Season 26 of The Voice has reached its high-stakes Playoffs stage, where each coach must make some of the toughest decisions yet. The task is to narrow their teams from five talented artists to just two who will advance to the live shows.
This point in the competition is crucial, as the decisions made now can define the rest of the season. The Playoffs are known for producing moments of brilliance and drama, as both veterans and newcomers to coaching weigh their choices carefully.
Gwen Stefani, one of the veteran coaches, is tasked with whittling her team down. After working with Sting as her team mentor during the Knockouts, Gwen has invited a new mentor to help in the Playoffs: Machine Gun Kelly (MGK). Known for his daring style and ability to cross musical genres, MGK brings fresh energy and industry expertise to the coaching sessions.
Before the performances begin, Gwen shares a humorous personal detail: she is slightly dyslexic, which makes her joke that referring to Machine Gun Kelly by his nickname might be a challenge.
She also mentions her famous track Hollaback Girl, referencing its iconic spelling of the word “bananas.” This light-hearted exchange sets the tone for a night that mixes intense competition with moments of levity.
Jose Luis Proves He’s a Star
Jose Luis, one of Gwen’s standout contestants, receives high praise right from the start. Gwen describes him as a “monster” on stage, acknowledging his immense talent. She even admits she doesn’t know how to coach someone of his caliber and decides to simply cheer him on.
MGK takes a different approach, showing he has done his homework by watching Jose Luis’ previous performances. This preparation allows MGK to give detailed and thoughtful advice tailored to Jose’s style and strengths.
For his Playoffs performance, Jose Luis chooses No More Drama by Mary J. Blige, a powerful anthem that resonates deeply with him. The song reflects his journey and his struggles with bullying during childhood for being perceived as too feminine.
Jose pours his heart into the performance, accompanied by backup singers who add richness to the sound. On stage, he exudes star power, delivering a performance so polished it could have easily been part of an awards show. Jose’s ability to connect with the song emotionally and his commanding stage presence make him one of the strongest contenders in the Playoffs.
Jake Tankersley Brings Country to the Stage
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
After hearing about Jake’s admiration for country legends, MGK encourages him to channel the mystique of Johnny Cash in his performance.
Jake selects The Painter by Cody Johnson for his Playoffs performance. His performance is clean, solid, and very much in line with what country music fans would expect. While Jake has a smooth, radio-ready voice that could easily find a place on the country charts, his performance feels safe.
Compared to some of his competitors, Jake lacks the dynamic energy that could upgrade his stage presence and set him apart.
Gabrielle Zabosky Stands Out With Creativity
Gabrielle Zabosky is placed in the middle of the performance lineup, a spot that can sometimes be a disadvantage in competition shows. However, Gabrielle’s quirky charm and talent make her memorable.
During her coaching session, she quickly bonds with MGK, who is thrilled to learn that she quit her job at Olive Garden to pursue her dream on The Voice. MGK is so impressed by her determination that he jumps out of his chair to give her a fist bump.
For her Playoffs performance, Gabrielle makes a bold choice by reimagining Roxette’s Listen To Your Heart as a stripped-down piano ballad. This decision allows her to showcase her artistry and vocal skills in a way that feels deeply personal.
Her performance transforms the song, turning it into something uniquely hers. Gabrielle’s ability to take creative risks and her polished delivery make her a standout contender, proving she knows exactly who she wants to be as an artist.
Jan Dan’s Bold Song Choice
Jan Dan is no stranger to high-pressure moments, having been saved by Gwen during the Knockouts. Known for choosing interesting and unconventional songs, Jan decides to take on Dust in the Wind by Kansas for the Playoffs.
The classic rock ballad allows Jan to show new dimensions of his voice, showcasing depth and versatility. Vocally, he delivers a polished performance with impressive runs and smooth transitions.
However, while his singing is strong, his stage presence leaves something to be desired. Jan’s performance, though technically sound, lacks the charisma and star power needed to attract the audience truly.
Sydney Sterlace Steps Into the Spotlight
Sydney Sterlace is Team Gwen’s youngest member. At 15, she is relatable to MGK, who notes that his own daughter is the same age. Sydney shares her aspirations to be a singer-songwriter and her admiration for Taylor Swift, calling herself a devoted Swiftie.
For her Playoffs performance, Sydney chooses betty from Taylor Swift’s Folklore album. She aims to focus on storytelling rather than vocal gymnastics, hoping to connect with the audience through her interpretation of the lyrics. Gwen advises her to pay closer attention to the song’s emotional tone, suggesting that her initial take is too cheerful for its reflective mood.
In her performance, Sydney sits next to a guitarist, creating an intimate atmosphere that highlights her storytelling. While her approach is sweet and sincere, it lacks the polish and presence expected on such a big stage. Sydney’s performance feels more like a talent show act than a Playoffs performance, which might make it difficult for her to stand out among her competitors.
Gwen Stefani’s Surprising Final Picks
After all five performances, Gwen faces the difficult task of choosing just two artists to advance to the live shows. Her decision is clearly emotional, and she even breaks down in tears while considering her options.
Based on the performances, Jose Luis and Gabrielle Zabosky seem like the obvious choices. Both delivered standout performances that showcased their artistry, vocal ability, and potential as stars.
However, Gwen surprises everyone with her final decision. She chooses Jan Dan and Sydney Sterlace to represent Team Gwen in the live shows.
While both are talented, their Playoffs performances were not as strong as those of Jose and Gabrielle. Gwen’s decision leaves fans and viewers questioning her strategy, as this is not the first time this season she has made unexpected choices.
What Lies Ahead for the Contestants?
The Playoffs are just the beginning of the intense competition leading up to the live shows. For Jan Dan and Sydney Sterlace, advancing means they’ll need to bring their A-game to compete with the other teams’ strongest performers. Meanwhile, fans are left wondering how Gwen’s unconventional decisions will impact her team’s chances in the live shows.
As always, The Voice continues to be a platform for incredible talent and unpredictable moments. Whether Gwen’s choices pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the competition is only going to get tougher from here.
Conclusion
As the Playoffs for The Voice Season 26 come to a close, the competition is only heating up. Gwen Stefani’s decision to pick Jan Dan and Sydney Sterlace to represent her team in the live shows has left many questioning the logic behind her choices, especially given the standout performances from Jose Luis and Gabrielle Zabosky.
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
While these decisions are surprising, they are not entirely without merit. Gwen has shown time and time again that she is willing to make bold moves, even if they go against the grain of fan expectations.
For Jan Dan and Sydney, the path to the live shows now holds even more pressure. Both contestants have shown promise, but they will need to step up their performances to prove they are worthy of advancing further.
Jan Dan’s ability to impress with his vocal range is undeniable, though his stage presence will need to match his vocal ability. Similarly, Sydney, with her youthful charm, will need to refine her storytelling and emotional connection to her songs to stand out against stronger competitors.
The decisions made in the Playoffs are critical not just for the artists themselves but also for their coaches. With only a few spots left in the live shows, every move counts. Gwen’s choices will be closely scrutinized, and the impact of her picks will unfold in the coming weeks.
The Voice has once again proven that it is full of surprises, and the road to the finale is never predictable. Fans can expect more unexpected twists, powerful performances, and emotional moments as the battle for the crown intensifies.
As the show continues, the question remains: Will Gwen’s controversial picks pay off, or will the other artists prove that her decisions were the wrong ones? Only time will tell.
The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC, with episodes available to stream on Peacock.
The third season of “The Sex Lives of College Girls” returns on November 21, continuing the journey of four college freshmen at Essex College. Season 3 promises more drama, love, and personal growth, so here’s a refresher on where the characters left off and what to expect this time around.
Whitney’s Academic Struggles and New Relationships
Season 2 of The Sex Lives of College Girls followed Whitney (Alyah Chanelle Scott) as she found herself torn between her passion for soccer and her desire to succeed academically. As the soccer team entered its offseason, Whitney sought new ways to fill her time and decided to take on the challenging biochemistry class at Essex College.
This move showcased Whitney’s drive, but it also exposed her to new struggles. The class, difficult on its own, was made even harder when Whitney’s TA kept confusing her with the only other Black student in the class. On top of that, her classmate Andrew (Charlie Hall) frequently belittled her, making Whitney feel even more out of place.
However, when Whitney and Andrew were paired for a crucial lab project, things started to shift. The more time they spent together, the more Whitney started to notice an attraction to him. This soon led to the two of them starting a casual hookup, though Whitney was clear about not wanting a relationship.
But when Andrew expressed interest in something more, Whitney grew conflicted. Their first date was awkward, confirming that they were not on the same page emotionally. By the season finale, Whitney made the difficult decision to break things off with Andrew, focusing on her own goals rather than any romantic entanglements.
Before getting involved with Andrew, Whitney had been in a relationship with Canaan (Christopher Meyer). Their relationship faced challenges, mostly because Whitney became jealous of Canaan’s close friendship with his coworker, Zoe (Aketra Sevillian).
Although Canaan reassured her that nothing romantic was going on, Whitney couldn’t shake her feelings of insecurity. The relationship reached its breaking point when Whitney caught herself snooping through Canaan’s phone at a party, which led to a breakup.
While there were a few awkward interactions between the two afterward, Whitney began to realize that she missed him. In an attempt to reconnect, Whitney followed Canaan after the last party of the year, intending to confess her feelings.
However, she saw him kissing Kimberly, and the sight left her feeling hurt and betrayed. In response, Whitney decided to move out of the dorm and into the Kappa sorority house, as Leighton had given up her spot, signaling a shift in Whitney’s social life.
Leighton’s Journey to Self-Acceptance
Leighton (Reneé Rapp) has faced some of the most significant character development in The Sex Lives of College Girls. In the first season, Leighton struggled with being in the closet. Her journey to self-acceptance began when she told Kimberly she was gay, and by the Season 2 premiere, she had come out to both Bela and Whitney.
As Leighton grew more comfortable with her sexuality, she began to show relationships with several women at Essex, but not without complications. She inadvertently spread chlamydia around campus, making her journey even more complex.
Throughout the season, Leighton continued her search for love, encountering new challenges in her dating life. She met Tatum (Gracie Dzienny), an older student who resembled Leighton in many ways and became determined to impress her.
They quickly began dating, but Leighton’s insecurities about being “cool enough” for Tatum led to problems in their relationship. When Leighton’s dad (Rob Huebel) came to visit, she finally came out to him during a tense dinner. Though her father was supportive, he expressed regret that she hadn’t been open with him sooner.
Leighton’s relationship with Tatum came to a head when they attended a party together. Tatum’s dismissive attitude towards the event made Leighton realize that they didn’t share the same values, leading to a breakup.
Later in the season, Leighton decided to leave the Kappa sorority after being elected social chair, feeling that the sorority wasn’t accepting of queer and trans individuals.
Still from The Sex Lives of College Girls (Credit: Max)
The season finale saw Leighton reconnecting with her ex-girlfriend, Alicia (Midori Francis), and using the money her mom had intended for Kappa to donate to the women’s center, a gesture reflecting her desire to build a more inclusive community.
Kimberly’s Financial Struggles and New Romance
Kimberly (Pauline Chalamet) faced a tough situation in The Sex Lives of College Girls Season 1 when she lost her academic scholarship after getting caught cheating on an exam. In Season 2, she found herself struggling to pay for her tuition, unwilling to ask her already struggling parents for help.
Kimberly’s job at Sips couldn’t cover the cost, so she applied for a loan, but she needed a co-signer. When the deal with a trusted professor fell through, Kimberly made a difficult decision: she chose to donate her eggs in exchange for the money she needed.
During this time, Kimberly’s love life took an interesting turn. After Nico (Gavin Leatherwood) was expelled in Season 1, Kimberly found a new interest in her neighbor, Jackson (Mitchell Slaggert). The two began dating, and their relationship seemed promising.
However, by the end of the season, Kimberly’s feelings shifted when she realized she had developed a strong attraction to Canaan, Whitney’s ex-boyfriend. This tension grew after Canaan received an award from Essex’s economics department and invited Kimberly to the celebratory banquet.
At the event, Kimberly and Canaan shared a kiss, confirming that their mutual attraction was real. The only problem was that Whitney had witnessed the kiss, leading to tension between the friends.
The situation became even more complicated when Kimberly’s emotions started to cloud her judgment. When Whitney confronted Kimberly about the kiss, Kimberly kept quiet, refusing to admit anything. This strained their friendship, and by the end of the season, Kimberly was forced to face the consequences of her actions, including the impact on her relationship with Canaan and her friendship with Whitney.
Bela’s Struggles with Relationships and Career
Bela (Amrit Kaur) had a particularly rough season in The Sex Lives of College Girls Season 2. After leaving her position at The Catullan, Bela tried to get her own comedy magazine, The Foxy, off the ground. Her efforts, however, were constantly met with challenges.
In Episode 4, Bela made a bold move by hijacking The Catullan’s latest issue, adding a QR code that led directly to The Foxy’s website. This act of defiance angered Eric (Mekki Leeper), the editor of The Catullan, and he retaliated by hacking into The Foxy’s site.
Though Eric and Bela later rekindled their relationship and agreed to keep things casual, Bela soon found herself getting jealous when Eric started seeing other women. Realizing that she wanted something more serious, Bela expressed her feelings to Eric, and the two became exclusive.
However, things didn’t go smoothly for Bela after that. When famed comedian Dan O’Brien (John Reynolds) visited Essex, Bela tried her hardest to make a good impression, hoping for an internship. Unfortunately for her, Dan formed a stronger connection with Eric, even offering him a writing opportunity that Bela didn’t have.
In an effort to keep Dan’s attention, Bela took things too far. She showed up at his hotel and initiated sex, hoping to impress him. When Eric found out, he was heartbroken and broke up with her, refusing to forgive her.
Later in the season, Bela’s career took another hit when a student journalist from the Essex View wrote an article about The Foxy that focused almost entirely on Bela rather than the magazine’s staff.
This upset her team, and Bela’s behavior toward aspiring comedy writer Jorja (Carly Dutcher) didn’t help matters. After dismissing Jorja’s work and telling her to give up on comedy, Jorja publicly called out Bela on social media.
The consequences of Bela’s actions snowballed, and in the season finale, Bela found herself isolated. Jo (Cheyenne Perez) and Evangeline (Sierra Katow) confronted Bela about her lies, and her teammates kicked her out of both The Foxy and their apartment. With her career and relationships in shambles, Bela ended the season contemplating transferring from Essex.
Season 3 Preview
As Season 3 of The Sex Lives of College Girls begins, the characters are faced with new personal and academic challenges. Whitney, Leighton, Kimberly, and Bela are all back at Essex College, dealing with the consequences of their actions and trying to figure out what’s next for their lives.
The drama is far from over, and as the show moves into its third season, fans can expect to see more emotional growth, romantic entanglements, and perhaps even some shocking twists.
Still from The Sex Lives of College Girls (Credit: Max)
The Sex Lives of College Girls Season 3 promises to bring the same mix of humor, drama, and relatability that has made it a fan favorite. With new episodes airing every Thursday on Max, there’s plenty of excitement to look forward to as the Essex students continue their journey through college.
Season 3 of The Sex Lives of College Girls brings more drama, growth, and exciting twists for Whitney, Leighton, Kimberly, and Bela. As they continue facing college life, personal struggles, and relationships, fans can expect an engaging season filled with challenges and emotional moments every Thursday on Max.
