Over two huge nights of Knockouts on The Voice on Seven and 7plus, the competition reached its most ruthless stage yet as the Coaches locked in their Quarter Final teams.
With artists competing head-to-head in groups of three or four, each performer delivered an individual song, but only one artist from each Knockout could advance directly.
Each Coach also held one coveted save, allowing them to rescue a defeated artist from another team and give them a second chance in the competition.
The Knockouts delivered career-defining moments, emotional farewells and one decision that left host Sonia Kruger and the Coaches stunned.
In a shock move first, Richard Marx refused to send Cherry Green, Saem Millward or Dicko through from his final Knockout, declaring none of the artists had met the standard required for the competition’s next stage.
Following their solo performances, Richard made the unprecedented decision to leave a Quarter Final spot vacant on his team, leaving his fellow Coaches speechless.
“I don’t feel like any of you rose to the occasion,” Richard said.
“I don’t know if I’m allowed to do this, but I’m not going to take any of you.”
The extraordinary decision meant Richard knowingly entered the Quarter Finals with one less artist on his team, leaving the other Coaches shocked.
“I’ve done The Voice for 15 years around the world and I’ve never seen this before,” Ronan Keating said.
Earlier in the Knockouts, 12-year-old rising star Leyla Sabo delivered one of the standout moments of the season, with her rendition of Sienna Spiro’s You Stole The Show earning praise from all four Coaches.
An emotional Melanie C declared: “I’m floored. I think we’ve just seen the winner.”
Other standout moments included Tommy Novak’s heartfelt rendition of Celine Dion’s All By Myself, Cleo Paladino’s effortless, swagger-filled take on Ariana Grande’s God Is A Woman, Phoebe Rose’s poised and emotional performance of Lady A’s Need You Now, Yung Milla’s infectious rendition of Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise and Charlotte June’s sublime take on R.E.M.’s classic Everybody Hurts.
The Knockouts also featured two dramatic save battles.
After narrowly missing out on a Quarter Final spot with Team Kate, Taylor Beadle-Williams’ take on Lizzo’s Juice was so impressive that all three rival Coaches wanted to use their save on her, before she ultimately chose Team Melanie C.
The 60Four also sparked a bidding war, with both Richard and Ronan eager to use their save on the vocal group before they selected Team Ronan and remained in the competition.
Kate Miller-Heidke used her save to rescue powerhouse 15-year-old vocalist Daisha Auda, while Richard used his to keep high-energy teen rock band Wave Raiders in the competition.
The Voice Quarter Finalists
Team Richard Marx
• Tika Centinch (VIC)
• Tommy Novak (NSW)
• Wave Raiders (QLD) – Saved by Richard (previously on Team Kate)
Team Melanie C
• Cleo Paladino (NSW)
• Jack Hughes (NSW)
• Taylor Beadle-Williams (NSW) – Saved by Melanie C (previously on Team Kate)
• Victoria Knight (VIC)
Team Ronan Keating
• Jamie Koul (VIC)
• Leyla Sabo (VIC)
• Phoebe Rose (QLD)
• The 60Four (SA) – Saved by Ronan (previously on Team Melanie C)
Team Kate Miller-Heidke
• Bertie Anderson (SA)
• Charlotte June (SA)
• Daisha Auda (QLD) – Saved by Kate (previously on Team Ronan)
• Yung Milla (NT)
