Arroe Collins That Voice: A Decade With The Performers On NBC's The Voice

Jacob grew up singing in the church choir and began learning guitar at 12. He played in several bands throughout high school and at 19 hopped on a train and headed west. At 21, he joined a farming program that allowed him to travel the country and study regional music along the way, which shaped him into the artist he is now. He decided to pursue music full-time in 2012 and started a ragtime band. After six years, Jacob disbanded the group to pursue a solo career and has since released a record and completed three solo tours in the U.S. and around the world.

If you could share a conversation with a seed before it becomes a tree would you speak of its future fruit or would it be all things right now?

Connor grew up in a small town nestled on the Ohio River where he started his pursuit after music and his faith. Hearing his family sing hymns at church ignited his passion for music and inspired him to learn the guitar. Outside of music, Connor also spent much of his time on the tennis court. He led his high school team to three undefeated seasons and achieved back-to-back Player of the Year. Connor is now a full-time tennis coach and lives in Colorado with his fiancée Grace, but is devoted to his music and plays in his church band.

If you could share a conversation with a seed before it becomes a tree would you speak of its future fruit or would it be all things right now?

James grew up amongst a musical family in California. He started playing drums when he was 10, but was always shy about singing. While his mother encouraged singing, James focused on playing music instead. When he was 18, he tragically lost his mother to cancer but used his grief to begin exploring his voice and writing songs. James recently started gigging and singing at open mic nights in Ohio where he lives with his wife and two little kids. With his mother on his mind, James hopes to make his family proud on "The Voice" stage.

If you could share a conversation with a seed before it becomes a tree would you speak of its future fruit or would it be all things right now?

Hey it’s Arroe. This is Play It Forward. A look at the unexpected changes endured by entertainers, writers, camera people and all others affected but not infected by the global invasion of the Coronavirus.
Real people. Real stories. The struggle to Play It Forward.
Episode 245 with Cam Anthony winner of season 20 on NBC’s The Voice
That’s Play It Forward. You can listen to the full conversations with these artists on three different podcasts. Like Its Live, Unplugged and Totally Uncut and View from the Writing Instrument found on all digital platforms.

If you could share a conversation with a seed before it becomes a tree would you speak of its future fruit or would it be all things right now?

Consider for a second that in theory Cam and Victor fight for the same votes, and Kenzie and Jordan do as well. Wouldn't that leave Rachel all alone in her lane, the only option for voters with a preference for female voices? Keep in mind that only two years ago Maelyn Jarmon won the show as the fourth female in a row, so we know that there is a segment of the audience that is deeply supportive of young women. Rachel's approach in the competition has been to show power, range and storytelling through the selection of emotionally-charged yet inspirational songs like "Rainbow" and "Human." With another big song or two in the finale, Rachel could really turn the tide in her direction and mount a shocking upset over the two guys that many have seen as the frontrunners since the very first episode.

If you could share a conversation with a seed before it becomes a tree would you speak of its future fruit or would it be all things right now?

Corey was inspired to pursue music by his father, who was a drummer. He began playing drums as a child, and later learned to sing and play the guitar. Chasing his passion for music, Corey brought his talents to "The Voice" last season. Unfortunately, the chairs didn't turn and even worse, his mother was rushed to the hospital that same day due to complications from her battle with cancer. While his mother is still receiving treatment and his father is also recovering from a triple heart attack, Corey has learned not to take second chances for granted. Corey returns to "The Voice" this season hoping to make his parents proud.

If you could share a conversation with a seed before it becomes a tree would you speak of its future fruit or would it be all things right now?

Devan has always loved singing and committed to pursuing music after graduating high school. He got hired to sing in an Afrobeat band and took on the task of teaching himself to sing in Swahili. For the next 17 years, Devan continued his passion for music by performing in a wedding band and at various community events, but spent most of his time working his way up in office jobs to pay the bills. He is now a client relations manager at a tech firm, but still dreams of being a professional singer. Devan is ready to make his dream a reality on "The Voice."

If you could share a conversation with a seed before it becomes a tree would you speak of its future fruit or would it be all things right now?

Gean was born with music in his blood. His father is a Spanish musician and inspired Gean to learn the guitar at six years old. Gean started singing to accompany his guitar playing, and decided to showcase his skills for the first time at his seventh grade talent show. After impressing his friends, Gean knew he had to continue his love for music and began songwriting. Three years ago, he got the chance to tour with his dad around the U.S., Colombia, and Mexico, which only reinforced his love for performing. Gean comes to "The Voice" to prove he is ready for the spotlight.

If you could share a conversation with a seed before it becomes a tree would you speak of its future fruit or would it be all things right now?

Pia grew up as the oldest of eight siblings and was primarily raised by her grandmother, who passed down her love for music. Pia was inspired to start singing, but when she became pregnant at 15, music was the last thing on her mind. After having a second child at 18, music remained on the backburner while she worked to make ends meet for her family. Pia has since gotten back to singing and was asked to audition for a commercial while performing at a corporate event last year. She got the job and now works as a commercial voiceover actor. Although Pia enjoys her work in the studio, she's ready to step into the spotlight where her true artistry can be seen and heard.

If you could share a conversation with a seed before it becomes a tree would you speak of its future fruit or would it be all things right now?

Cam grew up in North Philadelphia and turned to music as an escape from the violence and crime he faced in the city. He learned at an early age how to control his voice and honed his skills in the church choir. At 11, Cam's life changed forever after a video of him singing a Bruno Mars song went viral. Cam was later invited to open for Patti LaBelle, perform on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and even perform at the White House for the annual Easter Egg Roll. At 12, Cam was signed by Dr. Dre. and spent the rest of his teen years recording and performing. His contract ended recently, but Cam is ready to take full control of his artistry and continue making a name for himself on "The Voice" stage.

If you could share a conversation with a seed before it becomes a tree would you speak of its future fruit or would it be all things right now?