Updated : 8:00 Am ET, 10 April 2026

NBC’s beloved singing competition The Voice returned in early 2026 with its most competitive season yet. Season 29: Battle of Champions has delivered unforgettable performances, dramatic twists, and elite-level talent from the very first episode.

Premiering on February 23, 2026, at 9/8c on NBC (and streaming the next day on Peacock), this season features only three powerhouse coaches for the first time in show history: Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, and John Legend. Hosted by Carson Daly, the “Battle of Champions” theme pits the coaches’ legacies against one another through returning all-stars, mega mentors, and high-stakes format twists.

The Blind Auditions and Battle Rounds wrapped up by late March. The Knockouts phase aired across two episodes (March 30 and April 6, 2026), narrowing the field dramatically. Knockouts concluded on April 6 with powerful solo performances and the exciting In-Season All-Star Showdown.

The Coaches & Key Format Twists

  • Kelly Clarkson — Emotional and encouraging, with a proven track record of multiple wins.
  • Adam Levine — The original coach returning after a hiatus, known for raw talent and honest feedback.
  • John Legend — Soulful mentor emphasizing artistry and versatility.

Notable elements this season:

  • Battle advisors: Jennifer Hudson (Team Kelly), Benji Madden (Team Adam), Muni Long (Team John Legend).
  • Mega mentors in Knockouts: Michael Bublé (Team Kelly) and CeeLo Green (Teams Adam & John).
  • In-Season All-Star Competition with past favorites including Javier Colon, Jordan Smith, Jake Hoot, Girl Named Tom, Maelyn Jarmon, and Renzo.
  • Super Steal, coach steals, and sing-off advantages that reshaped teams early on.

Journey So Far

After a strong set of Blind Auditions, the Battle Rounds (Episodes 4–5) featured intense duets, shocking eliminations, and memorable steals — including Kelly Clarkson’s dramatic Super Steal to save Liv Ciara. The Knockouts then paired remaining artists for solo performances, with no steals available. Coaches made gut-wrenching decisions to select their top three per team.

On April 6, 2026 (Episode 7 – Knockouts Part 2), the final Knockout pairings aired alongside the All-Star Showdown. Team Kelly won the All-Star Showdown, earning the major advantage of bringing two artists to the finale instead of one.

The Voice 2026: Top 9 Singers Still Competing (Heading to Semi-Finals)

After the Knockouts concluded, each coach advanced exactly three artists. Here’s the current lineup:

Team Kelly Clarkson (Advantage: Extra finalist spot)

  • Mikenley Brown – Advanced with a bold, vibey performance of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” (defeated Jonah Mayor). Kelly called her inspiring.
  • Liv Ciara – Super Steal recipient; impressed with a powerful reinterpretation of Kelly’s own “Breakaway” (defeated Abigayle Oakley).
  • JW Griffin – Delivered an effortless country performance of The SteelDrivers’ “If It Hadn’t Been For Love” (defeated Houston Kelly).

Team Adam Levine

  • Alexia Jayy – Advanced with a standout Whitney Houston cover, “You Give Good Love” (defeated Bay Simpson).
  • Jared Shoemaker – Brought strong country-rock energy with Travis Tritt’s “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde” (defeated Jaali Boyd).
  • Jeremy Keith – Won a tough stylistic battle with Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing” (defeated Mike Steele).

Team John Legend

  • KJ Willis – Advanced with smooth R&B vibes on Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love to You” (defeated Grace Humphries).
  • Lucas West – Strong advancement highlighted by a Billy Joel cover (“New York State of Mind”).
  • Syd Millevoi – Pop powerhouse who continued shining through the Knockouts.

Who Got Eliminated in the Knockouts (Recent & Overall)

The Knockouts sent home nine talented artists in total. Key eliminations from the April 6 episode included:

  • Jaali Boyd (Team Adam) – Lost to Jared Shoemaker.
  • Grace Humphries (Team John Legend) – Lost to KJ Willis.
  • Jonah Mayor (Team Kelly) – Lost to Mikenley Brown.

Other notable Knockout eliminations (from both nights):

  • Mike Steele (Team Adam, stolen earlier)
  • Houston Kelly (Team Kelly)
  • Bay Simpson (Team Adam)
  • Abigayle Oakley (Team Kelly)
  • And several others from earlier rounds (Drew Russell, Tia DuRant, Aziz Guerra, etc.).

Standout Moments from April 6 Episode

  • Emotional coach decisions and high praise for creative song choices.
  • The All-Star Showdown: Girl Named Tom (Team Kelly) won their matchup with beautiful harmonies on “Dust In The Wind.” Maelyn Jarmon edged out Jordan Smith, and Jake Hoot defeated Javier Colon. Team Kelly swept the night, securing the finale advantage.

What’s Next?

The competition now moves to the Semi-Finals, where in-studio audience voting will determine one finalist per team (with Kelly getting to send two). Expect live performances, viewer votes, and intense pressure as the remaining Top 9 fight for the 2026 Voice championship.

The “Battle of Champions” theme has lived up to its name, delivering raw talent, heartfelt stories, and unforgettable music every week.

Tune in Mondays at 9/8c on NBC or stream the next day on Peacock. Who is your favorite still standing? Drop your predictions below — the road to the finale is heating up