Reba McEntire was handed a devastating blow when country artist Tom Nitti self-eliminated himself before the Playoff Rounds of The Voice season 24.

During the program on Monday, Nov. 27, McEntire confirmed Nitti’s departure. She went on to say, “I have wonderfully talented people, but Tom had to leave for personal reasons, so I only have five artists tonight.”

The 68-year-old judge did not comment on the country singer’s personal reasons, but her implicit uneasiness as a result of the event was palpable throughout the show.

Tom had been a personal favorite of McEntire’s since the beginning of the competition; in the blind auditions, hers was the only chair to turn for the country singer’s performance of Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m, Yours).

Nitti also won the Battle Round performance of Cody Johnson’s Til You Can’t before being saved by the country music legend after his Knockout Round cover of The Temptations’ (I Know) I’m Losing You.

Team Reba will now participate in the Playoffs with Jordan Rainer, Ruby Leigh, Noah Spencer, and Jacquie Roar, as well as her Super Save singer Ms. Monet.