Bryce Leatherwood officially has a record deal! The Season 22 winner of The Voice just signed with Universal Music Group Nashville in alliance with Republic Records The news comes only days before Leatherwood is scheduled to release his debut single, “The Finger,” on Friday, October 27.
“If someone would have told me at this time last year that not only would I win The Voice, but it would lead to a record deal in Nashville, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Leatherwood says. “I have worked really hard to hone my skills and talent as a country artist, and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity that I have before me.
“Not only am I excited to start putting music out to my fans, but I’m looking forward to writing some kick-a– songs with the incredible writers here in Nashville,” he adds. “I’d like to thank God, my family, and all of my supporters for getting me to this point. Now, let’s get to work. God bless country music.”
Leatherwood also earned praise from Universal Music Group’s CEO, Cindy Mabe, who praised Leatherwood for his respect of some of the biggest legends and pioneers in country music.
“Bryce Leatherwood grew up inspired by rich country roots listening to artists like Conway Twitty, George Jones and Merle Haggard who were introduced to him through his grandfather,” Mabe shares. “He’s a phenomenal singer and performer and he wants to carry traditional country music with his own edge forward. I’m so excited for the passion Bryce brings to creating his own brand of traditional country music to the next generation of youth and I am so proud to have him on our team.”
Leatherwood was on Blake Shelton‘s team, marking Shelton’s ninth — and final — win as a coach on The Voice. From early on, Shelton predicted Leatherwood had a bright future in country music.
“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 told Entertainment Tonight after Leatherwood was crowned the winner. “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.”
Soon after Leatherwood won The Voice, he hinted at what fans could expect from him, and the music he wanted to make.
“What I hope’s next is just making music that people love, that makes people want to dance, make people happy, make people want to cry,” Leatherwood teased.“Emotionally-filled music that everyone loves with a steel guitar and a fiddle in there somewhere.”
Keep track of all of Leatherwood’s music and upcoming shows at BryceLeatherwood.com.
Photo Credits: Courtesy of UMG Nashville / Ryan Anderson and NBC / Trae Patton