Team Bublé: Max Chambers, Rob Cole, Jazz McKenzie, and Trinity
Team Reba: Ryan Mitchell, Aaron Nichols, Aubrey Nicole, and Peyton Kyle
Team Niall: Dek of Hearts, Ava Nat, Aiden Ross, and Kirbi
Team Snoop: Ralp Edwards, Tony Lorene, Mindy Miller, and Yoshihanaa
And then there were 16. Monday’s episode of “The Voice” marked the conclusion of the Season 28 Knockouts, ending with four members on each team as the coaches look ahead to next week’s Playoffs.
With Michael Bublé’s team already firmed up, Monday’s hour presented some very difficult decisions for Reba McEntire, Niall Horan and Snoop Dogg, each of whom had to cut one more singer. Reba had to choose between a safe country bet and a rock ‘n’ roll gamble, Niall had to choose between a polished performer and a diamond in the rough, and Snoop had to choose between two absolute vocal powerhouses — finally giving us his Mic Drop moment in the process.
Team Niall: Dustin Dale Gaspard (She Talks To Angels) vs. Kirbi (Hard Fought Hallelujah)
“She” may talk to angels, but Dustin was our angel of music tonight, delivering a fun, funky performance of this Black Crowes classic. Whether he was surprising us with a high note or wailing on his harmonica, there was a level of infectious joy in his performance that few have shown on the stage this season. A true artist.
Kirbi shifted the mood a bit with a heartrending performance that found her embodying the song’s title, fighting hard with every soaring note. You could feel the fire in her as she built to a dramatic climax. It felt like she had something to prove with this performance, and if you ask us, she did exactly that.
This was another tough call, but we side with Michael Bublé, who said there’s just something he loves about Dustin’s artistry and showmanship. We’ll see if Niall’s gamble pays off in next week’s Playoffs.
Fans were quick to flood social media with messages of disbelief and disappointment following Dustin’s elimination. One tweeted, “I can’t believe Dustin is gone! He was my top pick to win this season — the stage will never be the same without him!”
Another fan shared, “This is heartbreaking. Dustin brought so much energy, talent, and soul to every performance. How could the judges let him go?”
Many expressed their sadness while praising his artistry: “Dustin’s harmonica skills and stage presence were unmatched. Losing him feels like losing the heart of the show this season.”
Some fans focused on what they saw as a missed opportunity: “Dustin had everything it takes to go all the way — it’s such a shame he didn’t get to show us what he could truly do in the finals.”
Even long-time viewers joined in the lament, writing, “I’ve watched The Voice for years, and Dustin’s knockout performance was one of the best I’ve ever seen. I’m still in shock that he’s out — he deserved so much more!”