Queen Latifah Added BigCountry to Her Team on The Voice

The Army veteran from Bakersfield chose Queen Latifah following a three-chair turn on the singing competition.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Country

Graphic illustration of a vintage microphone in a spotlight beam, in the style of a high-contrast vintage concert poster.
Army veteran BigCountry joined Queen Latifah's team on Season 30 of The Voice following a three-chair turn during his blind audition. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe reality singing competitions focus more on genuine talent than on entertaining antics?

Army veteran and Bakersfield native BigCountry joined Queen Latifah's team during the latest season of The Voice. His performance of "I Put A Spell On You" prompted chairs to turn from Queen Latifah, Adam Levine, and Riley Green.

Why it matters

Queen Latifah selected BigCountry for his unique ability to command a crowd, making him a standout contender in the competition. His choice highlights the diverse range of talent that Season 30 aims to cultivate as the show progresses.

Three of the four judges turned their chairs for the audition during the Season 30 premiere of The Voice. Only Kelly Clarkson declined to turn her chair during the performance.

The players

Queen Latifah

She is an acclaimed musician and actress serving as a coach on the current season of The Voice.

BigCountry

He is an Army veteran from Bakersfield, California, competing as a contestant on the show.

Riley Green

He is a country music artist and judge on Season 30 of The Voice.

Adam Levine

He is a veteran coach and musician appearing on the current season of the competition series.

Kelly Clarkson

She is a singer and former winner of American Idol who serves as a judge on The Voice.

The details

BigCountry delivered a rendition of "I Put A Spell On You" that successfully courted offers from multiple coaches. Riley Green attempted a unconventional recruitment pitch by wearing Carhartt coveralls and utilizing a duck call.

Timeline

  1. September 2026 marked the debut of The Voice Season 30.

Industry Dynamics

The show continues to navigate intense competition within the reality singing genre. This selection underscores the broader strategy of balancing mainstream appeal with unique artist identification.

Viewers can watch the progression of BigCountry on their local broadcast networks or through the show's designated streaming platform. Scheduling follows the established air dates for the remainder of the season.

The takeaway

Selecting a coach who appreciates an artist's individual style is a pivotal moment for any contestant. BigCountry now prepares to move forward under Queen Latifah's mentorship in the upcoming rounds.

Further reading

For more updates on talent shows, visit the Country section.

Live Poll

Do you believe reality singing competitions focus more on genuine talent than on entertaining antics?