On shows like “The Voice,” the judges see all kinds of singers, both good and bad. But every now and then, one of them stands out not only for their talent but also their unique voice and style. Harrison Craig is one of them.
When an 18-year-old appeared on Australia’s “The Voice” he blew judges and audiences away with his rich baritone voice.
But they were shocked to hear that Craig had been relentlessly bothered in school because he spoke with a stutter.
During his initial blind auditions, Craig made the judges’ jaws drop the moment he started to sing. But they waited just a few seconds before finally pushing their buttons and turning in their seats.
“I can’t contain myself right now,” said judge Seal. “It is voices like that that make guys like me want to coach. That is a wonderful instrument that you have there. Something tells me you have a really interesting story because when you sing, it is so natural. You feel so comfortable.”
Craig was amazed that every one of the four judges offered to serve as his coach during the season of “The Voice.”
But he also had an explanation as to what fueled his performance and why he sang so passionately.
“Ever since I could talk, I’ve actually had a stutter,” said Craig. “So it’s kind of great to actually get up here and perform so passionately and…it’s beautiful. I love it so much.”
Craig ultimately chose Seal as his coach.
But his subsequent performances only built on his first blind audition.
For his semi-final audition, Craig performed Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers, again stirring up screams from the crowd. His smooth, rich baritone is reminiscent of Josh Groban’s voice. But Craig makes his performance totally new.
He has a suaveness and a surety that few can match.
It’s clear he loves performing and that when he sings, he finds a place of confidence he might not have when speaking normally.
During the Battle Rounds of the season, Craig went up against Tim Moxey with the song You Raise Me Up.
And again, the judges had some words of wisdom for him.
Craig did go on to win the season, even performing a duet with Seal during the finals.
Since winning “The Voice,” Craig signed a record deal with Universal and has released three albums. He says his stutter has continued to steadily improve.
“Harrison, there is something that you have that is very difficult to teach, and it is the ability to connect,” said Seal. “I don’t know how you do it. You just connect with everyone. I would be doing a disservice to not only you, to everyone here, but also Australia if I didn’t go with you.”
As for his fans, they love his beautiful voice and as the judges said, his ability to connect with audiences. It just goes to show that you shouldn’t let anything hold you back.
Listen below to his outstanding performance of “Unchained Melody.”
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