Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Blake Shelton used his country credentials to land a former American Idol standout.

And Kelly Clarkson reeled in a standout male singer after complaining all night that none of the guy contestants on The Voice would join her team.

And, just like that, John Legend’s stranglehold on four-chair turn recipients in Season 16 ended.

Dexter Roberts joined Team Blake and Jej Vinson joined Team Kelly, but their performances were far from the only highlights on a Voice blind audition episode chock full of talent.

Here’s a recap.

Oh, and following the links will take you to a profile of the artist, complete with information on pre-Voice music they’ve released.

BEST OF THE NIGHT

Dexter Roberts, 27, Fayette, Ala.
The song: “Like a Cowboy”
Chair turns: He showed off a rich tone from the first note. When he hit the chorus, Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend all turned. Adam Levine joined them at the end of the performance, making Dexter the third four-chair turn of Season 16.
The feedback: Adam called his “astounding.” John called it a “great” performance. Kelly said he’s “extremely talented.” Blake pushed the country connection.
The outcome: Dexter opted to join Team Blake.

RUNNER-UP

Jej Vinson, 22, Philippines
The song: “Passionfruit”
Chair turns: Jej immediately displayed impressive vocals, prompting Blake to turn early in the performance. Kelly followed. As Jej’s vocals soared and fluttered, eventually, Kelly and John did as well
The feedback: Adam called Jej “a better singer than all of us.” John called it a “wild, inspired song choice.” Blake called him a potential winner. Kelly echoed that.
The outcome: Jej decided to join Team Kelly.

ALSO MADE THE SHOW

Patrick McAloon, 40, Barrington, R.I.
The song: “Runaway Train”
Chair turns: I loved Patrick’s song choice and opening. It’s clear he’s a veteran performer. And midway through the performance, he enticed chair turns from Blake Shelton and Adam Levine. John Legend joined them at the last moment.
The feedback: John said he sounded incredible. Adam loved the fact that Patrick said he’s a fan of Peter Gabriel and Sting. He said they would be a great match as singer and coach.
The outcome: Patrick opted to join Team Adam.

Jacob Maxwell, 20, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
The song: “Delicate”
Chair turns: Kelly Clarkson and John Legend turned very early during an impressive vocal. He showed off his range early in the song; his power near the end.
The feedback: Kelly called him incredibly talented and said “you moved me.” John called his voice “heavenly.”
The outcome: Jacob joined Team John Legend.

Karly Moreno, 23, Mission Viejo, Calif.
The song: “Starving”
Chair turns: Karly immediately displayed a distinct tone. I would have turned two lines in. But she was well into the song when Adam Levine pressed his button.
Feedback: Adam complicated her pure, vulnerable tone. Kelly said she has an “angelic, carefree vibe” in her voice.
The outcome: She automatically becomes a member of Team Adam.

Carter Lloyd Horne, 19, Marietta, Ga.
The song: “Drinkin’ Problem”
Chair turns: Carter certainly sounds older than he looks. Kelly voiced her appreciation of his voice early, but didn’t turn until the last second. Blake accompanied her.
Feedback: Adam actually endorsed Blake for this audition. Kelly complimented his rasp. Blake said he sounded nervous early in the song, but pulled it together in impressive fashion at the end.
The outcome: Carter joined Team Blake.

Talon Cardon, 18, Orem, Utah
The song: “Say You Won’t Lee Go” by James Arthur
Chair turns: Talon sounded really nervous at the start of this, to the point where it was difficult to make out the lyrics. But he quickly warmed to the task at hand. A big glory note at the very end enticed a chair turn from John Legend.
The feedback: Adam said he has lots of potential. John said Talon delivered at the end of the performance and has a really special voice.
The outcome: Since only John turned, Talon automatically became a member of Team Legend.

Alena D’Amico, 26, Detroit, Mich.
The song: “In My Blood”
Chair turns: Alena quickly showed off a very rich tone. And lots of vocal firepower. The Voice coaches are being quite stingy with their chair turns. Finally, a huge glory note coaxed chair turns from Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson.
The feedback: Blake said there’s no one like Alena on her team. Kelly complimented the passion in Alena’s performance. She also loved Alena’s song choice.
The outcome: Alena decided to join Team Kelly.

NO TURNS

Kanard Thomas, 28, Jacksonville, Fla.
The song: “Riding with the King”
Chair turns: His audition, flat out, didn’t go well. He stretched for a couple of glory notes, but failed to nail them. As a result, no one turned.
The feedback: Blake said he was looking for a little more edge, aggression and desperation for that song choice.
The outcome: He didn’t get a chair turn, but wound up on the Comeback Stage. Huh? Both Ruby and Luna turned in much better blind auditions.

Luna Searles, 37, Atlanta, Ga.
The song: “Nutbush City Limits”
Chair turns: Luna showed nice energy and stage presence, and an impressive rock growl. But the coaches stayed put, even a big glory note at the end of the song.
Feedback: Adam called her a great singer, but said he felt there was a little more he needed to hear.
The outcome: No one turned. Nor did she make the Comeback Stage.

Ruby McAloon, 16, Barrington, R.I.
The song: “Back to You”
Chair turns: Ruby sounds a little nervous, but shows off a nice tremble in her voice. But she also hit some pitch issues. And no one turned.
The feedback: John said she has a wonderful voice and range, she just needs more seasoning.
The outcome: No one turned. Nor was she selected for the Comeback Stage.