Riley Green’s first appearance as a coach on The Voice quickly produced one of the premiere’s most memorable country music moments.
Nineteen-year-old Joe Henley stepped onto the stage for his Blind Audition and delivered a traditional country performance of Travis Tritt’s “Anymore.” His deep voice immediately caught the attention of Green and Kelly Clarkson, who both turned their chairs.
For Henley, however, there was already one coach he hoped would make that turn.
Before his audition even began, the young singer had made it clear that Riley Green was the coach he wanted. He eventually got his wish, although Clarkson put up a determined fight before Henley made his decision.
Joe Henley Already Had Riley Green in Mind
Before taking the stage, Henley talked about his excitement over Green joining The Voice and his hope that the country star would turn his chair.
“Country music is back on The Voice in a big way. Riley Green is here. I love him to death. Hopefully I could get more than one to turn. I would love to see new blood: Riley Green and Kelly Clarkson go at it.”
That’s essentially what happened.
Henley’s performance earned turns from both Green and Clarkson, giving the teenager two coaches to choose from. His attention, though, seemed to remain firmly on Green.
Clarkson noticed.
“He was singing it to you! Quit looking at him!” she joked.
Henley didn’t try to hide his reaction.
“It’s his eyes. I can’t help it.”
Clarkson wasn’t ready to let Henley walk away without a fight. She reminded him that she had previously won The Voice with country singers and argued that he could have a chance to stand out on her team.
“I have won this show, man, with country singers. Plural! Where do you think all the country singers are gonna go? Riley Green! Wouldn’t it be incredible to be the only country superstar on my team?”
Henley’s musical influences made his country roots clear. He named Keith Whitley, Don Williams and George Strait among the artists who had influenced him.
Green then pointed out that Henley had left one important name off that list.
Henley immediately had an answer.
“I didn’t get to my number one.”
Riley Green Joins Joe Henley for ‘My Way’
The connection between the two country singers became even clearer when Green learned which of his songs Henley liked most.
“My Way” was Henley’s favorite Riley Green song.
Green responded by picking up his guitar and joining Henley onstage for an impromptu performance of the song. The moment gave Henley the opportunity to sing alongside the coach he had been hoping to work with from the beginning.
The duet also made the chemistry between the two singers obvious, with Green accompanying Henley on guitar as they performed “My Way.”
The performance helped make Henley’s decision much easier when it was finally time to choose his team.
He acknowledged how much he appreciated Clarkson before making his choice.
“I love you, Ms. Kelly, so much, I promise, but I’m gonna go with Mr. Riley Green.”
Henley officially joined Team Riley.
Riley Green Has a Clear Strategy for Season 30
Green’s first recruit also fits the strategy he outlined for his debut season as a The Voice coach.
He wants to bring as many country artists onto his team as possible.
“Kelly’s coming after my country guys. My strategy is to get as many country artists as I can. I want to get all of them, because I think there’s a great chance of a country music artist winning this whole show.”
Henley became an early example of that approach, with his traditional country sound making him a natural fit for Green’s team.
Riley Green’s First Season on ‘The Voice’
Season 30 of The Voice marks Green’s first season as a coach on the NBC singing competition. Queen Latifah is also joining the coaching panel for the first time, alongside returning coaches Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine.
For Green, his debut has already delivered a contestant who specifically wanted to work with him, a hard-fought battle with Clarkson and an unexpected duet on one of his own songs.
And for Henley, the path to Team Riley started before he ever stepped onto the stage.
He arrived hoping Green would turn his chair. By the end of his Blind Audition, he had not only earned that turn but also performed “My Way” alongside the country star himself.
The Voice airs on NBC and streams on Peacock.
Watch Riley Green and Joe Henley Perform ‘My Way’
The impromptu duet between Riley Green and Joe Henley can be watched below as part of Henley’s Blind Audition on The Voice.