How the Block Button Is Fuelling Rivalry on the New Season of ‘The Voice’

In Partnership with The Voice

As the 13th season of The Voice kicks into high gear, it’s clear that this year is going to be full of remarkable talent and heated drama. One factor driving the excitement is the revamped block button which, this year, packs more punch than ever before.

In previous seasons, each coach had two blocks to use, with only one block per audition. However, season 13 has introduced a fresh twist: the ‘ultimate block’, in addition to one block button per coach, which allows a coach to block all other turned coaches from adding a contestant to their team. This game-changing element has injected new levels of rivalry and strategy into the show and we’re already feeling the repercussions.

Let’s take a look at some of the most electrifying block moments so far.

The season opener set the bar high with FIFO worker Rueben de Melo delivering a goosebump-inducing performance of Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire.” From the very first note, de Melo captivated the coaches, leaving them eager to secure his talent, but it was LeAnn Rimes who nabbed him, executing the first ‘ultimate block’ of the season. This single press not only blocked the other coaches, but also set the tone for a fiercely competitive season on the coaching panel.

In the next episode, we saw Ruby Lafferty take the stage with her heartfelt rendition of “Right Here Right Now” by Jessica Mauboy. Lafferty shared her personal story of overcoming bullying, evoking heartfelt responses from both Adam Lambert and Kate Miller-Heidke. Lambert, not willing to let Lafferty slip away, used the block button on Kate, showcasing his competitive side that we hadn’t seen up to that point.

Last night’s episode delivered more block action than any that came before it, beginning with musical theatre performer and Paralympian soccer player Matthew Hearne, who mesmerised the coaches with his rendition of “This Is the Moment” from Jekyll and Hyde, the musical.

With her background in musical theatre, Miller-Heidke wasn’t shy about how much she wanted Hearne on her team. So much so that when Lambert expressed his interest, she was quick to use her block button and stop him in his tracks, getting her revenge from episodes prior. “She’s clearly very threatened by me,” Lambert joked.

The episode continued with Stephanie Milostic delivering a soulful pop version of Dua Lipa’s “New Rules.” The coaches kept Milostic on edge by waiting until the last minute to turn their chairs. But once they did, it was a three-way face-off between Guy Sebastian, Rimes, and Lambert.

Rimes, who was particularly impressed by Milostic’s unique voice, wasted no time using her block button to eliminate Sebastian from contention. Despite this bold move, Milostic chose Lambert as her coach. Sebastian teased Rimes about her wasted final block, despite having many blind auditions left to go.

The 13th season of The Voice is already proving to be one of the best yet, thanks in no small part to the newly-introduced ‘ultimate block’. The intense block button moments have intensified the competition between the coaches, creating an environment where it’s truly anyone’s game.

Don’t miss a minute of The Voice on Channel 7 & 7plus.