Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Alex Guthrie performs during his blind audition on The Voice Season 17. (NBC Photo)

Though he didn’t meet her, he once opened for Kelly Clarkson and heard that she said he has “the voice of an angel.”

And he appeared in an insurance commercial during which he got to sing with former Voice coach Jennifer Hudson.

Obviously, he got to meet her. In fact, she encouraged him to audition for The Voice.

He eventually followed that advice and is now a member of Team Kelly for Season 17 after two coaches turned their chairs for his performance of Al Green’s “Love and Happiness.”

Here’s what Alex, 25, from Marietta, Ga., told Voice Views about his blind audition experience.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for The Voice Season 17 and what prompted you to do it?

Alex: My band split up a few months prior to the auditions. My manager suggested The Voice as a way to explore new options and help find the new direction of the music.

Voice Views: Why did you choose “Love and Happiness” for your audition song?

Alex: One of my first musical loves was jamming in the dive bar music scene of Atlanta. It’s where I learned to be the musician I am today. Playing “Love and Happiness,” one of the quintessential soul / R&B standards of that scene, is my way of paying homage to my home.

Voice Views: Why did you decide to join Team Kelly?

Alex: When I got the chance to see her live a couple years ago, I was mesmerized and impressed that Kelly took a more traditional approach to performance than the typical pop star by focusing on the raw singing talent rather than hiding behind big light shows and choreography. Kelly seems to have just such a real energy about her that I like and respect. I feel like she and I could have a really genuine working relationship that will be more substantial than just some singing coaching tips and tricks.

Voice Views: Now, you were well into the blind audition before anyone turned. Did that prompt you to change your strategy at all during the performance and what was the blind audition experience like?

Alex: I went into my blind feeling very at ease and confident. Halfway into it, that confidence started to fade and worry crept in. I realized then that if I didn’t get it together quickly and really sell the build at the end I wouldn’t have any chance of a turn. Thankfully, I feel like I really sold the ending. Whatever it was, it worked in the end.

See also …
Meet Alex Guthrie