Idol Chatter & Voice Views

“JSOUL did an amazing job, so it could have gone either way,” Simone said during a conference call with the media earlier this week.

But in the end, Adam Levine chose Simone to advance to the knockout round on The Voice Season 11. JSOUL was eliminated following a battle round match that was montaged during Monday’s episode, meaning viewers saw just a couple seconds of it.

Adam had the duo sing “You’re All I Need to Get By” by Marvin Gaye and Tammie Terrell.

“So that was kind of a tall order to begin with, because it’s such a classic,” Simone said. “So I think we were both a little intimidated with that.

“So some of our coaching sessions were definitely focused on JSOUL familiarizing himself with the song, because he wasn’t familiar in it. And for me trying to find some unique combination (of vocals) to fit with his voice.”

Simone said JSOUL “has a very, very smooth tone that really fit well with that genre of music.”

Her challenge, she said, was toning down the power in her voice and picking spots where she could show it off without detracting from the performance.

What turned the tide in her favor? Simone admitted she can’t be certain, but pointed to feedback she got from Alicia Keys.

“Alicia mentioned that she is aware that I have a powerful voice and she really appreciated the fact that I was able to hold back in the beginning and then make those calculated choices of when to use it to my advantage.”

Simone, from Arlington, Texas, was 26 when she auditioned for The Voice with “I Who Have Nothing” and turned a pair of chairs. You can learn more about her here.

JSOUL — real name Jonathan Guilfoyle — is from Virginia Beach, Va., and earned a spot on the show by singing Sam Smith’s “Stay with Me” in a performance that was also montaged. Head here for a profile of JSOUL.

The knockout round begins Monday night on The Voice.

Simone Gundy and JSOUL during rehearsals with Sammy Hagar and Adam Levine on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Simone Gundy and JSOUL perform during the battle round on The Voice Season 11. (NBC Photo)

Simone Gundy performs during the battle round on The Voice Season 11. (NBC Photo)

JSOUL performs during the battle round on The Voice Season 11. (NBC Photo)