ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Lucas West, the “The Voice” finalist who finished third this season, is back in Western New York and preparing for what’s next after his whirlwind experience on the hit NBC show.
West said the experience was surreal, especially his final performance — a duet with coach John Legend. The voting was already done, and the results were in, but West said they were just having fun at that point.
“I mean, I got to sing a duet with John. That’s fun,” West said. “Billy Joel reposted me, which is insane. Hunter Hayes reached out to us, the composer of our battle round.”
Growth during “The Voice”
West said he learned a lot about himself during the competition, both vocally and personally. He said Legend helped him learn how to sound like himself and lean into his own sound.
“I learned that being a kind individual is very important,” West said. “Treating people with kindness and love, especially now when people are proud to associate with me and proud to come to my shows and proud to shake my hand — that means a lot.”
Support from his family and the community
West credited his parents for their unwavering support of his career in the arts. He said he’s grateful to have two parents who support a career in the arts, something he believes many people take for granted.
“Mom and dad, I love you so much,” West said. “They’re super proud of me, and it means the world to see that. This is kind of the least I can do to repay them for all the money and time and transportation they’ve provided for me over the years to foster my career.”
“I just love you all so much,” West said. “The support’s been unbelievable. Western New York has backed me up every step of the way, and it makes me emotional to see the outflow of support and love.”
During the finale of “The Voice”, the community gathered at Faircraft Brauhaus, a brewery his dad owns, to cheer him on.
What’s next?
West is graduating from SUNY Fredonia with a jazz degree very soon. He said he loves Fredonia and the community has been amazing, but he’s ready for the next chapter.
West has his debut single releasing in late May or early June called “But I’m Alone.”
“I’m really, really excited to release this. I think it’s a statement,” West said. “I put so much work and heart and soul into it. I think people are really going to like it, and I hope people hear that music and want to be invested in my career after ‘The Voice,’ not just during.”
Before the single drops, West has his senior recital at SUNY Fredonia on Wednesday, April 22, at 6 p.m. in Rausch Recital Hall. A live stream will be available for those who cannot attend in person.
See his performances
BLIND AUDITIONS: During his blind audition, coaches Adam Levine and John Legend both turned their chairs for West in the middle of his rendition of Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets.” West spoke with News10NBC about why he feels so connected to that song and his love for music.
BATTLE ROUND: In the battle round, West went up against contestant AJ Robinson, performing the song “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes. At the end of the performance, coach John Legend chose to keep West on his team.
KNOCKOUT ROUND: In the knockout round, West performed Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind”. After his performance, he got a shoutout on Facebook from the “Piano Man” himself.
SEMIFINALS: West moved on to the finals after his performance of Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed” in the semifinals round.
FINALE: West finished third in the finale, decided by votes from the in-studio audience. West paid homage to his Rochester roots during the finale by singing Foreigner’s “Cold as Ice”, originally sung by Rochester’s Lou Gramm. He also sang John Legend’s “Ordinary People” and joined his coach John Legend for a duet of Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”.
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