NC singers tell stories of survival, nerves as 'The Voice' finale nears

Two singers with North Carolina ties will be fighting for viewer votes in the top 12 on “The Voice” this week.

Buchanan, who said he is strongly influenced by classic rock artists including Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, joined the top 12 last Monday with his rendition of “Some Kind of Wonderful” by Grand Funk Railroad.

As the final singer of the night and the only contestant who didn’t chose to sing a more modern song, Buchanan said he was a bit nervous when he took to the stage and surprised to learn he had advanced to the next round.

“I’m a big believer in rock and roll as an art form and just a way to express yourself, so the fact that I got through on the first night with a Grand Funk Railroad song, that really blew my mind,” he said.

Lamarr didn’t make it through on Monday night, singing a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed,” but that didn’t discourage him.

“It kind of gave me the power and energy to push a little harder, to fight and give that extra push just to make America know that I am fighting and I am going to be here and I am ready to do this thing,” he said.

The effort paid off, as he advanced Wednesday night by singing “I’m Going Down” by Mary J. Blige.

Lamarr’s road to success hasn’t been an easy one, however. He previously battled cancer and a rare disease that temporarily took his hearing, vision and voice.

“It gives me the drive and the extra push to continue to fight and to go and continue to know that I can do whatever it is that I want to do,” he said. “I’m living today, so if I’m living, I’m going to continue to fight and continue to go until I can’t go anymore.”

“Back home has been so supportive and I just want to thank everybody first and foremost, because without their support, I wouldn’t have been able to do this thing, Buchanan said.

“They ‘Rayshun Nation’ has come and surprised me and has been right in my corner and right behind my back,” Lamarr said. “I love the ‘Rayshun Nation’ and all the friends and family who have supported me.”

While both singers will vie for votes this week, neither contest has reviled what song he will be singing.

Buchanan hinted that his song is by a “heartland rocker” and is reminiscent of songs by many of his musical influences.

“It’s really just me and a song I’ve wanted to do for a really long time,” he said.

Lamarr, meanwhile, said that his song will combine a little bit of rock and roll with a little bit of soul.

“I’m going to infuse them both, which is what I love to do, so you’re going to get a little bit of the wild side and you’re going to get a little bit of the light side all in one song,” he said.