This phase of the season sees our coaches face the tough challenge of having their artists compete against each other, ultimately having to let one go. But that's part of the game.

Thankfully, with steals and saves in play, no one is truly out until host Carson Daly announces they're up for grabs. It's also that time when we, the viewers, find ourselves shouting at the TV over the coaches' bold choices. After all, musical preferences vary widely, right?

Keeping the excitement high, the coaches have enlisted four distinct guest mentors to enhance their teams. This season, John Legend teams up with Coco Jones, Michael Bublé brings in Cynthia Erivo, Adam Levine collaborates with Kate Hudson, and Kelsea Ballerini joins forces with Little Big Town.

The star power is undeniable, and any artist would be awestruck by such mentors. So, get ready – our coaches are set to make some snap decisions!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adam Levine (@adamlevine)

Levine makes a surprising move by inviting Kate Hudson as a mentor. It's his first Battle round since his return, and he's tasked with matching Darius J against Britton Moore. The two artists differ significantly in style, making this a true test of taste.

The song choice, Radiohead's "Creep," initially seems to favor Darius, but a strategic arrangement shift during rehearsals turns the tables, giving Britton a haunting edge that truly captivates. Despite Darius's strong performance, it’s Britton who shines brighter, winning the Battle. Levine, showing strategic cunning, uses his save on Darius – ensuring he stays in the game.

In his second Battle of the night, Adam pairs Ethan Eckenroad with Fran Posla. The two blend well, reminiscent of a '90s coffeehouse vibe with their rendition of "July" by Noah Cyrus and Leon Bridges.

The Battle reveals both their strengths and weaknesses, with Ethan ultimately being chosen by Levine, a decision he might regret as Fran exits the stage unclaimed after a noteworthy performance.

Meanwhile, Team Legend sees Coco Jones mentoring singers through a bilingual Battle featuring "Tacones Rojos" by Sebastián Yatra.

Pablo Herrera outshines Kolby Cordell with his dynamic delivery, but in a surprising twist,  Legend picks Cordell as the winner – a decision that might have viewers screaming at their screens.

The second Battle for Team Legend pairs Nell Simmons with Olivia Kuper Harris on "Feel Like Making Love" by Roberta Flack.

Both artists bring their unique styles to the performance, making it a tough call for the coaches. John opts for Harris, but Levine quickly uses his steal to keep Simmons in the competition, recognizing her potential.

By 2026, we might see Cynthia Erivo clinch an EGOT, but for now, she's making waves as a mentor on The Voice. Already a prominent figure thanks to her role in the blockbuster film Wicked, Erivo's extensive background in West End and Broadway theaters makes her an invaluable coach.

Her deep dive into technical details offers Team Bublé a priceless learning experience. In his first Battle of the season, Bublé matches Braxton Garza with Jadyn Cree, opting to keep his standout talents for later rounds. Despite a rocky rehearsal where Bublé notes the song hasn't resonated with them yet, the stakes are high.

Jadyn Cree, known for her alt-pop style reminiscent of Billie Eilish with a dash of Hayley Williams, is somewhat miscast on the mellow "Danny's Song" by Loggins and Messina. While the song fits Braxton's more country-tinged voice better, Cree doesn't quite get to shine as she should.

Yet, as the daughter of Voice alum Bryan Olesen, she's here to forge her path and uphold her family's legacy. Surprisingly, Bublé chooses Cree as the winner, preserving her place in the competition and avoiding the risk of another coach stealing her away. Olesen, on the other hand, exits without a steal, a decision that leaves us wondering, especially given Ballerini's strong team of male country artists.

Over in Team Kelsea, the influence of Little Big Town proves why they're masters of harmony. Known for their impeccable group vocals, like those in "Boondocks," their expertise is perfect for mentoring during the Battles, which are essentially about harmonizing in duets.

This season, they assist Ballerini in guiding her team, starting with Angie Rey and Tatum Scott, who tackle "Girl" by Maren Morris.

This empowering anthem allows both women to showcase their strengths. Rey's clear and commanding voice contrasts with Scott's slightly nasally tone. Their combined chorus highlights their potential, but it's Rey who ultimately appears more prepared for the challenge. Ballerini rightly chooses Rey, but Scott isn't done yet — Legend sees potential and steals her, setting her up for a challenging journey on Team Legend in the Knockouts.

The opening night of the Battles delivers some remarkable performances. Parting with any artist is tough, but the saves and steals provide a glimmer of hope for a second shot. 

The Voice broadcasts on NBC every Monday at 8 p.m. EST. You can also stream episodes on Peacock the following day.

Photo Credit: @michaelbuble on IG