Ryley Tate Wilson, a singer from Alabama, competed in the live semifinals of “The Voice.” Here are some things to know about Wilson, who ended his journey on the May 15 episode of the NBC reality series.
Good to know: Family and friends call him “Ryley Tate,” not just “Ryley.”
Age: 15. He’ll be 16 on July 9, 2023.
Hometown: Montgomery. His parents are Kelley and Todd Wilson. He has four siblings.
School days: He’s been homeschooled since 5th grade. Wilson says a lot of his schoolwork is outsourced through a local homeschool co-op. “Homeschooling is definitely the thing that has allowed me to pursue music the way that I have,” Wilson told AL.com during a recent phone interview.
Goal-oriented: Wilson got a driver’s permit this year and has been behind the wheel as much as possible, to prepare for testing for his driver’s license. So how’s it going? “I feel like I’m pretty average right now,” Wilson said.
Church ties: Wilson often sings at his home church, Landmark Church of Christ in Montgomery. “Most Wednesdays I lead worship for youth, and I love it,” he said. “It’s actually one of my favorite things to do.”
On stage: Wilson has performed with theater troupes in his home state, such as the Alabama Shakespeare Festival (“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”) and Wetumpka Depot Players (”Big Fish”). Also: “I was in the ‘Sound of Music,’ way off-Broadway,” Wilson said.
Music influences include: Billie Eilish, Frank Ocean.
Other talents: He’s earning fame as a singer, but Wilson is a songwriter, as well. His original single, “Anna Magdalena,” is streaming on Spotify. He also has instrumental skills; Wilson can be seen playing guitar, piano and electric keyboards in his Instagram posts.
“Voice” bio says: “From an early age, Ryley Tate turned anything and everything into a drum set and by 4, moved on to keyboard and guitar. He never wanted to be away from music, so his mom drew him a keyboard on cardboard, so he could practice on the go: at church, in the car and at restaurants. When Ryley Tate decided he wanted to make his own music, he saved up his money for recording software and learned the production side of things. His plan is to start gigging around town when he gets his driver’s license. He spends most of his time being heavily involved in local theater, always participating in musicals or singing for his church youth group.”
Where he’d like to perform: Coffeehouses, restaurants, music festivals and more. (No bars or nightclubs yet; he’s still a teenager.)
Blind audition on “The Voice”: Wilson covered Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own,” turning the 2010 electro-pop hit into an emotional ballad. His rendition was evidently inspired by Calum Scott’s 2015 version of the song, and prompted a four-chair turn from the coaches: Niall Horan, Kelly Clarkson, Chance the Rapper and Blake Shelton. After some coaxing and compliments from the coaches, Wilson chose Team Niall.
MORE: Who is D.Smooth, ‘The Voice’ finalist from Alabama?
READ MORE: Watch ‘Voice’ coaches fight over Alabama teen after ‘insane’ audition and 4-chair turn
Battle round on “The Voice”: Wilson performed a duet with another contestant on Horan’s team, Michael B. Williams, covering Giveon’s “Heartbreak Anniversary.” The singers seemed evenly matched, and both received praise from the coaches. Horan picked Williams as the winner of the battle, but used his “playoff pass” to keep Wilson in the competition. This was a huge vote of confidence, as it allowed the teen to skip the knockouts round and move directly to the playoffs.
READ MORE: Watch Alabama teen’s ‘incredible’ battle on ‘The Voice’; coaches go nuts for ‘beautiful’ vocals
Playoffs on “The Voice”: Wilson offered a tender rendition of “When the Party’s Over” by Billie Eilish, earning applause and effusive kudos from the coaches. Horan predicted the teen would have a bright future in music. “He’s a super-gifted, talented 15-year-old,” Horan said. “He’s still able to get up there every time and sing the emotional songs with the most passion. Ryley Tate is Future Boy.” Wilson was the first artist Horan chose for inclusion in the top eight, and a spot in the live semifinals.
READ MORE: Blake Shelton lauds Alabama singers on ‘The Voice,’ calls Montgomery teen ‘unbelievable’
Semifinals on “The Voice”: Wilson covered “Vienna” by Billy Joel, singing the first part of the song while seated at a piano. The coaches were impressed, but Wilson didn’t earn enough votes to make it to the Season 23 finals. He finished his run on the show as one of the top eight singers.
Quotable: “The live rounds of the show have always been the dream when I auditioned,” Wilson told AL.com. “I always thought I would love to make it to the live rounds. I would love to be in the finale, but if I end up going home after the semifinals, I would definitely feel accomplished. I would have felt accomplished the whole time, but mainly now, this is what I’ve wanted, and I’m super thrilled to have accomplished this.”
READ MORE: Ryley Tate Wilson on ‘The Voice’: ‘The most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me’
More Bama: D. Smooth, another Alabama contestant on “The Voice,” competed in the live semifinals this season and was voted into the finals. He’ll perform again on episodes set to air live on Monday, May 22, and Tuesday, May 23.
RELATED: Alabama’s D.Smooth makes Blake Shelton cheer on ‘The Voice’: ‘You gotta go to the finale’
Bear in mind: Alabama’s never had a winner on “The Voice,” but three singers from the state have made it to the finals during previous seasons: Dexter Roberts, who took third place on Season 16; Kirk Jay, who placed third on Season 15; and Red Marlow, who came in fourth during Season 13. Other “Voice” contestants from the state have included Berritt Haynes, Emma Caroline Warren, Levi Watkins, Cam Spinks, Josie Jones and Worth the Wait.