Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Mari Jones and Anthony Ortiz rehearse for their battle round on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Adam Levine paired up two talented R&B / pop singers for one of his final Season 16 battles on The Voice.

Mari, 20, of Clermont, Fla., performed “Boo’d Up” by Ella Mai in the blinds and turned three chairs.

Anthony Ortiz, 20, of Tampa, Fla., auditioned with “What Makes You Beautiful” by One Direction and enticed Adam to turn. He released an EP last yar.

Learn more about the singer by following the links.

The song: “I Like Me Better” by Lauv
The feedback: Blake Shelton complimented Anthony on a cool sound, but called Mari’s stage presence and vocal “incredible.” Kelly Clarkson and John Legend both gave the edge to Mari. Adam Levine liked the chemistry and energy they both showed.
The outcome: Adam declared Mari the winner; Anthony was eliminated.
My take: There was absolutely nothing wrong with Anthony’s performance. But Mari set the stage on fire, both with her stage presence and her vocal on a tune that Kelly said “isn’t a singer’s song, it’s more of a jam.” Mari jammed out in the best possible way, and impressed me with her vocals too.