Manny Costello and Leyton Robinson Battle It Out On ‘The Voice’ With Emotional Chris Stapleton Duet

The Voice contestants Leyton Robinson and Manny Costello battle it out on this week’s episode of the singing competition show using Chris Stapleton’s emotionally charged track, “I Think I’m In Love With You.”

The members of Team Reba took turns bearing their hearts on the opening verse before slowly moving closer together and building the tension before the chorus breaks through. Leyton’s crystal clear vocals effortlessly tapped into the song’s lyrics that read like a love letter to someone from the past. Meanwhile, Manny shined with his own sound, equipped with a captivating rasp that found him hinting at unfinished business and emotions that never really faded.  

Both artists brought something unique to the table, making them the perfect matchup in this battle round. At the very end of the performance, they both ended on a high note, showing off their incredible vocal ranges that clearly impressed each of the four coaches.

Michael Bublé opened by praising Leyton’s remarkable versatility in her voice, noting that whether singing pop, country, or even a phone book, she would still captivate and impress any listener.

“I think that is amazing,” he added before turning his attention to Manny and complimenting him on the “great texture” of his voice. “It’s got that gravelly amazing thing and I thought you killed it…”

The “Feeling Good” singer found himself struggling to decide who he would choose as the winner of this round if he were in Reba McEntire’s shoes.

“If I was Reba, and I wish I was, not in this competition, just in life,” he joked. “I would lean towards Leyton because I see you having the ability to sort of do so much, but at the same time, I have got a thing for that kind of voice that has that crackle. So then I would pick Manny. I don’t know. It’s a great problem for you to have Miss McEntire.”

Snoop Dogg further commended their harmonies, stating “Y’all sound amazing together. I love the ins and outs and the camaraderie at the end where y’all separated to let that big moment come together as one.”

Luckily, he also doesn’t have to make this decision and as usual, opted out from sharing who he would choose if it was up to him.

Next to share his thoughts was Niall Horan. While he had some great feedback and made sure to highlight the fact that he heard something new from Manny that he hadn’t gotten to hear before, he also hilariously compared the singer to a famous talk show host.

“Your grit and your voice, Manny, is something that I didn’t really hear the last time stand out and you can run too, which I never heard before,” he began.

Horan couldn’t help but ask, “did anyone ever tell you, you look a bit like Jimmy Fallon?” to which Manny replied, “Every day, man.”

He then returned to his more serious tone to finish off his critiques.

“But dude, your voice is really great. And Leyton, I love a piercing voice that you could hear in any 3, 4, 10-part harmony. You’ve be stepping up is what I can’t believe. Your auditions were great, but this is just another level now. You got tough one here, Reba. Both of ’em have stepped it up big time.”

Before officially declaring a winner, McEntire spoke her thoughts on the performance. She said she was “very proud” of both contestants, especially getting to see how much they’ve grown from rehearsals to the big moment on stage in front of the coaches, the audience and everyone watching at home.

“Leyton, I love your voice. I love your look, everything. You’ve really put a lot of thought into it and it is so professional. Manny, I’ve always loved that little gravel grit and it was so good. I’m very proud of you though. Great job. Great job.”

Just before making the announcement, the country superstar looked to her fellow coaches and said, “I hope something drastically happens after this,” hinting that they should steal this round’s loser to allow him or her to continue on in the competition.

McEntire then crowned Leyton the winner of the battle round.

“Leyton and Manny are two of my favorites,” she shared later on. “I absolutely love them. You look fabulous. I chose Leyton because I think I could help her. I’m just so impressed with her vocals and I want to give her some songs that really challenges her and I think she’ll rise to the occasion.”

With that, Manny gave one final statement of gratitude towards his mentor this season before exiting the stage.

“I thank you for all the belief that you’ve had in me and the tips that you gave us to me. It helped a lot. Thank you so much.”

Once the chance to steal Manny had passed, Bublé admitted he almost hit the button, but “chickened out” at the last second. Since he did not move forward with that decision, Manny Costello’s time on The Voice has officially come to an end while Leyton Robinson will continue on.

The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC.