Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Dylan John, Emily Clapp and Kollin Bailey of DEKi of Hearts perform during the battle round on The Voice Season 28 (NBC Photo)

The Voice will be airing a hybrid episode Monday night.

The first hour of the show will be devoted to the conclusion of the battle rounds.

There are four pre-taped battles yet to air, and I’ve listed those below.

Since Michael Buble’s steal is the only steal or save remaining, the match between Teo Ramdell and Elias Gomez will be a win-or-head-home proposition.

Here’s betting Michael’s steal is used on the artist Niall Horan puts at risk of elimination when he choses a winner of the battle between DEK or Hearts and Jack Austin.

The Voice leaked video of that battle on Friday. It’s a great performance; neither deserves to go home. But Niall has already used his save on Ava Nat.

Oh, and since The Voice insists on using 20 minutes of airtime per battle, one of those listed below is likely to be montaged.

The second half of Monday’s show will be devoted to the beginning of the knockout round, in which the artists perform solo songs of their choosing.

Each coach will have eight singers in the knockouts. There are no saves or steals during the knockouts this year, meaning we’ll be left with a field of 16 when the knockouts end.

For a look at where all the teams stand entering Monday’s show, head here.

Editor’s Note: Following the links below will take you to a profile of each artist, complete with information on music they’ve already released.

MONDAY’S BATTLES

TEAM NIALL

The match: DEK of Hearts vs. Jack Austin
The song: “I Will Wait” by Mumford & Sons
The background: DEK of Hearts, the Nashville-based trio of Dylan John, Emily Clapp and Kollin Bailey, turned four chairs in the blinds, singing “Heads Carolina, Tails California” by Jo Dee Messina on the season premiere. Jack Austin, 21, of Battle Creek, Michigan, performed “This Town” by Niall and turned three chairs.
The feedback: Reba McEntire says she thoroughly enjoyed the performance and suggested Niall advance all four of them. Which, of course, he cannot do. Michael complimented all four singers, but gave the edge to DEK of Hearts because they’re so unique. Snoop Dogg complimented them on doing an “amazing job.” Niall loved the joy all four artists brought to the performance.
The outcome: We’ll find out Monday night.
My take: I’ve written it dozens of times already. I write it again. It’s tough for a group to stand out in the battles on The Voice. Never was it clearer than in this performance. DEK of Hearts did its best, focusing more on harmonies than separate solo parts. But Jack still came off as lead singer and DEK of Hearts as his backing band. That’s a credit to Jack, who was impressive vocally and dancing when he wasn’t singing. I’d give him the edge by a whisker. That said, if I was Niall, with Aiden Ross already in my Top 8, I might advance DEK of Hearts, knowing they’re likely to deliver finals-worthy performances in every other phase of this competition. And, once again, I’d urge The Voice to ditch the battles and have two rounds in the knockout format. Remember, we’re picking “the voice,” not the best duet partner.

TEAM MICHAEL

The match: Teo Ramdell vs. Elias Gomez
The background: Teo, 34, of Tiujuana, Mexico, performed “Historia de un Amor” by Luis Miguel in the blinds and turned all four chairs. Elias, 29, of Cincinnati, Ohio, performed “Lonely Teardrops” by Jackie Wilson and turned three chairs.

TEAM REBA

The match: Peyton Kyle vs. Shan Scott
The background: Peyton Kyle, 26, of Gainesville, Ga., performed “Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars in the blinds. Shan, 28, of New York, performed “Wish I Knew You” by The Revivalists. Reba was the only coach to turn for both artists.

TEAM SNOOP DOGG

The match: Ralph Edwards vs. Jerrell Melton
The song:
The background: Ralph, 30, of Fresno, Calif., performed “Lights” by Ellie Goulding in the blinds and turned all four chairs. Jerrell, 29, of Fayetteville, Ga., landed one of the last spots on Team Snoop, singing “Go the Distance” in the blinds.

Jack Austin performs during the battle round on The Voice. (NBC Photo)