(Front Row) Lori Christian, EVP, Marketing, UMGN; Bryce Leatherwood; Cindy Mabe, CEO and Chair, UMGN; Sabrina Butera, CAA (Middle Row) Tom Luteran, Sony Music Publishing; Clint Higham, Morris Higham Management; Rod Essig, CAA; Robert Filhart, Morris Higham Management, Lauren Tweel, O’Neil Hagaman; James Deaton, Morris Higham Management; Sam Powers, O’Neil Hagaman (Back Row) Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing; Laura May, O’Neil Hagaman; Meredith Jones, CAA; Rob Femia, EVP, Business & Legal Affairs, UMGN
Chris Hollo

'The Voice' Winner Bryce Leatherwood Inks First Major-Label Record Deal

The news comes four days before we get to hear his debut single.

Since winning "The Voice"s' 22nd season and becoming Team Blake's final champion, Bryce Leatherwood has relocated from his native Georgia to Nashville, Tenn. where he's hoping to live that honky tonk dream. He took a major stride recently toward country acclaim by signing with Universal Music Group Nashville's Republic Records.

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The news was announced on Monday (Oct. 23). Debut single "The Finger" follows on Friday.

"Bryce Leatherwood grew up inspired by rich country roots listening to artists like Conway Twitty, George Jones and Merle Haggard who were introduced to him through his grandfather. He's a phenomenal singer and performer and he wants to carry traditional country music with his own edge forward," shared Cindy Mabe, CEO and chair of Universal Music Group Nashville, in a press release. "I'm so excited for the passion Bryce brings to creating his own brand of traditional country music to the next generation of youth and I am so proud to have him on our team."

A deal with Universal Music Group was part of Leatherwood's grand prize for winning "The Voice." He signed the contract less than a year after Season 22 concluded on Dec. 12, 2022.

"If someone would have told me at this time last year that not only would I win 'The Voice,' but it would lead to a record deal in Nashville, I wouldn't have believed it," Leatherwood shared in a press release. "I have worked really hard to hone my skills and talent as a country artist and I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity that I have before me. Not only am I excited to start putting music out to my fans, but I'm looking forward to writing some kick-ass songs with the incredible writers here in Nashville. I'd like to thank God, my family, and all of my supporters for getting me to this point. Now, let's get to work. God bless country music."

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