Kelly Clarkson gushes about 'The Voice' contestants' sweet 'gift': 'You are my favorite'

Kelly Clarkson did not hold back her excitement after hearing one of the newest contestants on The Voice.

During the Monday, February 23 premiere of The Voice: Battle of Champions, viewers were introduced to New York singer Jonah Mayor.

“I’m known in the band as the sexy, muscular, long-haired, sensitive but determined boy band member,” Mayor, 31, said before performing in Italian, “I’m taking a big risk with my blind audition.”

As soon as he began singing “Il Mondo,” Clarkson, 43, quickly turned her chair.

“Can I have a hug? You are my favorite performance thus far,” she said. “You are so incredible. What a gift! Oh my God! That was so sexy!”

Fellow coach Adam Levine also praised the singer despite expecting a tough competition.

“Jonah, I think you’re super awesome, and I think you are going to do great things. I think what you do is so singular, and there isn’t going to be anyone like you,” he said. 

“You absolutely are the complete package in terms of performer and singer. There’s so much power in your voice. There’s a lot of presence in you.”

Although John Legend did not turn his chair, he still complimented the audition.

“It was gorgeous, flawless, beautiful,” he said. 

“I was thoroughly impressed by what you did.”

However, Clarkson made one last pitch, and said, “You sang, I think, three syllables and I was like, ‘Choose me, pick me, love me,’” she said while comparing him to Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli. “I’m down for the ride. I have won the most.”

Moving forward, Mayor ultimately chose Clarkson's team, she said, “I love you. I’m so in love with you.” 

“I want to help you so much just so everyone can hear that beautiful gift in all the languages.”

Reflecting later, Clarkson added, “I love Jonah. I do love people that can sing opera… he is literally perfect for my team.”