‘The Voice’ Champion Bryce Leatherwood Secures First Major Label Record Deal
“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity that I have before me,” the rising star shared.
Bryce Leatherwood; Photo by Eric Ryan Anderson
The Voice winner Bryce Leatherwood has signed his first major label record deal.
Announced on Monday (Oct. 23), Leatherwood has inked a recording contract with Universal Music Group Nashville in alliance with Republic Records.
Signs With Universal Music Group Nashville In Alliance With Republic Records
“Bryce Leatherwood grew up inspired by rich country roots listening to artists like Conway Twitty, George Jones and Merle Haggard who were introduced to him through his grandfather. He’s a phenomenal singer and performer and he wants to carry traditional country music with his own edge forward,” Cindy Mabe, CEO and Chair, UMGN shared in a statement. “I’m so excited for the passion Bryce brings to creating his own brand of traditional country music to the next generation of youth and I am so proud to have him on our team.”
“God Bless Country Music”
Leatherwood added, “If someone would have told me at this time last year that not only would I win ‘The Voice,’ but it would lead to a record deal in Nashville, I wouldn’t have believed it. I have worked really hard to hone my skills and talent as a country artist and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity that I have before me. Not only am I excited to start putting music out to my fans, but I’m looking forward to writing some kick-ass songs with the incredible writers here in Nashville. I’d like to thank God, my family, and all of my supporters for getting me to this point. Now, let’s get to work. God bless country music.”
As part of the deal, the rising star will share his first song, “The Finger,” on Friday, Oct. 27. He previously teased the song on Instagram, igniting much anticipation among his fan base.
The news of Leatherwood’s signing with Universal Music Group Nashville in alliance with Republic Records comes after his recent performance at Nashville’s iconic venue, The Bluebird Cafe. He had the opportunity to perform at the lauded music venue earlier this month, marking his second time at The Bluebird. To celebrate, the Georgia native took to social media with a gratitude-filled post.
Recently Performed At The Bluebird Cafe
“Playing the Bluebird is a once in a lifetime experience and I’m proud to say that last night I got to re-live my dream,” he wrote. “Thank you to @bluebirdcafetn and to all the incredible people who sold out the house. God is Good!”
Just weeks before, Leatherwood got to play another famous stage when he opened for his former The Voice coach, Blake Shelton, at Ole Red Orlando. The pair joined together for an epic on-stage collaboration took place in the midst of Shelton’s headlining set.
Reunited With Blake Shelton
The Oklahoma native welcomed Leatherwood to the stage for a collaborative performance of “Hillbilly Bone.” The former Voice contestant held his own alongside Shelton, filling in for Trace Adkins parts in the rowdy country anthem.
“We all got a hillbilly bone down deep inside/ No matter where you from, you just can’t hide it/ When the band starts bangin’ and the fiddle sobs/ You can’t help but hollerin’ “yee-haw!” the artists sang as the crowd joined in.
Bryce Leatherwood was thrilled over the opportunity to sing with Shelton once again.
“Always an honor getting to share the stage with the king himself,” he shared on social media following the big night.
Unreleased Tracks
Leatherwood opened the show performing covers of country classics such as “The Fireman” by George Straight and “Whenever You Come Around” by Vince Gill. Additionally, the Team Blake alum performed unreleased original tunes like “Made Me, Me” and “The Finger.”
The rising star has become a frequent performer at Shelton’s Ole Red establishments, achieving sold-out success with his recent four-show run in Ole Red Tishomingo, Oklahoma, along with his performances at Ole Red Gatlinburg and Ole Red Orlando.
Working with Blake has been an incredible experience. We share a love for pure country music and his Ole Red bars have treated me so well and reflect his love for a great drink or two,” Leatherwood said.
Bryce Leatherwood rose to fame in 2022 after his winning stint on The Voice. Throughout the season, he performed covers of Brooks & Dunn, Zac Brown Band, Billy Currington, Morgan Wallen, Keith Whitley, and more.
On The Road
The country newcomer only has a handful of tour dates planned for the remainder of the year. In November, he will open for country music icon Dwight Yoakam. Click HERE for a complete list of upcoming dates.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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