‘The Voice’ Fans React After Niall Horan Makes Shocking Elimination
The Voice fans were left stunned after Tuesday (November 21) night’s episode, which saw Niall Horan eliminate a seemingly surefire top contender from the competition on the first night of Playoffs.
With the blind auditions, battle rounds, and three-way knockouts out of the way, the four coaches, John Legend, Gwen Stefani, Reba McEntire, and Horan, narrowed their teams down to six (including a returning Super Save pick) ahead of the Playoffs, which kicked off on Tuesday with Team Niall battling it out for a shot in the live shows.
Heading into Tuesday’s episode, Team Niall consisted of four singers who received four-chair turns during the blind auditions: Huntley, Nini Iris, Alexa Wildish, and Mara Justine (whom he stole from Legend in the knockouts). In addition, the One Direction alum had Claudia B, who he stole from Legend in the battles, plus teenager Julia Roome, who he brought back with his Super Save.
Fans knew the competition would be tough, but one thing seemed guaranteed: Wildish making it through to the live shows. The 34-year-old folk singer had impressed throughout the series with spellbinding renditions of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird,” Billie Eilish’s “everything i wanted,” and Cher’s “Believe.”
Wildish impressed again during the Playoffs, singing an emotional, pitch-perfect version of Sting’s “Fields of Gold,” which wowed the coaches. “I love your voice; I heard every word you were singing,” McEntire told the artist.
Horan complimented her “belting vocals” and called her “ridiculously talented,” and yet when it came time to make a decision, the “Heaven” singer shockingly sent Wildish home.
Instead, Horan picked Huntley (who performed David Kushner’s “Daylight”), Nini Iris (who sang Bishop Briggs’ “River”), and Mara Justine (who tackled Florence + the Machine’s “You’ve Got the Love”) to move onto the live shows.
Claudia B (who performed Bruno Mars’ “Talking to the Moon”) and Julia Roome (who sang Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors”) were also eliminated from the competition.
“Alexa Wildish leaving after that performance should be a crime,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
“Alexa deserved to be in the top 12 she was the best so far this season,” added another viewer.
“How is Alexa not going to the live show??? @NiallOfficial I AM SO UPSET!!!!!!!” said another commenter.
“I don’t understand the judges decisions this year, unless they are being told who to pick. #TheVoice Alexa has been praised by all judges as one of the favourites and all of sudden she is not chosen to make the lives? Make it make sense! @NiallOfficial!?” tweeted one fan.
“Niall, really disappointed you did not pick Alexa. That girl can sing and emote a grocery list. I love you but you picked three very similar artists. This is the first questionable decision you’ve made, I must say. I don’t think Mara deserved the spot more than her,” said another.
What did you think of Horan’s decision? Let us know in the comments below.
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R
What on earth was he thinking? The best singer in the show not going to playoffs.
11
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R
Alexa is one of the greatest vocalists, her voice is hypnotic and beautiful. Niall, please find work for Alexa in the music business
10
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O
Alexa was hands down the best singer. Niall, You should be ASHAMED of yourself.
5
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B
Terrible decision- Alexa was definitely better than Mara!!!
5
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G
Can’t believe Alexa wasn’t selected… horrible decision. I’m done watching The Voice, seriously, so pissed.
4
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R
My husband and I are still stunned! Alexa was by far the most talented singer this season. I don’t even wanna watch the rest. So disappointed in you, Niall.
3
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S
Niall made a Stupid mistake eliminating her!!!!
3
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G
I’m so disappointed Alexa was not picked to move on. She was by far the most original and has such a beautiful voice. I wanted her to win!!
2
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G
I was sure Alexa would go thru.
2
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P
Stopped watching after Alexa was let go. She has a beautiful voice and probably could of won. Very bad decision Niall. Not sure what he was thinking.
1
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R
Niall??? Mara looks like a mini Nini? Wow…letting Alexa go for her??? You weren’t even around. Love Nini and Huntley, but again, Mara looks and sounds like a junior version of both.
1
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G
Alexa had the most pure and beautiful voice on the show. She stood out in such a special way. She has the voice of an angel...why??? So disappointed she didn't get a chance for America to vote her as the winner!
1
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C
Horrible decision! Just shows why I am backing team Reba for sure
1
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O
I fast forwarded through the "screamers". Alexa is the only one I find pleasant to listen to.
1
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R
Spot on Niall
2 1
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C
I want Huntley to win on Nial
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G
So unfair. Is ridiculous. Shame on you Niall.
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O
Nail Huntley should be singing Old Time Rock and Roll!! Bob Seger
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C
He did what I expected. He has loved Mara's voice since the beginning. Alexa is good, they all are. But, the judges are the ones that get to make these tough decisions. I do not envy them.
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O
I was happy that Mara stayed. I thought he chose the right 3.
2 2
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P
Was a top 3 obvious choice for winning this year. Not selected as one of Niall’s top 3? Is this show fixed?
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R
Mara was my pick. Alexa is good but Mara has a special tone and better connection to the Audience
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