Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Alexia Jayy and her son Matthew listen to the coaches’ feedback on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

The Voice kicked off its three-judge “Battle of Champions” Monday night by introducing viewers to one-third of its Season 29 cast.

Ten singers earned spots on the show, with three — Alexia Jayy, Abigayle Oakley and Jeremy Keith — turning the chairs of all three coaches.

Adam Levine landed Alexia and Jeremy, giving him an early edge in the show’s triple-turn competition. Abigayle wound up joining Team Kelly.

Here’s a recap with grades for the performances and Idol Chatter’s picks for the best of the night.

Following the links will take you to a profile with more information about the singers, including about music they’ve already released.

BEST OF THE NIGHT

Alexia Jayy, 31, Mobile, Ala., “A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin: Alexia shows off a big rich voice from the opening note of the Carole King classic. Which is probably why it only took one line of the song for Kelly Clarkson to turn her chair. When her voice soared on the chorus, Adam Levine and John Legend followed. Alexia did not take her foot off the gas, continuing to deliver a superb vocal. Adam called Alexia “one of the best we’ve voices we’ve ever heard on the show.” John said he loves her voice and her style. Alexia opts to join Team Adam. Grade: A

RUNNERS-UP

Jonah Mayor, 31, Bronx, N.Y., “Il Mondo” by Il Mono: He’s currently a member of a group that covers boy band songs. So what does he do for his audition: Sing opera in Italian. It got him a spot on the show. Kelly turned very quickly. As Jonah’s voice soared, Adam joined her. Really, really great vocal from Jonah. Kelly was so impressed, she approached the stage and hugged Jonah. Adam called Jonah the complete package as a singer and performer. John called his performance “flawless.” Kelly said he has a “beautiful tone.” Jonah joined Team Kelly. Grade: A–

Liv Ciara, 16, St. Peters, Missouri, “We Can’t Be Friends” by Ariana Grande: Liv auditioned in Season 28 and didn’t get a chair to turn. Singing a ballad, Liv shows off a great gone from the first note. And she’s turning in a really strong performance. She has a star look too. Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levie turned almost instantly. Adam called her voice very mature and loved her connection to the song. Kelly loved the twist she put on the Ariana song. Liv joined Team Kelly. Grade: A–

ALSO MADE THE SHOW

Jeremy Keith, 40, Washington, D.C., “You Are My Lady” by Freddie Jackson: Jeremy’s silking smooth R&B tone prompts very quick chair turns from John Legend and Adam Levine. As Jeremy continues a fine, fine performance, Kelly Clarkson relents and turns as well, giving Jeremy a triple-turn. John calls his voice silky smooth. Adams calls Jeremy “beyond special.” Kelly says Jeremy is capable of winning the show. John then takes the stage to sing a bit of “Ordinary People” with Jeremy. Jeremy shocks and choses Team Adam. Grade: B+

Julia Golden, 19, Cathage, N.C., “Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter: Wow, I love this young lady’s country tone. And she can project too. Very nice stage presence. She is bundle of excitment at the outcome. John Legend turned pretty early in the performance. Kelly turned at the last second. John complimented the beautiful texture of her voice. Kelly love the authenticity of Julia’s performance. Julia joined Team Kelly. Grade: B+

Abigayle Oakley, 25, Las Vegas Nevada, “Call Your Girlfriend” by Robyn: She has a special little cry in her voice and it took the coaches about 10 seconds to figure that out. All three almost instantly turned in Abigayle’s direction. Not sure, but that might have thrown Abigayle for a couple of seconds. But she bounced right back to complete a lovely, delicate performance. Adam says she has something special. Kelly said her head voice is so pretty and that she reminds her of Joni Mitchell. Abigayle joined Team Kelly. Grade: B

Lucas West, 20, Fairport, N.Y., “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John: Sitting behind the keys, Lucas launched into an impressive cover of the Elton John classic, showing off his range, especially at the end of the performance. He showed off nice stage presence too. Adam Levine was the first coach to turn, followed by John Legend. Adam said he was “blown away by how different” and unique Lucas is. Johh called it a “beautiful performance.” Lucas joined Team Legend. Grade: B

Bay Simpson, 26, Muscle Shoals, Ala., “The Waiting” by Tom Petty: This guy says he’s a distant relative of Elvis Presley. And Tom Petty is among his favorite artists. He’s turning in a nice cover of this classic, but Tom Petty songs aren’t full of vocal frills. At the very last moment, Adam Levine turns, giving Bay a spot on the show. Adam said it’s clear Bay knows rock ‘n’ roll music and thinks he’ll bring a different talent to the show. Grade: B.

Aaron Lavigne, 43, Cincinnati, Ohio, “Feels Like the First Time” by Boston: He has a background in music theater, but wants to launch himself as a solo artist. He hits an impressive high note near the end of the song, prompting chair turns from Kelly Clarkson and John Legend. Kelly says she doesn’t have anyone like him on her team. She says he has a big, soulful voice that could tackle any song. John loved the gentleness of his voice. Aaron joined Team Kelly. Grade: B–

A.J. Robinson, 14, Cataula, Ga., “Watermelon Moonshine” by Lainey Wilson: A.J. was born the year the show started and has been counting down the years until he was old enough to audition. A.J.’s smooth country tone prompts a quick chair turn from John Legend. But the performance winds up being a little sleepy and the vocal strays a bit. John said he loves the richness of A.J.’s tone. Grade: C