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'Just straight screeches': Niall Horan slammed by 'The Voice' fans for saving former 'AGT' contestant Mara Justine

Niall showered Mara with significant praise when he likened her to Olivia Rodrigo

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA:  NBC's 'The Voice' Season 24 started winding down on the evening of November 20 as it entered the Playoffs phase.

Niall Horan has explicitly stated his desire for "a strong team of storytellers" to make it to the Top 12, and fans believe that Mara Justine doesn't meet that criteria.

Beyond being a perfect match for her vocal abilities, "You've Got the Love" also deeply resonates as a poignant reflection of the helplessness experienced by the 21-year-old when she learned that her mother's illness had returned.

Niall showered Mara with significant praise when he likened her to Olivia Rodrigo, one of the leading pop performers globally at the moment.

"She's got that big, powerhouse, young, pop voice," he went on to say. "She feels the lyrics, she’s good at telling a story."

"That is Mara's best performance of the season," Niall said, echoing John.

As a result, choosing her to advance to the next round alongside Huntley and Nini Iris was a no-brainer.

"Mara's perfect for the Live Shows because of the energy she brings," he went on to say. "The control, the quality of her voice. She’s so exciting for this competition."

After Niall praised Mara, fans took to social media to express their opinions, with some criticizing Niall.

On X, a fan wrote, "Cannot stand her. She wasn't good enough for AGT, so why should she get another chance on here? She was part of a joke on Simon. She is completely over the top. Alexis got robbed."

Another person chimed in, "What a horrible decision on your top 3. You tossed away the best voice the show had seen and heard in years in Alexa. You caved to the exact opposite of what this show is supposed to be about. #disappointed." 

One person further wrote, "IM (sic) GOING TO KEEP IT REAL WITH YOU GUYS: I DON'T SEE WHAT NIALL SEES IN HER. VOICE ISNT (sic)THERE FOR ME."

A person quipped, "Mara Justine has appeared on America’s Got Talent, American Idol, and now The Voice. Once this wraps she will move directly to Love is Blind, where she will meet the man of her dreams leading to an appearance on Real Housewives of New Jersey."

Comparing her voice to others, one viewer tweeted, "I like that Nini can hit Christina Aguilera notes. But yea (sic) other than that she screeches. Mara just straight screeches. I’ll miss Alexa and Julia. Huntley is my fave (sic) on his team."

John Legend regrets losing Mara Justine in 'The Voice' Season 24 knockouts

Mara's initial Coach, John Legend, may have felt a tinge of remorse for letting her leave during Knockouts when he commented, "This was your best moment so far on this show — other than singing a duet with me at the beginning."

Who is Mara Justine in 'The Voice' Season 24?

Mara grew up in a tight-knit Italian family and, at the age of 9, delivered a rendition of Whitney Houston's 'Greatest Love of All' at a local competition.

Her victory marked the beginning of her musical journey, leading her to perform at charity functions and sporting events.

Mara now works in Jersey Shore pubs and restaurants, and her entire family comes to watch.

Linda, Mara's mother, was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and is the glue that binds the family together, doing everything she can to be there while undergoing surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy.

Linda is eager to complete her breast cancer treatment promptly to ensure she doesn't miss any of Mara's adventures.

'The Voice' Season 24 airs on Mondays at 8 pm ET and Tuesdays at 9 pm ET on NBC.