Meet Samuel Wilco of The Voice Season 18

The Voice

February 5, 2020 By Mark Franklin 0

Samuel Wilco of Fort Knox, Ken., and Team Nick Jonas on The Voice Season 18. (NBC Photo)

His audition: Samuel WILCO, 39, of Fort Knox, Kentucky, auditioned with “Lately” by Jodeci. Samuel immediately showed off nice range. As the song swelled, so did Samuel’s vocals. And he earned chair turns from Kelly Clarkson and Nick Jonas. Nick said The Voice needs a voice like his in the competition. Kelly complimented him on an excellent song choice. Samuel joined Team Nick because his children are big fans of the singer.

Here’s more about Samuel:

* His real name is Sam Woodberry, from Lake City, S.C., though he performs as Steve WILCO. He notes that WILCO is an Army acronym that means “will comply.” “I chose my name because I feel like God is calling me to do something great with my music. If He is calling me, my name is my answer… Samuel Will Comply.”

* Last fall, he celebrated 21 years in the U.S. Army. He joined the Army at 18, served three tours in Kuwait and works as an instructor at the Army’s recruiting college. He’ll retire next February.

* He lists his genres as Christian, inspirational, rock, soul, R&B and hip-hop.

* Samuel writes on Facebook: “Through my faith and music I have discovered my true purpose in life. My purpose is to bring people together through music, and live a life that motivates others spiritually, relationally, and purposefully.”

* Samuel doesn’t appear to have released music, but you can check out several covers on his Instagram page and YouTube channel, including a cover of Chris Stapleton’s “Sometimes I Cry,” which I’ve embedded below.

* There’s also a video on Facebook of Samuel performing a spirited cover of “Come Together” with the U.S. Army rock band As You Were.

* He’s also spent time performing with the worship team at Southeast Christian Church Elizabethtown in Kentucky and at The Connection Church in Buda, Texas.

* Samuel says he’s done most of his performing in a church setting and is currently a member of the worship team at his church.