With the Blind Auditions over, the competition on The Voice: Battle of Champions has switched from the Coaches competing for the best Artists to the Artists competing for the favor of their Coaches. The heat was truly on during the first night of Battles, as talented singers went head to head in duets that tested their individuality and ability to step outside their genre. Luckily, they had plenty of help along the way.
Team Adam Levine had Battle Advisor Benji Madden of pop punk band Good Charlotte. Madden and Levine are real-life friends, and Madden bragged that he’s in the Maroon 5 singer’s “favorites” on his phone, making him an easy call when it came time to find some expert help on The Voice.
Team John Legend was helped by Battle Advisor Muni Long, a career songwriter who has penned hits for stars like Ariana Grande and Rihanna. Now, she’s broken out as an artist in her own right, and she’s paying it forward to the next generation on The Voice. Coach Kelly Clarkson was unable to be with her team during rehearsals, but they were left in the more than capable hands of Alumni Coach Jennifer Hudson, an EGOT winner with a penchant for throwing shoes in excitement.
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So what happened during the first night of Battles performances on The Voice: Battle of Champions? Read on for a full recap of who won, who got stolen, and more.
Team Adam
Bay Simpson vs. Hunter Jordan
Winner: Bay Simpson
Country-rockers Bay Simpson and Hunter Jordan sang “I’m The Problem” by Morgan Wallen, and while Jordan was a 3-Chair-Turn, Bay surprised everyone and pulled out a winning performance.
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Jaali Boyed vs. Bijou Belle
Winner: Jaali Boyd
Jaali Boyd and Bijou Belle performed “Die for You” by The Weeknd together, and Boyd edged out Belle for a place in the Knockouts.
Alexia Jayy vs. Moses G
Winner: Alexia Jayy
Stolen by Team Legend: Moses G.
Alexia Jayy and Moses G. got down to “Nightshift” by The Commodores, and though Levine chose Jayy as his winner, Moses G. was given another chance in the competition when Legend stole him.
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Team Legend
AJ Robinson vs. Lucas West
Winner: Lucas West
AJ Robinson, 14, won everyone’s heart singing “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes with Lucas West, but Lucas won the actual battle.
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Adi Arora vs. Grace Humphries
Winner: Grace Humphries
Adi Arora and Grace Humphries battled with “Just Give Me a Reason” by Pink and Nate Ruess, and Legend gave Humphries the win.
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Team Kelly
Mikenley Brown vs. Liv Ciara
Winner: Mikenley Brown
Saved by Kelly Clarkson’s Super Steal: Liv Ciara
“Pop princesses” Mikenley Brown and Liv Ciara gave an all-time great Battle singing “Focus” by H.E.R., and though Clarkson gave Brown the edge, she used her Super Steal to keep Ciara on her team, despite both of the other Coaches wanting her.
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JW Griffith vs. Blaire Elbert
Winner: JW Griffin
“Bread man” JW Griffin won over Blaire Elbert after their duet of “Never Again, Again” by Lee Ann Womack.
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Now that Clarkson and Legend have used their Steals, only Levine has one to use in the next round of Battle performances. Don’t miss what happens next by watching The Voice on Monday, March 23 at 9/8c on NBC and streaming the next day on Peacock.