'The Voice' recap: Reba McEntire snaps up contestant who nails LeAnn Rimes tune, earning her a new nickname from Snoop Dogg
Blind Auditions came to a close on Tuesday's episode of the reality singing competition as the coaches finalize their teams.
It’s officially a wrap on The Voice’s Blind Auditions for Season 26! Tuesday’s episode saw each of the coaches completing their teams of 14, and as a result there were more no-chair turns as they got pickier about which contestants they pressed their buttons for. Still, the talent remained at a high level with two final four-chair turns capping off the audition round.
By the time the Blind Auditions were over, each of the coaches had assembled a strong collection of singers, featuring a mix of music genres, distinct vocal styles and a wide age range. Gwen Stefani filled out her team first, followed by Michael Bublé, Reba McEntire and, last but certainly not least, Snoop Dogg. As the coaches celebrated the completion of their teams with impromptu performances, it was a temporary salve for the rivalry that’s about to commence on The Voice with the upcoming Battle Rounds.
But before we set the stage for the next round, find out which singers went above and beyond to win the coaches’ final spots.
Best four-chair turn
Country singer Katie O opened the final Blind Audition episode with an instant 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 stable and strong vocals, and for sounding “exactly like Reba,” according to Snoop. McEntire wholeheartedly agreed, declaring them “twins.”
It didn’t seem like much of a battle to figure out where Katie O would land since every sign pointed to McEntire. But that didn’t stop Bublé from adopting a fake country twang to try to persuade Katie O to pick him. Ultimately, she stuck with her country roots, opting for Team Reba. “She’s country, and I’m in there fighting for my country singers,” McEntire said.
Most unique rendition
Jose Luis’s performance of “Traitor” by Olivia Rodrigo was one of the episode’s most unique, bringing his own flavor to the song by leaning the feminine qualities of his voice. Earning a four-chair turn like Katie O, Luis’s powerful vocals were evident the moment he stepped onto The Voice stage — immediately capturing the coaches’ attention.
“You were taking the lyrics and making it your story,” Stefani gushed, suggesting that Luis only showcased a “tiny, tiny taste of who you are” during his audition. The singer, who is from Puerto Rico, went with Team Gwen, mainly because he saw himself “reflected in Gwen” musically but also “in the fashion part.”
Who turns our chair
Returning Voice hopeful Cassidy Lee came back for chance No. 2 after failing to make it onto the show in Season 18, when she experienced a no-chair turn. Lee has since joined a female rock 'n' roll band, the Annie Dukes, gaining stage experience on shows with ZZ Top. The time away proved fruitful, as her raspy cover of “You’re No Good” by Linda Ronstadt reminded Bublé of quintessential classic rock, impressing him enough to welcome her onto his team.
“I hear something in your voice that is unique,” said Bublé, who’s been gathering singers with unique styles throughout the auditions. “It’s really feminine, but at the same time you’ve got this rockin’ growl. And I love that you’re playing the guitar.”
Quote of the night
“Reba Magnet-ire! Cause she’s a magnet and you need to retire!” Snoop joked after McEntire won over contestant Katie O to be the newest member of Team Reba. Later in the episode, the rapper pressed a special “Reba Magnet” button, which brought down a giant-sized horseshoe magnet with McEntire’s new nickname emblazoned 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 will have the unenviable task of pitting two of their own singers against each other. The artists will perform together, and eventually their coach will select which one advances to the next round. Strategy is key — pairings and song choices will be instrumental in the decision-making process.
Plus, “steals” will now be in effect, which means any of the coaches will be able to save or steal an eliminated singer during the round. The Voice gets especially interesting when stakes are this high. Follow along as we chronicle every step of the competition.
The Voice kicks off Battle Rounds on Monday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.