Idol Chatter & Voice Views

We saw eight battle round pairings on The Voice last week and the rest will be aired this week.

Here are my picks for the top four performances from Week 1.

1. Sugar Joans and Jean Kelley, “Survivor”

Jean and Sugar weren’t the most highly touted performers entering the battle round. In fact, both turned just two chairs in the blind audition. But their handling of this Destiny Child’s tune was masterful, especially when they traded lines back and forth. Sugar advanced on Team Gwen; Jean got a well deserved save and is now on Team Pharrell.

2. Taylor Phelan and Jordy Searcy, “Breakeven”

Three four-chair turn recipients bowed out of the competition in week one of the battle rounds. Taylor survived, thanks to a fine performance of this song by The Script. But Jordy was superb, too. I have no idea why he wasn’t saved by someone.

3. James David Carter and Craig Wayne Boyd, “Wave on Wave”

I’m still not sure why Blake didn’t think there was room on his team for both of these fine country singers. Both certainly proved they were ready for the spotlight during their battle round match. Oh, well, his loss is Team Gwen’s gain. That’s where Craig Wayne Boyd wound up after Blake declared James David Carter the winner.

4. Alessandra Castronovo vs. Joe Kirk, “Stay”

If you’re looking for a surprise performer from week one of the battle round, look no further than Alessandra Castronovo, who “purred” all over the stage during this performance in the words of Pharrell Williams. She performed so well, she managed to oust Joe, a four-chair turn recipient who overcame his nerves to deliver a superb, steal-worthy vocal as well. Alas, he wasn’t stolen.