Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The Four of Jesse Kramer, James Graham, Whitney Reign and Sharaya J remained in their seats through Week 3 of Season 2. (FOX Photo)

Sharaya J lost her voice leading up to the third week of The Four Season 2.

Whitney Reign switched her song at the last minute.

But both turned in impressive performances to retain their seats in the episode that aired Thursday night.

Sharaya and Whitney provided the vocal highlights on a night when members of The Four went four.

That’s right: The episode featured four challenges. And the singer being challenged won every time, though the show’s judges thought — at least in a couple of cases — the matches were very close.

Here’s a recap.

FANS GOT IT RIGHT

Lil Bri vs. Sharaya J.: Lil Bri is 17 and a rapper from Houston, Texas. She won the right to challenge with “Hate It of Love It,” opted to take on Sharaya J., then performed “Crush on You.” And got crushed. Okay, for her age Lil Bri was solid. But Sharaya J comes off like a pro every time she steps on stage, even with the health problems she’s going through. Thursday’s performance of “Stir Fry” was just the latest example. I mean, if anyone owns The Four stage right now, it’s Sharaya. That said, did that mark the first time ever we’ve seen footage from a doctor’s visit on a singing show? What’s next? We watch Sharaya undergo chemo?

Matt Bloyd vs. Whitney Reign: From Modesto, Calif., Matt earned the right to challenge with a performance of “How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston, then sang “Tennessee Whiskey” in an attempt to unseat Whitney. Wasn’t going to happen. Because while Whitney went with a tired ol’ singing show standard (“Natural Women”), she tackled it with so much passion that I didn’t mind. Especially during the last 45 seconds or so when she seemed determined to hang onto her seat by sheer willpower if nothing else. Oh, and she delivered a very good vocal.

Christian Gonzalez vs. James Graham: A 16-year-old from Miami, Christian earned the right to challenge James by singing “Bailando.” He sang “Hold On We’re Coming Home” in the challenge, and displayed solid vocals and good stage presence on both performances. But James sang “Lately” by Stevie Wonder to defend the challenge and showed better range. Plus, he’s clearly a show favorite. Did you see all the closeups of fawning females while he was performing? Did you see how many closeups we got of James while Christian was performing? Oh, my, this show is so silly?

TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT

Ebon Lurks vs. Jesse Kramer: Okay, it’s hard to take anything too seriously after the over-the-top antics from Fergie and the judges prior to the challenge. But let’s try. Ebon is 22, from Tulsa, Okla., and won the right to challenge by singing Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph.” He followed that up with “Mine” by Bazzi for the challenge. I really liked his tone, the way he worked the stage and the rap ability he displayed. Jesse is he show’s rocker and sang “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker. I wouldn’t call the vocal beautiful, but it was impassioned. And enough for Jesse to hold his seat. I liked Ebon’s performance just a bit better, but for the sake of variety among the four, I’m glad Jesse stayed.

NO CHALLENGE FOR YOU

Eliajah Connor, 28, of Detroit, showed up and said he comes from music royalty since Prince was his cousin. But he lost me when he caressed his own face at the start of a cover of “Love” that was an absolute mess.