Idol Chatter & Voice Views

His audition: Tanner James, 19, of Provo, Utah, sang “Heaven” for his audition and says Usher turned around on the second note of the song. “I was just blown away. In fact, I kind of ruined the rest of my song, because I was trying to hold it all together. But it was great when that happened because it was reassurance that I’m supposed to be here.”

His background: The Voice showed just a small part of Tanner’s audition, but his bio on the show’s website indicates he had a medical scare at age 4. His doctor found a cyst in his brain that was wrapped around his optic nerve. The cyst nearly cost Tanner his vision — or worse — but the procedure to remove it went smoothly, the site says.

What the show didn’t show: Tanner says he started playing the piano when he was young, then picked up the guitar when he was a teenager. He graduated high school in 2012 and went to college briefly, but returned home to focus on music. He now describes himself as an acoustic musician. After his audition, Tanner said the coaches said they sensed an “old soul” in his voice and a vintage sound. Adam Levine said Tanner reminded him of Kenny Loggins. And he happens to be one of two Provo residents on Team Usher, joining 16-year-old Madilyn Paige. In a conference call with the media, Tanner says they didn’t know one another before The Voice, but now realize their homes are about 5 minutes apart and that they were taught by the same choir instructor in high school. “There’s just a lot of talent in Provo,” Tanner says. “It’s starting to change into a music town.” As for that medical scare: “I saw how scared my parents were,” Tanner recalls. “I guess I realized I kind of brushed with death. It’s just kind of a testament that you should take advantage of every day and live to the fullest.”

About having Usher as a coach: “When they announced Usher and Shakira were coming back to Season 6, I was like, ‘Wow, that would be so cool to have Usher.’ I feel like he really knows his stuff, he knows the business and he wants it. I know he wants to win. He’s a great musician. I’m sure every minute I’m with him will be a learning experience.”

On iTunes: Just his audition song.

Update: He lost to Madilyn Paige in the battle round; they sang the Taylor Swift/Ed Sheeran duet, “Everything Has Changed.”

Keeping up with Tanner:
On Twitter: @HeyTannerJames
Facebook
YouTube: Not found

Editor’s Note: For links to profiles of all the Season 6 artists on The Voice, go here. And check back for live blogging during every episode of Season 6.