Three things viewers may not have known about Joe Henley, the 19-year-old Alabama country singer who quickly became one of the most talked-about contestants on The Voice Season 30.

Henley stepped onto the stage during Monday’s premiere and delivered Travis Tritt’s “Anymore,” earning chair turns from veteran coach Kelly Clarkson and first-time coach Riley Green. Green later joined Henley for an unexpected duet of “My Way,” before the teenager chose to become the country star’s first team member of the season.

Here are three things viewers may not know about Henley.

1. He had never performed a live gig before The Voice

Henley may have looked comfortable on the Voice stage, but the 19-year-old admitted that the audition was his first-ever gig.

He grew up singing in church, with his grandparents running a truck stop ministry. His background also helped shape his love for classic country music, with artists such as Keith Whitley, Don Williams and George Strait among his favorites.

That made his performance of “Anymore” even more surprising, especially when both Clarkson and Green quickly turned their chairs.

 

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2. Riley Green’s “My Way” is his favorite song

Before his audition, Henley made it clear that he was excited to have Green on the coaching panel. He even hoped to get both Green and Clarkson to turn so he could “see new blood Riley Green and Kelly Clarkson go at it.”

During their conversation, Green asked Henley about his favorite artists and songs. Henley named several country legends but admitted he had not yet mentioned his number one favorite.

That turned out to be Green himself.

When Henley revealed that “My Way” was his favorite Riley Green song, the coach immediately got on stage with his guitar. The two then performed an impromptu duet, creating one of the premiere’s standout moments.

3. He became Team Riley’s first member of Season 30

After Green and Clarkson fought for Henley, the Alabama teenager ultimately chose Green.

“I love you Ms. Kelly, so much, I promise, but I’m gonna go with Mr. Riley Green,” Henley said.

Green was thrilled to land his first team member, especially after making it clear that he plans to target as many country singers as possible.

“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,” Green said.

Clarkson also gave Green a major vote of confidence, telling him, “He could win you The Voice.” She then joked that Henley was so focused on Green that he barely looked at her.

After Night 1 of the Blind Auditions, Team Riley Green already has three acts: Joe Henley, duo Ferryn & Brinkley, and Caroline Alexis. Team Queen Latifah has BigCountry, Marcus Ladden Jr. and Mia Knight, while Team Kelly Clarkson has Hazel Gerson and Brianna Cameron. Team Adam Levine has Destinee Monroe and Owen Uffens.

The Voice Season 30 continues Tuesday, September 22, at 8/7c on NBC, followed by another episode Wednesday, September 23.