Hudson Valley Singer Joins Team Blake On ‘The Voice’
Ian Flannigan calls Saugerties, New York home, but for now he's battling for his musical life on NBC's The Voice.
Ian was born with music in his blood. By age 11, he was not only playing music, but already writing his own songs. After Ian met his life partner Ayla, they created their own production company and now tour the country full time from their motorhome.
Ian recently appeared on the new season of the voice in the blind auditions and was selected to join "Team Blake."
I recently got a chance to talk to him about his experience on the hit NBC show.
When you did your blind audition, you did a Zac Brown Band song, now this is the big time, national TV, was it nerve wracking waiting for one of the judges chairs to turn around?
"It was definitely a unique experience. This year, with COVID-19, there's no live audience on the show, so you're basically in a room with just the judges and the TV crew, which I think made it a little more nerve wracking actually. There was no crowd to feed off of. You just have to look straight ahead and focus on doing the best you can."
As you're singing, all of a sudden you see Blake Shelton's chair turn around. That's got to feel great.
"I went into the show with no expectations. I was just really grateful to be involved in any way. I didn't know if there would be any interest from the judges, so when I saw Blake turn around, I was amazed."
So now what comes next? You got through the blind auditions, so you must be gearing up for the battle rounds.
"Yeah, the next stage is the battles, and that's airing this Monday and Tuesday (Nov. 9-Nov.10). It's also between me and another contestant, the 'Battle Rounds' is a duet. I'll be basically competing to stay on the show. I don't know if I'll do country again -- you'll have to tune in and see what I choose."
How do your friends and family feel about your initial success on the show so far?
"I've had so much support from my hometown and family, it's been amazing. Everyone has been so excited to follow my journey. They are really excited to see it."
Blake Shelton compared Ian's voice to Joe Cocker, but he reminded me a little more like Luke Combs. Here's a look at Ian Flannigan when he performed during the Voice blind auditions: