Cam Spinks performs during his battle round match on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)
Cam Spinks, the only male country artist on The Voice Season 18, is knockout round bound.
Blake Shelton named Cam the winner of his battle round match with Kailey Abel.
They sang “What Ifs,” and Cam got praise from the judges for his vocal control even though the song wasn’t the type he typically sings.
Here’s what Cam, 29, from Alabaster, Ala., told Voice Views about his battle round experience.
Voice Views: What do you think was the key to your success in the battle round?
Cam: I tried really hard to focus on the things I do well in the battle round. Knowing that the song wasn’t really in my wheelhouse, I had to play into the things I knew I was good at: control, using my higher range, and trying my best to control my breathing. Ultimately I think it paid off.
Voice Views: How did the song choice work for you? Did it pose any special challenges?
Cam: The song choice didn’t really do me any favors. It had little room to breathe and was very wordy. My voice thrives in space and there wasn’t much of that in this particular song. Also, the original version was an entire octave lower than the key I sang it in, so getting familiar with it was that much more difficult as well.
Kailey Abel and Cam Spinks prepare for their battle round match on The Voice. (NBC Photo)
Voice Views: Did you have much experience singing duets or performing with others prior to the battle round? And, if so, do you think that worked to your advantage in preparing for the battle and how so?
Cam: I’ve had a good deal of experience singing with others, but very little experience singing with women in particular. It’s typically been with other band mates over the years who were all male. So I guess yes and no. I thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of the performance though. Kailey is wonderful and it was a pleasure to work through and perform the song with her. I cannot speak highly enough of her and her talent.
Voice Views: Anything else you’d like to add about the battle round experience?
Cam: One of the tougher things about the battle round worth mentioning was that I did not have my guitar. I had a bit of difficulty getting used to moving around and not being completely awkward on stage
Voice Views: And, obviously, you can’t talk about song choice, but is there a side of your artistry you haven’t gotten to display yet that you hope to in coming rounds?
Cam: The main parts of my artistry would be difficult to display on the show, as most of that is exhibited best in my original songs. BUT there are certainly aspects that I’d like to show. Like harmonica, and guitar playing. As well as more of the grit and rasp in my voice. I’m anxious to dive into the country vein where I’m most comfortable.
See also …
Meet Cam Spinks and learn about his original music
Cam Spinks talks about his blind audition
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