IT was a thrilling and anxious night on the Voice of Ireland this week as the contestants finally entered the
‘Battle’ stage.
There were a series five face-offs featuring each of the judges’ teams and there was a nail-biting air to proceedings as each took to the stage to do battle with their fellow performers.
Adding to the tension was a new twist with a
‘Steal’ being available to the other coaches.
After the coach makes the decision on which contestant goes through, the remaining singer is then free for one of the other coaches to make a steal and bring them onto their team.
On Team Jamelia Leah McConnell from Antrim took on Dubliner Gavin Murray from East Wall with Gavin making it through with a flawless performance.
Team Dolores saw Nella Dwyer of Cork going up against John Hogan Junior from Galway
On Team Bressie Kedar Friis Lawerence from Donegal was up against Caoin Fitz from Shankill but unfortunately the Southsider was pipped to the post by Kedar and it’s the end of the road for him.
On Team Kian Jay Boland from Athlone was battling it out with our own Southsider Aisling Connolly from near Tallaght.
It was also a particularly tense moment for Jay and Aisling as her battle was changed at the last minute.
Kian’s advisor Matt Cardle said:
“We’ve wrecked Jay’s head a little, I have had my song changed two days before a live show, and I was nearly crying.
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In the end, Aisling had the most dramatic battle with Jay making it through before Jamelia stepped in to save her.
Bressie, who is known for picking questionable numbers for his team once again came under fire for his choice of song.
Both Kedar Friis and Caoin Fitz were given Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush to sing. And it was clear neither of the lads were comfortable with the song.
Caoin even wondered out loud,
“what on earth was he thinking?
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The Battles also saw the coaches getting some help in the form of music industry advisors who will aide them in making their decision in who to take through to the live shows.
Helping Dolores make her decision will be Hothouse Flower Fiachna O’Braonain. Fiachna, who has toured the world as bass player with the Flowers, has nearly 30 years’ experience in the music industry.
In Bressie’s corner is Sarah Harding who, as one fifth of Girl’s Aloud, has a wealth of experience to offer budding stars on Team Bressie.
Jamelia has asked friend Courtney from girl band Stooshie to help her decide on Team Jamelia.
Voice fans will have seen Stooshie perform during the live shows last series.
And Kian Egan has asked X Factor winner Matt Cardle to join him for the Battles.
Matt has been there, done that, so will be able to advise Kian’s team how to approach their performances.
A new promo this year sees the Muller Corner Red Chair arriving at shopping centres around the country to give fans the opportunity to see some live performances from this year’s contestants.
The Red Chair will be in Liffey Valley on March 1.
You can also enter an exclusive competition to win a VIP night at the live shows and meet the coaches in Dublin’s Helix Theatre courtesy of Müller Corner.