Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Jim and Sasha Allen talk about which team to join on The Voice Season 21. (NBC Photo)

Jim and Sasha Allen already accomplished the former. Beginning with the battle rounds that begin Monday night, they’ll see if they can accomplish the latter.

Jim, 57, and Sasha, 19, performed “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by Peter, Paul and Mary for their blind audition.

Their harmonies prompted chair turns from Ariana Grande and Kelly Clarkson, both of whom praised their performance.

Jim and Sasha opted to join Team Ariana.

Here’s what the duo from Newtown, Conn., told Voice Views about their blind audition experience.

Voice Views: During the bio portion of the show, you mentioned that the two of you have been performing together for years. Can you tell me a bit more about that? Have you performed often as a duo?

Sasha: We’ve been playing music together for as long as I can remember. Whether it was making up little songs, or learning to play the variety of instruments my dad had around the house growing up, we were always doing something with music. After my dad taught me how to play guitar at the age of 6, I started jumping in on local gigs he’d be playing. We’d do open mics, a little festival here and there, and at any party/gathering we attended my dad and I would always end up playing a few songs. As I got older, my dad would frequently invite me to join in on gigs, and we’ve had a lot of fun over the years playing at local fundraisers and other events.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for The Voice?

Jim: Back in April of 2020, I got an email saying that auditions were open for the show. Submitting an audition as a duo with Sasha was my first thought, and when I approached him with the idea, we immediately got to work. After lots of preparation, we eventually submitted our audition video, and some time later found out that we would be flying out to California for the blinds. We were both floored, and beyond excited. From that point on, it became this incredible journey. We got to work with the most amazing musicians and experience things we’d only ever dreamt of.

Voice Views: Why did you decide to perform “Leaving on a Jet Plane” for your audition song? Is it one you’ve performed together often?

Sasha: We chose Leaving on a Jet Plane because of its significance in our musical journey as father and son. It’s a song we’ve been playing since I was a little kid, and it reflects the style of music that my dad and I both grew up with. My dad and I have always shared a love for folk / Americana music, and Leaving on a Jet Plane is a song we can both connect to.

Voice Views: How would you describe that blind audition experience?

Jim: The blind audition process required a lot of thought and preparation. It was a moment we’d both been waiting our whole lives for, so the pressure was on. Standing behind those doors, waiting to go on stage, we both did everything we could to stay relaxed and grounded.

Sasha: Playing music with my dad is such a natural thing. It’s like second nature to me. In that moment on stage, I really tried to focus on that. Although the pressure was still very much there, once we began singing, I was much less nervous than I anticipated. I’m so comfortable singing with my dad, and that comfortability followed us on stage.

Jim: At one point, we were pretty far into the song and I realized that no chairs had turned. In that moment I was thinking, “We only have about 30 seconds left, we might not make it.” When Kelly pressed her button, I was overwhelmed with joy. I watched Sasha smile as we both realized what had just happened. It was like a sigh of relief.

Sasha: When Kelly’s chair turned, it was overwhelming. I had to keep my cool and finish the song, while simultaneously freaking out internally. It seriously felt like a dream. When Ariana turned, I was blown away. I would’ve never expected for her to turn for us. I felt like our genre wouldn’t be what she was looking for on her team. The realization hit that we got two chair turns, and I was overcome with joy. My dad and I made the decision on stage to join Team Ariana, and the rest is history.

Voice Views: And why did you decide to go with Team Ariana?

Jim: One reason why we chose Ariana is because Kelly alluded to the fact that she already had a family trio on her team. We both felt as though it would be best to choose a team where we could have our own lane.

Sasha: The decision was truly made in that moment, when I whispered to my dad “I think we should go with Ariana.” We 100% made the right decision, and we are exactly where we need to be. Not only do we have our own lane on Team Ariana, but she has also been absolutely incredible to work with. She totally gets our vibe and has helped us to grow so much as artists. We love her.