Riley Green Uses First-In Button on The Voice for Allie Rae

Country music artist Riley Green made a strategic move during Monday’s episode of The Voice Season 30. He used his season-ending First-In button to automatically claim 15-year-old singer Allie Rae for his team. The dramatic moment happened after the teenager’s standout Blind Audition performance of Alannah Myles’ classic hit “Black Velvet.”

During the preliminary rounds of the NBC reality singing competition, coaches Kelly Clarkson, Queen Latifah, Adam Levine, and Green used various strategic tools to shape their rosters. While other coaches had already used their First-In buttons earlier in the season, Green waited. He explained that patience was part of his tactical approach. That patience paid off when the young Texas vocalist took the stage.

Allie Rae captivated the coaching panel from her very first notes. Green turned his chair immediately. Kelly Clarkson and Queen Latifah followed closely behind. The performance sparked high praise from the judges, who commended the contestant’s vocal maturity, range, and control.

Coaches Laud Allie Rae’s Blind Audition

Kelly Clarkson compared the teenager’s unique tone and vibrato to country icons Dolly Parton and Alison Krauss. “I love your voice. Sometimes I’d hear a little Dolly in how you did your vibrato, but then I’d hear Alison Krauss sometimes,” Clarkson noted. She emphasized how the song choice highlighted the contestant’s impressive belting capabilities and vocal range.

Queen Latifah shared similar sentiments, highlighting the organic nature of the delivery. “It just felt so natural to you, and I just had to see who was singing that song,” Latifah said, describing the performance as exquisite.

During the post-performance discussion, Allie Rae shared that her musical influences include acclaimed artists such as Chris Stapleton and Aretha Franklin. Green praised the young singer for taking a well-known song and tailoring it to fit her own distinct artistry. “That’s what it takes to really stand out, and I have no doubt you can do it,” Green told her.

The Strategic First-In Button Reveal

As Clarkson and Latifah tried to pitch the young singer to their respective teams, Green decided the moment called for decisive action. He pointed out that he was the first coach to spin his chair for the contestant, and then he triggered the rule-bending First-In button.

This feature allows the first turning coach to bypass traditional pitching battles and automatically secure the artist. Adam Levine watched from the sidelines and expressed surprise as Green finalized the move. Clarkson showed immediate disappointment at losing out on the talented prospect.

Backstage after the broadcast, Allie Rae expressed excitement about joining Team Green. She noted that she did not expect the coach to use the unique advantage to bypass the traditional team selection process. As the Blind Auditions continue to heat up, the remaining teams are rapidly filling while the coaches prepare their rosters for the upcoming Battle rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the First-In button on The Voice?

The First-In button is a strategic twist introduced in recent seasons. It allows the coach who was the absolute first to turn their chair for an artist to automatically win them over, bypassing pitches and the contestant’s final choice.

Which coach used the First-In button on Allie Rae?

Country artist Riley Green used his First-In button during Episode 4 of Season 30 to automatically add 15-year-old Allie Rae to his team.

What song did Allie Rae perform during her Blind Audition?

Allie Rae performed a powerful rendition of Alannah Myles’ 1989 rock classic “Black Velvet.”

Who are the coaches for Season 30 of The Voice?

The coaching panel for Season 30 features Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, Queen Latifah, and Riley Green.

Where is Allie Rae from?

Allie Rae is a 15-year-old singer hailing from Santa Fe, Texas.