GRASS LAKE — An unexpected, head-turning and topical journey.
Brayden Rape, 16, from the small town of Grass Lake (population 1,119) in central Michigan, ranked in the top five on NBC’s “The Voice” last Tuesday.
The winner of Season 22 was Bryce Leatherwood, 22, a country singer from Georgia.
Rape, who sang Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” and Corey Kent’s “Wild as Her” in a live performance last Monday, impressed both judges and fans during her long run on the hit TV show. years ago.
Rape finished fifth after fan votes were tallied, becoming the first contestant to be eliminated on Tuesday. He thanked judge and mentor Blake Shelton, and he hugged all four judges before leaving the stage.
Like Leatherwood, Rape, who cites pop star Shawn Mendes as an influence, was a member of Team Blake at this season’s competition, along with country singer Brett Young and Parker McCallum.
Lape, the son of Kari Ann and Bryan Lape, is a sophomore at Grass Lake High School in Jackson County, playing soccer, baseball, and basketball.
After the finale, Brian wrote on Facebook: “I’m proud of what this young man has accomplished in the last five or six months. A lot of hard work behind the scenes that people can’t see. .
“He’s learned a lot about himself and what he wants to do. I’m excited to see what happens.”
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The teenage singer told Local Spins that she hopes to continue her music career by recording and releasing music in 2023.
“[I]wrote a few originals on my own, but then teamed up to write a few more songs,” said Rape, who made a tribute to his hometown in support of the finale’s performance. “We plan to record and release music next year. Please look forward to it.”
— Find more Michigan music news and concert listings at LocalSpins.com. Email John Sinkevics at john@localspins.com.