Idol Chatter & Voice Views

It took three weeks, but The Voice coaches finally spilled the news Monday night.

The show, which has featured 48 singers — 12 per team — season after season, has trimmed its roster back to 40 singers for Season 18.

That’s probably a wise decision considering the Season 18 format — which will feature no Tuesday shows for the bulk of the season and will likely consist of a ridiculously short live show sprint to the season finale.

Meanwhile, The Voice introduced us to — more singers who made Season 18. Here’s a recap.

BEST OF THE NIGHT

Mike Jerel, 31, of Ashburn, Ga., “It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World” by James Brown: His brilliant opening prompted almost instant chair turns from Nick Jonas and John Legend. They were so impressed, they watched the rest of the performance from their feet. Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton eventually turned as well for what was unquestionably one of the best auditions we’ve heard in Season 18. Kelly said he “lit the room on fire.” John liked his confidence and the fire in his voice. Mike joined Team Legend.

RUNNERS-UP

Zan Fiskum, 22, Seattle, Wash., “Light On” by Maggie Rogers: Zan’s ethereal opening prompted an almost immediate chair turn from Nick Jonas. John Legend soon followed. A big note later prompted a chair turn from Kelly Clarkson as well. John said she sounded angelic. Nick said her performance left his “speechless.” Kelly praised her unique vocal tone and said she sounds “magical.” Zan joined Team Legend.

Jon Mullins, 32, “Don’t Give Up on Me” by Andy Grammer: Jon launched into an emotional performance that prompted an early chair turn from Blake Shelton. He turned in such a fine performance, it was rather remarkable no one else turned. Kelly Clarkson called him “super gifted.” Blake said he has a huge voice.

ALSO MADE THE SHOW

Anaya Cheyenne, 16, Atlanta, Ga., “I’ll Never Love Again” by Lady Gaga: For her age, Anaya showed great stage presence. There’s a nice little lilt to her voice and she hit a really nice glory note midway through the performance. Near the end, Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton turned almost simultaneously. John Legend called the runs she was doing “stunning.” Kelly Clarkson praised her range. Blake called her performance “unbelievable.” Anaya choose Team Kelly.

Mandi Thomas, 33, Memphis, Tenn., “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman:
Kelly Clarkson was the only coach to turn, calling her performance “gorgeous” and “different.” The other coaches praised her performance, but clearly didn’t turn because Mandi auditioned with an operatic song choice.

Jacob Miller, 29, Eden, Wisc., “The Times They Are a Changin’ by Bob Dylan: Jacob delivered a solid acoustic version of the song, prompting quick chair turns from Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson. Nick Jonas later turned as well. Kelly called him very talented. John Legend called it a powerful performance. Nick Jonas said he’s excited about Jacob’s original music. Jacob opts to join Team Nick.

Jacob Daniel Murphy, 27, Elk Grove, Calif., “Until You Come Back to Me” by Aretha Franklin: His performance earned a last-second chair turn from Blake Shelton. Nick Jonas called it “phenomenal.” Blake said he didn’t think he’d have a chance to land Jacob, but turned when all his colleagues hesitated.

Roderick Chambers, 38, Miami, Fla., “Back at One” by Brian McKnight: Robert immediately showed off nice range and earned a quick chair turn from Nick Jonas. None of the other coaches turned, however, meaning Robert automatically became Team Nick. Nick said he was transported back to the first time he heard the song. He called the performance “phenomenal.”

Jules, 15, Peoria, Ariz., “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” by Cage the Elephant. The performance seemed a little rushed, but when Jules slowed things down at the end, she earned chair turns from Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson. Kelly said she was surprised to learn Jules was so young and called it a “really cool” version of the song. Blake said he thinks she could make it to the finale. Jules joined Team Kelly.

Michael Williams, 18, Mason, Ohio, “You Say” by Lauren Daigle: He hit a big glory note near the end of the song, then delivered a tender ending and that was enough to prompt a late chair turn from Nick Jonas. Nick said he crushed the performance and was glad the other coaches didn’t turn.

ALSO AUDITIONED