'The Voice' Season 28 heats up with heartbreaking eliminations we didn't see coming

With stellar performances, Niall Horan, Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, and Reba McEntire faced tough choices in the Battle Rounds
UPDATED OCT 21, 2025
(L-R) A still of Niall Horan, Carson Daly, Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, and Snoop Dogg in a still from 'The Voice' season 28 (Cover Image Source: Instagram | @nbcthevoice)
(L-R) A still of Niall Horan, Carson Daly, Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, and Snoop Dogg in a still from 'The Voice' season 28 (Cover Image Source: Instagram | @nbcthevoice)

'The Voice' Season 28 coaches—Niall Horan, Snoop Dogg, Michael Bublé, and Reba McEntire—once again had some tough decisions to make. With stellar performances and talented singers, the singing competition is entertaining viewers with its high-stakes Battle Round. Following the heartbreaking eliminations in the last episode, the high-stakes round concluded on Monday, October 20, but not without some more losses.

Niall Horan poses on the sets of ‘The Voice’ Season 23 (Cover Image Source: Instagram | @niallhoran)
A still of Niall Horan from ‘The Voice’ (Image Source: Instagram | @niallhoran)

As per reports, Makenzie Phipps and Lauren Anderson from Team Snoop faced off with Carrie Underwood's 'Before He Cheats.' After coaching from Lizzo and a fun car-smashing pre-performance, both gave fiery renditions. The coaches praised their chemistry and power; McEntire said Underwood would be proud, and both she and Bublé favored Anderson. Snoop Dogg ultimately chose Anderson, citing her maturity and potential to reach the finals, while Phipps was eliminated.

Aarik Duncan and 14-year-old Max Chambers from Team Bublé performed 'Just the Two of Us.' Their mentor, Kelsea Ballerini, advised them to tighten their coordination. The coaches praised their chemistry, with Snoop and Horan favoring Chambers, and McEntire chose Duncan;  Bublé, however, ultimately picked Chambers, believing he has the potential to become a star, eliminating Duncan.

Aiden Ross and Ava Nat from Team Niall delivered an emotional duet of Horan's 'What a Time,' impressing everyone with their chemistry and pure vocals. McEntire praised their perfect blend, while Bublé lauded Ross' falsetto. Snoop Dogg joked about witnessing "teenage love" and hinted at a steal. Ultimately, Horan picked Ross as the winner and used his save on Nat. Snoop Dogg's attempted steal failed since Nat chose to stay with Team Niall.

Manny Costello and Leyton Robinson performed Chris Stapleton's 'Think I’m in Love with You,' showcasing contrasting country styles. Notably, McEntire and mentor Nick Jonas advised them to focus on harmonies and vocal nuances. The performance impressed all the coaches, with Bublé praising both voices. However, Snoop Dogg couldn't pick a favorite, and Horan noted how much they'd both improved. In the end, McEntire chose Robinson as the winner, eliminating Costello, though Bublé nearly used his steal-a-Manny—a decision McEntire regretted didn't happen.

In a brief, montaged battle performance of 'It Takes Two' by Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston, Team McEntire's Conrad Kahlil defeated Vinya Chhabra. McEntire praised Kahlil as a "show dog" before choosing him, resulting in Chhabra's elimination. Team Snoop's Emmanuel Rey and Mindy Miller performed John Prine's 'Angel from Montgomery.' Lizzo encouraged them to sing from the heart, and all coaches praised their vocals, with Horan calling their performance 'beautiful,' as per Gold Derby. McEntire praised Rey's versatility and Bublé praised the purity in his voice and Miller's interpretation. In the end, Miller won the battle, while Rey was eliminated.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The ‘Summer House’ spinoff, ‘In The City,’ is set to premiere on May 19, featuring Amanda Batula, West Wilson, and Kyle Cooke, with additional cast members.
6 hours ago
Star Lindsay Hubbard took to her IG story to quash all rumors of a potential reunion filming date
11 hours ago
Another hopeful exits 'American Idol' Season 24 after a tough competition in the 'Judges Song Contest' theme, after reaching the Top 12.
1 day ago
Connor Tomlinson exits ‘Love on the Spectrum’ after a standout run, teasing a bold career shift as the show moves on with new faces and fresh love stories.
1 day ago
Last season's Disney Night saw Lin-Manuel Miranda mentor the contestants ahead of their performances
1 day ago
The latest episode of the competition saw past winners return for an epic sing-off in the 'All-Star Showdown'
1 day ago
A fan-favorite’s comeback ends abruptly as delayed results shake the stage, leaving ‘American Idol’ viewers stunned.
1 day ago
Last week's results were delayed after the show received an unusually high number of votes
1 day ago
An unexpected hiccup with vote-counting delayed the elimination announcement in the last episode
1 day ago
'American Idol' Season 24 special episode 'Judges Song Contest' airs on Monday and promises to be an absolute humdinger.
1 day ago