Who did Sloane Simon pick as her new coach in The Voice season 26 Battles? Details explored

The Voice season 26 aired its highly anticipated Battle premiere on October 21, 2024, with new coaches Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé joining veterans Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani.

Hosted by Carson Daly, the show continues to be a platform for emerging talents in the music industry. During the Battle Rounds, contestants face off in duets, after which their respective coaches must decide who advances to the Knockout round and who leaves the competition.

Each coach has two Steals they can use to save contestants from elimination. Sloane Simon, a standout contestant, was at the center of one such battle, leading to an intense coach showdown that resulted in Sloane Simon choosing Michael Bublé as her new coach.

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Sloane Simon’s journey on The Voice season 26

Sloane Simon, a 19-year-old from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, first impressed the coaches during her Blind Audition with a rendition of Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield.

Sloane's emotional connection to the song, which is her father’s favorite, combined with her raw talent, led both Gwen Stefani and Michael Bublé to turn their chairs.

Gwen Stefani praised Sloane for the way she "changed up the song," and her ability to convey authenticity in her performance. After a back-and-forth battle between the two coaches, Sloane ultimately chose to join Team Gwen, marking the beginning of her journey on The Voice.

During the Battle Rounds, Sloane was paired with fellow teenager Sydney Sterlace, who had turned all four chairs during her Blind Audition. The two performed Billie Eilish's Birds of a Feather, a song choice that allowed both singers to showcase their unique vocal styles.

Sydney, despite being only 15 years old, impressed the judges with her maturity and control, while Sloane’s soft and ethereal tone brought depth to the performance.

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The Voice Battle Round: Sloane Simon’s decision

Gwen Stefani’s decision to pair Sloane Simon with Sydney Sterlace was strategic, as it highlighted the contrast between the two vocalists. Throughout their performance, Gwen encouraged both contestants to "dig into their truth" and add "angst and sassiness" to their delivery.

Despite the strong performances from both singers, Gwen ultimately chose Sydney to advance to the Knockouts, citing her growth and ability to connect with the song.

However, Sloane’s journey did not end there. Michael Bublé, who had initially fought for Sloane during the Blind Auditions, seized the opportunity to Steal her.

“Sloane has a great voice, angelic, sweet tone, great pitch, great control,” Michael said, adding, “People are going to really love her. She’s a pop star in the making.”

His confidence in her potential persuaded Sloane to leave Team Gwen and join Team Michael.

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The Voice: Episode highlights

The premiere of The Voice season 26 Battle Rounds showcased several powerful performances, as contestants fought to stay in the competition. Sloane’s battle with Sydney Sterlace was one of the episode’s highlights, featuring two budding talents.

In another standout battle, Christina Eagle faced off against Gail Bliss from Team Snoop, performing Gretchen Wilson’s Redneck Woman. Snoop described Christina as having the “it” factor, and also praised her for being "strong and in control."

Christina’s energy and charisma won her the battle, eliminating Gail Bliss from the competition.

Team Reba also saw a tough decision in the battle between Kendall Eugene and Alison Elena, who performed Bring on the Rain by Jo Dee Messina and Tim McGraw.

While both singers delivered emotional performances, Reba ultimately chose Kendall, citing his “gravelly voice and intensity,” leaving Alison to exit the competition.

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The Voice continues to air on NBC every Monday and Tuesday at 8/7c.