The battle rounds start on 'The Voice'

The Voice battles kick off tonight. For those who are new to NBC’s hit reality singing competition, let’s explain how the battle rounds work. Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine all set their teams during the blind auditions. Now the teams compete amongst themselves. The coaches set the battle, by picking two vocalists to sing the same song as a duet. Then the coach decides who will stay on their team; there is a twist though. Other coaches can steal a vocalist if they lose the battle rounds. The buttons still matter and the competition is just heating up!

This season, like in seasons past, each coach brought in a special mentor to help coach his or her teams. Christina Aguilera teamed up with Ed Sheeran, Adam Levine worked with Ryan Tedder, Blake Shelton teamed up with Cher and Cee Lo Green worked with Miguel.

First up to the battle stage was Grey and Nic Hawk from Team Adam. Levine chose to have the two sing, “Domino,” by Jessie J. Shelton said the value of someone like Hawk being on the show is priceless. After a long deliberation, Levine chose to keep in the Grey who advanced on Team Adam. Hawk was brought to tears and was stolen by Shelton.

Next up to the battle stage was Team Christina members, Amber Nicole who faced off against Timyra-Joi. The ladies sang, “Listen.” The battle was powerful and a true showcase of vocal talent. In the end, Amber Nicole advanced to the next round of the competition. None of the other coaches chose to steal Timyra-Joi.

Following Amber Nicole’s victory, Blake Shelton’s team took to the battle stage. Shelton chose Justin Chain to face off against Shelbie Z. The song that the vocalists had to perform was “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” by Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean. The coaches said that the performance was beautiful and Green added that Shelbie Z. really took the performance and ran with it. In the end, Shelbie Z. advanced to the next round and Chain was sent home.

Team Cee Lo was the next to battle. Anthony Paul and Caroline Pennell took center stage. Green picked Justin Bieber’s hit, “As Long As You Love Me” for the pair to sing. Levine said that both artists killed the performance, saying that Pennell made a very unique song out of the Bieber hit. Green was left with a hard choice between the two vocalists. After much discussion, Pennell moved on in Team Cee Lo and Paul stolen by Christina Aguilera, making him a member of Team Christina.

Donna Allen and Tessanne Chin took to the battle stage next for Team Adam. Levine chose to have the women perform, “Next to Me” by Emeli Sande. Shelton called the performance epic. Levine was faced with a tough choice between these women but in the end, Tessanne Chin stayed on Team Adam.

The final battle of the night was between, Briana Cuoco and Jacquie Lee from Team Christina. Aguilera chose, “House of the Rising Sun.” The coaches were all torn on who should win the battle but after a few moments Aguilera chose to advance Lee to the knockout rounds. Leaving Briana Cuoco to be stolen by the coaches, Green hit his button to steal Cuoco and so did Shelton. Leaving the choice of which to join in the hands of Cuoco. Cuoco chose to join Team Blake.

The battle rounds continue on tomorrow night.