Riley Green Dominates 'The Voice' Debut, Recruiting Alabama Standouts to Team Riley

Riley Green officially made himself at home Monday night during his energetic debut as a coach on NBC’s “The Voice.” The country star didn’t just bring his musical expertise to the panel; he brought duck calls, a quick wit, and a clear strategy to dominate by recruiting top-tier talent from his home state of Alabama.

The night began with a playful rivalry between Green and veteran coach Adam Levine. The two went head-to-head over a performer known as Big Country. Levine, boasting of his four series wins, noted he was the first to turn, but Green was ready with a jab, suggesting Levine’s nickname should be “Little City.” Levine countered with “Average City,” but despite the banter, Big Country chose Queen Latifah as his coach.

Green found his rhythm quickly with 19-year-old Joe Henley of Grand Bay, who introduced himself as being from “L.A. – Lower Alabama.” Henley, who had only ever performed in church or by campfires, delivered a deep-toned rendition of Travis Tritt’s “Anymore.” Green and fellow coach Kelly Clarkson both vied for the young singer. Clarkson even tried standing in front of Green to break the obvious connection between the two Alabamians. “It’s his eyes, I can’t help it,” Henley admitted when Clarkson told him to stop looking at Green. After Green hopped on stage to sing a bit of his own song “My Way” with Henley, the deal was sealed, leaving Clarkson to lament, “Well, damn.”

Green’s recruitment streak continued with 25-year-old Caroline Alexis of Ozark, Alabama. Alexis performed Rascal Flatts’ “Take Me There,” prompting Green to be the only judge to turn—though Levine notably considered it. Green praised her tone and song choice, even finding common ground when Alexis revealed she was a law graduate studying for the bar. “We’re a lot alike,” Green joked. “I go to the bar in my downtime too.”

Beyond the recruitment, Green offered seasoned perspective to contestants, sharing that he didn't sign a record deal until he was 30 and had faced many rejections. By the end of the premiere, Green felt confident in his position, declaring Team Riley the one to beat. Clarkson agreed, albeit frustratingly, noting that “Riley Green is killing it.”

“The Voice” continues its three-night kickoff with one-hour blind audition episodes airing Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m. on NBC, with episodes available to stream the following day on Peacock.