Barron’s Kroeze makes top 10, wins raves on NBC’s ‘The Voice’
It was a big week for Barron-based country singer Chris Kroeze on “The Voice.”
Not only did he move on to the top 10 on NBC’s singing competition Tuesday, he got to perform with his coach Blake Shelton, and some fans in his hometown appeared on the show.
Monday’s live episode cut to a “Voice” viewing party at the Barron Area Community Center, which was filled with Kroeze’s supporters cheering him on, including his wife and two children.
A segment also showed photos of kids in Kroeze’s old elementary school sporting fake beards during a recent “Chris Kroeze Dress-Up Day,” and a video of support from a fan in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Qatar. Kroeze is an avid supporter of the military and has done eight tours at military bases overseas.
“I’m incredibly grateful for my friends and whoever’s voted for me,” Kroeze said Monday. “The whole state of Wisconsin is going nuts.”
Fans voted on the songs for contestants to sing on Monday’s show, and Kroeze’s selection fit right in his wheelhouse: the Doobie Brothers’ classic “Long Train Runnin’.”
“I think it’s a perfect song choice,” he told Shelton during a rehearsal segment Monday. “The original stuff that I do is country, but it has a lot of Southern rock and classic rock influence to it.”
Shelton agreed.
“Country music is evolving right now, and Chris is definitely that guy that can bring that ‘70s rock influence,” Shelton said. “This guy’s multitalented. He’s really a standout on the show this year.”
He certainly proved it with his performance — his most rollicking yet — where Kroeze complemented his sweet rasp with a sizzling guitar solo. Shelton and fellow coaches and judges Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine gave him a standing ovation.
“Whoa,” Shelton exclaimed. “America, did you see that? I mean holy, that is incredible.”
“You can see Barron, Wisconsin, from space right now,” Shelton continued. “I guarantee people are freaking out. You keep getting better with every single performance.”
Following that performance, it was no surprise that viewer votes kept Kroeze in the competition for another week. And he got to perform again Tuesday with Shelton and fellow
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Piet Levy talks about concerts, local music and more on “TAP’d In” with Jordan Lee, 8 a.m. Thursdays on WYMS-FM (88.9). Follow him on Twitter @pietlevy and on Facebook at
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teammates Dave Fenley and Kirk Jay, the four artists teaming up for a cover of Alabama’s “Dixieland Delight.”
Kroeze will next perform on “The Voice” on Dec. 3.