After witnessing the result of a heated Battle Round on The Voice Season 26, many fans voiced their strong disapproval of the coach’s decision. The episode featured a dynamic Battle from Team Snoop Dogg, where Lauren Anderson and Makenzie Phipps performed Carrie Underwood’s hit, “Before He Cheats.”
Both singers, who were one-chair turns for Snoop, brought distinct styles to the stage: Anderson leaned into a blues-rock sound, while Phipps offered a more authentic country tone.
The two artists leaned into the song’s furious energy, even engaging in the unique pre-taping activity of smashing an old car with baseball bats to get into character. When they finally performed, the coaches were impressed, but only one singer could advance. Viewers seemed to overwhelmingly disagree with the outcome.
Snoop Dogg’s Difficult Decision Sparks Controversy
During the night’s Battle, Lauren Anderson, a mature pro, belted out the song with power, while Makenzie Phipps’ voice delivered a distinctly pure country sound.
Coach Niall Horan noted that the pair approached the song differently, calling the decision a “50/50” split. Reba McEntire praised their performance, stating that Carrie Underwood would be proud, but ultimately said she would choose Lauren. Likewise, Michael Bublé called Makenzie’s performance “perfection” but also leaned toward Lauren.
Team Snoop’s coach, Snoop Dogg, commented on the strong “sisterhood” between the singers before making his choice. He ultimately selected Lauren Anderson as the winner of the Battle, eliminating Makenzie Phipps.
The decision was instantly met with strong fan reaction, which seemed to be mirrored by one of the other coaches on stage.
Fans React to Makenzie Phipps’ Elimination, Noting Reba’s “Weird” Look
The Battle result sparked immediate regret among many fans, who quickly took to social media platforms to express their disappointment that Phipps would not be moving forward.
“The Voice viewers noticed Reba’s ‘weird’ expression after Snoop Dogg sent the ‘wrong contestant’ home on Night 3 of the Battles between Lauren Anderson and Makenzie Phipps,” according to social media buzz.
One viewer noted on Facebook, “I truly believe by the look on Reba’s face that she did not agree with snoop’s decision.” Another commenter echoed this sentiment, suggesting, “Makenzie would have gone far in the competition even Reba looked at him like what.”
Reba herself later addressed the singers backstage on CMT, stating, “Lauren and Makenzie were incredible. Team Snoop is really doing well. Man, I wished I’d had a steal left, but one of them had to go home.” Unfortunately for Phipps, the other coaches did not opt to use their save or steal options.
Many fans took to social media to express their regret and plead for the Bluefield country singer to be brought back.
“I was hoping Makenzie would win. Both are very talented ladies,” commented Carol Turner Collins. Other sentiments included:
“Hate to see Makenzie go home she has a great voice !!”
“I can’t believe Makenzie is gone! She had a top 5 voice and much better than a majority of the singers”
“Missed this one Snoop, MaKenzie was way better”
“Bring Makenzie back! Both needed to stay!”
Heading into the last night of Battles, here’s where the teams stand. Each coach has one more Battle pairing to complete their teams, while Bublé also has his Steal remaining.
SNOOP DOGG
Yoshihanaa
Natala Albertini (save)
Kenny Iko
Toni Lorene
Lauren Anderson
Mindy Miller
Carolina Rodriguez (steal)
REBA MCENTIRE
Aaron Nichols
Austin Gilbert (steal)
Ryan Mitchell
Cori Kennedy
Aubrey Nicole (save)
Leyton Robinson
Conrad Khalil
NIALL HORAN
Dustin Dale Gaspard
Sadie Dahl (steal)
Kayleigh Clark
Liam Von Elbe
Aiden Ross
Ava Nat (save)
Kirbi
MICHAEL BUBLÉ
Jazz McKenzie
Trinity (save)
Rob Cole
Max Cooper III
Marty O’Reilly
Max Chambers
