Idol Chatter & Voice Views

With Adam Levine no longer on The Voice, someone had to assume the role as king or queen of the four-chair turns.

You’d think that honor would fall to Blake Shelton.

He might be in a bit of a drought when it comes to having a singer win The Voice. But there’s no doubting a singer’s odds of making the finale improve if he or she is a member of Team Blake.

But instead, John Legend is emerging as the coach four-chair turns flock to.

Preston C. Howell is the latest. During Tuesday’s episode, he became the sixth singer to turn four chairs in Season 17. He became the fourth to join Team Legend.

Here’s a recap of Tuesday’s show, which began with the answer to Monday’s cliffhanger. Cali Wilson opted to join Team Blake.

BEST OF THE NIGHT

Injoy Fountain, Wichita, Kansas, “7 Rings” by Ariana Grande: The arrangement threw the coaches off a bit. But Injoy is a bundle of energy on stage, showing off a big voice, an ability to rap and tons of personality. And that was enough to prompt chair turns from Kelly Clarkson and Gwen Stefani. Gwen liked her “bold” song choice and her ability to mix styles. Kelly called the performance infectious. Indeed, it might have been the most fun performance of Season 17 so far. Injoy decided to join Team Kelly.

RUNNER-UP

Preston C. Howell, 14, of Miami, Fla., “Dream a Little Dream of Me” by The Mamas and the Papas: His pitch perfect vocal prompted quick chair turns from Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson. Gwen Stefani soon followed. Preston took the vocal to another level and earned a chair turn from John Legend as well. Nevertheless, Preston delivered a very nice ending. Kelly liked his originality. John complimented him on a brave song choice and his execution of it. Blake called his voice “timeless.” Preston, as previously noted, joined Team John.

ON TEAM BLAKE

Jordan Chase, 19, of Pensacola, Fla., “Makin’ Me Look Good Again” by Drake White: Jordan quickly shows off some nice raspy vocals. And midway through the song, he displayed nice range as well. But he was well into the performance before Blake Shelton turned. On the final note, Gwen Stefani turned as well. Blake liked his combination of rasp and range. Gwen said she appreciated his God-given gift. Jordan opted for Team Blake.

ON TEAM GWEN

James Violet, 20, Syracuse, Utah, “Sweet Creature” by Harry Styles: A solid opening by James prompted a quick chair turn from Kelly Clarkson. The song didn’t offer many opportunities for vocal gymnastics, but James provided a hint of his vocal firepower late in the performance. And that was all it took to get chair turns from Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani as well. Gwen called his voice “soothing” and “emotional.” Kelly complimented his “nice-glass-of-wine vibe.” And Blake let Kelly derail his pitch. James opted for Team Gwen.

ALSO ON TEAM LEGEND

Dane and Stephanie, Bluefield, N.J., “Angela” by The Lumineers: Dane and Stephanie both showed off nice tones when this began, but it was their spotless harmonies that made the performance special. They were about midway through the performance when John Legend turned his chair. I was a bit surprised it took to long. Near the end, Blake Shelton turned as well. John said the blend of their voices was “gorgeous.” Blake reminded everyone that he’s the only coach who has taken a duo to the finale.

NO CHAIR TURNS