In a nail-biting battle round on NBC’s The Voice, former One Direction star Niall Horan strategically utilized a coveted steal to bring powerhouse vocalist Sadie Dahl onto his team after her stunning performance with fellow contestant Toni Lorene, leaving coach Snoop Dogg with an incredibly tough decision.
The battle rounds on The Voice are renowned for their high stakes and emotional turns, and the latest season has proven no exception. Coaches are quick to employ their steals and saves, constantly reshaping their teams and adding an unpredictable thrill to the competition. This strategic depth was on full display during a recent episode when Niall Horan made a decisive move that sent ripples through the competition, securing a highly sought-after talent for Team Niall.
The Electrifying Performance: Dahl vs. Lorene
The Tuesday, October 14th broadcast saw two formidable artists from Team Snoop, Sadie Dahl and Toni Lorene, go head-to-head in a battle that showcased their exceptional vocal prowess. They took on Rihanna’s 2016 Billboard Hot 100 No. 5 hit, “Love on the Brain.” Their performance was nothing short of spectacular, captivating the coaches and leaving an indelible mark on the audience.
Coaches Weigh In: Praise and Tough Choices
The intensity of the performance made the coaches’ task incredibly difficult, each offering heartfelt feedback:
- Niall Horan, visibly impressed, remarked, “Voice fans all across America you just witnessed something very, very special.” He highlighted both singers’ individual strengths, calling Toni’s whistle note “bonkers” and praising Sadie’s former four-chair turn vocal ability.
- Reba McEntire lauded Sadie Dahl as a “powerhouse,” commending both women’s impressive vocals and stage presence, playfully dubbing them “goofy-talented.”
- Michael Bublé offered a mix of critique and praise, noting that Sadie’s start wasn’t as strong as her blind audition but that she grew “stronger and stronger” as the song progressed. He then shifted to Toni, declaring she was “on fire,” a “technician,” and praising her “gorgeous tone” and “vibrato,” as reported by Billboard.
Snoop Dogg’s Internal Struggle and Decisive Pick
For their coach, Snoop Dogg, the decision was agonizing. Taking off his glasses to emphasize his sincerity, he candidly addressed his team members. “I was having a tough time when ya’ll picked each other. Why the hell did ya’ll pick each other? Ya’ll made it very, very hard on me, which, that’s what I wanted. I wanted excellence tonight. I wanted perfection. I wanted you guys to push yourselves to the next level and to show that you guys were actually The Voice,” he explained, as detailed by People. After a moment of contemplation, referring to it as talking to the “gangsta holy ghost,” Snoop ultimately declared Toni Lorene the winner, moving her forward into the knockout rounds.
His reasoning highlighted Toni’s precision and undeniable star power: “Toni was just spectacular. What I loved about Toni was her precision at hitting those notes. Striking up and letting everybody know that it was a battle. Just having that star power that you can’t teach… She’s the whole package. The look, the feel, the sound and the spirit.”
The Steal: Sadie Dahl Finds a New Home
However, the drama wasn’t over. As host Carson Daly reminded the coaches of the available steal, Niall Horan seized the moment. With an enthusiastic buzz of his button, he uttered the now-iconic phrase to Sadie Dahl, “Sadie, I know you had a good time working with Snoop — but it’s time to come home.” Dahl’s excitement was palpable, jumping with joy at the opportunity to continue in the competition.
Niall elaborated on his decision, recognizing Sadie’s versatility and powerful voice. “Sadie, Sadie, Sadie. She’s shown that she can pretty much sing anything,” Horan stated, adding, “Snoop couldn’t make a bad decision there. Thank God he chose Toni because I’ve been waiting for Sadie.” He noted that Sadie possessed a “big powerful voice” that his team lacked, making her a perfect fit. Even Snoop couldn’t complain, admitting Dahl was in “great hands.”
Trae Patton/NBC
Niall Horan celebrates stealing Sadie Dahl after her compelling battle performance.
The Voice: A Fan-Favorite Spectacle
This episode perfectly encapsulates the appeal of The Voice. It’s not just about vocal talent, but also about the strategic gameplay of the coaches and the emotional journeys of the artists. Moments like this steal highlight why fans tune in week after week to witness these incredible performances and the dramatic twists that define the competition.
The Voice continues to air on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, with all episodes available to stream the next day on Peacock. Fans eagerly anticipate how Sadie Dahl will thrive under Niall Horan’s mentorship and what further surprises the battle and knockout rounds will bring.
