Riley Green wasted no time claiming Everett Bounds for Team Riley after the young singer delivered a country performance that caught his attention from the very first notes.
The 23-year-old California native took the stage during The Voice Season 30 Blind Auditions and performed Eddie Rabbitt’s 1980 hit Drivin’ My Life Away.
Bounds brought a raspy country voice and plenty of energy to the classic song. His twang and wide vocal range quickly had the Coaches listening closely, but Green was the first to make his move.
Just before Bounds finished the chorus, Green turned his chair.
By the end of the performance, Green was the only Coach to turn around, which meant Bounds automatically joined Team Riley.
Riley Green already sees a big future for Everett Bounds
After the performance, Green made it clear that he saw something special in the young singer.
“He’s one of those guys that you give him the right song, I can see him being a household name,” Green said.
The country star also pointed out that Bounds had the kind of “radio voice” that could connect with a large audience.
Green joked that he could even hear Bounds’ mustache while he was singing before praising his song choice and the energy he brought to the stage.
Then came an unexpected Team Riley welcome.
Green pulled out a pair of bib overalls and handed them to Bounds as he officially welcomed him to the team.
The other Coaches knew Everett belonged with Riley
Adam Levine admitted that Bounds’ country sound immediately made him think of Green.
Levine said he knew that if Bounds had turned around and found Green waiting for him, the singer would likely choose the country star “no matter what.”
Queen Latifah also praised Bounds for his performance and said she could feel his energy even though she could not see him while listening from her chair.
Kelly Clarkson revealed that she loved the performance and was singing along with Bounds.
“I love the song choice,” Clarkson said, adding that she knew it would be difficult to beat Green when it came to recruiting a country singer.
For Bounds, that decision was ultimately made for him when Green became the only Coach to turn his chair.
Everett Bounds is now officially Team Riley
Green said there was a certain energy in Bounds’ performance that he had been looking for on his team.
He also pointed to the singer’s ability to bring a little soul into the country performance, suggesting there could be much more to explore as the competition continues.
With his Blind Audition now complete, Bounds will move forward with Green as his Coach.
And if Green is right about the 23-year-old having the potential to become a household name, Team Riley may have just added another artist worth watching on Season 30.