Idol Chatter & Voice Views

His audition: Matthew Johnson, 25, of Jacksonville, Fla., auditioned with Kirk Franklin’s “I Smile.” He earned almost instantaneous chair turns from Blake Shelton and Adam Levine. He wasn’t far into the song when John Legend and Kelly Clarkson turned as well, making Matthew the second four-chair turn of Season 16. He joined Team John Legend.

About Matthew:

* Most of his bio package on The Voice focused on his cheerful personality, especially impressive since he works as a collections agent — in other words, in a job where few people are happy to hear from him.

* But Matthew also has a singing background and told Voice Views he started singing in church groups when he was 15.

* He attended Southwestern Christian College near Dallas, Texas, after high school and was a member of the chorus and vocal ensemble there, which gave him the opportunity to tour the country representing the school.

* Matthew said he still sings in church groups in the Jacksonville area, including the Total Praise Acapella Ensemble and Genesis and L.I.V.E. Below, you can check out a eo of Matthew performing with Total Praise.

* Prior to The Voice, he said his biggest performances included singing the national anthem at a Jacksonville Sharks arena football game and singing at the National Youth Vocal Ministry Camp held every year in Alabama.

* In an Instagram photo of Matthew posing by the Michael Jackson star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he describes the late singer as having a huge influence on him. “I remember watching and wanting to be a performer just like him. He gave a young boy like me a dream to be able to use music to change lives!”

* Matthew told Voice Views he previously auditioned for America’s Got Talent, American Idol and, yep, The Voice. In fact, his first Voice audition was on Feb. 25, 2017, precisely two years before his Season 16 blind audition aired. The first time around, Matthew failed to get past the first round.

* He told his local TV station he decided to audition with “Smile,” because “I wanted to show people who Matthew is. And I’m a happy guy. I love to show off my smile and I love to see people show off their smiles.”

* Matthew told Voice Views getting the four-chair turn was “a surreal moment” and that he went with John Legend for his coach because “ours styles of singing are similar. We both have a soulful sound. Also all of his success definitely played a part. I knew he would be able help me get to the next level.”

* As for his future in music, Matthew says he doesn’t see himself being restricted to the Christian / gospel genre. “I honestly see myself as a soulful artist,” he told Voice Views. “I enjoy singing Christian/gospel music, but I also enjoying singing about love. I can see myself singing many genres. I just want to maintain clean content for both young and old listeners.”

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