Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Monika Leigh had just finished an impressive bluesy rendition of “The Thrill is Gone” on The Voice.

And three coaches were facing in her direction, hoping she’d join their team.

Monika Leigh announces her decision to join Team Blake on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Cee Lo Green complimented her womanly approach to the song.

Adam Levine said he wanted to make the 28-year-old from Boulder, Colorado, the centerpiece of his team.

But in the end, Monika decided to join Team Blake Shelton, even though she admitted on stage that she doesn’t consider herself a country artist.

“I saw Blake turn around last,” she recalled during a conference call Tuesday afternoon. “I don’t know why I’d choose someone who turned around last. Blake just said all the right things.”

Like talking about how good Monika’s vocals were from a technical standpoint. And her “star quality.”

And, after seeing a couple of artists he coveted pick another coach, Blake decided to pull out his secret weapons while trying to convince Monika to join his team.

He showed off his trophies from winning the last three seasons of The Voice.

Did those trophies play any role in Monika’s decision?

“Actually, they did. I’ll admit it now,” she said. “He busted those out. At first, I kind of did an eye roll. But his southern charm works. His southern charm and those trophies won me over.”

Monika, you’ll recall, is the administrative assistant for a hotel in Boulder who took time off from singing and is now hoping to make music her full-time career.

I’ll be posting a full bio blog on her later. In the meantime, head here for bios on all the contestants we met from the first two nights of blind auditions on The Voice.

And check back later tonight for an introduction to the latest artists to earn a spot on Season 5 of The Voice.