Niall Horan’s ‘The Voice’ Contestants Impress With Billy Joel Battle

NBC’s The Voice has entered into the battle rounds. It’s a place where hopes are dashed, where dreams are kept alive, and where the coaches are made to suffer at decision time.

Niall Horan, who is on good form having coached the winner in his debut season, paired Lennon VanderDoes and Tanner Massey for a toe-to-toe Tuesday night (Oct. 17) to Billy Joel’s “She’s Always a Woman.”

“Wow, wow, wow, that was so incredible,” Gwen Stefani remarked at the close. “Both of you are mindblowing in your own way.” If she had to choose, she’d go with Massey.

“Really, both amazing,” John Legend said. Legend has his own connection with “She’s Always a Woman”; it’s the inspiration for “All of Me,” the “song that changed my life. And hearing you two sing it was just magical.” If he had to make the call, he’d lean “ever so slightly” toward Massey.

Reba McEntire was impressed with both contestants, especially Massey. “To be as young as you are, you’ve got great stage presence.”

There can be only one, and Horan had to wield the axe.

“I think this was always going to be a great battle with the difference in your two voices, the way Lennon can sing up there with such control and, your tone is so captivating.” Tanner, with his flares at the end of some sentences, are just “so beautiful” to hear. “This is one of those battles where I’ve been battling myself.

Horan ignored the advice of his fellow coaches and rivals, and tapped VanderDoes to progress.

The story doesn’t end there. Legend and Stefani both tried to “steal” the young talent. Another decision had to be made, this time by Massey who just minutes earlier had to cope with the bitter disappointment of rejection. He chose Team Gwen.

The popular singing competition show airs at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC (check your local listings for channel information). Episodes of The Voice will stream on-demand via Peacock the next day after they air on TV, but viewers can also watch live with Peacock Premium Plus.

Watch the season 24 performance below.