by Jessica Blackwell

The battles concluded this week to make way for the knockout rounds and the contestants had some fierce opposition. There were less than a handful of steals left between the coaches, so they really had to bring it, or they would be likely leaving the competition for good!

The first night started out with a pretty decent dual between soulful singers Caitlin and Briar with Alicia's hit "Falling". Briar has a very good voice, and as Pharrell pointed out, she hits all the notes precisely, but he noted that Caitlin lets her voice go and gets creative with it. She was the clear winner, although I was disappointed that Christina didn't get to steal her. She belongs on Team Christina! 

The most unique performance hands down went to Katelyn and Treeva. Their voices are so different, but as they hit the stage to perform Florence and the Machine's "Addicted to Love" they were able to compliment each other in a way that was really beautiful. During their rehearsals, Christina forced them to step outside of their sweet box and give the song that haunting feel that it calls for. Luckily, they both rose to the occasion. Christina had a tough call to make there, but she decided to move on with Treeva. I actually would have went with Katelyn, only because I feel like no one else in the competition has the same type of sound that she does. 

The battles began to get so good that they disrupted the schedule of the show. Adam paired Kimberly and Lowell together for the song "Hound Dog" and it was AMAZING. It might have been the closest battle I have ever seen on the show. It took Pharrell entirely too long to choose a winner, and I really think Carson was about to blow a gasket. He even had to take an unscheduled commercial break! Pharrell FINALLY chose Lowell as the winner and Christina used her last steal to get Kimberly on her team. 

India and Clinton from Team Christina probably had the most emotional battle performance this season with Rihanna's "Stay" and Jeremy and Rod had the sexiest, performing Maroon Five's "Animals". All the performances were amazing, and I can't wait to see what the artists do in the next phase. 

Stay tuned as the artists make their first song choice and begin defining their brand when the knockout rounds start next week! 

The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8pm EST on NBC. 

(Image Courtesy of NBC)