Tanner Gomes Reflects On Working Kelly Clarkson On ‘The Voice’ and Shares What’s Next For Him

Tanner Gomes was a country fan-favorite during Season 19 of NBC’s The Voice.

After earning a three-chair turn during his Blind Audition with a cover of Dustin Lynch’s “Cowboys and Angels,” Gomes joined Team Kelly [Clarkson] and quickly became her “Favorite Cowboy” with his traditional country roots and twang.

Throughout the season, Gomes performed hit and hit, including Luke Combs’  “Lovin’ On You,” Tim McGraw’s “Real Good Man” and  Keith Anderson’s “Pickin’ Wildflowers.”

His run on the show may have ended before the Top 9 was revealed, but Gomes has a promising future ahead as Clarkson vowed to continue working with him long after the cameras stopped rolling.

“Even if you leave, I cannot wait to work with you after,” she promised.

Country Now recently caught up with Tanner Gomes to reflect on his time on the show and discuss what’s next for him. Check out our exclusive Q&A below.

What made you decide to audition for The Voice and how did you choose your audition song?

I have been a fan of The Voice for years and dreamed of being on that stage. As a starving artist that has been grinding for six years now, the career boost this show provides is hard to deny. I chose “Cowboys and Angels” by Dustin Lynch because first of all, I love it and have been singing it for years, and because it fits my style of country which is classic country, with a modern touch.

What was your first thought when you realized you got a three-chair turn?

“Wait, everyone BUT Blake turned around?!” As a country singer, I didn’t see that coming. Going into it, I imagined if anyone would turn it would be him.

What influenced your decision to join Team Kelly?

Kelly Clarkson turned around early on during my performance so I already felt a connection with her since I had sung more than half the song to her smiling face before Gwen and John turned around. I couldn’t believe she and Gwen were arguing over me. I definitely heard Gwen’s argument, and I admire her as an artist but I just felt like my mind was made up long before that.

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What was it like working with Kelly and what’s the best advice she gave you?

She is just as cool off camera as she is on camera. If it wasn’t for the cameras, I feel like I could totally be myself and be friends with her – that’s how real she is. She is just the best person to get any advice from for a show like this because this is how her career started, it was an incredible honor. Her best advice she gave me was to think of the words I’m singing in order to express the emotion behind each word.

Do you plan to work with Kelly in the future as you navigate your career?

I would love to work with her and hope it happens in the near future. I have written several songs that I think she would like.

Looking back, what was your favorite memory from the show?

I think getting to meet Usher was probably my favorite memory. I was getting advice from Kelly Clarkson AND Usher and the same time! I couldn’t believe it. Usher is so smooth and knows everything there is to know about being a performer. He gave awesome advice and it was just an honor to be in the same room with both of them. It did not feel like real life.

Did you form any friendships that you think will go beyond the show?

I formed so many friendships during this process that I’m positive will go beyond the show. It is such a unique opportunity and to get to share the process with others has the power to create some incredible bonds.

How did it feel performing in front of four of music’s biggest stars, without a live audience?

It didn’t feel as awkward as I thought it would. I definitely prefer singing to an audience because it’s easier to look amongst a crowd than it is to only have four sets of eyes on you that happen to be massive music icons.

Do you plan to keep in touch with any of the coaches as you navigate your career?

Kelly promised to work with me after the show so I have my ringer up loud and cannot wait until I get that call!

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What was your favorite performance from your time on the show?

My favorite performance from the show was probably when I performed “Real Good Man” by one of my favorites, Tim McGraw, in the knockout rounds. I had so much fun preparing for it and what an honor it was to have Kelly stand up so excited for me and see the other coaches smiling ear to ear.

Where did your love for country music come from?

I grew up listening to country radio and fell in love with the love songs and storytelling. It helped me through really hard times as a child. I would escape by cranking them really loud and attempt to sound just like them.

Who are your biggest influences?

I aspire to be a performer like Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw. My biggest inspirations for songwriting are George Strait and Randy Travis. My biggest vocal role models are probably Rascal Flatts and Chris Young. However, today’s artists that are my biggest inspiration are Tyler Childers and Cody Johnson.

What’s next for you?

I am currently getting a band together in hopes to hit the road as soon as COVID lifts. I am recording now and plan to begin releasing music starting in January and throughout 2021. I have written so many songs I cannot wait to get them out and see what everyone thinks.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

There was a certain feeling you used to get every time you turned on the country radio that isn’t there anymore. Country radio used to ground us while the world was speeding up around us and I hope to be one of the artists that brings that back.

Fans can continue to follow Tanner Gomes’ journey by following him on Instagram, and Twitter.