Destinee Monroe delivered a standout version of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” earning glowing praise from her former coach Adam Levine and a heartfelt compliment from Queen Latifah. But when Queen chose Lillie Kolich for the final spot on Team Queen, viewers were left wondering whether one of the season’s most exciting voices had been sent home too soon.
The first-ever Cut Week on The Voice delivered a decision that has sparked plenty of debate. During the November 2, 2026, episode, Queen Latifah had to choose just one artist from five remaining Team Queen contestants to join Mia Knight and BigCountry in the Live Shows. Her final choice was Lillie Kolich, which meant Destinee Monroe, Alt Bloom, Chari and Bryan Jaymes did not advance through their coach’s selection.
The decision was difficult because Destinee’s performance of “Space Oddity” stood out for its rising intensity, high notes and distinctive rock sound. TVLine awarded the performance an A, while her former coach Adam Levine made it clear that he still admired her artistry.
For viewers who had followed Destinee since her earlier performances, the outcome felt particularly disappointing. She had already earned a second chance in the competition after Queen stole her from Adam’s team during the Battles. Now, despite another strong performance, she was once again facing elimination.
1. Destinee Monroe turns “Space Oddity” into a Cut Week highlight
Destinee chose David Bowie’s iconic “Space Oddity,” a song that gives a singer room to build atmosphere before delivering more intense vocal moments. Her performance started relatively gently before growing into a more powerful, dramatic interpretation.TVLine noted that the performance really took off as it progressed, highlighting the high notes and the rasp in her delivery. The review gave Destinee an A grade, putting her among the most positively reviewed performers on Queen’s team that night.
Queen herself had encouraging words for the singer. She praised Destinee’s vocal range and said the way her voice broke in certain places was gorgeous. She also told her that she had shown something special that night.
Those comments made the eventual decision even more difficult for viewers to understand. Queen clearly recognised what Destinee brought to the stage, but positive feedback did not translate into a place in the Live Shows.
2. Adam Levine’s reaction adds another layer to the controversy
Destinee’s performance also received a strong reaction from Adam Levine, her former coach. Adam had originally worked with her before Queen used her Battle-round Steal to bring her onto Team Queen.
After “Space Oddity,” Adam praised Destinee enthusiastically, telling her: “You’re badass and I love you and I miss you!” He also expressed his love for the song and said he wanted to see more female rock singers in the competition.
Adam’s response helped underline how much Destinee’s rock identity had made an impression. She wasn’t simply trying to deliver a technically impressive vocal; she was bringing a distinctive style that separated her from the other singers.
That is why her elimination has become such a compelling talking point. When a contestant receives praise from both their current coach and a former coach, fans may naturally wonder whether the performance should have been enough to secure a place.
However, Adam’s praise was not an official statement that Destinee deserved to advance over Lillie. His comments reflected his admiration for Destinee, while Queen had to make the final decision for her own team.
3. Why Queen Latifah chose Lillie Kolich instead
While Destinee delivered a dramatic rock performance, Lillie Kolich offered a different kind of musical connection with her rendition of The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love.”
TVLine praised Lillie’s performance for its emotional quality, noting how her voice moved between a light, floating delivery and more powerful moments. The review awarded her an A grade, the same grade it gave Destinee.
Queen told Lillie she was proud of her and praised the way she could bend a note and make it sound special. The choice suggests Queen saw a performer with an expressive voice and a style she wanted to develop further during the Live Shows.
This is what makes the decision so debatable: both singers delivered performances that earned strong reviews, but only one could advance. Destinee offered rock energy and vocal grit, while Lillie showed emotional nuance and control. Queen had to decide which artist she believed was best positioned for the next phase.
It is fair to question the decision or prefer Destinee’s performance. But the available coverage does not establish that Queen made an objectively wrong choice — only that she had to choose between two artists who brought different strengths to the stage.
4. Chari’s elimination makes Team Queen’s decision even tougher
Destinee was not the only Team Queen artist who left viewers with questions. Chari also delivered a well-reviewed performance, singing Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly with His Song.”
TVLine gave Chari an A grade, praising her lower register, storytelling and ability to create a natural atmosphere with the song. The review noted that while the arrangement was more laid-back than expected, Chari made it her own with her vocal runs and phrasing.
Queen’s decision meant that both Destinee and Chari — two singers whose performances received positive reviews — missed out on her final Live Show spot.
Alt Bloom and Bryan Jaymes also failed to advance. Alt received an A-minus from TVLine for “For the First Time” by The Script, while Bryan earned a B for Bill Withers’ “Use Me.”
The result highlights how unforgiving Cut Week is. Unlike rounds where contestants can face a single opponent, the format required Queen to compare five artists performing different songs and styles before selecting just one.
5. Destinee Monroe still has a chance to return
Although Queen did not select Destinee for her team’s Live Show lineup, her elimination did not immediately end her chances of competing this season.
Season 30 introduced an additional audience-voted place: the 16 artists who did not receive their coach’s final Cut Week selection became eligible for one more spot in the Top 13. Voting opened after the November 2 episode and was scheduled to close early on November 3. The result is set to be revealed when the Live Shows begin on November 9.
That gives Destinee’s supporters a reason to keep following the competition. Her performance received strong critical feedback, and her former coach made his admiration clear. Whether those factors translate into enough votes to bring her back remains a separate question.
For fans who believe Queen made the wrong choice, the audience vote offers a possible second chance — although it is not a guarantee that Destinee will return.
Did Queen Latifah make a mistake?
Queen’s decision has all the ingredients of a reality-show debate: a memorable performance, praise from multiple coaches, two strong artists competing for one place and a disappointed fan base.
Destinee’s “Space Oddity” was certainly a highlight of the night, and her elimination is understandable grounds for disagreement. But Lillie Kolich also earned positive reviews and received praise for her own performance. The choice came down to Queen’s judgement about which artist she wanted to take forward.
The claim that a coach called Destinee’s version one of the best ever should be treated cautiously: the reporting confirms Adam’s enthusiastic praise, but does not verify that exact superlative. What is clear is that he loved her song choice, praised her rock style and expressed how much he missed working with her.
With the Live Shows approaching, the debate may continue — especially if Destinee earns the audience-voted spot.
