Is Americana Hitting the Mainstream on “The Voice?”

Brace yourselves, people, because not only will The Voice have at least one bluesy-folk singer this season, but this kid looks to be a heavy favorite. Could we actually see Americana gain mainstream attention in the form of one 15-year-old boy from upstate New York?

The coaches from The Voice  seem to think so. In previews for the eighth season of the hugely popular singing contest, Sawyer Fredericks turned three of the four judges chairs in 10 seconds with his rendition of “I’m a Man of Constant Sorrow.”

I know what you’re thinking, because I’m a cynic too when it comes to these things. These so-called singing talent shows just churn out the same pop drivel by pretty faces destined to Top 40 mediocrity, right? Well, that may be true all too often,  but this kid is the real deal. Even the coaches realized it, getting into a heated contest to win him over to their respective teams.

And for the record, yes, the fourth coach turned his chair, as well. What on earth took you so long, Blake Shelton?

Check out the video of his performance and the entertaining battle of the coaches here. I admit I know little about Pharrell, but he sure is a class act, and I hope Sawyer chose him for his coach.

Here’s an older video of Sawyer covering Elvis’ “That’s Alright Mama” at Happy Jack’s, circa 2011, which would make him about 11 years old.