Idol Chatter & Voice Views

We’re just two weeks away from the finals on Season 2 of The Four.

Which means next week is the show’s comeback episode, where contestants are brought back for a second chance at making this year’s finals.

That also means we met our last set of new auditioners Thursday night. The show followed what is becoming a routine: one singer failed to win a challenge. But by the end of the night, all four members of The Four had to defend their seats.

Oh, and The Four announced that Season 1 champ Evvie McKinney and fan favorite Zhavia will be back next week for special performances.

Here’s a video recap of Thursday’s show.

THE SURPRISE OF THE NIGHT

Leah Jenea versus James Graham: Leah, 17, of New Jersey, performed “Call Out My Name” by The Weeknd. James opted for “Want to Want Me” by Jason Derulo. Leah took the match, which was a surprise only because James was an original member of The Four on Season 2 and had successfully defended his seat in nearly every episode since. But he hadn’t been up against someone like Leah, who showed stage presence well beyond someone who’s just 17. Most impressive, though, was her distinct style and vocals. She wound up winning over all three of The Four’s judges by the time she ended her second performance. They weren’t wrong.

THE WRONG PERSON LEFT THE SHOW

Jeronelle McGhee vs. Noah Barless: Jeronelle, 24, of Omaha, Neb., performed “Women’s Work” and showed off fabulous range. Noah performed “Chains” by Nick Jonas and showed off a nice falsetto too. And a bit more stage presence than Jeronelle. I would have given him a slight edge at the end of the match. But by the time the judges’ comments were over, I would have awarded the loser DJ Khaled’s seat at the judge’s table. Either one would have to be more coherent. Khaled went on and on and on about something — I think about how passionate he is about Season 2 — I think. Anyway, it was another of those over-the-top moments that make this mess a farce of a singing show.

FANS GOT IT RIGHT

A.J. Reynolds vs. Sharaya J. A.J. is a 25-year-old sanitation engineer (read garbage man) from New Hampshire who would rather rap for a living. And give him credit for showing up with two original songs to perform. But why does every rapper who shows up on The Four feel like they have to challenge Sharaya, who is proving pretty much unbeatable. She lit the stage on fire again Thursday, and it’s hard to imagine her not winning Season 2 at this point. James’ elimination means she’s the only original member of this season’s The Four to retain her seat.

Anthony Gargiula vs. Ali Caldwell: – Anthony performs as part of a barbershop quartet at the Universal Studios Theme Park who used to perform on Vine with none other than Meghan Trainor. As the last contestant to earn a challenge Thursday, he was forced to go up against former Voice standout Ali. Anthony sang “I’m Not The Only One” by Sam Smith and did a decent job. But Ali slayed “No More Drama” by Mary J. Blige and rightfully held onto her seat. At this point, I think she belongs in the very last match of the season opposite Sharaya J. This challenge was followed by what Fergie labeled “mayhem” and I’d label a prime example of why The Four SHOULD NOT return for Season 3.

SHE AUDITIONED TOO

Mackenzie Johnson: She’s 25 from Bucks County, Pa., and says she has something like 500,000 followers on YouTube. But she’s struggled with shyness. She’s a songwriter, but opted to perform “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber. After the performance ended, Mackenzie admitted she let nerves affect her, and you could hear it. But she has a nice tone and should audition for The Voice.