“The Voice” season 29 returns Monday night with the second and final night of Battles during the special “Battle of Champions” round. Coaches Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, and John Legend will make the final cuts to their teams after a series of duets. In a preview released by NBC, one performance stands out when Levine assigns Stevie Nicks and Don Henley’s “Leather and Lace” to teammates Drew Russell and Jared Shoemaker. During the preview, Levine reveals the song holds a special place in his life because he once performed it at his own wedding.
‘The Voice’ Season 29 Preview Shows Drew Russell and Jared Shoemaker Battle
In the preview clip, Russell and Shoemaker perform “Leather and Lace,” a classic duet originally recorded by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley.
Legend offers the first critique after hearing the performance and comments on the singers’ chemistry.
“Not to be superficial, but you guys would make a hot couple,” Legend says. “I don’t know what your dating status is.”
Clarkson then jumps in with a suggestion after hearing the pair sing together.
“Honestly, after hearing you, I think you should be a duo,” Clarkson says.
When Russell reveals that she is married, the conversation shifts back to their performance.
“You could still have a group, though,” Legend says. “It was beautiful. Your harmonies sounded so great. That was such a great song choice, I thought, for both of you. Drew, I really loved at the top of your range that little shred that was in your voice. It sounded so cool. Jared, I just decided that you’re one of my favorite male vocalists this season. I just love the tone of your voice, the rasp in it. You just sound like a star to me. You’re like the real deal.”
Clarkson also praises the duet and how their voices worked together.
“Perfect song, so well done, Adam,” Clarkson says. “It was the perfect song for both of you. John was talking about the little break in your voice, Drew, but also the vibrato, it was perfect. Jared, you opened your mouth and I feel like I’m at your concert. I actually think that both of you complement each other and you actually make each other better.”
Adam Levine Reveals ‘Leather and Lace’ Connection to His Wedding
Levine explains in the preview why the song carries personal meaning for him.
“This song to me is just a heavyweight champion of songs in my life,” Levine says. “I sang this song with Stevie Nicks to my wife at our wedding. That happened. It really happened. I pinch myself sometimes.”
Levine married model Behati Prinsloo in July 2014 after proposing the year before. According to People, the couple held a destination wedding at Flora Farms in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The ceremony featured several celebrity guests and was officiated by Levine’s friend Jonah Hill. Performances at the celebration included Stevie Nicks, Maroon 5, and Sublime.
Levine continues the preview by praising both contestants for their performance of the song.
“In the rehearsals, to be completely honest, the promise was there and the vibe was there, but it just wasn’t where it needed to be yet,” Levine says. “I was hoping that it would really come to fruition in time for this thing and it really did. It was so beautiful. Thank you guys for really doing it right.”
He then highlights the strengths of both singers.
“Drew, there were moments where it was so Stevie-esque and she is obviously one of the greatest ever to do it,” Levine says. “And Jared, Don Henley’s a beast. It’s really, really rangy for a male vocalist and you crushed it. You guys really stepped up and you’re both just incredible.”
Viewers will find out which contestant Levine selects to move on to the Knockouts when the episode airs.
“The Voice” airs Monday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and streams the next day on Peacock.
