After four week of Blind Auditions, “The Voice” season 24 got the Battles round started. It was a first for new coach Reba McEntire, and a reminder for returning coach Niall Horan that it’s his least favorite part of the show.   Gwen Stefani did not have a Battle in this episode.  

John Legend opened the show with one of the best Battles with Deejay Young and Ephraim Owens pairing who sang “Cry Me a River ” by Justin Timberlake. During his critique of their Battle, John caught himself in a very obvious pun when stating that the duo were very much “in sync” which is also the same name of Timberlake’s former boy band, NSYNC.

Reba McEntire came through with an impressive Country Battle with Jordan Rainer and Jackson Snelling.  But, Team Niall really wrapped the show up nicely when Tanner Massey and Lennon Vanderdoes took to the Battles stage singing “She’s Always a Woman” by Billy Joel.  

John Legend interjected that the song was an inspiration for “All of Me” for his wife Chrissy Teigen.  SPOILER ALERT!!  Taylor Massey was Stolen by Team Gwen. Another Spoiler Alert…the Three-Way-Knockout is back this season and the coaches are giving some forethought into which team member will be the best one for the upcoming match!

DEEJAY YOUNG  vs. EPHRAIM OWENS (Team Legend)

Pictured: (l-r) Ephraim Owens, Deejay Young — Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC

John said he paired the two because they are both great tenors and soulful.  Deejay toured with Hamilton for four years.  He said he was as nervous on “The Voice” as he was with Hamilton.  John gave them “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake. 

John said he’s not as much of a polished pro as Deejay, but they both have swagger.  John advised Ephraim to have ten percent more finesse.  Deejay’s grandmother passed away in 2022.   John said his goal was that “nobody goes home.” 

Reba chose Ephraim because she liked his attitude.  Niall called it “electric” when they were in harmony together.  The runs Deejay did were ‘insane” and he chose Deejay.  Gwen called it “magical artistry.”   

John said they have different voices but they way they were in sync with each  other.  He called Deejay’s voice”elastic.”  Both of them can do very well in this competition, John predicted.

BATTLE WINNER:  Deejay.  John said they are both talented performers.  His background has helped him to be “very flexible” and can do anything.

JORDAN RAINER vs. JACKSON SNELLING (Team Reba)

Pictured: (l-r) Jackson Snelling, Jordan Rainer — Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC

Jackson has a big round Country voice and Jordan has a twang.  Reba said they’re opposites.  Jackson said Reba is someone he grew up idolizing.  It was Reba’s first Battle rehearsal.   Jordan is a full-time musician in Nashville. 

Reba gave them “The Heart Won’t Lie” by Reba and Vince Gil.  Jackson said his mom and dad used to slow dance to this song when he was little.  His dad passed away when he was seven-years-old.  Jackson’s dad was the first person to tell him he would be in music.
Jordan said this love song isn’t in her wheelhouse, but agreed to take off her shaded glasses for the duet.  Reba told them to be prepared and have fun to help ease the nerves.

After their Battle, Niall said Jackson’s tone “is so unique.”  To hear Jordan sing an old fashioned Country song. He wants to see what happens with Jordan.  Gwen said it was nice to hear Jordan’s airy part of her voice.  She’s also curious to see what more Jordan is hiding.

John said it was so great, both of them.  With Jackson, it was inviting.  Jordan showed a different side of her.  He went with Jackson.  
Reba thanked them for being “so coachable,” and for taking her advice in rehearsals.  Reba told Jordan it was “a wise decision” for her to take her glasses off.

BATTLE WINNER: Jordan.  Reba said Jordan is so different from anyone else on all the coach’s teams.  She added that “it takes talent and a unique personality to go forward.”

TANNER MASSEY vs. LENNON VANDEROES (Team Niall)

Pictured: (l-r) Tanner Massey, Lennon VanderDoes — Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC

They got the song “She’s Always a Woman” by Billy Joel. Niall said they are two “very sweet, folky male voices.”  He said “Always’ a Woman” is a perfect song for them.  He loves the youth that he can hear in Tanner’s voice, who is 19. 

Tanner  grew up in the music industry and did some acting.  Tanner said he wanted to pursue his music career.   Lennon said this song perfectly captures what it means to be in love with someone.  Niall said their Battle will come down to who can tell a story.

Gwen reacted that they are both “mind blowing” in their own way. She said when Tanner started, she was in love with him. She chose Tanner.  John said he was going back and forth with them.  He said he wrote “All of Me” to his wife Chrissy, and that was inspired by this song.  He said it was “magical” with two of them singing.  He leaned towards Tanner.

Reba said it suited Lennon very well.  For Tanner to be as young as he is, he has “great stage presence.”  Niall said the difference in their two voices, it was always going to be a great Battle.  He regretted putting them in the same pairing. Naill went with his gut.  He chose the person who makes him “super excited.”  That was Lennon.

BATTLE WINNER: Lennon.  Niall said something deep down in his gut, said Lennon. NO one has a tone remotely near him. 

STEAL:  John and Gwen pushed to Steal Tanner!  John said he believes that Tanner has a magical; voice and America will love him.  Gwen said he has something in him that he’s showing he has more of.  She’s a mother of three boys including a son that’s his age, who is also a singer.   Gwen reminded Tanner that it was her “second beg.”  He chose Gwen.

Tanner’s NEW COACH: Gwen Stefani.  She said him having that much confidence was exciting to see.