The Voice Battle Rounds Deliver Shocking Upset as Underdog Triumphs

The Voice season 28 battles continued with a major upset. Fan-favorite duo Letter to Elise was defeated by a solo artist on October 14, 2025. The stunning result highlighted the new competitive format.

Coaches Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire, and Niall Horan guided the pairings. Artists selected their own battle partners for the first time in the show’s history, increasing the stakes dramatically.

Ryan Mitchell’s Improbable Victory Stuns Coaches

Ryan Mitchell faced immense pressure against the experienced duo. Letter to Elise entered the competition as seasoned performers with strong fan support. Mitchell’s journey was far more unconventional.

The 20-year-old rock singer initially received no chair turns during his Blind Audition. According to NBC’s coverage, host Carson Daly intervened using his one-time “Carson Callback” card. This never-before-seen twist gave Mitchell a second chance.

Mitchell returned 24 hours later with a rock version of a Britney Spears hit. His powerful performance finally earned Reba McEntire’s chair turn. The young artist carried that momentum directly into the battle round.

McEntire assigned Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” to the trio. Mitchell not only held his own against the harmonizing duo but joined them for impressive three-part vocals. His standout performance forced McEntire to make her difficult decision.

Night Two Battle Results Reshape Competition

The remaining battles produced several standout moments across all teams. Team Snoop featured a dramatic performance of Rihanna’s “Love on the Brain.” Toni Lorene emerged victorious in that matchup.

Niall Horan immediately used his steal to save Sadie Dahl. This strategic move kept both powerful vocalists in the competition. The coaches demonstrated sharp instincts throughout the evening.

Team Bublé saw Max Cooper III win his battle against Lucas Beltran. Meanwhile, Team Niall’s Kayleigh Clark earned high praise from Horan himself. He compared her powerful delivery to country superstar Carrie Underwood.

The evening concluded with another tense moment involving Team Reba. After Cori Kennedy won her battle, both McEntire and Snoop Dogg attempted to claim her. Kennedy ultimately decided to remain with her original coach.

The Voice battle rounds have fundamentally changed the competition landscape. Ryan Mitchell’s shocking victory proves that any artist can emerge victorious. These unexpected outcomes make the road to the live shows completely unpredictable.

Thought you’d like to know

What was the Carson Callback on The Voice?

The Carson Callback was a new twist allowing host Carson Daly to save one artist who didn’t get any chair turns. Ryan Mitchell was the first and only recipient of this special second chance during the Blind Auditions.

Which coach has steals remaining after night two?

Following night two, Michael Bublé and Snoop Dogg still have their steals available. Reba McEntire and Niall Horan have both used their single steal for this battle round.

How does the new partner selection work?

For the first time, artists chose their own battle partners instead of coaches making the pairings. This created more strategic combinations and added personal stakes to each performance.

Who were the battle round advisors?

The advisors for this season included Lizzo for Team Snoop, Kelsea Ballerini for Team Bublé, Lewis Capaldi for Team Niall, and Nick Jonas for Team Reba.

When do the knockout rounds begin?

The knockout rounds will follow the battle rounds, expected to air next week. Coaches will continue narrowing their teams toward the live performance shows.