The Voice contestant chokes back tears as coaches split up a duo for the first time: 'This is so cruel'

Two besties from Melbourne were in shock when The Voice coaches could only take one of them through to the competition.

During Monday night's episode of the blind auditions, contestant Casey fought back tears as she was confronted with the decision to part with her singing partner Barnaby.

"This is probably the first time we've ever done this," Joel Madden explains in the clip above. "But Casey, you can come through alone, if you want to come through."

"This is so cruel," Casey said as the coaches explained to her the harsh realities of showbiz.

"It's not cruel," Jessie J explained. "This is how it is."

Eventually, Casey, who sang a rendition of Lady Gaga's 'Poker Face' with her singing partner, chose the Madden brothers to coach her through to the battle rounds.

The Voice blind auditions continue tonight at 7.30pm on Channel Nine. For catch-up and exclusives, go to 9now.