*UPDATE: Bayou Chicot native James Dupré has been eliminated from The Voice. Here is a statement he made on his Facebook page about his experience: “I have a few things I’d like to say. First of all, I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey so far. We’ve been on this ride together for a long time, playing smoky bars and nightclubs, private parties and theaters, and I couldn’t be happier with where we are at this moment. To the fans, old and new, I can’t thank you enough. I’d like to thank NBC and everyone involved with The Voice for giving me this incredible opportunity and giving me the platform to reach millions of people each night, and for giving me the chance to make new (and extremely talented) friends. This is the end of the road for me on the show, but in the whole spectrum of my career thus far, it is only a stepping stone to a much better place. I am now in a position to make better music, and that is exactly what I am doing. I am finishing up my new album in a couple of weeks, and hope to have it available for you in the early part of 2016. So if I can ask a favor from y’all, just keep doing what you’re doing by supporting me, coming to the shows, and be on the lookout for new music. Thank you to those who’ve made t-shirts, signs, had watch parties, and everything else. You are the reason that I will continue doing what I do. It’s a beautiful thing, and I can’t thank you enough.”
Watch his performance below versus his competitor, Shelby Brown, from last night’s Knockout Battle. Did the judges make the right choice?
We wish you well James and look forward to seeing what comes next for you! -Intern Maria@1063RL
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Soon viewers of The Voice Season 9 will get to see long awaited Bayou Chicot native James Dupré compete once again on Monday, November 2nd! This is the final night of the battle rounds for the singing competition on NBC. Three weeks have passed since Dupré went up against teammate Dustin Monk for the elimination duets to sing “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Both on Team Adam, Dupré was selected by Levine to advance to the knockout rounds which will air on Monday at 7 PM.
After Dupré attended the University of Louisiana at Monroe, he worked as a paramedic with Acadian Ambulance where he soon started a YouTube channel for his music. His talent was discovered by Ellen who invited him to perform on her show in 2010. Inevitably, Dupré landed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville but later separated from the label.
On September 23rd, Dupré appeared on The Voice to sing “Let Her Cry” by Hootie and the Blowfish for his blind audition. It didn’t take long for Pharrell, Adam Levine, and Gwen Stefani to turn their chairs after hearing Dupré sing. After Blake Shelton tried to convince Dupré to pick him, Levine was selected to be his coach. You can stay updated with James Dupré on his Facebook page here.
Louisiana delivered another contestant to The Voice when Denham Springs resident Tyler Dickerson sang the Otis Redding original/The Black Crowes cover “Hard to Handle” for his blind audition on Monday, September 28th. Dickerson chose Blake Shelton to be his coach after he was the only one to turn his chair. Two weeks later, he appeared again to sing “I’m Gonna Be Somebody” by Travis Tritt with Zach Seabaugh for the elimination duets, only to be sent home.
Dickerson started his music career early when he was signed to Lyric Records at the age of 15 when John Rich of country duo Big & Rich caught him performing at Tootsie’s (Orchid Lounge) in Nashville. Life didn’t go as planned when he was told the label was closing down while on Brooks and Dunn’s farewell tour in 2010 and then suffered from a car accident. Dickerson then moved to Denham Springs to help his family with their business C & S Fencing. From then on, he continued to play music with local bands. Check out his Facebook page to see what comes next!
James Dupré and Tyler Dickerson have represented Louisiana well. I wish them both the best and look forward to hearing more from them soon! This is Intern Maria@1063RL signing off.