Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Ephraim Owens listens to the feedback from the coaches after turning four chairs on The Voice Tuesday night. (NBC Photo)

Before we get to tonight’s recap of The Voice, a couple of notes.

First, if anyone expected The Voice ratings to crater without Blake Shelton … well, they were wrong.

TV Line reports that The Voice drew a 0.7 rating and 6.4 million viewers for Monday’s show.

Last fall’s Season 22 premiere also had a 0.7 rating and drew 6.12 million viewers.

Secondly, when I was researching singers rumored to have earned a spot on Season 24, the majority were females.

Two episodes in, it’s looking like the casting department had lots more luck attracting female than male talent to The Voice stage.

So far, we’ve met 14 singers who made the show. Only three have been guys.

If that trend continues, it’s going to mean long odds for the ladies and great odds for the gents when it comes to making the live shows.

Now, on with the recap, featuring my picks for the top three performances of the night.

BEST OF THE NIGHT

1. Ephraim Owens, “Beneath You’re Beautiful” by Labrinth: Ephraim’s deep, emotive vocals had the coaches intrigued from the opening note. As soon as the song swelled, the chairs started to turn. And by the time he finished singing, all four were facing his way. For his part, Ephraim continued to deliver a knockout performance. Gwen said she liked his combination of soul and rock. Niall loved the angst in his voice. Reba called his a firecracker. John said he loved the performance. Ephraim joined Team Legend.

2. Jenna Marquis, 19, Simi Valley, Calif., “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus: Jenna showed off a really nice tone as her audition began. Really nice stage presence too as she flips a male song. She entices chair turns from Gwen Stefani and Niall Horan. John Legend soon joins them as well. Gwen loved the fact that she already seems to have a style all her own. Niall congratulated her on a cool, raspy tone and said she chose a difficult song to sing. John loved her pop music potential. Jenna opted to join Team Gwen after announcing that she’s a big fan of the singer.

3. Ruby Leigh, 16, Foley, Missouri, “Cowboy Sweetheart” by LeAnn Rimes and others: John Legend, surprisingly, turned quickly for Ruby’s country performance. When she started yodeling, more chairs started turning. Until Ruby had all four chairs facing her way. Niall loved her energy, her control and her vocal firepower. John predicted she could win The Voice. Reba says her mother yodeled and taught her to, then demonstrated. And then she had the audience chant her name to convince Ruby to join Team Reba. Ruby complied.

ALSO MADE THE SHOW

Juliette Ojeda, 20, Miami, Fla., “Hopelessly Devoted to You” by Olivia Newton John: Juliette began the song in Spanish, switched to English and back again in what transitioned into a high-energy performance. It took a while, but Gwen Stefani turned, followed by Niall Horan and Reba McEntire. Gwen said she loves her energy and spirit. Niall called the performance “crazy” in a really good way. Juliette decided to join Team Gwen.

Julia Roome, 13, “Dream a Little Dream of Me” by Doris Day and others: Julia opened the song showing off a really nice tone. That enticed an early chair turn from Niall Horan. Julia would prove there’s some power behind that vocal before her performance ended and got a chair turn from Gwen Stefani as well before delivering a nice ending. Niall complimented her on a dreamy performance. Gwen liked the soul she delivered. She also rushed the stage to hug Julia when she broke down in tears at the end of her audition. Julia joined Team Niall.