Traditional country music found a fresh champion when Bryce Leatherwood stepped onto the national stage. Raised in Woodstock, Georgia, the young singer-songwriter captured public attention during Season 22 of NBC's hit television series The Voice, ultimately securing a major victory under the mentorship of country icon Blake Shelton. Rather than chasing fleeting pop-country trends, Leatherwood leaned into neo-traditional sounds, neo-honky-tonk grooves, and storytelling deeply rooted in the past.
His journey from a college student playing local Georgia venues to a signed Nashville recording artist highlights a shift in how modern audiences respond to authenticity. This article explores his early background, his breakthrough on The Voice, his transition into the professional recording industry with Mercury Nashville, and the broader trajectory of his career.
Early Roots and Musical Upbringing
Born on February 4, 2000, Leatherwood grew up surrounded by classic country music. His grandfather introduced him early on to the foundational sounds of legends like Conway Twitty, George Strait, and Keith Whitley. These early influences shaped his rich baritone delivery and traditional vocal styling.
Before pursuing music full-time, Leatherwood attended Sequoyah High School, where he served as captain of the wrestling team. He later enrolled at Georgia Southern University to study business, balancing his coursework with weekend gigs. In late 2021, while still on campus in Statesboro, he formed a band to test his chops in local bars and honky-tonks. That hands-on experience sharpened his stage presence long before television producers took notice. Further reporting on the subject has been published by BBC.
The Breakthrough on The Voice
In 2022, Leatherwood auditioned for Season 22 of The Voice, delivering a standout rendition of Conway Twitty's "Goodbye Time" (popularized by Blake Shelton) during the Blind Auditions. His performance prompted three chairs to turn, and he ultimately chose to join Team Blake.
Throughout the competition, Leatherwood consistently championed traditional country anthems:
- Battle Rounds: Tackled Brooks & Dunn's "Red Dirt Road".
- Knockouts: Performed the Zac Brown Band's "Colder Weather".
- Live Playoffs: Won the Wildcard Instant Save singing Billy Currington's "Let Me Down Easy".
- The Finale: Covered Keith Whitley's "Don't Close Your Eyes" and teamed up with Shelton for a spirited duet of "Hillbilly Bone".
His December 2022 victory marked a milestone as Blake Shelton's ninth and final win as a coach on the program. It also made history as the first time a Wildcard Instant Save contestant went on to win an entire season.
Transition to Nashville and Major Label Success
Winning a televised singing competition is only the first hurdle for emerging artists; the real test lies in building a sustainable catalog. Following his win, Leatherwood signed with Universal Music Group and later partnered with Mercury Nashville.
He wasted no time establishing his footing on country radio and streaming platforms. He released introductory tracks like "The Finger" and "The One My Daddy Found", a sentimental ballad honoring his parents' enduring relationship. He also hit the road on headlining runs such as the Neon Does Tour, bringing high-energy honky-tonk performances to packed rooms across the United States. Further expanding his artistic footprint, he released singles like "Still Learning" and "Hung Up On You", which steadily climbed country charts and showcased his growth as a songwriter.
Musical Style and Industry Position
Leatherwood belongs to a wave of young performers dedicated to preserving acoustic instrumentation, steel guitars, and fiddle-heavy arrangements in mainstream country music. While pop and hip-hop influences continue to dominate large swaths of the genre, artists who prioritize lyrical storytelling and traditional vocal timber find dedicated audiences.
His sound draws direct comparisons to 90s country titans, blending working-class themes with modern production values. By maintaining a steady touring schedule, appearing at major country music festivals, and making return appearances on The Voice stage, Leatherwood has transitioned effectively from a reality television winner into a credible touring professional.
You can follow his ongoing release schedule and tour dates directly through his Official Website or read more about his industry milestones via Country Now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What season of The Voice did Bryce Leatherwood win?
He won Season 22 of The Voice in December 2022 as a member of Blake Shelton's team.
Where is Bryce Leatherwood from?
He grew up in Woodstock, Georgia, and attended Georgia Southern University in Statesboro before moving to Nashville.
What record label is he signed with?
He is signed with Mercury Nashville, an imprint under the Universal Music Group umbrella.
What are some of his most popular songs?
Some of his notable releases include "The Finger", "The One My Daddy Found", "Still Learning", and "Hung Up On You".
