Idol Chatter & Voice Views

If you haven’t heard the news, this season will be the last time we’ll see Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera sitting in those spinning chairs for a while.

When The Voice returns for Season 4 in the spring, Usher and Shakira will be sitting in their chairs.

Cee Lo and Christina both said they need a season off to pursue other musical endeavors; Christina, for instance, plans to release a new album and tour to support it.

Now, the four judges on The Voice have great chemistry, but here’s why I think the change might actually be an upgrade.

Meanwhile, there’s tons of Season 3 left. Heck, the judges’ teams are barely half full after four episodes.

And, so, let’s prepare to meet some new contestants.

Trevanne Howell, 33, Bronx, N.Y.: This single mom of two works as a receptionist. She got pregnant at age 17, but says she has no regrets. “Single mother have dreams, too. And we deserve to go after our dreams. We have to show our children we can be independent, fearless and be confident in ourselves.” She’ll sing Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.” Hardly an original song choice. And in spite of a couple decent glory notes, none of the judges turn their chairs.

Collin McLoughlin, 24, Bedford, N.Y.: This guy was enrolled in NYU’s music business master’s program to enter the music business. He was going to be the first member of his family to go to grad school. But he decided he needed to pursue his own music full time and moved back home into his old bedroom in order to make that happen, against the advice of his parents. He’s going to sing “Wild World” while playing guitar. And Blake and Cee Lo turn around in a heartbeat. Eventually Adam joins them, leaving only Christina with her chair facing in the opposite direction. Adam calls him one of the “purest” singers the judges have seen. And Collin picks Adam.

Joselyn Rivera, 17, Pembroke Pines, Fla.: She was born premature and was in and out of hospitals during her early life. Her mother says a specialist prescribed “music.” Says Joselyn: “We went right to a store to buy a Barbie karaoke. It really helped me developed and grow.” She says she’s lock herself in her room and practice four hours a day. “I just blossomed after that.” Her song of choice: “Stronger,” the Kelly Clarkson smash hit. Unfortunately, she’s showing little of the vocal power Kelly displays on the song. Still, Christina and Blake turn around, meaning this teen will fine a home on someone’s team.

Benji, 24, Orlando: He’s being billed as an artist “used to taking risks.” After college, he got a chance to race Formula cars, something he loved. But it also takes a lot of money, which he didn’t have. So he decided to focus on music, and says that got him over racing. He’ll sing “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” And he has an interesting rasp in his voice. Adam spins around, and that seems to inspire Benji to soar to new heights vocally. One of those big notes also gets Cee Lo to spin his chair. Adam says he “has a scream that should be heard by the entire world.” Benji picks Adam.

Now, another of those rapid fire series of contestants. Cee Lo lands Todd Kessler, who sings “Maggie May.” He also landed Ben Taumb, who sang “Feeling Goodz’ and also enticed Blake to turn around. Emily Earle, singing “Ring of Fire,” wound up with Cee Lo, too, despite a country twang.

Lorraine Ferro, 52, New York: She’s understandably pretty proud of the way she looks at 52. She’s also a voice coach and a songwriting coach who’s “so excited” to finally have her chance in the spotlight. This woman is bubbling with enthusiasm. “I’m 52, and it’s never too late,” she says. She’ll sing “Skyscraper.” But no one turns around for her performance.

Mycle Wastman, 40, Seattle, Wash: He was raised by his grandfather, who died shortly before his audition on The Voice. His parents died when he was young. He’s tried several jobs — the military, construction work — but says music is the only thing that truly makes him happy. “This has got to happen,” he says. “Someone has got to turn around.” He’ll sing “Let’s Stay Together.” Adam and Cee Lo turn around simultaneously, followed by Blake. And Mycle shows off some pretty impressive range at the end of that performance. Cee Lo says he’s “most excited about you than anyone else today.” And Mycle chooses Cee Lo as his coach.