Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Celia Babini listens to the coaches’ feedback on The Voice Season 16. (NBC Photo)

“I wanted to be 100 percent ready,” Celia told Voice Views. “The stars aligned this year. I felt confident, strong, and prepared.”

And then the stars turned. All four of them. For Celia’s blind audition performance of “idontwannabeyouanymore” by Billie Eilish.

Featured in Monday’s final blind audition episode, the 17-year-old singer-songwriter from New York became just the seventh of Season 16’s 48 contestants to turn four chairs. She also became the youngest to do so.

Naturally, the superlatives followed. Blake Shelton even made up a story about a cat dying in an effort to lure Celia to his team.

“It was totally surreal,” Celia said of the blind audition experience. “I just cannot believe it actually happened. I was worried I would get nervous when they turned around, but I was so into the song that I completely lost all sense of inhibition.

“Hearing the feedback was amazing. It is incredible to even have the opportunity to perform for the audience and the coaches, but to get feedback from them is more than incredible. They were so supportive of me and gave me some really amazing comments. I am so grateful, I wake up every morning and just say, ‘thank you.’ I really am so honored to be able to do this.”

Oh, and Blake’s cat story didn’t work. Celia chose Team Adam Levine, the cliffhanger to a leaked blind audition video that has been viewed more than 1.5 million times on YouTube.

“Growing up, I was obsessed with Maroon 5,” Celia said, explaining her choice. “They basically revived the alternative rock scene in L.A. I went on that stage knowing I wanted to pick Adam, but also really just wanted to be on any team.

“All the coaches are so lovely and incredible, I would have been happy with any one of them. When they all turned around my brain basically shut off and I had no idea what to do. I wanted to pick all of them, but ultimately when Adam started talking I felt that connection. He was really convincing.

“I do not regret my choice. Adam’s a great guy and a great coach. He is super funny and down to earth. Not gonna lie, Blake almost persuaded me, It was very difficult to turn him down after the tragic loss of his cat Sandy… nice try, Blake.”

For much more on Celia, including the music she’s already released, head to this updated artist profile.

We’ll next see Celia and her Season 16 colleagues in the battle round, which begins Monday.