NBC’s ‘The Voice’ review: Griffin, Luke Wade, Taylor John Williams, Sugar Joans take on battles

Tonight, “The Voice” began its dreaded Battle Rounds, or at least what we consider dreaded. We don’t like the format, and we also don’t like the fact that there were only six battles within the entirety of this episode.

So what we’re going to do is give you a bite-sized approach to each battle, with some impressions and the winner. Think of this as everything that happened tonight, minus all of the unnecessary filter and the advisers who really don’t matter.

Elyjuh Rene vs. Maiya Sykes (Pharrell) – We previewed this battle recently, and at the time, we felt that this one was pretty obvious. Maiya has some good pipes, but the issue we have with her is that nothing stands out. Elyjuh is more than a good singer; he also works the stage and his body in a way no one else. Elyjuh advances.

Chris Jamison vs. Jonathan Wyndham (Adam Levine) – We wanted to shake our fist angrily at Adam for this pairing. These were two of our favorites from the Blind Auditions, but we thought that Jonathan was the likely choice given when he performed in the show. What this came down to us for us mostly is ceiling; Chris may have one that can go a little higher. Chris advances.

Jean Kelley vs. Sugar Joans (Gwen Stefani) – Two very distinctive female singers, but we actually didn’t think that either one of them was really that good. That’s what made the fact that there was a steal in here all the more surprising. Sugar wins, but Pharrell steals Jean.

Craig Wayne Boyd vs. James David Carter (Blake Shelton) – Two Southern boys singing a song that was about as good as you’re going to get on the show. The problem is that there is nothing that gives you a chance to really show something off in this. It’s boring, which is really our feeling about this entire part of the competition in general. Somehow, though, this merited another steal James wins, but Gwen steals Craig.

Amanda Lee Peters vs. Taylor John Williams (Gwen) – What’s with all the long names tonight? “Jolene” is one of our favorite songs, and there were some bumps in the road with the two trying to do harmonies in unison. Taylor may have potential, but Amanda was completely present in the moment. Our pick was her, but our pick doesn’t really matter. Gwen picks Taylor.

Griffin vs. Luke Wade (Pharrell) – We finish with two very good singers, though our heart is probably with Griffin since his name reminds us of a mythical creature, and he also has a great crooning voice. Both did a good job with “Maybe I’m Amazed,” and Pharrell insisted that there would be a steal. He was right. Pharrell picks Luke, and Blake steals Griffin.

Who was your favorite tonight? Share with a comment, and head over here if you want to read some further content on “The Voice.” You can also sign up for our CarterMatt Newsletter to get further TV updates via email. (Photo via NBC.)