Whatever Happened To Sawyer Fredericks From The Voice?
Fans of NBC's The Voice will remember singer-songwriter Sawyer Fredericks from his winning appearance on the hit competition show's eighth season. At the time, Fredericks was the youngest winner in the franchise's history and the first to be coached by "Happy" singer Pharrell Williams (via Bustle). Following his 2015 win, Fredericks remained true to his musical roots and kept himself busy with a variety of post-Voice projects.
Shortly after storming to victory on the NBC talent series, Fredericks signed a recording contract with Republic Records. In 2015, he released his debut self-titled EP which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Folk Chart, Cinema Blend reports. A year later in 2016, The Voice champ dropped his debut album A Good Storm, which spent just one week on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 48. The album fared better in the Americana/Folk Albums chart, however, where it spent a total of four weeks and reached a high of No. 2.
Sawyer swapped Hollywood for life on the farm
In a social media statement posted in 2017, Fredericks revealed he had parted ways with Republic Records and his mother would become his new manager. "The parting of ways was an amicable and mutual decision," he explained on Twitter, adding: "I know I'm in good hands, with mom taking over managing my career, and with all of your devoted and enthusiastic support."
In 2018, Fredericks released his first album as an independent artist, Hide Your Ghost, which peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Indie chart. Speaking to the Boston Herald, the "I'm a Man of Constant Sorrow" singer revealed he had penned much of the album whilst working on his family's farm in Fultonville, N.Y. "I don't like L.A., so I like being down to earth and staying close to my family. After The Voice I was very glad that I could get back to my house and be separated from that kind of chaos," he told the publication.
In 2021, Fredericks adapted to coronavirus restrictions and performed virtually for fans during live events such as The Folk Unlocked Showcases, during which ticket-holders enjoyed live performances from their favorite folk musicians as well as new and upcoming artists.