The Knockouts came to a close on Monday night (Nov. 24) on The Voice, finalising the teams for next week’s Playoffs as Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan and Reba McEntire filled their last remaining slots.
The episode marked the final round of head-to-head performances before the competition shifts into its next phase, with each coach selecting winners based strictly on the night’s showing – and, in Snoop’s case, using his last Mic Drop to send one artist straight into a four-way showdown for a spot in the Rose Parade.
McEntire opened the night with her last Knockout pairing: Austin Gilbert, a country singer she previously stole from Michael Bublé, and Peyton Kyle. Gilbert performed Jake Owen’s “8 Second Ride,” while Peyton offered a pop-leaning counterpoint with “I Don’t Wanna Be” by Gavin DeGraw.
The other coaches noted the contrast between their styles, with Niall saying he’d “lean towards” Peyton for his potential to surprise viewers, while Snoop praised both contestants but advised McEntire that her pick depended on the direction she wanted to take her team.
McEntire ultimately selected Peyton, telling him he “had the voice” that fit the moment.
Niall’s final pairing brought together two four-chair turns: Dustin Dale Gaspard and Kirbi. Dustin was forced to skip rehearsals due to illness, meaning he walked into the Knockout without mentorship from Horan or guest advisor Joe Walsh. Kirbi delivered “Heartfelt Hallelujah” by Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll, while Dustin countered with a rugged take on “She Talks to Angels” by The Black Crowes.
The coaches were divided, with McEntire leaning toward Kirbi and Bublé praising Dustin for bringing something unique to the cast. Horan called Kirbi’s performance her strongest yet and advanced her, explaining that she provided an undeniable emotional centrepiece he couldn’t overlook.
The final Knockout of the episode came from Team Snoop, with Lauren Anderson performing Pink’s “Try” and Yoshihanaa offering a soulful, classic reading of “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
The coaches noted Lauren’s command of the stage and Yoshihanaa’s polished presence, with Horan saying Yoshihanaa “looked like a superstar.” S
noop chose Yoshihanaa as his winner – and immediately hit his Mic Drop for her, securing her a spot in the four-way Mic Drop face-off. “She did everything but drop the mic, so it was my job to drop the mic on her behalf,” he said during the episode.
With the Knockouts concluded, all four teams are now locked for next week’s Playoffs, featuring returning standouts, stolen contestants and newly advanced performers.
Team Snoop enters the next round with Ralph Edwards, Toni Lorene, Mindy Miller and Yoshihanaa. Team Niall moves forward with Ava Nat, Aiden Ross, DEK of Hearts and Kirbi. Team Reba features Aubrey Nicole, Ryan Mitchell (from the Carson callback), Aaron Nichols and Peyton Kyle, while Team Bublé brings Max Chambers, Rob Cole, Trinity and Jazz McKenzie into the Playoffs.
Season 28 of The Voice continues next Monday on NBC, airing at 9 p.m. ET.
