Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Blake Shelton has coaches more singers to victory than anyone else on The Voice.

He routinely winds up with more than one singer in the season finale. Last spring, he had three.

But until Monday’s show, he’d yet to land a four-chair turn in Season 17.

That changed, thanks to talented Ricky Duran who opted to join Team Blake after dazzling the coaches with his cover of Leon Bridges’ “River.”

In fact, Blake picked up four artists on the night, including young Joana Martinez, who turned three chairs at age 15 with her powerful vocals.

Here’s a recap.

BEST OF THE NIGHT

Ricky Duran, 29, Worcester, Mass., “River” by Leon Bridges: Ricky launched into a passionate, soulful version of the song. And chairs started turning. Heck, everyone’s chair turned before he hit the chorus. Blake liked his stage presence and the confidence he showed. John praised his control. Gwen called his performance “tasteful” and Ricky “incredibly talented.” Kelly liked his rasp and his story-telling ability. Ricky decided to join Team Blake.

RUNNERS-UP

Matt New, Midland, Texas, “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee: Hey, I really like Matt’s tone. And he’s got some pretty ridiculous range too. Kelly Clarkson turned in early in the performance. Gwen Stefanie soon followed suit. And Matt enticed a third chair turn in John Legend on the very last note. Gwen said there’s something cool about his voice and he has star power. Kelly said he showed lots of control with his performance. John called his audition “an enjoyable listen.” With the input of his family, Matt opted to join Team Legend.

Joana Martinez, 15, of Miami, Fla. “Call Out My Name” by The Weeknd: Joana displayed a nice soulful tone, but it wasn’t until she hit a big power note miday through the performance that three coaches — Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Kelly Clarkson — turned around almost simultaneously. Blake called it a perfect performance. Gwen praised her composure and her stage presence. Kelly gave her pointers on connecting with an audience. Joana opted to join Team Blake. The power in that young lady’s voice reminds me a lot of Season 5 finalist Jacquie Lee.

ON TEAM BLAKE

Zach Bridges, 28, Pearl, Mississippi, “Ol’Red” by Blake Shelton: Zach showed off a solid country tone from the start and got a pretty quick chair turn from the original singer of the song. By the midway point in the song, Gwen Stefani turned as well. Gwen said she turned because she’s a fan of the song and Blake. Blake complimented him on doing a great job with his “signature” song. Zach declines Gwen’s invite to “go crazy” and joined Team Blake.

EllieMae, 21, Jerome, Idaho, “Merry Go Round” by Kacey Musgraves: ElieMae was well into the song when she enticed a chair turn from Blake Shelton. And that prompted quite a smile from the gal from Idaho. And a few tears. Blake said he loves her folksy sound. And since he was the only one to turn, ElieMae automatically became a member of Team Blake.

ON TEAM GWEN

Jessie Lawrence, 31, Newark, N.J., “All or Nothing,” by O-Town: He showed off a big voice and lots of passion on stage. And he earned a chair turn from Gwen Stefani. Gwen called his voice “raw and untamed” and liked the fact that his approach to the song sounded so genuine. Because she was the only coach to turn, Jessie automatically joined Team Gwen.

Brennen Henson, 20, Flint, Mich., “Riptide” by Vance Joy: A really strong opening from Brendan makes an impression, but he’s well into the song because Gwen Stefani turns. Brennen turned in an impressive audition, but it wasn’t until the very end that Blake Shelton turned as well. Gwen likes the character in his voice. Blake called BRennen a great singer and a great artist. And Brennen opted to join Team Gwen.

ON TEAM LEGEND

Jared Herzog, 21, Niceville, Fla., “Speechless” by Dan and Shay: Jared shows off nice range, especially at the start of the country hit, which sounds a lot less country with him singing it. John Legend and Blake Shelton turned almost simultaneously. Gwen Stefanie later turned as well. John praised Jared’s opening and the versatility to his vocals. Gwen said he has lots of personality in his voice and an ability to convey emotion. Blake said Jared has a great voice. Jared joined Team John.

ON TEAM KELLY

Lauren Hall, 25, West Hollywood, Calif., “One and Only” by Adele: Wow, Kelly Clarkson turned one line into Lauren’s performance. It was an impressive opening. And Hall shows off a nice little growl in her voice. But that’s the only chair turn she can entice, so she automatically becomes a member of Team Kelly. Gwen Stefani says Lauren sounds a lot like Kelly. John called her voice soulful and earnest.

Brooke Stephenson, 28, Colorado, “Let Him Fly,” by The Dixie Chicks / Patty Griffin: She delivered a nice blend of soul and country and a really nice ache in her voice. And that combination prompted chair turns from Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton. Kelly complimented her on a beautiful voice. Gwen said her singer-songwriter vibe was obvious. Blake loved the emotional connect she was able to make. Brooke opted to join Team Kelly.

NO CHAIR TURNS