Sawyer Fredericks, a 16-year-old boy who grew up on a farm won Season 8 of ‘The Voice’ on Thursday, May 19. Remarks by judges all throughout the competition hinted at the star-quality and potential they saw in Fredericks. Yet on the final week, viewers saw the judges’ reactions towards the teenage finalist and heard their confidence in him through their comments. Pharrell Williams, his coach spoke to him about fate, dreams, purpose, and about God.
Fredericks sang a duet with his coach, a solo, and an original song by his favorite artist Ray LaMontagne. Williams and Fredericks sang “Summer Breeze,” a slow jam by Seals and Croft while sitting on high stools in a middle of the stage with a circle of musicians surrounding them. He also sang “Please,” a song tailored and written for him by Montagne. Fredericks also chose to sing “Old Man” by Neil Young, a song that hit close to home with America and the judges.
On choosing to sing “Old Man,” the finalist said that “this song has many different meanings.” Fredericks explained that it was about “him wanting to connect with his father and being angry at his father” at the same time. Williams commented if he did not “know the gravity” of what he “just said.” He told Fredericks that when he sings, he puts his hand on his heart because he sings from his heart. He likened the gesture to Superman putting on his cape. The singer performed the song while standing alone on a small wooden platform with acoustic guitars hanging from the railings.
“What you’re doing quite honestly is not popular, but you’re making it popular.” said Williams. “Ima tell you how I feel. I’m happy for you. Congratulations.”
For Fredericks, being on ‘The Voice’ was a dream that came alive. One of those dreams was making a connection with LaMontagne. He first heard the country singer’s voice when his dad was working on their house. Listening to his song, he fell in love with LaMontagne’s voice. “Please” is a love song with beautiful lyrics. In the music video, Fredericks rode a bicycle inside an apartment and played his acoustic guitar for a young girl.
“It’s been awesome watching you, what you’re gonna be doing for the rest of your life,” said Williams.
Sawyer wore his signature bowler hat with his long straight blonde hair during the performance. Williams said “this is like a dream come true” and gave a shout out to LaMontagne for the “great song.” Williams said it was a “moment” for him because he “got to watch someone’s dream come true.”
“This is your destiny. Even if you don’t end up on my team,” said Williams during the blind auditions. “I get to watch this. Amazing things happen.”
Fredericks went from singing on his Fultonville farm to hitting the top of the iTunes chart. He shared with host Carson Daly that prior to being on ‘The Voice’ he had never rode a plane or been on television. Also, while he was not nervous about performing in front of millions, he was more afraid about the interviews that would follow. During the blind auditions stage of the competition, all four judges hit the red button and turned their chairs around for him. Ultimately, Fredericks chose Pharrell because he could tell the coach believed in him from the get-go.
Levine and Aguilera, two judges who pined for Fredericks to choose them on the show made comments as well. Levine said for him to “no matter what” not to lose sight of “the superiority,” “the purity,” and “the sanctity” of what he is. Aguilera told Fredericks that she did not imagine he would choose Pharrell. She had thought he would pick Levine or Blake Shelton, yet she was glad about his choice. She called him “a gem” and that she adores both him and Williams.
“The clock starts now and tomorrow, everything happens,” said Williams.
Daly read the results from a card to reveal Koryn Hawthorne as the fourth place finalist. Joshua Davis placed third. After building up anticipation, Daly announced that the winner of “is Sawyer Fredericks” and that “Team Pharrell wins this season of ‘The Voice.’” Sawyer received a silver trophy and sang “Please.” His parents came onto the stage and gave coach Williams a hug as confetti fell from the high ceiling all around them.
