Season 26 of The Voice has reached one of its most exciting stages — the Battle Rounds. After assembling their teams, coaches now face tough decisions. For fans of the show, this means sitting back, enjoying the performances, and, of course, analyzing the judges’ choices.
For the contestants, however, this is where the competition heats up. Emotions run high, and even the judges themselves struggle to make difficult decisions about which performers will move forward and who will leave the competition.
With the excitement comes the knowledge that you can’t get too attached to your favorite contestants. Just like in Game of Thrones, a fan favorite could be sent home at any moment, no matter how talented they are.
Contestants have to prove they are more than just a great voice; they need to show that they can continue to grow and adapt in the competition.
Even if a contestant is eliminated, there’s still hope that another coach might steal them, but there’s no guarantee. With the stakes high, the Battle Rounds are where The Voice truly becomes a fierce competition.
The Judges: Familiar Faces and Newcomers
This season introduces two new coaches, Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé. Both music icons are respected in their fields, but this is their first time on The Voice coaching panel. Their fresh perspectives add an interesting dynamic to the show.
Snoop Dogg, known for his iconic rap career, has ventured into multiple genres of music over the years, showing his versatility as an artist. On The Voice, fans are eager to see how his laid-back but sharp approach will translate into his coaching style.
Michael Bublé, a celebrated crooner with years of experience in jazz, pop, and soul, brings a different flavor to the coaching panel. His reputation for technical excellence and emotional depth in performances means that his team is likely to benefit from his keen insights into vocal technique and stage presence.
Bublé’s calm demeanor contrasts with Snoop Dogg’s more energetic and spontaneous personality, which could make for some interesting clashes between the two.
Meanwhile, Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire return to the panel with their wealth of experience in the music industry. For Gwen, a veteran coach, this is familiar territory, but for Reba, this season is a continuation of her successful first stint as a coach.
Both of them know exactly what it takes to win The Voice, and they have a keen eye for spotting talent. Gwen, known for her pop-punk roots and innovative approach to music, often looks for contestants who can bring something unique to the stage.
Reba, with her decades of experience in country music, values authenticity and emotional connection in performances. Together, these four judges set the stage for an intense and unpredictable Battle Round.
The Battle Round: Tough Decisions and Emotional Performances
In the Battle Round, coaches pair up their team members to compete against one another in a duet. The contestants must sing the same song, and at the end of the performance, the coach must choose which contestant to keep and which one to send home.
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
It’s a heart-wrenching decision for the coaches, as both performers often give it their all. But the show must go on, and hard decisions must be made.
The contestants, of course, are aware of what’s at stake. They’ve worked hard to make it through the Blind Auditions, and they know that this could be their last chance to prove they deserve to stay in the competition.
For some, this is their first taste of the music industry, while others have been trying to break into it for years. The Battle Round performances are filled with emotion, and you can see just how much this opportunity means to each contestant.
Despite the stress and pressure, the Battle Round is also a time when strategy comes into play. Each coach has the ability to “steal” a contestant from another team if they are eliminated. This adds an extra layer of drama to the competition, as coaches must decide not only who to keep on their own team but also whether they want to take a risk on a contestant from another team.
The steals can completely change the dynamic of the competition, as a strong contestant who might have been eliminated gets a second chance with a new coach. Coaches must be strategic in how they use their steals because they only have a limited number.
Snoop Dogg Learns That Letting Go Is Hard
For Snoop Dogg, the Battle Rounds bring a new challenge: saying goodbye to talented contestants. As a first-time coach, he must now show the emotional task of deciding who stays and who goes.
Snoop kicks off his Battle Round experience with a sit-down session with Clyde Lieberman, the Co-Executive Producer of The Voice, who helps guide him through the decision-making process.
Lieberman provides valuable advice on how to pair his artists and make tough choices, but it’s clear that this is going to be a difficult process for the rapper-turned-coach.
Snoop’s strategy is to pair artists who will sound good together, but this approach carries a risk. If two equally talented contestants are paired up, one of them will inevitably have to leave the competition. For his first pairing, Snoop decides to take a risk and go with a country song.
He pairs Gail Bliss, a veteran with a powerful voice, against Christina Eagle, a young up-and-coming artist, for a performance of “Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson.
The performance is electric. Gail Bliss brings a natural power and confidence to the stage, her voice steady and grounded in the classic country sound. Christina Eagle, on the other hand, brings a youthful energy and stage presence that makes her stand out.
The two artists create a mother-daughter dynamic on stage, with Gail taking on the role of the seasoned veteran and Christina embodying the scrappy newcomer. It’s a battle of experience versus raw talent, and Snoop has a tough decision to make.
After much deliberation, Snoop decides to keep Christina Eagle on his team. His reasoning is that Christina has more room to grow in the competition, and he believes she has the potential to become a real star.
While Gail Bliss gave a solid performance, Snoop feels that Christina’s charisma and stage presence will serve her well as the competition progresses. It’s a tough decision, but Snoop ultimately feels he made the right call.
Snoop’s Second Battle: A Clash of Styles
Snoop’s second Battle Round brings together two very different singers: Eliza Pryor and Mikaela Ayira. These two young artists have bonded during their time on the show, even making videos together before the big performance.
Snoop decides to challenge them with Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles,” a song that has been performed many times on reality competition shows.
While Snoop’s song choice is a bit predictable, it’s clear that both Eliza and Mikaela are eager to give it their all. Eliza’s voice matches the light, airy feel of the song, while Mikaela brings a bit more power to the performance. However, the song forces Mikaela to hold back a little, which limits her ability to show off her full range.
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
Although Mikaela is the stronger vocalist, Eliza’s performance is more cohesive. She captures the essence of the song and stays true to its spirit.
In the end, Snoop makes the difficult decision to name Mikaela the winner of the battle, but it’s clear that both contestants impressed him. This is the nature of the Battle Rounds — sometimes the decision comes down to small details, and both artists walk away having learned valuable lessons.
Gwen Stefani Shocks the Audience with a Bold Choice
Gwen Stefani begins her Battle Round with two sweet, young pop singers: Sloane Simon and Sydney Sterlace. Both contestants have a similar vibe, and Gwen pairs them because she believes their voices will complement each other. For their performance, they sing “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish, a song that perfectly suits their artistic styles.
On stage, Sloane and Sydney bring a big sister-little sister energy to their performance. Their voices blend beautifully, and they both exude a pop star sensibility.
However, when it comes to individual performances, Sloane’s age and experience give her an edge. She has a confidence on stage that comes from having spent more time honing her craft, while Sydney is still finding her footing.
Despite Sloane’s stronger performance, Gwen shocks everyone by choosing to keep Sydney on her team. It’s a bold move, and one that leaves the other coaches scrambling to steal Sloane.
All three of them jump at the chance to add Sloane to their teams, but in the end, she chooses to join Team Bublé. Michael Bublé tells her that he believes she has what it takes to win the whole competition, and Sloane is excited about the opportunity to work with a new coach.
Gwen’s decision to keep Sydney shows that she is thinking long-term. While Sloane may have been the stronger performer in this round, Gwen sees potential in Sydney and wants to give her the chance to grow under her guidance. It’s a risky move, but Gwen is known for taking risks, and this could pay off in the long run.
An Uncomfortable Pairing
For her second battle, Gwen faces one of the most awkward pairings of the night: Jan Dan and Jaylen Dunham. The two artists have a large age gap, and their voices are at very different levels of maturity.
Gwen pairs them together because they were the last two contestants left, and they didn’t quite fit with anyone else on her team. It’s clear from the start that this is going to be a lopsided performance.
Gwen chooses “For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder as their song, hoping to showcase their vocal range. However, it’s clear that the song is not the best fit for either contestant.
Jan Dan, the older of the two, has a voice that suits the track, while Jaylen struggles to connect with the lyrics. Despite the mismatch, their performance is heartfelt, and it even moves Reba McEntire to tears.
In the end, Gwen decides to keep Jan Dan on her team, feeling that he is more ready to continue in the competition. Jaylen, who had been one of her favorites from the Blind Auditions, is sent home. It’s a tough decision, but Gwen believes that Jan Dan has the experience and maturity to go further in the competition.
Reba McEntire Brings the Country Showdown
Reba McEntire, a country music legend, kicks off her Battle Round with a classic country duet. She pairs Kendall Eugene, who was her Coach Replay Button recipient, with Alison Elena, the last singer to join her team.
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
Together, they perform “Bring On the Rain” by Jo Dee Messina and Tim McGraw, a song that allows them both to showcase their individual strengths while blending their voices in a harmonious duet.
Kendall Eugene, with his guitar in hand, delivers a powerful performance, but he feels a bit confined behind the microphone.
Alison Elena, on the other hand, moves freely across the stage, connecting with both the audience and the judges. While Kendall’s voice has more power, Alison’s purity and grace shine through in the performance.
Reba ultimately decides to keep Kendall Eugene on her team, valuing the gravelly texture of his voice. She believes that he has the potential to go far in the competition, and she wants to continue working with him to help him refine his sound. However, she also praises Alison for her beautiful performance and encourages her to keep pursuing her dreams.
Michael Bublé Goes “Full Gladiator” for His Battle
Michael Bublé, known for his smooth and suave demeanor, surprises everyone by going “full Gladiator” mode during his first Battle Round. He pairs two young artists, Mor Ilderton and Kiara Vega, for a performance of “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. While the song is a bit out of their comfort zones, both contestants give it their all.
Mor, who is new to performing, struggles with harmonizing during rehearsals, but he works hard to improve before the big performance. Kiara, on the other hand, is used to performing Latin music, and this rock ballad is a challenge for her as well. Despite the difficulties, both contestants rise to the occasion and deliver a heartfelt performance.
In the end, Michael decides to give the win to Kiara Vega, citing her potential as the deciding factor. However, he is so impressed with Mor’s growth that he offers him his personal contact information to help him with his musical journey. Before Mor can leave the stage, Gwen Stefani swoops in with a surprise steal, giving him a second chance in the competition.
The Battle Continues
With six high-stakes performances and two steals already, The Voice Season 26 Battle Rounds have proven to be unpredictable and emotional.
Snoop Dogg’s unique approach to coaching, Gwen Stefani’s shocking decisions, and Michael Bublé’s strategic steals are all adding to the excitement. Each round brings new challenges for the contestants, and the judges are forced to make increasingly difficult decisions.
As the competition moves forward, it’s clear that anything can happen. Strong performers could be sent home, while underdogs might surprise everyone and rise to the top. With two steals already off the table, the remaining coaches will need to use their final steals wisely if they want to build the strongest teams possible.
Fans of the show can look forward to more incredible performances, surprising twists, and emotional moments as the Battle Rounds continue. With each performance, the contestants get one step closer to achieving their dreams, but the path to victory is far from easy.
Still from The Voice Season 26 (Credit: NBC)
In the end, only one contestant will be named the winner of The Voice Season 26, but the journey to get there will be full of unforgettable moments.
The Voice airs on Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC, with episodes available to stream on Peacock in the U.S. Fans around the world are tuning in to see who will come out on top, and with so many talented contestants, it’s anyone’s game.
In recent years, many films and shows have impressed us with their amazing editing and storytelling. One standout example is “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” which featured Oscar-winning scenes that beautifully portrayed the vastness of the multiverse.
This year, “Strange Darling” also played with our expectations by changing the order of events and how we perceive time. Now, we can add “Agatha All Along,” especially Episode 7, to this list of great projects. This episode gives us a wonderful cinematic experience, and it is not just because of the references to pop culture witches.
It allows us to step into Lilia’s (played by Patti LuPone) mind and see life as she experiences it, out of order, due to her special powers of divination. The episode begins with a striking scene where Lilia wakes up dressed as Glinda the Good Witch and falls down, down, down into a black emptiness.
Is Wanda Really Dead in ‘Agatha All Along’ Episode 7?
The episode raises an important question: Is Wanda dead? As the story unfolds, we follow Billy (played by Joe Locke) and Agatha as they walk and talk down the Witches’ Road in a style reminiscent of Aaron Sorkin’s writing.
Their conversation is a mix of humor and tension, especially when Agatha thinks Billy is trying to read her mind. She tells him that he can ask her anything except one question—where Rio (played by Aubrey Plaza) is. This topic is off-limits because Agatha has a complicated history with Wanda, who is Billy’s mother.
Billy insists that he is not there to talk about Wanda. Instead, he wants to know what he can gain from their journey down the Road.
He is clear that he already has a mother, and it is not Wanda. Agatha, feeling a bit irritated, admits she is not sure if Wanda is really dead. She saw Wanda’s body, but she is unsure if anyone else did. If Billy wants clear answers, she jokes that he should ask a straight lady.
As they walk, they approach a castle. This castle serves as a setting for a costume change. In a playful twist, Agatha dresses up as the Wicked Witch of the West, a character she apparently inspired, while Billy transforms into Maleficent, confident and aware of his slaying appearance.
Inside the castle, they find a tarot table. When a timer flips, it signals that a test has begun. Agatha and Billy must show their lives, likened to sands slipping through an hourglass.
Billy believes he can read Agatha’s tarot cards, but it quickly becomes clear that he lacks experience. He places a card in the center, causing a sword to fall from the ceiling, which is covered in swords. Agatha calls tarot a scam like any other, but she decides to try her hand at it.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney)
She randomly tosses cards down, but the swords continue to rain down, creating a sense of hopelessness as the ceiling lowers. Frustrated, Billy wishes that Lilia were with them.
Lilia’s Separate Journey
Meanwhile, Lilia is not with them. Instead, she is in a cave with Jen (played by Sasheer Zamata). Lilia got there by following a disgusting tunnel because she claimed they needed to look for shelving. However, she now doesn’t remember saying that.
Confusingly, Lilia also doesn’t recall that Teen is the son of the Scarlet Witch, even though she had previously told Jen about it. Jen notices that Lilia seems more forgetful and quirky than usual and points out that just five minutes ago, they had a heartfelt conversation.
The narrative flashes back to Lilia’s earlier outbursts. We see her trying to warn Alice not to save Agatha. We then travel even further back in time to see young Lilia in Sicily, learning from Maestra before transforming into the present-day Lilia. It has been a long time since her first lesson on tea leaves, a skill Lilia always believed she struggled with.
Back in the cave, Lilia insists to Jen that she is not confused. Instead, she feels frustrated that Jen only sees her as a quirky person. Jen asks what else she should see. Lilia explains that time is an illusion for her. As a child, she experienced life out of sequence, receiving flashes and gaps of moments.
She fears it is happening again, and it is getting worse. Jen, filled with compassion, acknowledges that this sounds terrifying. Lilia suspects that this distortion of time might be occurring because she is nearing the end of her journey, and she is uncertain if she wants her powers back.
Lilia’s Tarot Trial
Later, Lilia and Jen find themselves in the castle, and Lilia appears ready to confront Billy, causing confusion. Billy thought they were on friendly terms! However, he apologizes, explaining that his powers surprised him as well. He clarifies that he would have used his abilities to save Alice. Lilia realizes that Billy has been reading her mind, reminding her of a past event, the bar mitzvah.
Jen acts as a peacemaker, urging Lilia to remember that time is not fixed and to trust her feelings. She tells Lilia that she is not angry with Billy anymore. Lilia is upset that everyone is wearing witch costumes but manages to focus.
She remembers she was doing a reading for Billy before her confusion began. Unsure of what went wrong, she notes that everything she said seemed correct. When Billy presses her about a sigil she cast, she admits to it. She had foreseen who he would become and understood he needed time.
As the story progresses, we see more flashbacks of Lilia’s previous outbursts. Everything Lilia says starts to align, and we continue to see her interactions with Maestra. Lilia admits to Maestra that she does not feel connected to nature, skilled in her craft, or part of a coven.
This disappoints Maestra, who had high expectations for her. Lilia expresses that she believes it is better to be a fraud and a hermit than to endure the pain of loss. Maestra, however, explains to Lilia that her task is not to control her powers but to see beyond them.
In the cave, Lilia discovers Billy’s spellbook and confides in Jen that she put her gift away because all she saw was death. Their conversation is interrupted when they overhear Billy and Agatha arguing and suddenly fall into the tarot room from a bookshelf. Lilia takes control of the tarot reading and tells Billy he must ask a question essential to his journey.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney+)
Agatha suggests that he should ask if they will make it out alive, but instead, Billy chooses to ask whether he is William or Billy. As he does this, the falling swords suddenly stop, and Lilia responds that it is a good question.
The Tarot Reading Unfolds
Lilia begins a safe passage tarot spread. This spread covers who the Teen is, the path behind him, his future path, the obstacles he faces, and a possible windfall.
Lilia reflects on her earlier conversation with Maestra. She explains that her reason for coming on this journey was not to regain her powers but to understand her place as a forgotten woman.
She wonders what is worth remembering—her knowledge of Maestra’s death, or the loss of her entire coven to a fever that she could not prevent. Maestra reminds Lilia that death is a common fate for everyone, and it is uncertain when it will come for her. Lilia starts to piece things together and realizes she is going to fall.
Back in the cave, Lilia wakes up and tells Jen everything about Billy, the trial, and the search for the shelf. She knows she will forget soon. Jen notices a path off the Witches’ Road, but the Salem Seven appear before they can leave.
After they pass, Lilia decides to choose the trial path and hopes Jen will accompany her, calling her a sister in the craft. Jen looks at the exit with longing but ultimately chooses to stay with Lilia.
Back at the trial, Lilia finally realizes what went wrong. She was reading for the wrong person; she needs to read for herself. She is the traveler, the Queen of Cups, who is empathetic and has an inner voice that can be trusted. In the flashbacks, Maestra encourages her, and in the present, the falling swords suddenly stop. However, the ceiling continues to descend. Lilia keeps reading, trying to understand what is missing.
She identifies the Three of Pentacles as what is lacking—community. The path behind her is the Knight of Wands, who represents a brave fighter. Ahead of her is the High Priestess, who possesses spiritual power but is reluctant to use it (which could refer to Jen).
The obstacles reveal the Three of Swords, representing heartbreak, sorrow, and grief. The windfall shows the Tower Reversed, signifying miraculous transformation. The final destination is Death. Suddenly, Lilia sees Rio approaching her in the cave. Does she not recognize her? Rio is Death.
The Trial Concludes
At this moment, the ceiling of swords stops falling and starts to rise. They have passed the trial. Lilia explains to everyone that Rio is Death, the original Green Witch, and they will finally find their way home. She proclaims that they should be proud to be witches and not fear death, as it is not the end of their journey.
After their empowering conversation, the scene changes again to Agatha and Billy arriving at the rooftop of the castle. The sky shines with stars, and everything seems calm. They begin to talk about their plans, and Agatha admits that her past actions have caused issues with Wanda. She recalls moments that seem dark and emotional, alluding to her fear of facing Wanda.
Billy encourages her to be honest with herself. He wants her to be upfront about her feelings, reminding her that it is not too late to be who she is meant to be. Agatha begins to accept her feelings for Wanda and her role as a mentor. This conversation leads her to the realization that the two women need to work together to solve the looming chaos.
In a surprising twist, Agatha offers a powerful spell for the witches to escape the castle. As the spell unfolds, the energy crackles around them. She hands a glowing orb to Lilia and tells her it will guide them through the shadows back home. Lilia glows with confidence and takes the orb in her hands, reassuring the group that they can overcome any obstacle together.
As they go on their journey home, Lilia experiences another vision of the future, one where they stand together as a coven, powerful and united against dark forces. They will face threats together as a family. This newfound bond and sense of purpose allow Lilia to embrace her powers and accept the memories of her past.
Conclusion
“Agatha All Along” Episode 7 brilliantly combines editing and storytelling, showing us the power of friendship, acceptance, and the importance of community. The characters grow and evolve, facing their pasts and realizing they are not alone. Through flashbacks, conversations, and powerful visuals, we see how these witches show their identities and destinies.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney)
The episode encourages us to think about our own lives and the bonds we share with others. It reminds us that while the journey may be filled with uncertainty, love, and friendship can lead us through the darkness. Just as Lilia learns to trust her intuition and embrace her true self, we too can find strength in our communities and the people we love.
In the end, “Agatha All Along” leaves us with a sense of hope, showing that even in the face of challenges and heartache, there is always a way forward. This episode, like its predecessors, keeps us engaged and excited about the future of the series and the journeys of its characters.
