The Voice Season 28 Battle Rounds kicked off Monday night (October 13), and the first eliminations of the season took place.
48 talented hopefuls advanced past the Blind Auditions, securing one of the twelve spots on Team Reba, Team Buble, Team Niall, or Team Snoop. On Monday night, six pairs of contestants faced off in the Battle Round. After each duet, their coach faced the task of deciding who would advance to the Knockouts and who would be going home.
For the first time in Voice history, the contestants had to choose who they were going to compete against. After partners were decided, the coaches chose the song they would perform.
One of the night’s pairings was Austin Gilbert and Rob Cole of Team Buble. Gilbert earned a 2-chair turn with a cover of Luke Combs’ “The Kind of Love We Make” and Cole turned two chairs with Chris Stapleton’s “Joy of My Life.”
The men took the stage together and delivered an incredible performance of a Blake Shelton hit after some coaching from Team Buble’s Battle Round advisor, Kelsea Ballerini.
Austin Gilbert and Rob Cole Sang “Honeybee” by Blake Shelton
Coach Michael Buble explained that he chose for the duo to sing “Honeybee” as a tribute to his good friend and former Voice coach, Blake Shelton. Advisor Kelsea Ballerini thought the song was a great choice as it allowed both artists to let their unique styles shine.
The performance had all four coaches on their feet! “I felt the spirit of Blake Shelton when y’all were singing that,” Snoop Dogg said.
When it came time for Coach Michael to decide who he would take to the Knockouts, he picked Rob Cole!
“Austin versus Rob … they’re both awesome country singers, but Rob is my country superstar,” Michael said. “He’s a versatile guy. I think he’s a real charismatic artist.”
Just before Austin made his way backstage, an emotional Reba McEntire hit her Steal button, bringing Austin Gilbert to her team.
“Austin, your enthusiasm, your big heart, your gorgeous voice,” Reba said as she was overcome with emotion. “You’re a cowboy and I’m thrilled that you’re now a part of Team Reba.”
