Snoop Dogg’s playoff decisions on The Voice Season 26 sparked widespread viewer criticism after eliminating Aliyah Khaylyn following her performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” on November 25, 2024. Despite earning a standing ovation and leaving judge Gwen Stefani speechless, Khaylyn was cut when Snoop advanced Jeremy Beloate and Christina Eagle to the live shows.

“Absurd that Aliyah didn’t go on after that Whitney performance. It was phenomenal,” a Voice fan expressed on X.

READ MORE: Snoop Dogg’s playoff advisor pick divides fans, but ‘The Voice’ contestants stand by his choice

The controversial elimination came after Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, serving as Team Snoop’s playoff advisor, had worked closely with contestants, specifically counseling Khaylyn about performance confidence and stage presence.

Fans slam Snoop Dogg after Aliyah Khaylyn’s elimination from The Voice Season 26

The playoff stage showcased five distinct performances from Team Snoop’s contestants. Christina Eagle opened with a country music tribute, performing Reba McEntire’s “Fancy.” Aliyah Khaylyn followed with her rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing,” a challenging ballad that demonstrated her vocal range.

Austyns Stancil brought soul to the stage with Prince’s “Adore,” while Mikaela Ayira delivered an R&B performance of Keyshia Cole’s “Love.” Jeremy Beloate rounded out the night with Josh Groban’s “The Impossible Dream.”

READ MORE: Jeremy Beloate’s moving playoff performance brings Snoop Dogg to tears and makes Michael Bublé question his choice

During Khaylyn’s performance, the studio audience witnessed a remarkable moment. Gwen Stefani’s jaw dropped as Khaylyn hit the powerful notes of Houston’s classic ballad. The performance drew an immediate standing ovation, with Stefani ultimately declaring

“I have no words.”

One of The Voice Season 26 viewers captured the moment’s impact on X:

“I don’t get goosebumps very often, but Snoop’s girl on The Voice doing Whitney just blew me away!”

While another longtime viewer of the show noted:

“(Aliyah) You did a phenomenal job. Whitney (Peace To Her Spirit) would have hugged you and said job well done.”

As the performances concluded, Snoop faced the difficult task of selecting only two artists to advance. He praised the entire team’s efforts, noting they “all did an exceptional job” and expressing his belief in their future recording careers.

READ MORE: Snoop Dogg thinks fifteen-year-old Sydney Sterlace from team Gwen has what it takes to win The Voice season 26

Snoop’s final selection of Jeremy Beloate was based on seeing him as a “natural-born live performer” who “knows how to control his voice and movements on stage.” For Christina Eagle, Snoop explained his choice centered on her having “the most room to grow” and her authentic approach to “good old-fashioned country music.”

“What is wrong with you Snoop? Aliyah’s Voice is so damn powerful and so damn Good!!! She deserved a spot for the Semi Finals,” wrote one fan on X.

After the elimination decisions, a fan stated on X:

“Y’all don’t hate me… Snoop is a musical genius but I don’t think he’s made for The Voice.”

A third fan also joined the sentiment stating,

“SNOOP DOG MUST BE HIGH! He looked over 3 good African American singers! I’m done with The Voice!!!!!!!!

The playoff outcomes reshaped team compositions heading into the live shows. Team Snoop finalized with Christina Eagle and Jeremy Beloate, while Team Reba secured Adam Bohanan and Danny Joseph. Team Gwen settled on Jan Dan and Sydney Sterlace. Only Team Bublé maintained a larger roster, still needing to narrow down from Cameron Wright, Jaukeem Fortson, Shye, Sloane Simon, and Sofronio Vasquez.

READ MORE: Snoop Dogg tells Reba McEntire it’s time to leave “The Voice” and his thoughts match the other coaches

Some viewers speculated about the impact on Snoop’s chances in the competition.

“There goes Snoop’s chance of winning The voice,” expressed one X user.

“SnoopDogg’s team won the night but Snoop lost The Voice with his two selections,” another stated.

The remaining contestants will face their next challenge when live shows begin, with each coach guiding their selected artists through the final stages of the competition.

RELATED:

• Snoop Dogg’s song choice didn’t match the contestants’ strengths in the battle and another coach called it “a bit of a stretch”
• The Voice reveals playoff advisors for all teams, but fans have strong reactions to Team Snoop’s big surprise
• Snoop Dogg opens up about his easy decision to pick Simone Biles as a mentor for The Voice playoffs