Full Breakdown
Niall Horan Utilizes Save for Ava Nat Amidst Competitive Battle Rounds on 'The Voice'
10/21/2025, 12:58:46 PM
Overview of the Battle Rounds
The latest episode of NBC's *The Voice*, aired on October 20, 2025, featured the continuation of the Battle Rounds, where contestants perform duets against each other. Coaches Niall Horan, Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire, and Michael Bublé faced challenging decisions as they narrowed their teams down from twelve to six artists. Each coach has one Save and one Steal available during this phase of the competition.
Niall Horan's Performance Choices
Niall Horan showcased his own song, "What a Time," during the battle between Team Niall members Aiden Ross and Ava Nat. Horan expressed initial concerns about using his own song, fearing it might come off as self-indulgent. However, he believed the song suited both contestants, who delivered a performance that impressed all four coaches. Horan praised their rendition, stating, “It was everything I wanted it to be and 20 times more.”
Ultimately, Horan selected Aiden Ross as the winner of the battle due to his consistency, but he did not want Ava Nat to leave the competition. He used his only Save to keep her on his team, stating, “I love Ava’s voice [and] I love her ability to tell a story. She does it simply better than anyone on the show.”
Snoop Dogg's Steal
During the same episode, Snoop Dogg successfully executed his first Steal of the season. After Horan chose to advance Kirbi over Carolina Rodriguez in another battle, Snoop quickly pressed his button to add Rodriguez to his team. He praised her growth throughout the competition, noting, “What sold me was her journey — the progress you can hear from the Blinds to now.”
Key Performances and Coach Reactions
The episode featured several notable performances. Kirbi and Carolina Rodriguez's rendition of Lauren Daigle’s "You Say" was described as emotional and powerful, leading Horan to declare it “everything we want in a Battle.” Snoop Dogg, impressed by both singers, remarked on their chemistry and emotional delivery.
Other performances included Lauren Anderson versus Makenzie Phipps, where Snoop selected Anderson as the winner, and Aarik Duncan versus Max Chambers, with Bublé choosing Chambers. The episode concluded with the anticipation of the final night of Battles, set to air on October 27, 2025.
What's Next for Contestants
Following the Battle Rounds, the remaining contestants will move on to the Knockout Rounds, where they will perform solo songs against other team members. Each coach will select one winner from each pairing, but there will be no Steals in this round. The competition will continue to intensify as the artists vie for a spot in the Playoffs, leading up to the live finale in December.
Official Statements & Responses
Niall Horan expressed his satisfaction with the performances, emphasizing the emotional connection and storytelling abilities of his contestants. Snoop Dogg highlighted the importance of growth and readiness in his selections, showcasing a competitive yet supportive atmosphere among the coaches.
Verbatim Quotes
- “was everything I wanted it to be and 20 times more.” — Niall Horan, Coach
- “What sold me was her journey — the progress you can hear from the Blinds to now,” — Snoop Dogg, Coach
As the competition progresses, the dynamics among the coaches and contestants continue to evolve, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead on *The Voice*.
