Overview

• The Battle Rounds began October 13 on NBC, moving Season 28 from Blind Auditions into head-to-head duets.
• Contestants, not coaches, now select their duet partners for Battles, while coaches retain control over the song choice.
• Lizzo mentors Team Snoop, Nick Jonas advises Team Reba, Kelsea Ballerini joins Team Bublé, and Lewis Capaldi supports Team Niall.
• Each coach has one Steal and one Save available during Battles, a format element put to vigorous use in the premiere.
• Ahead of the debut, a leaked clip previewed a 'Virtual Insanity' duet, and the Battles continue on the October 14 episode.