Wisconsin’s Chris Kroeze heads to ‘The Voice’ finals.
He did it. Final four. Barron-based country rocker Chris Kroeze is heading to the finals on NBC’s “The Voice.”
“Thank you thank you thank you!,” Kroeze tweeted minutes after getting the news during Tuesday’s episode. “See you all in the FINALE!”
Kroeze, 27, is the first artist from Wisconsin to advance to the finals in the NBC’s singing show’s 15-season history. He secured enough audience votes following his semifinal performances Monday.
Kroeze will be facing off against fellow country artists Kirk Jay (who, like Kroeze, has been coached by Blake Shelton) and Chevel Shepherd.
R&B artist Kennedy Holmes is also in the final four, competing against teen pop singer Reagan Strange and gospel singer MaKenzie Thomas for the last slot Tuesday, getting the “save” thanks to votes on Twitter.
Kroeze sang two songs for viewer votes during the live semi-finals Monday. There was a mashup duet of the Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” with fellow contestant Sarah Grace.
And Kroeze covered Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See” — a favorite from Wisconsin bar gigs and USO shows — which received a standing ovation from all four judges.
“He’s awesome, isn’t he?” Shelton said Monday. “Thank you for giving the beer-drinking, backroad-driving, not necessarily in that order, viewers of this show somebody to root for, man. That was incredible.”
Born and based in Barron — about 55 miles northwest of Eau Claire — Kroeze has been a full-time musician for about seven years, and told the Journal Sentinel last month he was hesitant to accept an audition for “The Voice,” worried it could take away from his income.
But he’s had incredible success on the show. Aided by smoking guitar skills, a sweet and soulful rasp and humble everyman charm, Kroeze cruised through the battle and knockout rounds, and wowed coaches and viewers across five weeks of live performances.
His gigs are already getting better, too — he was recently added to the lineup at Country Jam in Eau Claire this summer.
Kroeze will perform his last live songs of the competition Monday night. The winner will be determined during next Tuesday’s season finale.