How Noah Spencer's "Rare," "Warm" Knockout Sparked a Double Steal (and Made Reba Cry)

The competition on Season 24 of The Voice has reached a fever pitch in the Knockouts with groups of three singers each competing for one spot in the Playoffs. Niall Horan found himself in the undesirable position of choosing between three killer performances when Claudio B., Huntley, and Noah Spencer hit the stage on Monday night.

RELATED: Hear the “Gravel-y Growl” Noah Spencer Used to Get Himself 3 Chair Turns

Claudia turned in a soulful and smoky rendition of “Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones which began reminiscent of Jones' original performance before taking off. Next, Huntley took to the stage, hair pulled back in long, tight, Viking braids with a powerhouse performance of Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive.” Huntley delivered the song with a modern country-rock groove, perfect for the song and the performer. Finally, Noah came out carting a guitar and a heart-piercing voice in “Where Rainbows Never Die” by SteelDrivers.

Watch Noah Spencer sing "Where Rainbows Never Die" by SteelDrivers on The Voice Season 24 Knockouts

“You need to help me,” Niall pleaded, seeing the impossible choice in front of him. And the Coaches tried, but even they were mostly stymied by the quality of performance on display. Even John Legend ended his commentary with “I can’t believe Niall has to choose between you three.” Only Reba McEntire had a strong enough reaction to one performance over the others to make a definitive call. Of the three, Noah’s performance captured a feeling for Reba which triggered a visceral emotional reaction.

“Noah, I guess the thing I miss the most is sitting on the back porch of my home and you made me feel that warmth, like I was sitting on that back porch on my porch swing,” Reba said, choking up. “First time it’s made me homesick in a while, it really made me feel something and I appreciate it. With that in mind, I’m going to pick Noah.”

Even John Legend was won over by Noah, though not enough to give Niall a pre-decision recommendation, telling Noah, “I feel like I just became a Noah fan today. This moment, this performance, it was gorgeous.” But Niall could only choose one to move on to the Playoffs and there were no easy choices to be had.

Huntley Wins the Knockout, But Noah is Saved

“That’s the best Knockout I’ve ever seen on this show. Claudia, that was magic. I felt like I was in the corner of a jazz bar somewhere, John was nearly standing on his chair. It was really, really special. Huntley, when you were in the dark it was like the Undertaker from WWE. The way you were able to hold your energy back and make it dynamic, it's really special. Noah, the growing that you're doing is insane. You made the queen cry. I'm just so proud of you, man,” Niall said. Something special just happened in these performances that I really, really, really hope that none of you have to leave here. I have zero Idea what I'm going to do.”

In a happy turn of events, Niall got his wish. While Noah didn’t win the Knockout (Huntley advanced as the winner), he also didn’t go home, earning a double Steal from John and Reba. “I’m pushing this button because you earned it out here on the stage. I know Reba is right at home in the genre that you love, she’s the Queen, but I would absolutely love to work with you,” John said, clearly fighting an uphill battle.

“Noah, I wanted you from the very beginning. I love your country style of singing; I love the gravel in your voice,” Reba said. “Dang, I'm getting choked up again, I don’t know why, I just want you on my team.” Reba’s emotional plea did the trick and Noah took his new place under the tutelage of Queen Reba. “I don’t think we’ve touched on a fourth of his talent yet,” Reba said. “I can’t wait to see what he’s going to sing next.”

Neither can we! Catch Noah’s next performance as The Voice continues, Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock.