Team Reba’s Leyton Robinson And Manny Costello Pair Up During Voice Battles For Captivating Chris Stapleton Cover
Reba McEntire was left with an impossible choice to make following a battle between two of her standout country singers on The Voice.
The contestants competing on Season 28 got to choose their own battle partners. This marked a change from previous seasons when the coaches picked the battle pairings.
Country artists Leyton Robinson and Manny Costello of Team Reba felt like they would make the perfect pair. Their inkling turned out to be correct, because Reba and her battle advisor, Nick Jonas, found themselves mesmerized by the duo’s performance in rehearsals.
Leyton and Manny prepared a cover of Chris Stapleton‘s “Think I’m in Love with You” for the battles. Chris released the groovy track in 2024, and it reached the 12th spot on both of Billboard‘s country charts.
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When it came time to perform during the battles, Leyton and Manny brought their A-game to their duet. They impressed the coaches with the sensational harmonies and dynamic stage presence.
Michael Bublé told Leyton he felt she “could sing the phone book.” When speaking to Manny, he said, “You have this great texture to your voice.”
Snoop Dogg told the duo they sounded “amazing,” adding, “I love the ins and outs and the camaraderie at the end when y’all separated to let that big moment come together as one.”
Niall noted that he hadn’t heard the “grit” in Manny’s voice during the blind auditions, and he liked hearing it now. He told Leyton he loved her “piercing” voice.
After hearing the other coaches’ comments on the battle, Reba had a choice to make…
Who Did Reba Choose As The Winner – Leyton Or Manny?
Before choosing the winner of the battle, Reba praised both contestants. “I’m very proud of you both,” she said. “Even from rehearsals, you have grown so much.”
Then, she complimented each singer individually, starting with Leyton. “I love your voice, I love your look, everything…you really put a lot of thought into it, and it is so professional.”
Turning to Manny, she said, “I’ve always loved that little gravelly grit. It was so good.”
From there, Reba took a moment to think things through before naming Leyton the winner of the battle. Although she dropped some heavy hints that she wanted someone to steal Manny, unfortunately, no one did. But Michael admitted he had considered it!
Later, Reba explained why she chose Leyton as the winner of the battle:
“I think I could help her. I’m just so impressed with her vocals, and I want to give her some songs that really [challenge] her. And I think she’ll rise to the occasion.”
Watch Leyton Robinson and Manny Costello’s Voice battle below. Would you have made the same choice as Reba if you were their coach?
