The battle for Braxton Garza was more intense than ever on the latest episode of The Voice. As the 28-year-old Michigan native took the stage for his blind audition, he wowed the judges with his powerful rendition of Warren Zeiders’ “Pretty Little Poison”, instantly catching the attention of the coaches. What followed was a dramatic showdown between Michael Bublé and Kelsea Ballerini, with Bublé using his block to ensure that Ballerini wouldn’t get a chance to recruit Garza.

Braxton Garza; Photo by: Christine Bartolucci/NBC

Praise and Competition: A High-Stakes Showdown

Despite the tense moment, Ballerini praised Garza’s unique voice and its ability to bridge both traditional country and the emerging sound of artists like Zach Bryan and Noah Kahan. She noted how his voice fits perfectly into the “new country” movement, one that mixes traditional elements with a broader, more expansive sound.

“I hear you as country, but also in that pocket of music right now that’s thriving… your voice is so special,” she commented, offering words of encouragement and highlighting Garza’s potential.

But Bublé wasn’t backing down, confidently asserting that he had chosen Garza with a tactical mindset, aiming to work with a country artist and bring authenticity to his team. He even took a moment to emphasize that he wouldn’t “drop the ball” when it came to nurturing Garza’s talents.

“I knew what I was doing,” Bublé said, firmly reinforcing his decision to block Ballerini.

Behind the Scenes: The Tactics and Heart of the Block

In a post-audition interview, Bublé elaborated on his strategic thinking, admitting that his choice was tactical—he knew that if he wanted a country artist on his team, he needed to act fast.

“I wanted Braxton very badly,” Bublé shared, adding that he had to push the block button to ensure he wouldn’t miss out on the talented country singer.

The intense moment reflects the growing stakes in the competition, as each coach fights for the most talented contestants to bring fresh perspectives and unique sounds to their teams.

Tune in to Watch Braxton Garza’s Journey on The Voice Season 27

With the coaches already at odds, Season 27 of The Voice promises to be an explosive season. Fans can tune in every Monday at 8/7c on NBC, or stream the next day on Peacock, to watch how Braxton Garza and the other contestants continue their journey. Will Bublé’s block lead him to victory, or will Ballerini get her chance to coach a rising star? Only time will tell.