Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Anthony Riley performs during Season 8 of The Voice. (NBC Photo)

A close friend said Riley committed suicide, according to Philly.com. He was found in a Philadelphia apartment building on Friday.

Named Philly’s Best Street Performer by Philadelphia Magazine in 2014, Riley looked like an early favorite on Season 8 of The Voice.

He enticed all four coaches to turn their chairs in a heartbeat during the blind auditions with his cover of “I Got You (I Feel Good).” And his battle round match against Travis Ewing — they sang “Get Ready” — was so strong that Riley won and Ewing got stolen.

But Riley, a member of Team Pharrell, dropped out of the competition between the battle and knockout rounds. The show cited personal reasons.

Riley later told Philly.com those personal reasons were related to substance abuse.

He said he revealed the problem to NBC after the battle round and the show covered the cost of a rehab stint at Clarity Way, a drug and alcohol rehab facility here in York County.

At the time, Riley said he completed the program and was continuing outpatient treatment and therapy.

Voice host Carson Daly posted a photo of Anthony and himself to Instagram Sunday, writing: “Praying for the family and friends of Anthony Riley today. It’s a heartbreaking loss. He was incredibly talented and loved to sing. God Bless him.”