Long before the contestants of Season 17's "The Voice" made it onto the Emmy-winning reality show battling it out for the top prize, they were giving back in their communities.. With their new platform, they’re now able to highlight those efforts and raise awareness for their charitable causes.
By: Heather Newgen
Fan favorite Ricky Duran, 29, beautifully sang Leon Bridges' "River" for his blind audition, winning all the coaches over, getting a four-chair turn. He ultimately chose Blake Shelton as his mentor, who he stayed with throughout his time on the show. Duran effortlessly performed like a pro who was ready to take on the industry by storm all season. Plus he dressed like a rock star and pulled off a sequin blazer and leather pants, proving he means business.
THE VOICE -- "Live Semi Final Results" Episode 1719B -- Pictured: (l-r) Blake Shelton, Ricky Duran -- (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)[/caption]
The edgy diverse singer came in second place, Team Kelly's Jake Hoot took home the trophy, but believes this is just the start of something big in his career, so be on the lookout for him.
THE VOICE -- "Live Finale Results" Episode 1720B -- Pictured: (l-r) Ricky Duran, Gary Clark Jr. -- (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)[/caption]
While Duran isn't impressing the crowd with dynamic vocals and musical talents, he's giving back to an organization that's very personal for him.
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"There's a foundation called the AFSP, the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention that I've put on a couple of benefits in Worcester for that cause. I think it's a very important subject that needs to be talked about Suicide awareness," he told The Voluntourist.
Duran's father, Ricardo Duran, was a musician, which sparked his love for music. His dad taught him how to play the guitar and they played in a band together when Duran was a teenager. Later on, his father managed his college band called the Blue Light Bandits. Tragically, Ricky lost his father in 2012; Ricardo took his own life after his health went into serious decline.
"I lost my dad to suicide when I was 22 and also my best friend four years ago. It's a tough thing. It's a lot of mental illness tied in with real life. It's something that we all need to look into a little more," he revealed.
Another frontrunner on "The Voice" season 17 was Team John Legend's Katie Kadan who placed third. The beautiful 38-year-old soulful singer from Chicago, Illinois wowed audiences with her powerful voice and blues-infused style.
THE VOICE -- "Live Finale Performances" Episode 1720A -- Pictured: (l-r) John Legend, Katie Kadan -- (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)[/caption]
The artist admits she was fearful to own her talents and although she sang in her church choir, she didn't start performing anywhere else until age 30.
Now the powerhouse fully embraces her gift and when she's not belting out perfect performances in the Chicago club scene, she's volunteering.
THE VOICE -- "Live Finale Results" Episode 1720B -- Pictured: (l-r) Katie Kadan, Adam Lambert -- (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)[/caption]
"I do a lot of service like helping rebuild communities. I'm helping out in a town called Maywood, IL, helping rebuild the community because finances are down and crime is up. I love to get in there and help whether it's feeding people, whether it's singing with people, whether it's cutting lawns or doing whatever I can. I like to do that," she said.
As to what happened to Maywood, she revealed, "The town was a great town, a historical town, but taxes went up so high that people aren't able to keep up with their properties. It breaks my heart. The church that I'm involved in does a lot of outreach for the community. It's called Impact Church and I've been working with them for about a year. While the singer does what she can, she wishes it could be more.
"It feels great to help, but I know I can do more. I think the biggest message I want to spread is kindness and love. We live in a society where people are just hating on people too much. it's our job to be kind, so if I can do a little bit of that then I've done my job."