The Voice

After winning The Voice this past fall, the South Bend band Girl Named Tom had to overcome a tragedy as they embarked on a supercharged career.

His days of singing at Potbelly may be over, but he still stops in for a sandwich.

Josh Kaufman and Valerie Rockey and John Green, oh my!

He will appear as the lead during the high-profile holiday season, from November 4 through January 4.

After headlining the 31-date Voice tour that wraps August 2, Kaufman will start recording his major-label debut album. Not bad for a guy who was performing solo at Potbelly on Monument Circle earlier this year.

Look for the wonderfully weird 18-year-old to go far on this season of So You Think You Can Dance, an unsung summer delight.

Originally, a grand arrival greeting had been organized for 9:15 p.m. Thursday—but then Voice victor Kaufman’s flight was delayed.

Via @PetethePlanner: “Weird day in Indy. The city got 3rd for #SuperBowl2018. The Pacers got 2nd in their playoff game. And @iamjoshkaufman got 1st on The Voice.”

What makes his victory so refreshing is the fact that the best vocalist on the show actually prevailed.

Hoosiers statewide are presumably inclined to pull for Kaufman, and the truth of the matter is this: He is the best vocalist on the show.

This is the most important night of Kaufman’s professional career, and he’s earned it.

What’s more, Ed Sheeran made a surprise appearance to announce that he will perform on the season finale. He may play “All of the Stars,” a song he wrote for The Fault in Our Stars film based on John Green’s hit YA novel.

Coach Usher picked “Love Runs Out” by OneRepublic, which was an excellent decision matched with perfect timing. America finally saw a comfortable Josh Kaufman meander about the stage as if it’s where he belongs—and it is.

The five remaining contestants will each perform two songs live for America with hopes of seizing a coveted spot in the finals. Follow along with us!

Kaufman controlled Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” with pitch perfection. When he mixes gospel roots with that soulful jazz tone, it’s hard to think he won’t make the show’s Top 2.