Small-town Michigan teen Brayden Lape blew judges away with his performance of “This Town” by Niall Horan on NBC’s The Voice.
A self-taught singer and guitar player, Lape knew there were bigger things in store for his career that his little town in Michigan wouldn’t be able to offer him.
Watch Brayden Lape’s blind audition on The Voice below.
“Grass Lake, Michigan is a really small town. Everybody knows everybody. We had, like, 98 kids in my grade. I play basketball, football and baseball,” Lape said prior to his audition.
“Ever since he’s been a little boy he’s excelled at everything he did,” his father added. “He kind of started picking up the guitar, learning it on his own and singing in the room with the door closed and finally singing in front of us.”
“Thanks for all of your support! I had so much fun! #teamblake #thevoice #nbc @nbcthevoice,” Lape captioned an Instagram post.
That doesn’t mean that Lape doesn’t hold Grass Lake and the community close to his heart. Lape’s high school, Grass Lake High School, hosted a watch party for the community to view the up-and-coming artist’s live audition.
The 15-year-old added a country twist to Horan’s track, drawing the attention of country hitmaker and judge Blake Shelton. Shelton was the only judge to turn his chair for the young singer. The judges were shocked to turn around and find a 15-year-old on the stage, making Gwen Stefani instantly regret her decision of not turning her chair.
“You have a new mom and dad,” Stefani joked as she gushed over the young teen. “Your parents are so happy for you, your new coach parents.”
“That explains a lot for me. Your age,” she added. “Now, I have super regret for not pressing my button. But I’m so excited you’re on the show. Blake, thank you for turning.”
Popstar and fellow Voice coach Camilla Cabello pushed for Shelton’s support of Lape during his performance, telling Shelton, “I think you should press your button … He’s like country/pop, singer/songwriter pop.”
“I was like Blake, you need this person on your team,” said Cabello. “It’s like kind of, singer-songwriter folk, but with a pop sensibility. I’m telling you, this guy sounds like he could be on the radio. Blake, this guy’s your secret weapon.”
“Helllllo @Brayden_Lape24 you’re the next greatest thing #thevoice #teamblake,” said the official account for The Voice via Instagram.
Fans took to the comments to share their support for Lape. “I’m glad Camila sold Blake on him. Kid is going to surprise,” said one user, with another adding “Couldn’t believe he only got one chair to turn – Blake got a good one!”
Shelton appears to be more than pleased with his decision to add Lape to his roster for Team Blake.
“I may have an ace in the whole with this kid,” said Shelton. “I can’t believe I’m the only person who turned around. This kid is a singer-songwriter. He’s folk. He’s pop. He’s a great addition to my team is what he is.”
“You got yourself a Tom Brady on your team,” added coach John Legend.
The Voice returns every Monday and Tuesday on NBC at 8/7c.