Idol Chatter & Voice Views

His audition: Ryan Whyte Maloney, 33, of Traverse City, Mich., auditioned for The Voice with Journey’s “Lights.” His strong opening and superb range prompted Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Shakira to turn their chairs early in his performance. They were eventually joined by Usher. Ryan decided to join Team Blake.

His background: Ryan says he performed in several bands growing up and that music was “the outlet for everything that was going on in my life.” After high school, he followed his stepdad’s footsteps and became a garbage man, which allowed him time to gig at night. He eventually moved to Las Vegas to pursue music, which he said prompted a split from his wife and his two children.

On choosing Blake: “I’ve always felt like he was the underdog, but the guy with the most power on country radio. He’s always been quirky and crazy, like lightning in a jar. I feel like I have a kindred spirit with him, where I’m a little bit rock and roll, a little bit country and a little bit alternative all in one.”

What the show didn’t show: His mother performed in a band, and that sparked his interest in music. According to his website bio, Ryan started playing the guitar, violin, cello, piano and drums around age 9. In 2001, he joined a rock band named Indulge and they left Michigan for Vegas to further their career. Eventually, the band broke up and Ryan started working on solo material. He released an album called “Where I’ve Been” in 2010 and followed it up with a six-track EP called “Moments in Time” last year. Meanwhile, he also formed his own band and started performing as a headliner on the Las Vegas strip. Ryan said “Lights” is a song he’s been singing for years and that told his mom he expected to turn four chairs with his performance. He also says he feels like his job in Las Vegas has him perfectly conditioned for The Voice. He sings seven nights a week. “I do gangsta rap one minute to country to traditional country to shouting out line dances to doing alternative and rock. I wear many hats, musically speaking. I feel like Blake can throw anything at me, and I’m ready to take it on.”

On iTunes: His audition song, his 2010 album and his 2013 EP. Three tracks from the deluxe version of the album are embedded below.

Update: He defeated Cali Tucker in the first battle round; they sang “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” In the second battle round, he was pitted against Kaleigh Glanton, who also turned four chairs in the blinds. Ryan won as they performed “Easy” by Rascal Flatts.

Keeping up with Ryan:
Twitter: @RyanMaloney1981
Facebook
YouTube
Website

Editor’s Note: For links to profiles of all the Season 6 artists on The Voice, go here. And check back for live blogging during every episode of Season 6.

“Hillbilly” (original, from “Where I’ve Been”” album)

“Where I’ve Been” (original, title track from album)

“Michigan Moonlight” (original)