Riley Green Leaves His ‘The Voice’ Chair to Join Joe Henley for Surprise ‘My Way’ Duet
Riley Green did not stay behind his famous red chair for long during his The Voice coaching debut.
During the Season 30 premiere on September 21, the country star stepped onto the stage with 19-year-old contestant Joe Henley for an impromptu performance of Green’s song “My Way,” giving the young Alabama singer a memorable moment before he ultimately joined Team Riley.
Joe Henley immediately caught Riley Green’s attention
Henley opened his Blind Audition with Travis Tritt’s 1991 hit “Anymore.” His deep baritone immediately drew the attention of Green and fellow coach Kelly Clarkson, with both coaches turning their chairs almost at once.
Adam Levine and Queen Latifah chose not to turn, leaving Green and Clarkson to compete for Henley.
The connection between Henley and Green was apparent almost immediately. Both are from Alabama, and Henley had already made it clear that Green was the coach he hoped would turn for him.
Clarkson still made her case.
“I have won this show, man, with country singers, plural,” she told Henley. She then pointed out that many country singers would likely gravitate toward Green and suggested that Henley could stand out by becoming the only country artist on her team.
Henley reveals his country influences
Green was quick to praise the teenager following his audition.
“You’re amazing, dude. You are amazing. You sound fantastic,” the coach told him.
Green then asked Henley about his musical influences. The 19-year-old named Travis Tritt, George Strait and Keith Whitley among the artists who have influenced him.
Green jokingly asked whether he belonged on that list, too.
Henley had a quick response: “I didn’t get to my number one.”
The comment made it clear where Green stood in Henley’s musical hierarchy.
Riley Green grabs his guitar for ‘My Way’
The moment that appeared to settle the coaching battle came when Green asked Henley about his favorite Riley Green song.
Henley chose “My Way,” a song from Green’s new album, That’s Just Me.
Green immediately got out of his chair, picked up his guitar and walked onto the stage.
Rather than turning the moment into a showcase for himself, Green let Henley take the lead as the two performed “My Way” together. Clarkson joined from her chair, adding harmonies to the performance.
The impromptu duet gave Henley the opportunity to sing alongside the coach he had hoped to work with from the beginning.
Joe Henley chooses Team Riley
When the time came for Henley to make his decision, he acknowledged his affection for Clarkson before choosing Green.
“I love you Miss Kelly,” Henley said, before ultimately deciding to join “Mr. Riley Green.”
Green celebrated the decision by giving Henley a pair of Team Riley Carhartt bib overalls.
The exchange marked a memorable beginning to Green’s first season as a The Voice coach. Henley became one of the first artists on his Season 30 team, while Green made an immediate impression by leaving his chair to perform alongside a contestant he had just met.
The Voice Season 30 premiered Monday, September 21, with Green and Queen Latifah joining returning coaches Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine. The Blind Auditions continue during the three-night premiere event.