Ahead of Monday’s two-hour episode of “The Voice,” NBC has revealed the first eight battle pairings for Season 17 in a new video (watch above). They include three match-ups for Team John Legend, two apiece for Team Blake Shelton and Team Kelly Clarkson, and one for Team Gwen Stefani. Of note, three artists who received four-chair turns will take part in the first week of battles rounds: Katie Kadan, Shane Q and Khalea Lynee.
The battles officially start midway through the October 14 episode, once the final blind auditions of this fall cycle wrap up, and will then continue on Tuesday night. Scroll down to see all of NBC’s spoilers for the first week of “The Voice” battle rounds, including quotes from each of the artists as they prepare to take the stage.
Team John Legend
Khalea Lynee vs. Zoe Upkins
Khalea: “The blind was a blur for me. I’ve just been gigging with my band, being a single mom, taking care of my girls.” She’s from Tampa, Florida and her blind audition song was “Best Part.”
Zoe: “Back home I would just sing at school. I was just like a regular high school student.” Her blind audition will be shown Monday night.
Matt New vs. Max Boyle
Matt: “When I was 18, my girlfriend became pregnant. I put my dream of making music on hold.” He’s from Midland, Texas and his blind audition song was “Sunflower.”
Max: “I just graduated from college. There’s a lot of uncertainties.” He’s from Toledo, Ohio and his blind audition song was “Wayfaring Stranger.”
Destiny Rayne vs. Katie Kadan
Destiny: “I work two jobs in Nashville, having a hard time just juggling it all, but I know that this is the right opportunity for me.” She’s from Coral Springs, Florida and her blind audition song was “Make You Feel My Love.”
Katie: “I never looked the part, but all those years of feeling insecure are gone.” She’s from Chicago, Illinois and her blind audition song was “Baby I Love You.”
Team Blake Shelton
Cali Wilson vs. EllieMae
Cali: “I fell in love with music listening to my mom sing. My mother would be incredibly proud.” She’s from Salem, Iowa and her blind audition song was “Dreams.”
EllieMae: “I felt like I’ve had this pressure to work on the farm, but I can do music.” She’s from Jerome, Idaho and her blind audition song was “Merry Go ‘Round.”
Josie Jones vs. Kat Hammock
Josie: “I sing country music. I kind of relate to so much of it.” She’s from Hamilton, Alabama and her blind audition song was “Men and Mascara”
Kat: “A couple months ago I was teaching piano on the weekends. I’m not a country girl, but Blake just kind of drew me to him.” She’s from Encinitas, California and her blind audition song was “Vienna.”
Team Kelly Clarkon
Melinda Rodriguez vs. Shane Q
Melinda: “My brother was suffering from chronic heart failure. To win for my brother Chris I think would help him.” She’s from Miami, Florida and her blind audition song was “What a Wonderful World.”
Shane: “As of right now, I transport people with disabilities. Music really helped me come out of my shell.” He’s from Sacramento, California his blind audition song was “Tennessee Whiskey.”
Alex Guthrie vs. Injoy Fountain
Alex: “Now I’m on ‘The Voice.’ I’ve put in the time and the effort and it’s paying off.” He’s from Marietta, Georgia and his blind audition song was “Love and Happiness.”
Injoy: “I was singing or posting anything to feed me and my child.” She’s from Wichita, Kansas and her blind audition song was “7 Rings”
Team Gwen Stefani
Myracle Holloway vs. Elise Azkoul
Myracle: “I’m a survivor of a lot of domestic violence. I knew that something was gonna happen.” She’s from Los Angeles, California and her blind audition song was “When I Was Your Man.”
Elise: “I’m a vocal coach but I’m so excited to actually get coached myself. I’m so thankful that Gwen turned. It was a magical moment.” She’s from Atlanta, Georgia and her blind audition song was “Million Reasons.”
Which battle are you most looking forward to in week one? “The Voice” continues airing every Monday and Tuesday on NBC.
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