Idol Chatter & Voice Views

New Voice coach Ariana Grande landed three artists on Monday’s Season 21 premiere.

But Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson won over the night’s two four-chair turns.

Blake enticed longtime background singer Wendy Moten, who closed the show, to join his team.

Kelly won over the first artists we met, a sibling trio names “A Girl Named Tom.”

Here’s a recap, with my picks for best performances of the night.

Best of the Night

A Girl Named Tom, Perrysville, Ohio, “Helplessly Hoping” by Crosby, Stills & Nash: The first audition of Season 21 came from a trio, siblings Caleb, Joshua and Bekah Leichty. And their remarkable harmonies earned near instant chair turns from Kelly and John. Blake and Ariana soon turned as well. Ariana said she was obsessed with the trio. Kelly loved performance and the story behind the group’s name — her brothers always called Bekah “Tom” when she was young. They received high praise from the other coaches as well. They land here because of all the talented artists we met Monday night, this trio has me most curious about their future performances. Those harmonies == wow!

Runners-up

Wendy Moten, 56, Nashville, Tenn., “We Can Work It Out” by The Beatles: Her lovely opening failed to turn a chair, but then she cut loose with her big voice and got quick chair turns from John, Ariana and Blake. Kelly eventually joined them as well. It was pretty clear Wendy’s comfortable on a stage. Blake blocked John. Ariana said she was “shook” by Wendy’s performance. Kelly called her performance “beautifully done.” Blake called her audition one of the top three all-time on The Voice. Wendy joined Team Blake.

Jonathan Mouton, 30, Los Angeles, “Leave the Door Open” by Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak, Silk Sonic: His smooth vocal delivery enticed a chair turn from John midway through the performance. Ariana later turned as well. John loved Jonathan’s control. Ariana praised his performance as well. Jonathan opted to join Team Legend.

Also Made the Show

Katie Rae, 35, Sacramento, Calif., “Bones” by Maren Morris: She earned quick chair turns from Kelly and John. Ariana turned a bit later. Ariana and John both said they were eager to work with a powerhouse vocalist like Katie Rae. Kelly said she was especially impressed by Katie’s low notes. Katie picked Ariana, saying she was impressed with how hard she fought for her.

Peedy Chavis, 19, Lawrenceville, Ga., “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley: He got quick chair turns from John and Blake. And put on a really nice performance. Blake said the performance fire him up. John said he turned because Peedy was singing his “butt off.” Peedy opted to join Team Blake.

Katherine Ann Mohler, 22, Memphis, Tenn., “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off” by Ella Eyre: She was on the song’s final notes when Ariana and Blake turned. Ariana called her voice phenomenal, but said she could tell Katherine was a bit nervous. Blake pitched his success as a Voice coach. Katherine joined Team Ariana.

Jack Rogan, 18, Rochester, N.Y., “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals: He got quick chair turns from Kelly Clarkson and John Legend. But he couldn’t entice a third, in spite of a very nice finish. John liked the gravity and beauty of Jack’s tone and called it a thoroughly enjoyable story-telling performance. Kelly said Jack got better and better. Jack joined Team Legend.

Kinsey Rose, 35, Nashville, Tenn. “Cowboy Take Me Away” by The Chicks: Kelly turned in an instant. Blake hesitated a bit, anticipating a block from Kelly. When he couldn’t resist turning for Kinsey anymore he discovered that he had indeed been blocked. Kelly said she loves Kinsey’s voice and her story-teller vibe. Kinsey automatically became a member of Team Kelly.

Vaughn Mogel, 27, Beaumont, Texas, “The A Team” by Ed Sheeran: John and Kelly turned before Vaughn hit the chorus. Ariana followed shortly after. Kelly turned too. Ariana called his performance “so beautiful” and said she loved the break in his voice. John says he sounded seasoned in spite of his inexperience. Kelly praised his precision and emotion. Vaughn decided to join Team Ariana.