Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Five more singers earned spots on The Voice’s third blind audition episode of Season 15.

That included one who earned a coveted four-chair turn and one who became just the second 13-year-old to earn a spot on the show since Season 12.

In addition, Wyatt Rivers failed to turn a chair with his blind audition, but will get a second shot at making Season 15.

That’s because he was selected as the first male to compete on The Voice’s new Comeback Stage.

Here’s a recap of Tuesday’s show. Follow the links and you’ll find a profile of each contestant.

Reagan Strange, 13, Memphis, Tenn.: She says ever since she was 6 her family has sit on the couch and watched The Voice. She’s a freshman in high school and says she’s been singing for a long time. But she got really serious when she sang the national anthem at a Grizzlies game at age 9. “I love this show so much, and just being here is an amazing thing,” she says before launching into a version of “Meant to Be.” Adam Levine turns just as she hits the chorus. Late in the performance, Blake Shelton turns as well, giving Reagan a two-chair turn. Adam notes that he turned around first. He likes the effortlessness in Reagan’s vocals. Reagan calls herself a soul, pop, ballad singer. Blake notes that he’s worked with a wide range of singers and she’d stand out on his team of country artists. Reagan joins Team Adam.

Foushee, 28, Harlem, New York: She says her mother was in an all-girls reggae band in Jamaica. Moving to the U.S. was a dream. Unfortunately, her mother was badly injured in an accident that left her with serious injuries; she had to relearn how to walk. Foushee calls that a wake-up call to pursue her dreams. Right now, she’s singing as part of a house band in a club in New York where Jimmy Hendrix used to perform. She’ll audition with “Redbone.” She gets a mid-performance chair turn from Jennifer Hudson. A crazy high note prompts Adam Levine to turn as well. Adam compliments her on her outer-space voice. Jennifer likes her unique sound, and calls her rare and amazing. Foushee joins Team Adam.

Wyatt Rivers, 22, Durham, N.C.: He’s feeling a bit of impostor syndrome, because he’s a guy who just likes to sing at home. He’s heading off to medical school after graduating from Duke University. He says he’s always done music, but it wasn’t until the end of college that he began recording some of his own songs. He calls this “far and away” the biggest thing that’s ever happened with him and music. He’s going to audition with “River.” He immediately displays a nice tone. But the song concludes without a chair turn for Wyatt Rivers, which Kelly calls the sexiest name ever. Of course, Wyatt joins the Comeback Stage.

Chris Kroeze, 27, Barron, Wisc.: He says he lives in the epitome of small-town America. His closest neighbors are one-half mile away. But he plays about 230 shows a year. He’s a country singer, but says he’s not afraid to rock out. He’s started to do shows for the troops in the Middle East, though that meant flying for a first time. All that said, he admits music at the level he’s performing isn’t “sustainable” for much longer. He needs the boost The Voice could give his career. He launches into a version of “Pride and Joy” and earns quick chair turns from Blake and Jennifer. Despite a great audition and a really impressive ending, those are the only two coaches to turn. Jennifer liked the touch of blues in Chris’ performance. Blake calls his singing “electrifying.” Chris decides to join Team Blake.

MaKenzie Thomas, 20 Wallingford, Kentucky: She auditioned for Season 14, didn’t get a chair turn and admits crying on the way home. She said she still struggles with the feeling that she belongs on The Voice stage because she doesn’t look like someone you’d see on a magazine cover. She’s been singing with a group called Elevated Praise. She says she’s been practicing like crazy and feels like she has her nerves more under control this time around. She’s going to audition with “Big White Room,” one of the first songs she listened to after not making Season 14. MaKenzie has a really nice voice. She’s made the show, prompting Jennifer to turn around. Jennifer’s the only one to turn around, but MaKenzie calls Jennifer “her idol.” Jennifer calls her “JHUD material.”

Sandy Redd, 35, Chicago, Ill.: She’s one of eight children and says her mom was an amazing singer. When they were old enough, the children became the mom’s background singer. At 17, Sandy gave birth to her first son and music fell to the wayside. Her mom died following the birth of her second son. Sandy says that made her feel that life is short and she decided to pour her heart into her music. She’s also started a summer program that teaches music, doing that in her mother’s honor. Sandy is auditioning with “River.” Wow, Sandy is a dynamic performer and gets quick chair turns from Adam Levine and Jennifer Hudson. Well before the song ends, Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton turn too. I think it’s safe to say that’s the best performance we’ve seen in a blind audition this year from both a vocal and performance standpoint. Jennifer throws both of her shoes at the stage. She adds Kelly’s jacket. Adam drops off a sneaker. Blake contributes his mug. Kelly says Sandy is like “fire.” Adam says Sandy can win the show. Sandy picks Team Kelly.