'Voice' Contestant Braiden Sunshine Wows Viewers With 'Amazing Grace'
His name is Braiden Sunshine and the 15 year old with the golden voice is living up to his name. The baby-faced "Voice" contestant delivered a stirring rendition of "Amazing Grace" during the show's semifinal round Monday night with a soulfulness beyond his years.
Beneath a single spotlight and accompanied by a pianist and eight violinists, Sunshine took listeners on a spiritual journey, aiming for the rafters as he belted out soaring high notes, and reducing his voice to a gentle croon during tender moments.
The high school freshman is a Team Gwen contestant who is doing his musical mentor proud. But don't be fooled by the school boy's youth — he's already performed in two bands with college-aged members and has sung in more than 300 shows, according to NBC.
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Sunshine demonstrated a sensitivity as genuine as his voice when, after an "instant save" kept him in the competition but knocked out friend Korin Bukowski, he embraced the ousted singer onstage and later posted this Instagram message:
"I just want to say this is one of if not the nicest person I've ever met. She's gentle, kind, and caring and I couldn't have asked for a better friend throughout this whole experience. It was horrible having to go against her in the bottom two. I was hoping and praying that she would be called. She did a great job, especially with that kinda of pressure. It's so sad to see her go. I'm gonna miss my friend."
The teenage singing sensation also previously praised the other contestants, writing on his website "Everyone has great songs, awesome stage sets and are practiced and ready to put on an amazing show."
After voting officially closed Tuesday, Sunshine tweeted a noonday message to fans: "Thank you everyone! Now we just have to wait and see," accompanied by Emojis depicting faces with grinding teeth and tearful laughter.
The fan favorite is one of nine contestants remaining in the competition, vying to make the final four, which will be decided Tuesday night. Of the nine, the top three contestants will automatically advance, while the bottom three will be cut. The three remaining performers will hope for an instant save to keep one of them in the competition.
