Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Two talented teenagers pretty much stole the show on the opening night of The Voice Season 15.

Sarah Grace, just 15 and from the Houston, Texas, area, opened the night covering Janis Joplin’s “Ball and Chain.” She turned three chairs and joined Team Kelly Clarkson.

Kennedy Holmes, just 13 and from the St. Louis, Missouri, area, closed the night covering Adele’s “Turning Tables.” She became the first four-chair turn recipient of Season 15 and opted for Team Jennifer Hudson.

They’re appearing on the show a season after Brynn Cartelli became The Voice’s youngest winner ever after auditioning at age 14.

And both say they never hesitated to try out, even though they’ll be going up against much more seasoned contestants, some of whom have been performing since before they were born.

“Why not? Because I think it’s good to start my career at a young age. And to try to learn from all the other artists that are in the competition, because they are all amazing,” Kennedy told Voice Views.

Kennedy became the first 13-year-old to earn a spot on The Voice cast since Season 12. She also got an unexpected surprise at the end of her audition — a chance to duet with Jennifer Hudson on the show’s stage.

“When Jennifer said that she was going to come up and sing with me, I was trying not to cry all over again because I knew that I would have to sing,” Kennedy admits. “I was just extremely honored that Jennifer wanted to sing with me.”

In terms of auditioning for The Voice at such a young age, Sarah has a more specific strategy in mind.

She notes that she’s been playing in her band, Sarah Grace and The Soul, previously Campfire Soul, for five years.

“Right now, I’m trying to change the direction of my band from a three-, four-hour cover band to more of a one and a half-, two-hour original band,” she told Voice Views.

“And I feel like the right way to do this would be to strengthen my exposure, and this is a great opportunity to do that. I’ve met so many amazing people (on the show) and it’s really, really helped with our band.”

Sarah Grace and The Soul hasn’t released music yet, but has two originals posted to YouTube and is working on a debut CD of original music, according to the band’s website.

Keep checking back for more on The Voice Season 15 contestants. You can find profiles of more than 50 Season 15 contestants, and they’ll be updated following the blind auditions.