‘The Voice’ Season 29: Battles Premiere Sees Kelly Clarkson Secure ‘Super Steal’ Advantage

The second stage of The Voice Season 29 competition commenced Monday night with “The Battles Premiere.” Following three nights of “Blind Auditions,” each of the three veteran coaches – Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend – entered the new round with teams of 10 artists.

Kelly Clarkson secured the first-ever “Triple Turn Competition,” earning the all-new “Super Steal” power. This advantage allows her to override another coach’s steal attempt during the Battles. John Legend and Adam Levine will compete in the “Battle of Champions” the traditional way.

Battle Rounds Begin

In this round, each coach divided their team into five pairs to “battle” each other in head-to-head duet performances. Each coach has one “Steal” to leverage, allowing them to bring an artist eliminated by another coach to their team. However, Kelly Clarkson, with the “Super Steal,” has the unique ability to steal back an artist she previously eliminated.

Superstar guest advisors Jennifer Hudson (Team Kelly), Benji Madden (Team Adam), and Muni Long (Team Legend) provided guidance during rehearsals.

“The Battles Premiere” Performances – March 16th Recap

Liv Ciara vs. Mikenley Brown

Team: Kelly Clarkson

Song: “Focus” by H.E.R.

Guest Advisor Advice (Jennifer Hudson): Focused on individual interpretation within the harmonies, suggesting a slower start to build momentum.

Coach Comments: John Legend praised their harmonies and individual tones. Adam Levine called it the best Battle round he’d heard in the show’s history. Kelly Clarkson highlighted the respectful and elevating dynamic between the two artists.

Winner: Mikenley Brown

Steal: John Legend, Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson

Result: Liv Ciara remains on Team Kelly.

Bay Simpson vs. Hunter Jordan

Team: Adam Levine

Song: “I’m the Problem” by Morgan Wallen

Guest Advisor Advice (Benji Madden): Encouraged Bay to embrace a cover-like approach and Hunter to personalize the country song.

Coach Comments: John Legend noted Hunter’s strong presence and Bay’s unique vocal quality. Kelly Clarkson highlighted Hunter’s potential for large country festivals and Bay’s ability to captivate a crowd. Adam Levine praised Bay’s authenticity and Hunter’s established talent.

Winner: Bay Simpson

AJ Robinson vs. Lucas West

Team: John Legend

Song: “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes

Guest Advisor Advice (Muni Long): Suggested AJ slow down phrases and Lucas lean into his unique character.

Coach Comments: Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine both commented on AJ’s impressive voice for his age and Lucas’s strong falsetto. John Legend praised both vocal tones and Lucas’s soulful delivery.

Winner: Lucas West

Bijou Belle vs. Jaali Boyd

Team: Adam Levine

Song: “Die for You” by The Weeknd

Guest Advisor Advice (Benji Madden): Noted Jaali seemed more nervous after feedback.

Coach Comments: John Legend praised Bijou’s connection to the song and Jaali’s understated yet impressive performance. Adam Levine emphasized the believability of both singers.

Winner: Jaali Boyd

Blaire Elbert vs. JW Griffin

Team: Kelly Clarkson

Song: “Never Again, Again” by Lee Ann Womack

Guest Advisor Advice (Jennifer Hudson): Encouraged them to embrace their emotions and surprise themselves.

Coach Comments: Adam Levine highlighted Blaire’s newfound power and JW’s classic vocal quality. John Legend praised both singers, noting JW’s exceptional vocal talent. Kelly Clarkson commended their blend and potential as a duo.

Winner: JW Griffin

Adi Arora vs. Grace Humphries

Team: John Legend

Song: “Just Deliver Me a Reason” by Pink and Nate Ruess

Guest Advisor Advice (Muni Long): Advised Adi to reduce notes and Grace to project her voice.

Coach Comments: Kelly Clarkson was torn between the two, while Adam Levine declined to choose. John Legend praised Adi’s range and Grace’s powerful and compelling stage presence.

Winner: Grace Humphries

Alexia Jayy vs. Moses G.

Team: Adam Levine

Song: “Nightshift” by Commodores

Guest Advisor Advice (Benji Madden): Encouraged them to let proceed of technical worries and embrace joy.

Coach Comments: John Legend praised Alexia’s beautiful low register and Moses’s star quality. Kelly Clarkson highlighted Moses’s surprising performance and Alexia’s soulful ache. Adam Levine praised Moses’s spirit and Alexia’s nuanced and elevated vocals.

Winner: Alexia Jayy

Steal: John Legend

Result: Moses G. Joins Team Legend.

Current Team Rosters

• Team Legend: Ashley Marina, Grace Humphries, Kendra Remedios, KJ Willis, Lucas West, Mike Steele, Moses G., Natasha Blaine, Syd Millevoi
• Team Kelly: Aaron LaVigne, Abigayle Oakley, Houston Kelly, Jonah Mayor, Julia Golden, JW Griffin, Liv Ciara, Mikenley Brown, Tia Durant
• Team Adam: Alexia Jayy, Aziz Guerra, Bay Simpson, Drew Russell, Jaali Boyd, Jared Shoemaker, Jeremy Keith