BARRON, Wis. --- Wisconsin singer/songwriter, Chris Kroeze, spent Tuesday night turning chairs on NBC’s singing competition “THE VOICE.”
“Your singing is electrifying” said country superstar Blake Shelton of Kroeze’s performance “You can make it into this finale!”
According to NBC, Kroeze’s musical career has been on the rise over the past few years, performing over 200 shows annually in four countries.
Kroeze has shared the stage with national acts including Joe Nichols, Chris Cagle, Travis Tritt, and Montgomery Gentry. An avid supporter of the military, Kroeze takes multiple trips to the Middle East each year to support the men and women serving our country overseas through music.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be on THE VOICE,” Kroeze told NBC, who credits his family and community for his career. “It’s the people here in the Midwest that have made this a reality for me and my family. They have supported me, believed in me, and allowed me the opportunity to focus on my music -- I’ve been able to make a career doing what I love because of our community.”
Kroeze was born and raised in a small town in Northwest Wisconsin. According to NBC, Kroeze discovered his passion for music at an early age. His Dad surprised him with a small acoustic guitar for his sixth birthday, and he hasn’t put it down since.
“He literally wouldn’t put it down. He’d carry it around the house all day,” Chris’ father, Todd Kroeze told NBC. “There were so many nights when I’d go down to tuck the kids in for bed, only to find Chris having fallen asleep, his guitar still clutched tightly in his hands.”
In 2016, Kroeze traveled to Nashville to record his hit song “Four Letter Words” at the famous Station West studio.
“I’ve seen firsthand what a small town can do when it comes together,” he said. “The opportunity to go to Nashville was a big one, but money was tight and it wasn’t looking like I could make the trip happen. Word got out, and a fundraiser was thrown. Every penny raised made ‘Four Letter Words’ a reality. That trip changed my life, and it would not have been possible without the support of my small town.”
“Being from a small town has shaped me, it’s made me who I am,” Kroeze said. “When I take the stage, I’ll be competing for all the people in small towns that pull together to make big things happen. Their hard work, their perseverance, and their support makes such an impact -- and it’s made all the difference in my life. This journey isn’t just about me, and I’m excited to show the country what WE can do together!”
Chris Kroeze still lives in Northwest Wisconsin with his wife Mara, daughter Bella, and son Finely.
