The Knockouts have arrived in The Voice Season 26, and they bring an air of excitement, tough decisions, and dramatic moments. With a spot in the Playoffs on the line, the competition has never been more fierce.
The introduction of two Mega Mentors, Jennifer Hudson and Sting, has added an extra layer of excitement as they work alongside the coaches.
The season’s battles are proving to be some of the most challenging yet, as artists fight to secure their places on the road to the finale. With steals and saves still in play, the stakes are high, and no one is safe.
The night was filled with unforgettable performances and surprising decisions that could change the course of the season. Let’s take a closer look at the strategies, performances, and surprises that unfolded in this high-stakes episode.
Snoop Dogg Plays a Smart Game with Strategic Moves
The Knockouts kick off with Team Snoop, and from the start, it’s clear that Snoop Dogg is playing a strategic game. This season, Snoop is joined by Sting as his Mega Mentor. The two share a fun chemistry that brings a unique dynamic to the show.
The duo’s interaction is a reminder of the unexpected yet delightful partnerships we’ve come to enjoy in The Voice family. Snoop and Sting bring their individual experiences to the table, offering different perspectives on the performances.
Snoop Dogg is facing a challenging decision for his first Knockout round as a coach. His artists for this round are Austyns Stancil, who he previously stole, Christina Eagle, and Jake Tankersley. These three performers are incredibly different from each other, and each has their own strengths.
Snoop is looking for emotional connection in their performances, hoping to find someone who can reach out to the audience with raw, powerful emotion. For Snoop, it’s not just about vocal prowess; it’s about the heart and soul that each artist brings to their performance.
The first to perform is Austyns Stancil, who has a deeply emotional connection to his song choice. He sings “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross, a song that resonates strongly with him due to the anniversary of his father’s passing. The emotion in Stancil’s performance is undeniable.
His voice is pure, and the heartfelt delivery brings Snoop Dogg to tears as he recalls his own memories of his mother. Stancil’s connection to the song is powerful, though vocally, his performance is somewhat straightforward. His decision to focus more on the emotional depth rather than vocal complexity pays off, showing his strength as a storyteller through music.
Next up is Christina Eagle, who chooses to perform Maren Morris’ “My Church.” Eagle nails the essence of the song while also infusing her unique style into the performance. Her vocal runs and emotional delivery make her stand out.
Snoop is impressed, and his reaction speaks volumes—he stands up and expresses his admiration for her stage presence. Christina’s performance not only connects with the audience but also proves her ability to shine in the country music genre. Her stage presence is engaging, and she certainly proves that she has the potential to go far.
Jake Tankersley follows with a rendition of “Going, Going Gone” by Luke Combs. Although Tankersley sings with sincerity, his performance falls a bit flat. The song is well executed, but it lacks the spark of originality that would have made it stand out.
The song stays safely within the boundaries of modern country music, and while it’s technically solid, it doesn’t take any risks or offer anything fresh to the audience. While his performance is competent, it doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression.
After the performances, Snoop Dogg faces a tough decision. Christina Eagle is the obvious front-runner, given her stage presence and vocal performance. However, Snoop goes with his gut and selects Austyns Stancil as the winner of the Knockout.
This decision catches everyone by surprise, but Snoop’s move is a clever one. Before Christina Eagle can even leave the stage, Snoop hits the save button, keeping her in the competition. But the drama doesn’t end there. Reba McEntire, Michael Bublé, and Gwen Stefani all slam their steal buttons, hoping to add Eagle to their teams. In a twist, Eagle decides to stay with Team Snoop.
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
Meanwhile, Jake Tankersley’s performance doesn’t go unnoticed. Both Reba and Gwen fight for a chance to steal him, but he ultimately chooses Team Gwen. Snoop’s strategy is clear—he kept all three artists in the competition, managing to switch up the team dynamic while ensuring his own team remains intact.
Reba McEntire Makes a Bold Decision with Her Team
Next, we move to Team Reba, where the stakes are just as high. Reba is joined by Jennifer Hudson, one of the season’s Mega Mentors, and their combined experience makes for a powerful coaching duo. Reba has a tough decision to make as her artists face off in the Knockouts. Her three artists for this round are Adam Bohanan, Jaukeem Fortson, and Cassidy Lee.
Adam Bohanan kicks off the performances with his rendition of “Colors” by Black Pumas. The performance immediately catches the attention of Jennifer Hudson, who is moved by Bohanan’s soulful delivery. Adam’s connection to the song is deeply personal, as he uses his platform to celebrate the diversity within Black culture.
As a half-Black, half-Jewish man, Adam brings a raw authenticity to the song. His grit and edge are on full display as he pours his heart into the performance, marking it as one of his strongest showings on the show so far.
Cassidy Lee follows with a performance of “Love Me Like a Man” by Bonnie Raitt. While Cassidy’s vocal ability is undeniable, her performance lacks the presence and storytelling needed to fully connect with the audience. She plays it safe, which unfortunately prevents her from leaving a lasting impression. The song choice, while bold, doesn’t allow her to shine as brightly as her competitors.
The final performer is Jaukeem Fortson, who delivers an ambitious performance of “God Only Knows” by For KING + COUNTRY. Jaukeem’s performance is filled with emotion, but it doesn’t quite measure up to the intensity of his counterparts. At only 14 years old, Jaukeem is still finding his voice as an artist. His ambition is evident, but he lacks the maturity and experience of the other performers.
In the end, Reba selects Adam Bohanan as the winner of the Knockout. Despite Cassidy Lee’s efforts, her journey ends here. However, Jaukeem Fortson is saved by Michael Bublé, who sees potential in the young artist. It’s a risky move, but Jaukeem’s future on the show remains uncertain. His journey is far from over, though, and his story could take an unexpected turn as the competition progresses.
Gwen Stefani Faces a Tough Choice with Her Artists
Gwen Stefani is next, and she faces a tough decision for her first Knockout. Her team includes Camryn Brooks, Jose Luis, and Deon Jones, all of whom are talented in their own right. Gwen is eager to make use of her Mega Mentor, Sting, and his guidance as she works with her artists.
Camryn Brooks performs “Glitter in the Air” by Pink, a song that holds personal significance for her. Her voice is strong and emotive, and she does a great job of showcasing her vocal range. However, while her performance is technically solid, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional depth needed to win over the coaches.
Deon Jones takes a risk with his performance of “Nutbush City Limits” by Tina Turner. The choice is unconventional, but Deon’s stage presence is undeniable. He commands the stage with his energy and charisma, and his ability to entertain is clear. Deon’s story, including his experience of being shot with a rubber bullet, adds an extra layer of depth to his performance, making it even more powerful.
Jose Luis follows with a performance of “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)” by Ariana Grande. His emotional vulnerability is evident as he delivers a heartfelt rendition of the song. While his vocal performance is strong, he struggles to fully let go and express the song’s emotions in the way his competitors do.
In the end, Gwen Stefani selects Jose Luis as the winner of the Knockout. Unfortunately, neither Deon Jones nor Camryn Brooks is saved, marking the end of their journeys on Team Gwen.
Michael Bublé Keeps His Team Strong with a Key Save
The last Knockout round of the night features Team Bublé, where Michael Bublé faces a difficult decision with two incredibly talented artists: Sloane Simon and Cameron Wright. Both performers have proven themselves to be strong contenders, and their Knockout performances will determine who stays and who goes.
Cameron Wright delivers a stunning performance of “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. His rendition is emotionally charged, and the audience is fully engaged with his heartfelt delivery. Cameron’s performance showcases his immense talent, and it’s clear that he has what it takes to go far in the competition.
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
Sloane Simon, on the other hand, delivers a performance of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Can’t Catch Me Now.” Sloane’s voice is fresh and unique, and her subtle approach to the song creates an attractive performance. While it’s not as vocally intense as Cameron’s, Sloane’s performance is full of promise. Her style is modern and reflective of the current music scene, which makes her an exciting artist to watch.
In the end, Michael Bublé selects Cameron Wright as the winner of the Knockout. However, Sloane Simon’s performance does not go unnoticed, and she is quickly stolen by Reba McEntire, keeping her in the competition for another round.
The mystery surrounding the eerie town in From has kept viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its first two seasons. Each time one of the burning questions is answered, it seems to raise more questions.
Season 3 Episode 8 takes a significant step toward answering some of the biggest mysteries, providing one of the most crucial revelations in the show’s history.
But before this major reveal, the episode opens with the aftermath of a grisly and sudden death that occurred at the end of the previous episode. The death leads to even more tension and confusion as the town’s residents struggle to make sense of the situation.
The Aftermath of Fatima’s Discovery
At the start of Episode 8, Fatima (played by Pegah Ghafoori) is in a state of emotional collapse after discovering that her pregnancy isn’t what it seems. This shocking revelation causes her to unravel.
She reacts with intense grief and anger, and in a moment of uncontrollable rage, she accidentally drives a pair of shears into Tillie’s (Deborah Grover) chest. The sudden death of Tillie only adds to the chaos in the town and the unraveling situation around Fatima.
Ellis (Corteon Moore) finds Fatima weeping over Tillie’s body in the greenhouse and realizes the severity of the situation. He immediately enlists his father Boyd (Harold Perrineau) to help. Boyd knows that the best course of action is to protect Fatima from the townspeople, who might turn against her in the wake of the killing.
Boyd quickly takes Fatima to a rundown shack deep in the woods, hoping to keep her away from the townsfolk while they figure out what to do next. Boyd urges Fatima to regain her composure for Ellis’s sake, but he also understands the need to think rationally in such a chaotic situation.
However, things take a turn for the worse when Tillie’s body is discovered. The news of the murder spreads quickly throughout the town, and the community erupts into panic. A manhunt is launched, and the townspeople are especially suspicious of Sarah (Avery Konrad), the town’s known murderer. The residents demand justice, and suspicion falls on Sarah once again, adding to the already tense atmosphere in the town.
Julie’s Growing Connection to the Ruins
As the chaos in the town unfolds, Julie (Hannah Cheramy) becomes increasingly consumed by thoughts of the ruins. After her unsettling encounter with Randall (A.J. Simmons) in the forest, she cannot shake the feeling that the ruins hold some deeper significance.
Still from From Season 3 (Credit: MGM)
Julie decides to visit Randall, who is now staying at the doctor’s residence, hoping to discuss what they both felt during their brief visit to the ruins. When she arrives, she asks Randall if he, too, felt a strange connection to the place.
Randall confirms that he did feel something, but he insists that it’s best to stay away from places that evoke such unsettling emotions. His advice to Julie is clear: avoid the ruins. But Julie, determined to find answers, chooses to ignore his warning.
She returns to the ruins with her younger brother Ethan (Simon Webster) in tow. As they stand at the edge of the ruins, Julie asks Ethan what a hero from his stories would do in that moment. Ethan describes a scene he calls a “Threshold,” a point where the hero summons the courage to move forward.
Julie, inspired by Ethan’s words, decides to step beyond the Threshold. As she does, she begins to collapse and seizes up, her body wracked with convulsions. In a hallucinatory state, Julie is transported back to the dungeon where Boyd had previously found the three victims chained up.
She covers her ears, screaming in agony alongside the victims. The pain overwhelms her, and when it subsides, the old man who had initially given Boyd the blood-bug infection from Season 2 appears before her.
The old man seems to offer cryptic advice, urging Julie to throw a rope down a well in the center of the room. This is the same well that Boyd had used to climb up in a previous season. When Julie turns to question the old man, he mysteriously disappears.
Undeterred, Julie proceeds to enter the adjacent room, where she finds herself in the dark tunnels she has heard about before. The eerie voice of her mother echoes through the darkness, and Julie begins to hear the children chanting “anghkooey,” which disorients her further.
Julie’s strange journey continues, and while she remains unconscious in the ruins, her younger brother Ethan runs back to the town to get help. He encounters Kenny (Ricky He) and Acosta (Samantha Brown), who are in the midst of questioning townspeople about the recent murder.
Still angry about Boyd’s actions and questioning the town’s leadership, Acosta becomes frustrated with the situation. Her complaints are interrupted when Ethan frantically cries out for help. Kenny and Acosta rush to Julie’s aid, dragging her away from the ruins and severing her connection to the dark, mysterious forces within the dungeons.
The Shocking Revelations About the Town’s Origin
Meanwhile, back in town, Jade (David Alpay), Jim (Eion Bailey), and Tabitha (Catalina Sandino Moreno) are trying to make sense of the situation. After returning from the homestead, Jade begins sifting through his notes once again. He finds Henry (Robert Joy) asleep at the bar and invites him to stay.
Their quiet conversation is soon interrupted by Jim, who storms in to confront Jade. Jim accuses Jade of interfering with his family, specifically brainwashing Tabitha and putting her in danger.
As Jade storms off, Henry offers Jim a piece of advice, warning him not to hold onto his family too tightly. He shares the tragic story of how he lost his own family, recounting how his wife and children were taken after he refused to listen to his wife’s warnings about the children. Jim and Henry sit together in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, as Jim stares at a tall glass of whiskey.
Meanwhile, Victor (Scott McCord) and Sarah continue their efforts to get Jasper, the ventriloquist dummy, to talk. They are unsuccessful, and Victor becomes increasingly frustrated. In an attempt to calm him, Sarah suggests that they bring Tabitha in to help.
Tabitha takes charge of the situation, encouraging Victor to face his fears and unlock his memories. Together, they help him recall a significant memory from his childhood. He remembers seeing Christopher talk to Jasper, but upon revisiting the scene, he realizes that it wasn’t Jasper who was talking to Christopher—it was the boy in white.
Victor’s memory is triggered, and he reveals a key part of the town’s origin. The mystery surrounding the town’s origins all began with the children: they were born in the dark, and they were murdered in the dark. The children’s bodies were then placed on stones, and vines formed into the ominous symbol that haunted Jade in Season 2. This event also marked the establishment of the faraway tree and all its strange, magical properties.
Victor’s revelation marks a turning point in understanding the town’s history. He recalls that Christopher refused to take action when he first learned about these dark secrets. But young Victor overheard the conversation and told his mother about it.
In a moment of realization, Victor understands that his mother’s disappearance and her journey to the faraway tree were directly linked to him. He had blocked out the memories because he realized that he was the reason she went in search of the children—and ultimately disappeared.
Elgin and Fatima’s Strange Intersection
While Victor uncovers the truth about the town’s past, Elgin’s (Nathan D. Simmons) storyline continues to raise questions. Elgin has been haunted by the vision of the illusory kimono lady, and his journey takes a strange turn in this episode.
Elgin receives more mysterious Polaroid pictures from his camera. He follows the clues, starting with a picture of a blood bag. This leads him to the hospital, where he meets Randall. Their interaction is tense, but they manage to exchange a few words. Elgin apologizes for his previous actions, and Randall apologizes for his harsh treatment on the bus.
However, Elgin’s journey takes an unexpected turn when another image arrives, leading him to follow it further. Meanwhile, Boyd and Ellis are caught up in tense discussions about what to do with Fatima.
Still from From Season 3 (Credit: MGM)
Ellis wants to tell the town the truth, but Boyd disagrees, knowing it will only make things worse. Eventually, the two agree to flee into the woods, but when they reach the shack where Fatima is hiding, they find it empty.
The episode ends with a shocking turn of events. Elgin, seemingly unaware of the danger, leads Fatima to a secret bunker. He claims that Ellis will meet her there, but as Fatima steps into the small, cell-like room, she realizes that Elgin’s intentions are far more sinister.
Elgin reveals that Fatima is pregnant, but the baby isn’t hers. When she tries to escape, Elgin grabs her and drags her into the room, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
The first eight episodes of From Season 3 are available to stream on MGM+ in the U.S.
