classic Carole King hit “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman.” YOSHIHANNA, hailing from Atlanta, paid homage to Aretha Franklin’s iconic rendition with her rich, powerful voice, while New Jersey’s Albertini added her unique country flair. The two artists skillfully exchanged lines and harmonized on the powerful chorus, bringing the audience to their feet.
Snoop Dogg, visibly emotional during the performance, praised both contestants, admitting he was moved to tears. Niall Horan commended their strong showdown, especially noting Albertini’s bravery in going up against YOSHIHANNA. Reba McEntire highlighted Albertini’s impressive vocal range, while Michael Bublé expressed admiration for YOSHIHANNA’s effortless delivery.
Ultimately, after an agonizing decision, Snoop chose YOSHIHANNA to advance, but thanks to the “save” mechanism in place, Albertini was given another opportunity to continue in the competition.
Viewers can catch the next installment of the Battle rounds, airing on NBC on Tuesday night, October 14, at 8 p.m. ET, with a subsequent release on Peacock. The excitement surrounding this season’s revamped format promises to deliver even more thrilling performances as participants show their true musical talents.