Brandy just surprised a mega-fan doing her song on ‘The Voice’

The Battle Round has officially kicked off on Season 20 of The Voice (Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on CTV) but the dais looked a little different than the Blind Auditions. Coach Kelly Clarkson is noticeably absent, asking former guest mentor Kelsea Ballerini to step into her giant red chair while Kelly nurses a cold. 

While Ballerini joined Nick Jonas, Blake Shelton and John Legend (who were very excited for the opportunity to roast a sick Clarkson while she was unable to defend herself) she wasn't the only bonus celeb this week. Enter: the guest mentors

Joining this season as mentors are Darren Criss (Team Nick), Louis Fonsi (Team Kelly), Dan and Shay (Team Blake) and Brandy (John Legend). Brandy, in particular, took the opportunity to shock the pants off her charges (one of whom was a mega-fan) by popping into the coaching session where they had already been told they were singing her song. Oh, wow. 

This season’s Battle Round features two members of the same team facing off in a duet. Each coach has one save and one steal, which means The Voice shuffle is about to begin.

GEAN GARCIA V. RYLEIGH MODIG – TEAM KELLY

Winner: Ryleigh Modig

Steal: Gean Garcia to Team Legend

Gean and Ryleigh were one of the strongest pairings of the night, not only with the song choice of Ariana Grande’s “POV” but also with their ability to harmonize together.

The pop singers each put their own spin on the ballad and used every note to show what they are capable of, bringing strength to the softer, more conversational moments of the song.Eliciting several ‘yeahs’ from John Legend throughout the performance, the pair were a favourite among the coaches.

“Gean, I’ve never seen anyone perform the way you do. You’re so intense, like you’re performing from a different dimension,” said Blake. “I don’t know what’s happening to you physically when you’re singing, but it’s cool to see.”

Blake’s praise continued for Ryleigh, saying that each season the coaches wait for a singer who doesn’t sound like anyone else and that artist for Season 20 is Ryleigh. “You’re the kind of artist that we need on this show to keep it new and fresh and different.”

Nick called Ryleigh’s voice ‘magical’ and said that as a songwriter, she’s the kind of artist he would die to write songs for and with. “You tap into the matrix. It’s like you’re somewhere else and you can’t coach that.”

John’s critique of Gean and Ryleigh’s performance was more self-refectory. “I didn’t turn for either of you and I’m starting to question myself as a human being.”

Rather than deal with the impossible decision to picking between Gean and Ryleigh on her own, Kelsea enacted the never before used "Phone-A-Friend" clause on The Voice and dialed Kelly. Clarkson, who sounded only a little sick, said Kelsea shouldn’t worry about who she picks since the absentee coach was pretty sure a steal was coming. Kelly was right and Gean got a buzzer push from both John and Nick. 

DANA MONIQUE V. DEVAN BLAKE JONES – TEAM NICK

Winner: Dana Monique

Save: Devan Blake Jones saved by Nick Jonas

Devan Blake Jones had a massive undertaking for his performance of “Stuck With U” and it had everything to do with his duet partner. Nick paired Devan with Dana Monique, a contestant who would instill fear in the heart of any competitor. As Devan said during rehearsals, he told his mother he was up against Aretha Franklin. Pretty much.

Even with Dana’s undeniable talent, Devan rose to the occasion and went note for note throughout the amplified version of the Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande quarantine single.

“I thought you did a good job of stepping up to the plate,” said Blake. “I felt like it made you better.” John complimented Devan on the fire in his voice but added that he had a few accuracy issues. Both John and Blake declared Dana the clear winner, while Kelsea refrained from picking a favourite.

Nick complimented Dana on making the working environment so fun and commended Devan on his work ethic. Adding that he regretted the pairing, Nick eventually chose Dana, but used his only save for Devan.

He cried, we cried, Nick and John probably called their stylists to ask for Devan’s jacket. 

ETHAN LIVELY V. AVERY ROBERSON – TEAM BLAKE

Winner: Ethan Lively

Steal: Avery Roberson to Team Kelly

This season’s young country stars used their deep voices to get the party started on stage and make Nick Jonas feel a little self-conscious.

“You both make me feel like I have the highest voice in the world,” said Nick, with John adding he was trying to hit the notes in his head and couldn’t. Nick said he wished he was enjoying a beer in Texas and line dancing right now, adding that Avery was his top pick.

John, who hasn’t been to as many honky-tonks as Nick, said he felt like Ethan had the more natural low tone that fit the song. “This is amazing to me that you’re only 17. I think, in this moment, Ethan did a little better, but the song played to his strengths,” said John.

Kelsea, who got several finger points from both Ethan and Avery throughout the performance, enjoyed being serenaded.

Blake appreciated Avery opening up on stage and literally opening his top button, which helped him give his best performance yet. Even with the high praise, Blake selected Ethan. No surprise, four-chair turn Avery was quickly scooped up by Team Kelly/Kelsea. 

CHRISTINE CAIN V. PIA RENEE – TEAM LEGEND

Winner: Pia Renee

What’s the only thing more intimidating than covering Brandy’s “Baby” in the Battle Rounds? Performing in front of Brandy after being surprised by Brandy with no warning.

Our secondhand nerves for Christine Cain and Pia Renee were out in full force on Monday night, but both women made our 1990s R&B loving hearts feel full. 

Christine told the camera that she and her mom used to blast Brandy's Full Moon on repeat, adding, "You can't just be walking up in here like that! You mean a lot to me!"

Brandy loved Christine and Pia’s "grown" version of “Baby,” which had more sex appeal than the version she recorded as a 16-year-old. Kelsea called the performance a "sass off" and loved that both women know themselves as artists.

“Christine, you’re such a good singer that at times it felt like you were so laid back and then it goes to Pia and she would explode with these vocal moments that really hit the mark,” said Blake, who picked Pia.

Nick’s notes also included the word "explosive" and he said he felt like Christine has perfectly crafted her voice. As for Pia, Nick said that her tone was electric. Maybe even explosive?

John applauded Pia for coming out of her shell on stage and picked her to move onto the Knockout Rounds.

Watch new episodes of The Voice every Monday at 8 p.m. ET on CTV and catch up here.

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