Cade Mower Moves On After Fierce 'Wondering Why' Battle on Team Riley Green
A high-stakes vocal showdown leads to a tough decision on NBC's hit singing competition.
Key Episode Takeaways
- Brayden Howell and Cade Mower tackled The Red Clay Strays' 'Wondering Why.'
- All four coaches offered high praise, highlighting both artists' distinct vocal styles.
- Riley Green ultimately selected Cade Mower to advance to the next stage.
- The Voice transitions to a brand-new 'Cut Week' format in its upcoming episode.
A Soulful Stage Showdown
During the latest Battle round on The Voice, Team Riley Green contestants Brayden Howell and Cade Mower took to the stage to deliver a soulful rendition of 'Wondering Why' by The Red Clay Strays. The performance paired two distinctive styles against each other in a bid to secure a spot in the next phase of the contest.
Brayden, a 19-year-old vocalist from Marshville, North Carolina, showcased a vintage look complete with a mullet, embroidered button-up shirt, black bootcut jeans, a statement belt buckle, and a fringe leather vest. Meanwhile, Nashville-based singer Cade, originally from Bluffdale, Utah, opened the track with his guitar in hand, setting the tone for their rich vocal harmonies.
Coaches Weigh In
The performance drew enthusiastic reactions across the coaching panel:
Riley Green's Final Call
When addressing his team members, Riley Green commended both performers for tackling a challenging track. He praised Cade's self-awareness and performance experience gained from doing live shows. Green also complimented 19-year-old Brayden's stage presence, noting that at the same age, he was working in house construction and hadn't yet begun singing publicly.
Following deliberation, Green officially chose Cade Mower to move forward. He highlighted Cade's unique stage presentation, vocal tone, and natural rasp as key factors behind his decision, seeing strong potential in the Utah native's future in music.
Reflecting on his journey after the result, Brayden shared that just a year prior he was in the hospital undergoing brain surgery, expressing gratitude for his time on The Voice stage.
What's Ahead: 'Cut Week' Debut
The competition enters a new phase with Cut Week, a new round replacing the Knockouts. During the upcoming two-hour episode:
- Each coach begins with seven artists.
- Two contestants per team will automatically advance to the Live Shows.
- The remaining five singers will perform again to compete for their team's final remaining spot.
The Voice airs Monday, November 2, in its new time slot from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM ET on NBC.

