Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Matt New with his family following his blind audition on The Voice Season 17. (NBC Photo)

Lots of contestants on The Voice have had family members and friends shout coaching suggestions from backstage.

Matt New had the rare experience of having his wife and two young children brought on stage to meet the coaches.

Followed by a family huddle to determine whether he should join Team Gwen Stefani, Team Kelly Clarkson or Team John Legend.

The family decided to go Team Legend.

All of which occurred after Matt dazzled the show’s coaches with his cover of “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee.

Here’s what the 29-year-old from Midland, Texas, 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?

Matt: I auditioned with a video that led me to being able to audition my way through to the blind auditions. I felt that The Voice was a prefect avenue to take that next step in my musical journey.

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

Matt: I have actually never performed Sunflower live, believe it or not. I wanted to take a risk with that song knowing it’s popularity. I knew it was either going to amazing or fall terribly flat (haha). I recreated/produced the track with the intention to make it my own, but keep the integrity of the song. The band (as they’re so incredible at doing) took my track and made it even better! I was so happy with the finished rendition!

Voice Views: And, wow, your whole family was on stage discussing your coaching decision. What was that discussion like and why did you wind up going with Team Legend?

Matt: Team Legend was a no-brainer for me heading into my audition. However, once you’re standing on stage with three coaches fighting for you, it makes it really difficult.

There were moments where I thought “dang, I need to go with Kelly.” Then Gwen would make a great point and I would switch. Ultimately, John said, “I want to hear your voice on a record” and that was music to my ears!! (Pun intended). I turned around and my boys were so excited yelling “JOHN!! PICK JOHN!!” Haha, I couldn’t let them down!

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Learn more about Matt New and his music