Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Matt Johnson performs during his blind audition on The Voice. (NBC Photo)

Matt Johnson had been trying to make it onto The Voice for years.

He accomplished that goal in Season 15, in about the most dramatic fashion possible.

Auditioning at age 26, Matt unleashed a big glory note near the end of his blind audition performance of “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross.

It prompted a chair turn by Jennifer Hudson, and gave Matt the very last of the 48 spots on Season 15.

Matt’s been busy working on music since being eliminated in a battle round performance with Franc West.

Here’s what he told Voice Views about his time on the show and his music moving forward.

Voice Views: The battle round was filmed in June. What have you been doing in terms of music or the entertainment industry since then? Has there been a specific post-Voice experience that stands out so far?

Matt: Since my time with the show came to end this summer, I have been working really hard to maximize all of the exposure and support I’ve been getting from all over the country. I am currently recording and about to release a second project I produced for David Correy, who was a finalist on The X Factor and has toured the world and recorded with Aloe Blacc.

Voice Views: Where do you see your time on the show leading you musically? What do you have planned next? Do you think you’ll be releasing new music in the future and, if so, what can fans expect in terms of sound/timing?

Matt: I am excited to say I am knees deep in the process of writing, producing, and recording my own first full-length album that I will release in 2019 (date TBA) with the production and help of Mr. Butch Taylor, who’s the longtime guest keyboard player for Dave Matthews Band.

I’m excited to release my first real project I hold the reins on sonically. I’m sad America and Jennifer Hudson never got to see that I am a keyboard player and songwriter til I die! This project will be super soulful and heartfelt.

I also will be playing live shows regionally all the time through 2019 so keep your eyes and ears open! I intend to keep grinding and taking every opportunity I can to make it to the next big stage! Whatever that is for me! You haven’t seen the last of me! I’m also an actor, so literally I’m game for anything.

Voice Views: Do you think you grew as an artist as a result of The Voice experience? If so, in what way?

Matt: I didn’t just grow as an artist from The Voice, I grew as human being. Every single thing about being on that show is a test! Vocally, mentally, physically, spiritually! From the life-changing vocal coaching I got, to the wisdom you couldn’t buy for a million dollars from the coaches, and just the general life long validation Jennifer Hudson gave me by turning her chair in the first place, I am changed for good, forever.

Voice Views: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience on the show?

Matt: I got the confetti dropped on me in the blind auditions, my mom with a terminal illness came out on stage with me and held my hand as I accomplished my lifelong dream. I’m good forever, dude. I just hope I’ve given someone out there one spark of encouragement to keep believing in themselves and their dreams. Nothing is impossible.

On social media:
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Twitter: @MattJSings
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Franc West and Matt Johnson rehearse for the battle round on The Voice. (NBC Photo)