Idol Chatter & Voice Views

After the blind auditions ended Monday night on The Voice, the show immediately transitioned to the battle rounds.

Only three aired, and two of the eight available steals have already been claimed.

Those went to Colton Smith, who switched from Team Jennifer Hudson to Team Blake Shelton and to Sandy Redd, who switched from Team Kelly Clarkson to Team Jennifer Hudson.

Here’s a recap, with a look at which matches the coaches got right and which ones they got wrong.

The links will take you to an updated profile on each artist.

THE COACH GOT IT OH, SO WRONG

TEAM KELLY CLARKSON

The matchup: Cody Ray Raymond versus Sandy Redd
The song: “Cry to Me” by Solomon Burke
The prelude: Kelly said she paired them because they’re two of the most powerful singers on her team. Cody says he needs to match Sandy’s energy. Sandy says she loves Cody Ray’s “stank.”
The outcome: Kelly declared Cody Ray the winner. All three coaches tried to steal Sandy, with Jennifer reminding Sandy that she also turned for her in the blinds and that they’re both from Chicago. Sandy opted to join Team Jennifer.
Voice Views’ take: Look, Cody Ray turned in a fine performance. But even if female R&B singers have been shortchanged by voters time and again on The Voice, Sandy’s the more unique contestant among the Season 15 cast, stole the show during this battle and looks like a potential finalist. No way any coach should have cut her loose after a performance like that.

THE COACHES GOT IT RIGHT

TEAM JENNIFER HUDSON

The matchup: Colton Smith versus Patrique Fortson
The song: “God Gave Me You” by Blake Shelton
The prelude: The first words out of Patique’s mouth: About that song choice. Yep, neither are country singers, but Jennifer said they have lots of soul and added “I want to see Jesus” during the performance. So the duo set about taking out the country and putting in the worship.
The outcome: Jennifer declared Patrique the winner, putting Colton on the verge of elimination. In fact, he was about ready to say his goodbyes when Blake Shelton pressed his button, giving Colton a last-second reprieve and new life as a member of Team Blake. Blake said he had to reward such a great vocal on one of his songs.
Voice Views’ take: Jennifer’s battle round decision was solid. Patrique’s tone grabbed your attention as soon as the song started and, before the performance ended, he’d flashed tremendous range as well. As for Blake’s save? Time will tell. In fact, if The Voice wants to add a dose of drama to these battle round proceedings, I think they should let all 24 battles play out, then bring the 24 battle round losers back to the stage and let the stealing begin after the coaches have heard all the duets.

TEAM BLAKE SHELTON

The matchup: Joey Green versus Michael Lee
The song: “Thing Called Love” by Bonnie Raitt
The prelude: These guys are both touring musicians from Texas. In fact, they’ve known each other for eight years and developed a friendship over that time. Blake explained the song choice by pointing out that it’s a bluesy, rocking tune well suited to both artists.
The outcome: Blake declared Michael the winner, saying he’s the one who attacked the song. Joey was eliminated when no one opted to steal him.
Voice Views’ take: Look, these two guys turned in a solid, professional performance. But Blake’s battle round adviser Keith Urban suggested Michael cut loose on stage and he followed that advice. By the end of the song, he had captured most of the big moments, making it a well deserved win.