Top 10 The Voice (U.S.) 4-Chair Turns

With just her opening notes, this season four contestant immediately earns Usher and Adam Levine’s support. As she continues her sultry rendition of Christina Aguilera’s “What a Girl Wants,” Judith’s unique approach and arrangement soon hooks Shakira too. The familiar chorus revs up the audience, which is always a plus, before one particularly impressive vocal run ultimately convinces Blake Shelton. In this blind audition, Judith’s originality stands out, as well as her exceptional tone and pacing. It’s a showstopping performance that actually elicits a standing ovation courtesy of Levine and Shakira. How could any judge say no?

In this season four performance, the young contestant starts off relatively safe with her interpretation of Joan Osborne’s “What If God Was One Of Us,” only teasing her real potential. That fabulous little crescendo works wonders though, prompting both Adam Levine and Shakira to simultaneously turn around. Even they’re shocked by what comes next though. In her breathtaking second verse, Sarah Simmons seriously ups the energy, drama and attitude. For this blind audition, it’s the versatility that connects, as Sarah hits the high notes and digs deep, too. Blake and Usher quickly cave too, allowing the contestant to close out with complete assurance.

In the premiere season, this contestant glides through his blind audition with sublime, emotional vocals. Performing a stripped-down take on Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” Javier’s unique tone and vocal runs quickly earn him a couple chair turns. The remaining judges clearly still require more to be convinced - but boy does he ever deliver the goods when the chorus hits. Christina Aguilera shows her appreciation, and with only one chair left, Javier capitalizes on his last big note, making it so that Blake Shelton has no choice but to throw his hat into the ring too.

Right from the jump, this season eight contestant gets the judges all worked up. One chair. Two chairs. Nope, make that THREE chairs. Performing the folk classic “I’m a Man of Constant Sorrow,” Sawyer’s performance proves that he’s not just reciting the lyrics - he’s really FEELING them. That’s crucial for such an existential song, and he mixes in some vocal texture to further sell himself. Blake Shelton initially remains skeptical, but he’s ultimately overcome by a gut instinct, giving Sawyer the fourth chair and free reign to fully enjoy the moment while plucking away on his six-string.

In season five, this singer delivers the goods with her vocal nuances. Tessanne Chin effortlessly glides through each word of Pink’s popular song “Try,” immediately stunning the judges with her polish and control. Three chairs turn rather fast, and the fourth comes when Tessanne amplifies just a little more. It’s the consistency and composure that drives the performance, as the singer exudes a quiet confidence . Tessanne begins on a high note and never slips throughout, making her one of the more refined four-chair vocalists in the show’s history.

Speaking of swift four-chair turns, this season five singer gets the job done instantaneously. For the judges, it’s often a certain note or technique that grabs their attention. And with this “Cough Syrup” performance, Matthew earns support through an immaculate opening. He doesn’t necessarily build to a moment – he creates one. There’s the unique pitch, of course, but there’s passion and energy, too. Matthew relies on his natural gifts, which prove a gift to the judges as well. Like with so many 4-chair auditions, the judges are smiles - happy to sit back, relax and just bask in the glory of the performance being given to them.

On a list of big performances, it’s the little things that drive this season three audition and set it apart. Performing Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn”, Cassadee initially sounds much like the original artist. But she differentiates herself by holding onto specific notes, highlighting her vocal command in the process. With three judges already on board, Cee-Lo holds out for something more, and Cassadee comes through by further stretching out her vocals. It’s not the most polished 4-chair audition, but it’s loaded with potential, which is exactly what the judges are looking for.

In this season ten audition, Blake Shelton listens closely and curiously. After all, “Blue Bayou” is a country pop classic. When Alisan opens up and showcases her range, three judges not only turn around, but also bang on their buttons like they really mean business. It’s a theatrical rendition, one that a powerhouse singer like Christina Aguilera can appreciate. Some performers can easily lose focus in such a moment, but not Alisan. She steps up her game, further reaffirming just how much she brings to the table. With some country twang and vocal bravado, this 4-chair audition has the judges all shook up in the best possible way.

Some vocalists are a clear product of their training - others stand out as a result of unique, intangible qualities that simply can’t be taught. In her season six audition performance, the late Christina Grimmie earned three chairs within a matter of seconds, when the judges immediately recognized the singer’s raw talent. The big chorus further accentuated Christina’s star potential, showcasing her versatility and stage presence. The big notes matter, of course - and there are plenty - but Christina truly shines during quieter moments, which ultimately set the tone for her spectacular finale, which earned her the coveted fourth chair turn.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

James Wolpert

Billy Gilman

Jesse Campbell

For this season nine performance, “The Voice” offers the viewers a different perspective. Rather than showing the actual contestant, the camera initially focuses exclusively on the judges’ reactions. Though the reveal is a big one, it shouldn’t be allowed to detract from the actual audition - which is truly one of exceptional technique and skill. Performing “Chandelier,” Jordan Smith stays faithful to the original arrangement, but he slays the audition with his slight alterations and consistency. It’s so good, in fact, that Adam Levine actually seems confused by it, before ultimately lending his support. It’s arguably the most dramatic four-chair blind audition, and undeniably THE best.