After Cade Mower’s audition for “The Voice,” which won over all four coaches in a matter of seconds, Kelly Clarkson was visibly shocked to learn the 35-year-old singer from Bluffdale, Utah, has a full-time career outside of music.
“You’re a finance bro with that voice?” she exclaimed.
Mower’s audition, a performance of Zach Bryan’s “Something In the Orange,” established the Utah singer as an early front-runner on this season of “The Voice” — the audition is one of the most-watched of the season, with more than 3 million views on the official YouTube channel for “The Voice.”
On Monday night, during the competition’s Battle round, Mower continued to wow the coaches with his raspy vocals. Here’s a look at the performance — and what the coaches had to say.
Cade Mower faces Battle round on ‘The Voice’
Mower’s Battle performance pitted him against fellow Team Riley Green member Brayden Howell, a 19-year-old singer from North Carolina who has been praised on the show for his throwback style and artistry.
Ahead of the pair’s performance, Mower, who is a father of two, shared how hard it’s been to be away from his family during filming.
“It’s been a massive sacrifice, but if I can go and win this Battle, that’s one step closer towards making this massive sacrifice worth it,” he said.
He also praised his wife, Lindsey, for her support.
“She’s not just along for the ride, she’s my biggest fan,” he said with emotion.
For the Battle, Mower and Howell sang a duet of the Red Clay Strays’ “Wondering Why.” Although both contestants are in the country music lane, they have significantly different styles that made for an entertaining performance.
Clarkson still seemed to be shocked that Mower, who works as a wealth adviser, isn’t a full-time performer.
“Your vocals are insane,” she told the Utah singer following the performance.
Coach Adam Levine, meanwhile, said he wished he could’ve heard more of Mower’s vocals and that he missed the stripped-down element of the singer’s blind audition.
“Cade, you have been on my brain since you came on this stage,” first-time coach Queen Latifah said, adding that she wished Mower was on her team. “I felt like your voice was so unique, but I gotta tell you, Brayden gave you a run for your money today.”
“Amen,” Mower responded.
Ultimately, though, the decision was up to Green, a first-time coach on the show.
“This is extremely difficult,” the country singer said. “I believe in both of you. I have no doubt y’all both have a career ahead of you.”
After some deliberation, Green chose to move Mower forward in the competition.
“One of the best things about you is that you know what you are and what you do well and what you want to do,” Green said.
Who is Cade Mower on ‘The Voice’?
Mower started playing guitar when he was 12, and began singing shortly before turning 21, according to a news release “The Voice” shared with the Deseret News.
He started out performing weekly for small crowds at his uncle’s Salt Lake City bar. Throughout college, and living in Austin and Nashville, he’s racked up thousands of shows.
“The Voice” contestant has pursued music for nearly 15 years while maintaining a full-time career. Although he currently works as a wealth adviser to support his family, he has his sights set on being a full-time musician.
Now, after the Battle round, the Utah singer is continuing on that path.
“One step closer to the end goal,” he said following his Battle win. “I’m excited.”