Ep 9. The Battles Premiere

In The Voice season 12 episode 9, titled "The Battles Premiere," the competition heats up as the coaches pair up their top team members to battle it out in head-to-head performances.

The episode opens with a recap of the blind auditions and the teams each coach has assembled. As the coaches analyze their teams, they face the tough decision of pairing up their strongest vocalists and choosing a song that will highlight their unique talents.

First up is Team Adam, featuring his powerhouse vocalist, Johnny Hayes, and his soulful crooner, Julien Martinez. The two deliver a passionate rendition of the classic song "Hard to Handle" by Otis Redding. The coaches are blown away by both performances, making Adam's decision of who to advance to the next round a difficult one.

Next, Team Alicia takes the stage, with her dynamic rock singer, Enid Ortiz, going head-to-head against her smooth R&B artist, Quizz Swanigan. The two perform another classic, "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone, and have the judges on their feet. Alicia ultimately chooses Quizz to move on, but Enid's performance leaves a lasting impression.

Team Blake's battle features his two soulful country artists, Aliyah Moulden and Dawson Coyle. They perform a heartwarming duet of the song "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and The Waves, showcasing their infectious energy and chemistry on stage. The coaches are impressed with both performances, but Blake ultimately chooses Aliyah to move forward.

Finally, Team Gwen's duet features her two eclectic artists, JChosen and Kenny P. They tackle another Nina Simone classic, "I Put a Spell on You," with JChosen's smooth R&B style and Kenny P's powerful vocal runs. Gwen ultimately decides to keep JChosen on her team, but Kenny P's talent is undeniable.

As the episode comes to a close, each coach reflects on their team's progress and the fierce competition ahead. With the battle rounds just beginning, the stakes are higher than ever for these talented vocalists.