Los Angeles, April 29, 2025 — The stage lights burned bright last night on NBC’s "The Voice," but for six singers, the dream dimmed as Season 27’s Playoffs kicked off with a brutal first round. Coaches Adam Levine and Kelsea Ballerini faced the grim task of slashing their teams from five to two, leaving three artists each to head home. The stakes were sky-high—no steals, no saves, just raw performances and tough calls. Here’s how it shook out.
Team Adam’s five took the stage first, each gunning for a spot in the Live Shows. Conor James, the scrappy 22-year-old with a knack for classic vibes, delivered a soulful take on Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young.” His teammate, Nell Simmons, a 19-year-old powerhouse, leaned into Chaka Khan’s “Sweet Thing” with polished grit. Britton Moore, the country-leaning crooner, brought a crisp, auto-tune-like clarity to his performance, while Kolby Cordell, a stolen artist from Team Legend, showcased his smooth tenor. Renzo, the wildcard with a flair for drama, closed with a bold spin on Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever.” When the dust settled, Levine picked Conor James and Nell Simmons to advance. Moore, Cordell, and Renzo were cut, their journeys ending just shy of the Live Shows.
Over on Team Kelsea, the mood was just as tense. Alanna Lynise, who’d already turned heads with her emotional depth, poured her heart into a ballad that had the coaches leaning in. Iris Herrera, the comeback kid who nabbed three chair turns this season, brought fierce energy to her performance. Jaelen Johnston, a 17-year-old with a knack for gritty anthems, tackled Noah Kahan’s “Dial Drunk.” Tinika Wyatt, the soulful veteran, and Ari Camille, the versatile 20-year-old, rounded out the pack with heartfelt numbers. Ballerini, visibly torn, chose Alanna Lynise and Iris Herrera to move forward. Johnston, Wyatt, and Camille were sent packing, their exits marked by tearful hugs and promises to keep singing.
The Playoffs, which began on April 28, aired on NBC at 8 p.m. ET, with a recap episode slated for tonight, April 29, at 8 p.m. Each artist got to pick their song, mentored by mega advisors LeAnn Rimes for Team Adam and Sheryl Crow for Team Kelsea. The night was a pressure cooker, with only four of the ten performers—James, Simmons, Lynise, and Herrera—earning a ticket to the Live Shows. The other six left the stage for good, their time on Season 27 cut short.