Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Brennen Henson of Flint, Mich., performs during the blind auditions on The Voice Season 17. (NBC Photo)

After all, he considers himself an alternative artist, an aspiring rock star.

And Gwen’s as alternative as you get among the current Voice coaching lineup.

Turns out, Brennen landed exactly where he wanted to be following an impressive blind audition performance of Riptide” by Vance Joy.

Blake Shelton and Gwen turned. Predictably, Brennen opted to join Team Gwen.

Here’s what the 20-year-old from Flint, Mich., 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?

Brennen: “I have been auditioning for The Voice since I was 15 years old. I have tried and failed a few times and, after three years since my last audition, I thought that I would give it another shot. My mom let me know that The Voice was holding open call auditions in Nashville (where I was living at the time) so I applied and also sent in a video submission.

I ended up making it through due to my video submission and never had to attend open calls. This time around things worked out! I was finally ready after years of preparation, practice, patience, and dedication to my craft.

Voice Views: Why did you choose “Riptide” for your audition song? Is that a song you’ve played often?

Brennen: The song “Riptide” has a special place in my heart because it is the song that I won the talent show with during my junior year of high school. It was the first time I had ever stepped out and showcased my voice outside of the church.

It may sound funny, but winning that talent show is a big part of what inspired me to pursue this music dream after high school. Sometimes all you need is a little encouragement, and I’m very blessed to be surrounded by A LOT of encouragement.”

Voice Views: Why did you decide to join Team Gwen? From your bio segment, it sounded like she was your first choice all along. Was that the case?

Brennen: “I was really just hoping anyone would turn around, but Gwen Stefani is a true artist. She has this originality that just shines through. She is the epitome of a rockstar and I really just felt like I could learn a lot from her. I felt she’d be a perfect fit for my voice and style. When her chair turned around, I think the smile on my face said it all. She had already won me over.”

See also …
Meet Brennen Henson of The Voice Season 17