Bryce Leatherwood Celebrates VOICE Win: ‘I Just Want To Make Music That’s Going To Impact People’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Bryce Leatherwood, the latest VOICE champ, opened up about what it’s like to be crowned the winner of the singing competition show.
“I was lying in bed Monday night trying to go to sleep before the big day on Tuesday,” he shared. “I was just lying there, and I was like, ‘Man, you have a one in five shot at winning this show.’ Still, even then, I didn’t think that it was possible. But America loved Bryce Leatherwood and it was so incredible to see. It’s so humbling and so beautiful.”
Leatherwood also spoke about what it was like to be coached by Blake Shelton.
“I have to thank him for leading me down the path of being myself and just sticking true to who I am and never wavering from that,” the singer said.
He continued, “I think that’s something to say, especially in this business where people have a lot of ideas about what you should be, not who you are. I plan to stick true to who I am, but also be adaptable, be flexible to other sounds and other ideas. He’s taught me in a lot of ways to be adaptable but always remain true to who you are.”
As the champ, Leatherwood won prize money, as well as a recording contract.
“I just want to release country music that’s going to impact people, both upbeat songs and fun songs but also slow and more somber songs,” he explained. “I want to make music that impacts people. I want to go back to the traditional roots of country, but also include some modern influences as well. I don’t want to be stuck in the mud with just my traditional country lane. I want to incorporate great sounds like Southern rock, great sounds of traditional country, and great sounds of modern country.”
So, what’s the biggest lesson Leatherwood learned while competing?
“I would say, never judge a book by its cover,” he shared. “I’ve made so many incredible friends that I would never have pictured me making outside of a show like this. When you’re out here for months, spending time working, trying to stay sane out here during this whole madness, it’s incredible the people you meet and fall in love with. Man, I fell in love with everybody out here. Everyone was such a sweetheart, such a high character note.”
He continued, “I’m here as the winner representing all those people and it’s my job to represent them the right way because I see myself responsible for them. I’m happy to carry that torch and be the season 22 winner for a lot of incredible people.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Leatherwood’s win:
THE VOICE has a new champ: 22 year-old Bryce Leatherwood!
Leatherwood’s win marks the ninth win for coach Blake Shelton, who will be leaving the show after next season.
“It’s just so humbling to know that people love Bryce Leatherwood,” Leatherwood said of his victory. “People love what I stand for. People love my music and how I sang. It took me by surprise that America chose me. I just think my goal in life is to make people happy, and America made me happy today. I’m very excited to be The Voice champion of season 22.”
Leatherwood gets a recording contract with Universal Music Group, as well as $100,000, and Shelton says he’ll be there to support his team member every step of the way.
I’m always here for him,” Shelton said. “He won the show and people love him and support him. Now he’s got to make tough decisions going forward about what’s best for him to get his music out to people that voted for him and then find the ones that don’t even watch THE VOICE, which it’s hard to imagine that there are those people out there. There must be something wrong with them!”
Leatherwood was equally effusive, saying, “I hope to be something like him one day. I think I would be doing pretty good.”
The country singer also shared his plans for the prize money he received.
“[I’m going to] save a lot,” Leatherwood said. “You never know what life can throw at you. I think I might spend a lot of money on my family for Christmas because they deserve it so much.”
Leatherwood is devoted to his family, as well as his faith. His Instagram bio reads “God, Family, Friends and Country Music.”
Fans of Leatherwood can’t wait to see what he does next!
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