‘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 is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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