The Voice Australia: Thomas Bleach recaps week one of The Battles

Season nine of The Voice Australia is in full swing, and it’s already proving to be a year of huge performances and heightened drama.

Following the electric Blind Auditions, The Battles began on Sunday with more performances taking place the next night as contestants went head to head to earn a place in the Knockouts.

Sunday pulled 872,000 metro overnight viewers and 861,000 on Monday across the five metros.

With each mentor having to choose only one act to go through to the next round, they are afforded two saves to use on any artist of their choice that doesn’t win their Battle.

THE WINNERS

The majority of the winners from the Battles were expected with Alex Weybury, Stephanie Cole, Johnny Manuel, Siala Robson, Claudia Harrison, BO’NESS and Stellar Perry creating magical moments.

But you also had Virginia Lillye, Graeme Purcell and Lyric MacFarland unexpectedly come out on top against their fierce competitors.

THE SAVES

The saves is a classic reality TV twist that allows an artist a second chance to keep fighting in the competition. But what’s even juicier is that other mentors can poach contestants which creates explosive TV. 

Delta Goodrem picked up powerhouse opera vocalist Clarissa Spata from Boy George, who may struggle to find a commercial appeal.

Kelly Rowland hijacked former X Factor contestant and girl group alumni Elisha from Team Delta, and also picked up Despina from Team George.

And Guy Sebastian saved the unique Soma Sutton from Team Kelly, along with the emotionally raw Matt Gresham from Team Delta. 

MISSED SAVES

With limited saves available, the biggest shock was seeing former Australian Idol winner Natalie Gauci walking away without a spot in the Knockouts. 

With thirteen years in-between her time in the spotlight, this was a rather exciting premise to see a talented artist get a second chance in reclaiming her confidence after getting dropped from her former label following her last reality TV win. 

CONTROVERSIAL SONG CHOICES

The drama fuelled reality TV moments during the Battles came from tension between song choices. 

Kelly Rowland and Delta Goodrem stormed off the set after Guy Sebastian teamed Mongolian throat singer Bukhu Ganburged and American pop singer Johnny Manuel together for Michael Jackson’s ‘Earth Song’.

The arrangement made it seem like Bukhu’s was a part of Johnny’s backing band instead of an actual competitor. Kelly and Delta both deemed this as unfair as it changed the whole preface of the Battles.

THE UNMISSABLE BATTLES

In-between the drama and the predictable big moments, there were two unforgettable Battles that were special in their own unique way. 

Clarissa Spata and Virginia Lillye beautifully intertwined opera and rock with Blondie’s classic ‘Call Me’.

While Stellar Perry and Matt Gresham confronted their vulnerabilities through Miley Cyrus’ recent hit ‘Slide Away’. 

THE ONES TO WATCH 

Over its nine seasons, The Voice Australia has failed to propel a chart-topping star since Karise Eden and Harrison Craig. However, the potential is there with some exciting contestants passionately fighting for that coveted record deal with EMI Australia. 

From the first two episodes of the Battle rounds, the ones to watch in the Knockouts are Stellar Perry, Matthew Gresham, Siala Robson, Johnny Manuel and Alex Weybury. 

The Battle Rounds continue next week on Sunday at 7pm and Monday at 7.30pm on Nine.