Teen Stuns The Voice Coaches With Deepest Note Yet While Singing “Friends in Low Places”
At 19, Brayden Howell brought an unmistakably traditional country sound to The Voice Season 30 when he chose one of the genre’s best-known songs for his Blind Audition: Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places.”
His deep voice immediately set him apart, but it was one particularly low note that ultimately convinced Riley Green to turn his chair.
Brayden Howell Brings Old-School Country to the Stage
During the Blind Auditions, contestants have been performing everything from contemporary country songs to new versions of established classics. Howell opted for the latter, taking on Brooks’ 1990 hit.
“Friends in Low Places” was released as the lead single from Brooks’ album No Fences. The song spent four weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart and later earned both an ACM Award and a CMA Award for Single of the Year.
From the moment Howell stepped into the spotlight, his traditional country influences were hard to miss.
His deep, resonant voice had an old-school quality that stood out among the younger contestants, while his appearance matched the retro country feel. He wore a red button-up shirt, leather fringe vest, black pants and cowboy boots, along with a nearly shoulder-length mullet.
The Coaches appeared impressed throughout the performance and even sang along at points.
However, Howell faced an unusual obstacle: a four-chair turn was already impossible because Kelly Clarkson and Queen Latifah had filled their teams. That left only Riley Green and Adam Levine with room for him.
Riley Green Turns for Brayden
For much of the performance, it appeared that Howell might finish without a chair turn. He was already halfway through the song, and none of the remaining Coaches had pressed their buttons.
Then came the moment that changed everything.
When Howell reached the song’s lowest note, Riley Green hit his red button, turning around and securing Howell a place on his team.
Clarkson was the first Coach to offer feedback, telling the teenager:
“That’s some big ole boots you’re steppin’ in with Garth Brooks.”
She praised Howell for doing a “good job” with the performance, particularly given how demanding a song choice it was.
Queen Latifah also acknowledged what Howell had accomplished, saying that she would have turned for him if her team had not already been full.
A Honky-Tonk Sound With Elvis and Randy Travis as Influences
After claiming Howell for his team, Green took the opportunity to learn more about the young singer’s musical influences.
Howell cited Elvis Presley as an inspiration for his style, while Randy Travis is his music idol.
Green later explained why he knew immediately that Howell belonged on his team.
“Brayden came out and it sounded like I was in a Honky Tonk when I closed my eyes,” Green said backstage. “It was a no-brainer for me to fill my team.”
For Howell, the chair turn marked only the beginning of his journey on the competition, but his audition had already attracted plenty of attention from viewers.
Viewers Praise Howell’s Low Notes
The Voice shared Howell’s audition on social media, where viewers responded enthusiastically to his performance.
Many praised his natural delivery, distinctive voice and ability to handle the song’s demanding low notes.
One viewer wrote:
“Love this young guy, so natural and has a great voice! Love his fashion, so retro!!! Hope he will go very far! Good luck!”
Another praised him for taking on a challenging song and “nailing those lows.”
A third viewer highlighted his vocal tone and “bass notes,” adding that Howell had already gained “lots of friends” through the performance.
With Riley Green turning his chair at the crucial moment, Howell now moves forward on Team Riley, carrying his distinctly traditional country sound into the next stage of The Voice Season 30.