The Voice Season 30 Premiere Recap: Adam Levine Uses First-In Button

After leaving viewers on a cliffhanger the night before, “The Voice” returned on Wednesday with the conclusion of its three-night Season 30 premiere, revealing who Lexi Stephens chose as her coach. (We know, you really lost sleep over this one.)

Feeling the pressure after that four-coach turn, Stephens nervously kicked off the show by announcing that she was joining Team Adam Levine, at which point the Maroon 5 frontman leapt out of his chair and started doing pushups on the stage. In case you couldn’t tell from this subtle reaction, Levine was pretty thrilled about his big win.

“Lexi embodies what it is to be a ‘Voice’ winner,” Levine told the camera, calling his new team member “very much a unicorn.” Speaking with Stephens backstage, he told her, “I love that I changed your mind because I do believe you’re going to win this show. You’re so special, and I can’t wait to work with you.”

It was quite a bold statement for Levine to make so early in the season, but he doubled down on it when he returned to his chair. “That’s a good one!” Kelly Clarkson told him, proving she can still be a good sport about another coach’s win. Levine agreed, saying, “I have no one like that. I’m calling it right now, I think she’s going to win.”

But make no mistake, Clarkson isn’t about to hand that victory over to Levine without a fight. “Adam and I have four wins each on this show,” she pointed out. “I don’t like that we’re tied now. I gotta do something about it. I will.”

This 61-year-old crooner left his record deal and touring life behind in the early 2000s to start a family, but with his daughters now showing an interest in music themselves, he’s giving his own career another go — and thank goodness he is, because that performance of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” was absolute perfection. His soulful voice never faltered or wavered. It was simply a pleasure to listen to. All four judges were gunning to get Kyle Davis on their team, but Kelly Clarkson ultimately landed him, and she took a moment to celebrate her big win. “I think it’s my turn to win this season,” she said. “I can taste the victory already.”

TVLine’s grade: A+

This one was less of a Blind Audition and more of a Blind Reunion, considering Kenna Elpers previously opened for Riley Green at a music festival in 2023. Elpers even brought along the koozies that Green threw at her and her mom, hoping to use them to toast to her joining his team. It could have been really awkward if Green didn’t turn around, but fortunately for Elpers, she managed to win him over with the explosive ending of Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse.” Queen Latifah turned around much earlier, but come on, we all knew who Elpers was going to choose.

TVLine’s grade: B+

Some auditions just leave you with a big, dumb smile on your face, and this was definitely one of them for us. Morgan Lett fully owned Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down” from the moment those first sultry notes slipped out of her mouth, and she handled the song’s bigger moments with just as much precision. Lett gave so much attitude in this performance, and so much power, giving the band behind her a run for its money. She tied this gift up with a gorgeous run, and we were blessed to receive it.

TVLine’s grade: A

This Minnesota teen, who regularly performs for her chickens and rabbits at home, took Queen Latifah and Kelly Clarkson by surprise with her rendition of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor.” Latifah immediately heard something unique in Brooklyn Marie’s soft, sweet vocals, slamming her hand down on that button. Clarkson eventually recognized the same magic in Marie’s voice, turning around and delivering an instant gasp. Sadly for Latifah, this one was another foregone conclusion. “It’s always been Kelly!” Marie said as she accepted her place on Clarkson’s team.

TVLine’s grade: A-

Now this is how you end a premiere week. We were immediately invested in Amanda Mikkel’s story before she took the stage, and we fell even more in love with her after hearing that gorgeous take on Andy Willams’ “Moon River,” which she sang in tribute to her fellow dreamers. It was like a breath of fresh air. Something different. Something wonderful. It came as no surprise that all four coaches wanted Mikkel on their team, but in came Adam Levine with his First-In Button. We enjoyed the twist, but we can’t say the same for Kelly Clarkson, unless “I can’t stand you right now!” means something other than how it sounds.

TVLine’s grade: A