When The Voice returns for its milestone Season 30 on September 21, 2026, fans will see an all-star coaching lineup featuring Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine, Queen Latifah, and newcomer Riley Green. But Green may already have a unique edge over his fellow coaches—and it has nothing to do with his music expertise.
The country star has been given a custom-built feature on his iconic red coach’s chair that no one else has.
During a July 14 interview with Dayton radio station K99.1, Green revealed that his signature cowboy hat created an unexpected problem. Because of the chair’s tall back, wearing the hat while seated wasn’t practical.
Host and executive producer Carson Daly came up with the perfect solution.
“Carson asked me, ‘What are you going to do with your hat? Are you going to wear it during the show?'” Green recalled. “I told him I couldn’t really wear it because of the chair, but it would be cool if there was a little holster for it.”
Daly’s response was simple: “I’m one of the executive producers. I can probably get that done.”
When Green returned to set, his chair had been specially modified with a custom hat holster, making his the only chair with the personalized feature.
“The next thing I knew, I had a little holster for my hat,” Green joked. “Nobody else has that.”
What began as a practical solution quickly became part of Green’s strategy during the Blind Auditions.
“I found out that when you’re trying to get somebody to pick your team, being able to pull the hat out and put it on lets them know you’re serious,” he laughed. “That’s another little strategy.”
Green has already completed filming the Blind Auditions and is now working through the Battle Rounds alongside Clarkson, Levine, and Latifah.
While he’s enjoying every moment of his first season as a coach, Green admitted that one aspect of the job has been surprisingly difficult—telling contestants they won’t be moving forward.
Speaking on Theo Von’s podcast, the country singer said it can be challenging to find fresh, encouraging ways to deliver disappointing news.
“It gets tough to find new things to say when somebody’s not quite good,” he explained. “I don’t want to say the same thing over and over again.”
Green also noted that many contestants have incredible talent, but the pressure of performing in front of the famous red chairs, television cameras, and bright stage lights can make even the best singers nervous.
“They walk out there with the chairs turned around, the lights on, the cameras rolling, and you can hear them getting out of breath,” he said. “A lot of it is nerves. These are people’s dreams.”
As someone stepping into the role for the first time, Green says he still can’t believe he’s sitting in one of television’s most recognizable chairs.
“I can’t believe I’m on the show,” he said. “It’ll be cool to try to help these contestants along the way.”
The Voice Season 30 premieres September 21 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, and fans will soon see whether Riley Green’s custom chair—and his signature cowboy hat—becomes one of the season’s most memorable additions.