Bryce Leatherwood is still soaking in his role as the latest winner of The Voice. The Georgia native, who was crowned the Season 22 winner in December, on Blake Shelton‘s team, says finding out he beat Brayden Lape, Omar Jose Cardona, Bodie and Morgan Myles in the finale is something he will never, ever forget.
“I didn’t know what to think, to be honest,” Leatherwood tells Music Mayhem. “That was a moment that I’ll remember for the rest of my life, just because of how surreal it was, how unique that situation was. I mean, only 22 people have ever had the right of saying that they’re The Voice champion … It’s just mind-blowing and just this whole journey of mine is a figurative press on all the people who’ve impacted me and brought me along this journey.”
Leatherwood was 22 years old when he won The Voice, an irony that isn’t lost on him.
“Ever since I was a kid playing ball, I always wanted number 22,” Leatherwood reveals. “So it’s crazy. It’s almost like the stars aligned. It’s mind-blowing. There’s a bigger spirit involved instead of just me. So I’m just very blessed.”
For Leatherwood, the best part about competing on the reality TV talent show is the friendships he made with other contestants, forging relationships that he expects will last a long, long time.
“I’ve built relationships with all these people … Everybody has a story to tell,” Leatherwood says. “Everybody has a different sound and we all get along. It’s incredible to see all these journeys and all this, everybody from different backgrounds just coming into one conglomerate show, and it’s just beautiful. So the greatest experience was meeting everybody for sure.”
The rising star also formed a close relationship with Shelton, who is eager to see where Leatherwood’s career goes after The Voice.
“That’s what’s most exciting for me as a coach, after the fact, is knowing after all this time, I know what opportunities are coming his way,” Shelton tells Entertainment Tonight. “People love the guy. He won The Voice, so imagine how many people want to come see him in concert. There’s a lot out there for him.”
With The Voice in the past for him, Leatherwood is excited to throw himself fully in his music career, and ready to do whatever it takes to make his dreams come true.
“I’m just ready to work every day that I can,” Leatherwood says. “You know, there are no days off in this business. You just gotta keep grinding in any regard you can each and every day. So I’m just ready to work. That’s my goal.”