The Voice Season 30 delivered another packed night of Blind Auditions on September 28, with powerful country singers, unexpected coach choices and two performances strong enough to turn all four chairs.
The night opened in a big way when 35-year-old Cade Mower performed Zach Bryan’s “Something in the Orange.” Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine and Queen Latifah turned quickly, with Riley Green joining them to complete the four-chair turn. After a fierce battle, Cade ultimately chose Riley.
Bryan Jaymes followed with “Every Time You Go Away.” Adam turned first, Queen followed and Riley joined near the end, giving Bryan three options. Despite Adam making a passionate pitch, Bryan ultimately surprised him by choosing Queen Latifah.
Then came Riley’s biggest strategic move of the night. Fifteen-year-old Allie Rae performed “Black Velvet,” immediately catching Riley’s attention before Kelly and Queen also turned. Kelly appeared determined to win the young singer, but Riley had something the others no longer possessed.
He pressed his First-In button.
Because Riley had been the first coach to turn, the Season 30 twist allowed him to immediately secure Allie for his team. It was the final First-In button still available among the coaches, and Riley had waited until Episode 4 to finally use it.
The strong performances kept coming. Connor Closs earned turns from Adam and Riley with “Too Sweet” before choosing Adam, while Saade turned Kelly, Riley and Queen with her powerful performance of “Oscar Winning Tears.” Saade eventually chose Kelly, revealing that she had grown up listening to Clarkson’s music.
Riley added another singer when Everett Bounds performed “Drivin’ My Life Away” and received the night’s only turn from him. Sophia Liano then took on the difficult “I Surrender,” earning turns from Queen and Riley before choosing Team Queen.
One of the night’s biggest surprises arrived with Alabama country singer Anna McElroy. Her performance of “80s Mercedes” earned turns from Kelly, Queen and Riley, and everything seemed to favor fellow Alabamian Riley. Instead, Kelly fought hard for her — and somehow convinced Anna to join Team Kelly.
Julia Clark’s distinctive take on “Bellyache” sparked a battle between Queen and Adam, with Julia ultimately choosing Adam. Cal Cook followed and also landed on Team Adam after Levine became the only coach to turn for his performance of “The Dress.”
Not every audition ended with a chair turn. Serrin Joy and Brett Tomberlin both left without joining a team, although the coaches encouraged them after recognizing promising moments in their performances.
The final audition brought another huge moment when 31-year-old surgical technologist Chari performed Oleta Adams’ “Get Here.” All four coaches turned, with Adam even remaining on his feet as he praised her performance. Queen eventually won Chari over after describing the performance as having “surgical precision.”
By the end of Episode 4, Kelly Clarkson, Queen Latifah and Riley Green each had eight artists, while Adam Levine had seven. With the teams rapidly filling up, the remaining Blind Auditions now leave the coaches with fewer openings — and increasingly difficult decisions about which voices they simply cannot afford to let go.
