“The Voice” premiered its 30th season with a cliffhanger, and Wednesday’s finale delivered the answer. Lexi Stephens picked Team Adam Levine, and the Maroon 5 frontman responded by leaping out of his seat and doing pushups on the stage. Levine called Stephens “very much a unicorn” and told her he believed she would win the show.
Levine was tied with Clarkson at four wins each on the show, and she made that clear to viewers. Clarkson was not happy about it. She promised to push back, saying “I don’t like that we’re tied now,” and she added “I gotta do something about it. I will.”.
Levine’s Pushup Celebration
Stephens announced her choice, and Levine reacted instantly with dramatic flair. He sprang from his seat and began performing pushups right there upon the stage. Every judge had faced about to watch Stephens during her audition, and Levine’s display of physical exertion plainly showed which contestant held the advantage.
“I love that I changed your mind because I do believe you’re going to win this show,” Levine told Stephens backstage. He later doubled down on his prediction from his chair. “I have no one like that. I’m calling it right now, I think she’s going to win.”
Clarkson responded with a playful jab. “That’s a good one!” she told him. Levine agreed, saying, “I have no one like that. I’m calling it right now, I think she’s going to win.”
Clarkson’s Tied Record
Clarkson has won the show more than once, and she has repeatedly shown that she treats competition with real seriousness. Her remark about the tie served as a reminder that she does not want to see Levine end her winning record.
The two coaches have traded victories throughout the show’s history, and Clarkson’s frustration was genuine. “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.”
She made clear she would not let Levine’s victory go unanswered. Her reply aimed to remind everyone that she has claimed her own share of wins, and she will not permit him to take the lead.
Kyle Davis’s Soulful Return
Kyle Davis, 61, is a crooner who gave up his record deal and touring life in the early 2000s to raise a family. He is now trying again, since his daughters have shown an interest in music. His performance of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” was described as “absolute perfection.”.
Davis kept his voice steady throughout, and it remained a pleasure to hear. Every one of the four judges wanted him on their team, yet Clarkson was the one who managed to secure him.
“I think it’s my turn to win this season,” she said. “I can taste the victory already.”
TVLine graded Davis’s performance an A+.
Kenna Elpers’s Blind Reunion
Kenna Elpers, 23, previously opened for Riley Green at a music festival in 2023. She brought along the koozies that Green threw at her and her mom, hoping to use them to toast to her joining his team.
Queen Latifah turned around long before the final reveal, but it wasn’t really a surprise. Everyone already knew who Elpers was going to pick, and she sealed the deal with Green by closing out Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse.”. The audition felt less like a secret tryout and more like a homecoming.
TVLine graded Elpers’s performance a B+.
Morgan Lett’s Sultry Run
Morgan Lett, 27, fully owned Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down” from the moment those first sultry notes slipped out of her mouth. She handled the song’s bigger moments with confidence.
This performance was full of attitude and power from Lett, who gave the band behind her a real challenge. She wrapped that energy up with a gorgeous run, and the judges were clearly impressed by it.
TVLine graded Lett’s performance an A.
Brooklyn Marie’s Surprise Choice
A Minnesota teenager known as Brooklyn Marie, 14, regularly entertains her chickens and rabbits at home. She recently took Queen Latifah and Kelly Clarkson by surprise with her version of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor.”.
Latifah immediately heard something unique in 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 graded Marie’s performance an A-.
Amanda Mikkel’s Moon River Tribute
We were already hooked on Amanda Mikkel, 31, before she ever stepped onto the stage for the premiere week. Then she delivered a stunning performance, and our affection for her grew even stronger after hearing her gorgeous take on Andy Williams’ “Moon River.”.
The song was sung in honor of her fellow dreamers, and it felt like a refreshing change — something distinct, something marvelous.
Four coaches were competing for Mikkel, and Adam Levine won the battle by pressing his First-In Button. The phrase “We enjoyed the twist, but we can’t say the same for Kelly Clarkson, unless “I can’t stand you right now!” carries a different meaning from what it appears to be saying.
TVLine graded Mikkel’s performance an A.
A Week Of Wins
During the first week of the show, the lineup included both a 61-year-old crooner and a 14-year-old teenager. Every contestant added their own distinct touch to the proceedings, and the judges offered their reactions to each performance.
| Contestant | Age | Song | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexi Stephens | N/A | N/A | Joined Team Adam Levine |
| Kyle Davis | 61 | Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” | Joined Team Kelly Clarkson |
| Kenna Elpers | 23 | Chris Stapleton’s “White Horse” | Joined Team Riley Green |
| Morgan Lett | 27 | Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down” | N/A |
| Brooklyn Marie | 14 | Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor” | Joined Team Kelly Clarkson |
| Amanda Mikkel | 31 | Andy Williams’ “Moon River” | Levine secured her via First-In Button |
What It Means For The Season
Clarkson has shown time and again that she is a fierce competitor, and she will not let Levine take the lead without a fight. Her determination means she is not going to hand that victory over without putting up a struggle. Levine’s win puts him in front going into the next round, but Clarkson is unlikely to let him stay there without a contest.
At the heart of the show’s ongoing dynamic sits the friction between the two coaches. Premiere week established the template for how the season would unfold.
Source material: “The Voice Premiere Week Ends With A Big Move From Adam Levine — And Kelly Clarkson Isn't Happy About It,” TVLine.
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