Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The Voice unveiled its final four — as in the last four artists to nab a spot on Season 20 — Monday night.

Then the show dropped a bit of a bombshell.

Kelly Clarkson will miss the battle round. She was apparently under the weather when the battles were filmed.

Her place will be taken by Kelsea Ballerini.

Gee, imagine how that must feel. You have a choice of superstar coaches. You decide to go with Team Kelly.

Then she misses the battles.

Oh, well, her team members still get a cute jacket.

In truth, fewer contestants picked Kelly than you might suspect.

Fact is, she had landed just seven artists by the time Nick, John and Blake all filled their teams.

Remember the one-chair turn auditions of Halley Greg and JD Casper? Well, they could only turn one chair because Kelly was the only coach with a spot left when they auditioned.

The show simply aired the auditions out of order, which is common practice for The Voice.

Now, on to Monday’s recap.

BEST OF THE NIGHT

The artist: Denisha Dalton, 22,
Audition song: “Pillowtalk” by Zayn
Chair turns: As soon as Denisha hit the chorus, Blake turned. He was quickly followed by John and Kelly.
Feedback: Kelly loved Denisha’s sass and her “sultry” tone. John called her performance fearless. He also complimented Denisha on her style and her infectious smile.
Her choice: Denisha joined Team John, completing his team.

ALSO MADE THE SHOW

The artist: Keegan Ferrell, 21, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Audition song: “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5
Chair turns: Kelly turned before Keegan reached the chorus and began singing along. Blake later joined her.
Feedback: Blake complimented Keegan on having a voice that’s “so smooth” and said there’s nobody like Keegan on his team. Plus there was a lot of blather than had nothing to do with Keegan.
His choice: Keegan went with Team Blake, completing his team for Season 20.

The artist: Ainae, 21, Washington, D.C.
Audition song: “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar
Chair turns: By the time she performed, only Kelly had a spot remaining on her team. Ainae was about halfway through her performance when Kelly turned.
Feedback: Nick complimented her on her vocal control and the unique qualities in her voice. John said he loved the tone of her voice. Kelly liked the ethereal quality of her performance.
Her choice: Ainae didn’t have one, but she did land the final spot on Season 20.

The artist: Awari, Virginia Beach, Va.
Audition song: “Weak” by SWV
Chair turns: Kelly turned midway through the performance. Nick turned as Awari brought up the energy level in his performance. John and Blake had already filled their teams.
Feedback: Nick called his performance “phenomenal” and said he’s making an album with many of the same influences as Awari demonstrated in his audition. Kelly called his performance very emotional and reminded him she turned first.
His choice: Awari decided to join Team Nick.