Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Laura Littleton listens to feedback from the coaches on Season 23 of The Voice. (NBC Photo)

The Voice introduced us to nine more artists who turned chairs and earned a spot on Season 23 Monday night.

And from a coaching standout, the big winner of the night was rookie coach Niall Horan.

He landed the night’s only four-chair turn, 15-year-old Ryley Tate Wilson. And he lured female singer-songwriter Laura Littleton to his team after she ended the night by turning three chairs.

Blake Shelton was among the coaches who turned for Laura, but she couldn’t choose him because Kelly Clarkson used her block during that blind audition.

But three other artists Blake turned for — Ryley, Allie Keck and Jamar Longley — opted to join other teams.

That’s an interesting strategy because Voice fans are likely to lean Team Blake when voting in his final season on the show.

Here’s a recap of Monday’s show.

BEST OF THE NIGHT

Laura Littleton, 26, Dickson, Tenn., “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles: She enticed quick chair turns from Kelly Clarkson, Niall Horan and Blake Shelton. But Blake’s lane immediately lit up with the word block and Kelly’s reaction made it clear she was the reason that happened. What a great singer-songwriter voice! Kelly reminded Laura she used her only block to land her. She described her as Dolly meets Florence and the Machine. Niall called her voice “super unique.” Laura decided to join Team Niall, prompting them to do a happy dance together.

RUNNERS-UP

Ryley Tate Wilson, 15, Montgomery, Ala., “Dancing on My Own” by Calum Scott: Niall Horan and Kelly Clarkson turned at the end of the first line. Blake Shelton quickly followed. Near the end of the song, Chance the Rapper joined them as well. Niall was so impressed with the audition he said “my head nearly exploded.” Kelly called his voice “insane.” Ryley joined Team Niall. That was an impressive performance. And given Ryley’s age and the way Voice viewers have responded to young singers in the past, he could be a real threat.

EJ Michels, 31, Draper, Utah, “Easy on Me” by Adele: Dang, EJ showed off great range and an attention-grabbing tone from the opening line. That was enough to entice a chair turn from Chance the Rapper. Hey, and that was a bold song choice for a male vocalist and performed with lots of heart. Blake Shelton turned near the end of the performance and complimented EJ on a raw and honest vocal. EJ decided to join Team Blake.

ALSO MADE THE SHOW

Jamar Langley, 36, Andrews, S.C., “Try Me” by James Bown: Jamar was well into the song when Chance the Rapper and Blake Shelton turned simultaneously. Blake called his performance the “perfect example of not giving up.” Chance says he thinks Jamar could go really far on the show. Jamar opted to join Team Chance.

Allie Keck, 28, Neoga, Ill., “Paris (Ooh La La)” by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals: Allie’s energetic opening prompted a quick chair turn from Blake Shelton. Kelly Clarkson also turned. Kelly called Allie a powerrhouse vocalist, a combination of Ann Wilson and Janis Joplin. Blake was thrilled to hear someone on the show “who rocks.” Allie decided to join Team Kelly.