Moments after making history as the first-ever trio to win NBC’s The Voice, Girl Named Tom shared a heartbreaking update about their father’s health with fans.
The trio, comprised of siblings Josh, Caleb, and Bekah Liechty, revealed that their father, who has been battling cancer, has taken a turn for the worse.
“As we are writing this statement, our dad is in horrific pain following yet another surgery,” the group wrote in a statement. “The only reason we are still in Los Angeles is that our parents want us out here, doing what we love. We cannot wait to finally be all in the same room.”
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After revealing plans to fly home to Ohio immediately after The Voice finale, Josh, Caleb and Bekah went on to share how their time on the show helped their family.
“Some might think that this is the worst timing – our father taking such a downward spiral at the exact moment of our success on national TV,” they acknowledged. “In truth, we feel fortunate and blessed by his joyful distraction. The Voice has given our family opportunities to connect, reflect, and marvel at the love we have for each other.”
The Team Kelly members shared their gratitude for fans who have “achieved the impossible” by making them the first trio to win the singing competition show and promised to return in 2022.
“Thank you to everyone at The Voice and everyone listening now for continuing to love and care for the suffering. We have felt your compassion humanity throughout this whole process,” they shared. “Not only do you believe in us, we believe in you. Keeping positive, hope – filled beams of light and every corner of the world.”
Girl Named Tom closed the note with a promise to fans: “Of course, this is NOT a goodbye. We have dozens of new songs that we cannot wait to share with you.”
Earlier in the season Girl Named Tom dedicated a performance of the Glen Campbell classic “Wichita Lineman” to their father.
“It’s a song about a really hard-working man, and we relate to this song because [our dad] is a pretty stubborn man,” Caleb shared during rehearsals. “But he’s got this hope.”
“Our family has gotten a lot closer because our dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer,” Bekah went on to say. “He has such a positive attitude going into every doctor’s appointment. It’s been huge for us to see that.”
Caleb continued, “We’re definitely following in Dad’s footsteps. He wrote songs for each one of us when we were little. The fact that we can be here and call him and share this wonderful news with him everyday, I think it gives us all a lot of life, but it’s not easy.”
The trio’s statement about their father raked in thousands of comments with fans from all over offering their prayers and words of encouragement.
“Prayers for your family and for much success in the music business. We love you ❤️GNT. Let your music bring light to the world,” one fan wrote, while another shared, “You have let your light shine for the world to see! Our prayers will continue to be with you and your family, especially dad!! The Lord your God is with you and will sustain you! “
Girl Named Tom was a standout throughout the season, as they covered songs by Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Glen Campbell, Ingrid Andress, and Coldplay (just to name a few).
Going into the finale, GNT was the first act in Voice history to simultaneously have four different songs within the Top 10 of iTunes.
Days after winning Season 21 of the hit show, the trio released a holiday single, “No Snow For Christmas,” to streaming platforms.
Fans can keep up with the trio on Instagram.