Riley Green Says ‘The Voice’ Contestant Everett Bounds Could Be a Future ‘Household Name’ After Blind Audition

Everett Bounds brought his impressive, twangy vocals to his The Voice Blind Audition, immediately grabbing the coaches’ attention with his raspy, authentic country sound.

The 23-year-old took on Eddie Rabbitt’s 1980, gold-certified hit, “Drivin’ My Life Away,” offering a fresh energy to the classic tune as he sang about life on the highway and the desire to continue chasing something better. In this case, Bounds was chasing something better of his own, his dream of making it as a singer.

Just a few moments into the performance, Bounds had Riley Green hooked. Right before the hopeful finished delivering the chorus, Green turned his chair, while the other coaches could still be seen singing and dancing along to Bounds’ unique voice and impressive range.

By the end, Green was still the only coach to turn his chair, meaning Bounds automatically became a member of Team Riley, giving the California native the chance to move on in the competition.

Returning The Voice coach Adam Levine pointed out that as soon as he heard that country sound in Everett’s voice, he knew that Green was the coach he was going to choose in the end, “no matter what.”

Coach Queen Latifah praised him for delivering a “wonderful performance.” Even though she couldn’t see him on stage, she knew that he was bringing an undeniable energy to the stage.

“You were rocking out there and I couldn’t even see you. How did he look? Was he giving it all” she asked the live audience that filled the room with cheers in response.

Latifah added, “Very nice mustache too.”

Kelly Clarkson admitted she was immediately a fan of Everett’s voice, but ultimately did not turn her chair knowing that he would be the perfect fit for Team Riley.

“I love the song choice. I was singing harmony with you the whole time. I loved it,” Clarkson admitted. “It’s hard to beat him with country and I have fought this entire time and lost every single time. And I’m feeling good about myself. I’m in a good place right now emotionally. Welcome to the show. Have a good time.”

Green joked that he could hear the mustache when Everett was singing and stated, “it sounded great.”

“Great song choice. It was a lot of fun. I know you can do a million different things. I heard a little soul in there. Overall…,” Green said making a pun as he pulled out a pair of bib overalls to present to his new team member…“It was a great performance. Congratulations.”

The “Worst Way” singer later explained that he felt a “certain amount of energy” from Eddie’s performance that he felt he was missing on is team. He continued to offer high praises towards the emerging act, claiming he’s got a “radio voice” and is one of those artists who could easily become “a household name,” in his opinion.

Everett Bounds journey, along with the rest of the Season 30 contestants will continue on once the Blind Auditions come to an end. New episodes of The Voice air Monday & Tuesday at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock.