Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Kelly Clarkson landed the first four-chair turn of Season 20 as The Voice kicked off its new round of blind auditions Monday night.

Country artist Kenzie Wheeler earned that four-chair turn distinction, though he didn’t wind up with four coaches to choose from.

That’s because Kelly blocked Blake Shelton, making him ineligible to lure Kenzie to his team.

Nine artists earned spots on Season 20 during Monday’s episode.

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

BEST OF THE NIGHT

The artist: Dana Monique, 41, Houston, Texas
The song: “Freeway of Love” by Aretha Franklin
Chair turns: Nick turned almost immediately. John turned just before Dana started the chorus.
The feeback: Nick called her performance “unbelievable” and called her voice “absolutely exceptional.” John called her performance powerful and energetic. He even sang a bit of Chaka Khan to entire Dana to her team.
Her choice: Dana joined Team Nick.
My take: Absolutely, hands down, the best vocal of the night as The Voice continued its traditional of bringing great background singers center stage. Unfortunately, Voice voters don’t always reward their talent.

RUNNERS-UP

The artist: Kenzie Wheeler, 22, Dover, Fla.
Audition song: “Don’t Close Your Eyes” by Keith Whitney
Chair turns: Kelly Clarkson turned quickly and blocked Blake Shelton in the process. John Legend also turned. As did Nick Jonas, who also tried blocking Blake.
Feedback: Kelly jumped out of her chair and shouted “I love your voice” while Kenzie was still singing. She pointed out that she used her only block on Kenzie. And she noted she won the show with two country artists.
His choice: Kenzie joined Team Kelly
My take: Don’t know about that mullet, but Kenzie displayed an impressive country tone on a show that loves male country artists. An early front-runner.

The artist: Corey Ward, 34, Hartsville, S.C.
Audition song: “Dancing on My Own” by Robyn
Chair turns: Two lines in, Corey got chair turns from Kelly Clarkson and John Legend.
Feedback: Kelly loved the emotion in Corey’s performance. John echoed that sentiment. And he applauded Corey’s perseverance in returning for a second shot at the show.
His choice: Corey joined Team Kelly.
My take: Corey failed to make the show in Season 19 and returned to turn in the most emotional performance on the first night of the Season 20 auditions. Along the way, there was that glory note near the end. Wow.

The artist: Cam Anthony, 19, Philadelphia
Audition song: “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith
Chair turns: As soon as Cam hit the chorus, John Legend and Nick Jonas turned simultaneously. But Nick blocked John. Blake Shelton turned as well.
Feedback: Blake called Cam’s voice “so smooth” and his performance “incredible.” John said he sounded fantastic and he’ll try to steal Cam should he get a chance. Nick said Cam’s voice “lit me up.”
His choice: Cam opted to join Team Blake.

The artist: Christine Cain, 27, Pasadena, Calif.
Audition song: “Watermelon Sugar” by Harry Styles
Chair turns: Christine was just a little way into the song when John Legend turn. Kelly Clarkson soon followed.
Feedback: John called it the most soulful performance he’s heard of the song and said he was captivated by her tone. Kelly said she liked Christine’s vibe and called Christine’s vocal “butter.”
Her choice: Christine joined Team Legend.

The artist: Devan Blake Jones, 35, Denver, Co.
Auditioned song: “Hard Place” by H.E.R.
Chair turns: Nick Jonas turned about midway through the performance. Devan’s vocal seemed to get stronger from that point on. But he couldn’t entice another coach to turn, so he automatically became Team Nick.
Feedback: Nick called the performance “phenomenal” and called the other coaches “insane” for not turning. He also said he heard a lot of potential in Devan’s vocal.
His choice: Devan automatically became Team Nick.

The artist: Pete Mroz, 45, Nashville, Tenn.
Audition: “Can’t Find My Way Home” by Blind Faith
Chair turns: Pretty early in the performance, he enticed a chair turn from John Legend. Blake Shelton turned about halfway through the song.
Feedback: John complimented Pete’s “energy” and commitment to the performance. Turns out Pete and Blake were members of the same songwriters’ round and Blake “stole” Pete’s bass player. Blake said he’d love to work with Pete again.
His choice: Pete joined Team Blake.