In a clever strategic move on "The Voice," Reba McEntire used her steal option to acquire Frankie Torres for her team, outmaneuvering Gwen Stefani who had just chosen Gabrielle Zabosky as the battle-round winner, Today reported.
On the October 22 episode of NBC’s The Voice, Frankie Torres and Gabrielle Zabosky from Gwen Stefani’s team engaged in a particularly gripping battle round. The two contestants delivered a compelling rendition of Never Tear Us Apart, showcasing their unique musical styles—Torres leaned into rock, while Zabosky embraced a pop-centric approach.
Both artists had proven their vocal prowess early on, turning all four chairs during their Blind Auditions. This battle earned them a standing ovation from all the coaches, setting up a tough decision for Stefani.
The fellow coaches provided mixed but insightful feedback. Michael Bublé slightly preferred Zabosky, leaning towards her as the winner. Reba McEntire subtly echoed this sentiment, saying, "If I had to choose, I think I'd go with Gabrielle."
Stefani, faced with the challenge of picking between two highly talented artists, was visibly torn. She made a heartfelt plea during the deliberation, urging her fellow coaches to consider stealing the contestant she would ultimately not choose. "Please, somebody steal my girls!" Stefani exclaimed, highlighting the difficulty of her decision.
After much anticipation, Stefani chose Zabosky as the winner of the battle, swayed in part by McEntire's earlier comments which she later revealed were strategic. McEntire admitted to influencing Stefani’s choice to ensure Torres would be available for her to steal. "I did a little play there. I did say Gabrielle so you'd go with Gabrielle so I could have Frankie," McEntire confessed, unveiling her calculated move.
This revelation came as the episode was nearing its end, and Torres appeared to be heading for an exit. In a last-second twist, McEntire played her steal card, much to the delight of the audience and the surprise of Stefani. McEntire praised Torres’s performance, stating she had planned to steal him regardless of Stefani’s decision because she was so impressed by his talent.
Stefani reacted to the steal with surprise but also admiration for McEntire’s tactical gameplay and appreciation for Torres’s skills. "Wow, she's amazing," Stefani remarked, signaling no ill feelings towards McEntire’s actions and showing support for both contestants.
The strategic move by McEntire not only changed the dynamics of her team but also added an exciting twist to the competition. By securing Torres, McEntire has strengthened her roster and introduced a new level of strategic gameplay on "The Voice," showcasing that the battle rounds are not just about vocal skills but also the coaches' ability to play the game.
As the show progresses, it's clear that the coaches are not only looking for the best voices but are also engaged in a deeper game of strategic decision-making. This incident serves as a perfect example of how "The Voice" blends talent with tactics, making it one of the most engaging and unpredictable shows on television.
This maneuver by McEntire, warmly accepted by Stefani, not only demonstrates the camaraderie and mutual respect among the coaches but also highlights the intricate strategies that often go unnoticed by viewers. As the season continues, fans can expect more such maneuvers as the coaches vie to secure the best talents for their teams.
