The Voice Season 30 Premiere — Part 3 Recap
The three-night premiere of The Voice Season 30 concluded on September 23 with the third installment featuring veteran coaches Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine alongside newcomers Riley Green and Queen Latifah. Carson Daly returned as host for the finale of the blind audition episodes. This season introduces a new strategic element, the “First In Button,” which allows the coach who turns first during a multi-chair decision to claim the artist immediately. Each coach can use that button only once.
Lexi Chooses Adam Levine
The episode opened with the resolution of a previous cliffhanger: four-chair turn artist Lexi Stephens revealed her choice of coach. After all four coaches turned, Lexi selected Adam Levine, who praised her as a potential winner. Lexi said she initially auditioned thinking of Kelly Clarkson, but ultimately chose Adam.
Kyle Davis — 61 — Prince George, Virginia
Kyle Davis, age 61, surprised with a passionate rendition of “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel. His voice carried a gravelly, experienced tone rather than sounding like an “old man” voice. The coaches compared his delivery to classic rock vocalists, with Kelly drawing parallels to Bono. Kyle explained he once had a record deal with Phil Ramone but stepped away from music to raise a family and later worked in real estate. His decades of experience earned him a four-chair turn, and he ultimately chose Kelly as his coach.
Kenna Elpers — 23 — Indiana
Kenna, who has opened for Riley Green at live shows, performed “White Horse” by Chris Stapleton. Queen Latifah turned early, and Riley turned at the last moment. Her raspy tone combined with the band sometimes made the vocals less distinct, but the coaches encouraged her potential. Kenna referenced the festival where she and Riley crossed paths and even gifted him a koozie tied to that memory. She selected Riley as her coach after both Queen and Riley turned.
Morgan Lett — 27 — Akron, Ohio
Morgan delivered a soulful, big-voiced performance of “I’m Goin’ Down.” Her old-school approach and strong vocal presence prompted quick turns from Queen Latifah and Riley Green. Coaches praised her impressive range and emotional delivery, noting moments that stretched beyond expectations. Morgan chose Queen Latifah as her coach, citing the connection to the song and Queen’s response.
Brooklyn Marie — 14 — Alexandria, Minnesota
Fourteen-year-old Brooklyn Marie, a farm-raised performer who has been singing locally since age 11, tackled Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor.” Queen Latifah turned quickly, and Kelly Clarkson followed. While the coaches acknowledged Brooklyn’s early start and stage experience, some felt her voice remains very young and would benefit from further growth before competing on a national stage. Brooklyn ultimately chose Kelly, telling her that Kelly had always been her inspiration.
Conor Pederson — 26 — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Conor performed “Mercy” by Shawn Mendes with a pleasant tone and a tremulous vibrato. Working in corporate finance by day, he showed promise but struggled with timing and dynamics when singing with the full band, and no coaches turned. Adam suggested Conor might return with a more stripped-down performance that showcases his acoustic strengths.
Amanda Mikkel — 31 — Dayton, Ohio / Los Angeles
Amanda, who now lives in Los Angeles and described a difficult period when she slept in her car, chose “Moon River” for her audition. Her warm, clear tone and heartfelt phrasing impressed all four coaches, producing a unanimous four-chair turn. Adam Levine called her voice “pure” and pressed his “First In Button” to claim her immediately, using his one-time advantage. Amanda confirmed she would have chosen Adam.
The third night wrapped up strong, highlighting a mix of experienced performers and promising young talent. Coaches leaned into different strengths—vocal maturity, storytelling, country roots, and soulful expression—while the new First In Button added an extra strategic edge. The Voice schedule transitions to two-hour episodes on Monday nights at 8 PM on NBC, with episodes available to stream on Peacock the next day.