Morgan Wallen’s Journey on The Voice: Key Dates and Details

Morgan Wallen made his debut on season 6 of The Voice in 2014, marking a significant milestone in his music career. This popular NBC singing competition allows aspiring artists to display their talents before a panel of celebrity judges. Contestants begin with “blind auditions,”where judges can only hear their vocals without visual cues.

Wallen’s journey on The Voice began with his performance of Howie Day’s 2003 smash hit, Collide. Although he did not clinch the title, his time on the show significantly boosted his prospects in country music. Opting for Usher as his mentor, Wallen made a lasting impression through various rounds before being eliminated during the playoff stage.

Now recognized as a top American country pop singer, Morgan Cole Wallen released his debut album If I Know Me in 2018 after signing with Big Loud Records. The album featured chart-topping hits like Whiskey Glasses and Up Down. Since then, Wallen has continued to break streaming records and fill concert venues.

Who is Morgan Wallen of The Voice?

Early Life and Family

Morgan Cole Wallen was born on May 13, 1993, in Sneedville, Tennessee. He hails from a musical family; his father, Tommy Wallen, is a Southern Baptist pastor, while his mother, Lesli Wallen, nurtured his musical talents from an early age. Wallen has three younger sisters: Ashlyne, Mikaela, and Lacey, the latter two being adopted by the family in 2021.

Wallen’s passion for music began at just three years old when he started singing in his church. By the age of five, he was learning the violin and later took up the piano, developing a deep-rooted love for music. Interestingly, before embracing a music career, Wallen aspired to be a professional baseball player, a dream that was cut short due to an elbow injury during high school.

Morgan Wallen on The Voice

In 2014, Morgan Wallen auditioned for The Voice, performing Collide during the blind auditions. He impressed judges Usher and Shakira, the latter noting that his voice was “as manly as it gets.”Wallen chose Usher as his mentor for the competition.

Wallen advanced through several rounds, including the battle rounds, where he performed Avicii’s Hey Brother and One Direction’s Story of My Life. However, he faced elimination during the playoff stage. Despite his early exit, The Voice provided Wallen with vital exposure, playing a critical role in his successful music career.

The Move to Nashville and Breakthrough Success

After his time on The Voice, Wallen shifted his focus to country music and relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his career. He formed a band, Morgan Wallen & Them Shadows, and signed with Panacea Records in 2015, launching with his first single, Spin You Around.

Later that same year, Wallen secured a deal with Big Loud Records and released his debut single with the label, The Way I Talk. In 2018, he unveiled his first studio album, If I Know Me, which boasted hit singles like Up Down featuring Florida Georgia Line and Whiskey Glasses.

The latter track soared, becoming one of his biggest hits, reaching No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart and establishing him as a rising star in the country music genre.

Rise to Stardom with Dangerous and One Thing at a Time

Wallen’s second studio album, Dangerous: The Double Album, cemented his position as a country music superstar. Released in January 2021, the album achieved remarkable success, spending 86 nonconsecutive weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart, breaking a record previously held by Peter, Paul, and Mary.

In 2023, Wallen launched his third studio album, One Thing at a Time, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and ruled the country charts. The album includes several hit singles, such as Last Night and You Proof, both dominating the Billboard Hot 100.

Wallen’s accomplishments in country music place him alongside iconic artists such as Taylor Swift and The Beatles, both of whom have simultaneously held multiple spots in the top 10.

Controversies and Personal Life

Although Morgan Wallen’s musical journey has been tremendously successful, he has faced some controversies. In February 2021, he was filmed using a racial slur, resulting in significant backlash. Radio stations temporarily removed his music from airplay, and several industry events distanced themselves from him.

Wallen issued a public apology and, after a brief hiatus, successfully returned to the music scene. Though controversies have arisen, Wallen enjoys considerable popularity among his fan base. He continues to tour, perform at major music festivals, and release chart-topping tracks.

Morgan Wallen Today

As of 2024, Wallen’s music career continues to flourish, with his latest album One Thing at a Time setting new records. He remains a powerful presence in the country music industry. Alongside his professional achievements, Wallen is focused on his personal life, particularly as a father to his son, Indigo Wilder.

Morgan Wallen’s transformation from a small-town baseball player to a national music sensation began with his participation in The Voice. While he did not win, the exposure and experience gained from the show launched his thriving music career.

Don’t miss the thrilling new episodes of The Voice season 26, airing Mondays from 8-10 p.m. and Tuesdays from 9-10 p.m. on NBC. Catch up the next day on Peacock! Tune in for amazing performances and see who will claim the crown this season.

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