Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Abby Kasch and Jackson Marlow rehearse for ther battle round performance on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Kelly Clarkson desperately wanted to land some country singers during the blind auditions on The Voice.

She succeeded and had two of them — Abby Kasch and Jackson Marlow — square off in the battle round.

Abby, 20, of Palios Park, Ill., performed “Here for the Party” by Gretchen Wilson and turned two chairs with her audition.

Jackson, 18, of Rogersville, Ala., turned one and is the nephew of former Voice finalist Red Marlow. He wound up nabbing the very last spot available on Season 16.

Follow the links to learn more about the singers.

The song: “Bring on the Rain” by Jo Dee Messina & Tim McGraw
The feedback Blake Shelton wondered how a country duet occurred without him as coach. Kelly Clarkson said she loved the richness in Jackson’s voice and Abby’s unbridled performance style.
The outcome: Kelly awarded the win to Abby; Jackson was eliminated when no one stole him.
My take Jackson sounded more consistent during the portion of the battle we saw. But the battles require a bit of showing off. There was a little lilt in Abby’s voice at one point that sounded very special.