The Voice: Battle of Champions (Season 29) exploded onto screens on February 23, 2026, with its revamped three-coach format featuring Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and Adam Levine—all former winners duking it out for supremacy.

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The premiere’s Blind Auditions delivered instant magic: emotional backstories, genre surprises, Triple Turns, and performances that had coaches and fans buzzing.

While the full season is just beginning, several artists from Night 1 already stand out as ones to watch—thanks to their unique voices, bold song choices, and the drama they sparked.

Here are the most memorable Blind Auditions from the premiere, the ones generating the biggest reactions and positioning themselves as early frontrunners.

1. Abigayle Oakley (25) – “Call Your Girlfriend” (Robyn)

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Abigayle delivered one of the night’s most electric moments: an instant Triple Turn before her name even appeared on screen.

Her polished, ethereal take on Robyn’s pop hit blended soft vulnerability with powerful control, earning instant praise for its “other-worldly” quality and natural cry in her voice. All three coaches spun, but she chose Team Kelly, giving the four-time champ a major early win.

Critics called it “pure magic” and “spectacular”—a performance that transported listeners and showcased her as a versatile, standout talent ready to dominate.

2. Jeremy Keith (40) – “You Are My Lady” (Freddie Jackson)

The finale shocker of the night belonged to Jeremy Keith, a former backup singer for ’90s R&B group After 7 stepping into the solo spotlight.

His soulful, emotional rendition earned another Triple Turn, with heated pitches flying (John seemed the “obvious” fit, but Adam used reverse psychology).

In a stunning twist, Jeremy picked Adam—handing him the early lead in the Triple Turn Competition for that coveted Super Steal advantage. Fans loved his smooth R&B tone and the drama of his unexpected choice, marking him as a high-stakes contender.

3. Liv Ciara (16) – “We Can’t Be Friends” (Ariana Grande)

The youngest standout turned Ariana Grande’s modern pop hit into a sultry, belting ballad that immediately grabbed attention.

Her emotional delivery and maturity beyond her years stunned the panel—Kelly turned fast, and Liv chose her team. Described as a “show-stopping” comeback story (she’d auditioned unsuccessfully in Season 28), Liv’s youthful powerhouse vocals and transformation of the song made her an instant favorite for her emotional depth and potential.

4. Alexia Jayy (31) – “(You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman” (Aretha Franklin/Carole King)

Alexia kicked off the Triple Turn era with a powerhouse soul performance that had coaches bonding over her mom life and vocal prowess.

All three turned—Kelly first, then John and Adam—praising her as having “it all” with crossover potential. She ultimately chose Adam, giving him the season’s first Triple Turn point. Her commanding delivery and emotional resonance made this one of the most talked-about opens.

5. Jonah Mayor (31) – “Il Mondo” (Jimmy Fontana, in Italian)

Jonah brought global flair with a full Italian-language classic, showcasing incredible control of dynamics—holding back for intimacy then opening up powerfully.

The unique choice wowed the coaches, earning him a spot on Team Kelly. Fans called it one of those “reminder” moments why the show still captivates, highlighting his worldly vibe and vocal precision as something fresh in the competition.

Honorable Mentions

• Julia Golden (19) – Her nostalgic, sweet take on Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine” charmed Kelly and John, with a hilarious Reba McEntire phone-in cameo boosting the country battle. She picked Team Kelly.
• Lucas West (20) – A soulful, piano-driven “Bennie and the Jets” (Elton John) earned turns from Adam and John; he chose Team Legend for his understated energy and high notes.

These standouts set a high bar for Season 29—blending raw emotion, surprises, and vocal fireworks in the new “Battle of Champions” arena.

With more Blind Auditions ahead, expect these artists (and their coaches) to keep the momentum going. Who’s your early favorite to watch? Drop your picks below and stay tuned as the battles heat up!