Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Mia Z and Ashley Morgan square off in the battle round on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

So here we go with the start of the battle rounds, hopefully not featuring the singers we just met in part one of tonight’s show.

Team Pharrell

Ashley Morgan vs. Mia Z: Ashley Morgan, 26, of Antioch, Calif., performed Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and turned two chairs in the blinds. Mia Z., 16, Pittsburgh, Pa., auditioned with a classic, B.B. King’s “The Thrill is Gone” and also turned two chairs. Pharrell says they both put an interesting twist on their music. So he has them singing “Put the Gun Down” by ZZ Ward. It’s both bluesy and sassy, and Pharrell says they’re going to need to deliver attitude. Both do very well in rehearsal.

Really nice opening from this duo. Ashley is delivering the attitude Pharrell was looking for. I had trouble understanding Mia during that first verse, but she’s clearly comfortable on stage and quite the young show woman. Wow, and they ended very strong, tossing lines back and forth. Ashley showed off a really powerful voice. Mia hit a note that showed off tremendous range. Christina says Ashley “killed it.” I’d pick Ashley as the winner. Pharrell declares Mia Z. the winner.

And all three of the other coaches want to steal Ashley. Blake says he thinks she’s a star. Adam says he’s “obsessed” with Ashley. Christina notes that she declared Ashley the winner of the battle earlier. And Ashley decides to join Team Christina.

TEAM ADAM

James McNeiece vs. Tonya Boyd-Cannon: James McNeiece, 25, of Howell, Mich., auditioned with Sam Smith’s “Lay Me Down” and got just Adam to turn around. Tonya Boyd-Cannon, 35, of New Orleans, La., sang Pharrell’s own “Happy” and prompted three coaches, including Pharrell, to turn around, but opted to join Team Adam. He has them singing Michael Jackson’s “PYT.” As a former member of Y6, James is used to singing with more than himself. And, of course, Tonya is an absolute powerhouse.

Really sharp opening, complete with a bit of a shriek from James. Dang, Tonya has such a nice tone to that strong voice of hers. James gets a chance to show off his falsetto. But Tonya comes right back and shows off her range, too. And Tonya nails a heck of a final note. I don’t think there’s any doubt on this one. Christina compliments them on delivering energy and lots of fun. Christina says she’d give the edge to Tonya. Blake says James worked hard to make it a tough decision for Adam. I’d give the win to Tonya. Adam declares Tonya the winner.

James does not get stolen.

TEAM BLAKE

Brian Johnson vs. Joshua Davis: Joshua Davis, 37, of Traverse City, Mich., performed Bob Dylan’s “I Shall be Released” and turned two chairs in his blind audition. Brian Johnson, 24, of Cleveland, Ohio, sang Rod Stewart’s “Reason to Believe” and also turned two chairs. Both auditioned with classic songs, and Blake has decided to give them “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” for the battle round. Blake likes Joshua’s grit. He appreciates Brian’s power. And he wants them to perform a stripped down version to showcase their vocal talent. The rehearsal is so good it brings Meghan Trainor to tears.

Well, The Voice has spoiled the suspense. We know neither of these singers are going home. Josh has a really nice voice. No wonder he’s managed to make a living as a full-time musician. But, wow, Brian is hanging right with him. And they sound fabulous singing together. Good luck, Blake. Christina can’t pick a winner. Neither can Pharrell. Adam predicts the loser will be stolen. I’d pick Joshua, just based on his experience. Blake selects Brian and says he plans to keep pushing him until America realizes how incredible he is.

And Adam steals Joshua Davis.

Brian Johnson and Joshua Davis compete during the battle round on The Voice. (NBC Photo)