Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Voice’s Michael Williams

Pop singer Michael Williams knew from a young age that his purpose in life was to entertain others with his music. That passion and drive led him to Season 18 of The Voice, where he caught the attention of coach Nick Jonas, who has been in his corner since the beginning. As he progressed throughout the competition, Michael took part in the historic four-way knockout round and is now waiting for the results of America’s vote. Pop Culturalist caught up with Michael to chat about his journey thus far.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Michael: I discovered my passion for music at an early age. When I was about six years old, I asked my parents for singing lessons for Christmas. They were a bit surprised because I was so young and I still hadn’t realized how much I love doing music. A couple of months later, I was able to get with a really good coach. That drove me to love it even more. I’ll also add that another reason why I love music is because we’ve always had it growing up in the house. My mom would sing in the choir at church, since my dad was a pastor. Music was always in our home.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Michael: My family is a huge influence on me, specifically my dad. I remember one of my earliest performances. I was so nervous. They put me last. I was six or seven when I first performed “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” It’s an easy song that everyone knows. When they called me up there, I couldn’t do it. I started crying. I ran over to my parents and I was like, “I can’t do this. I’m too nervous.”

My dad took me to the side and he said, “You made this commitment to all these people. You’re going to love it once you get up there and do it. I know you’re going to do a great job.” I got up there and I fought the nerves. I performed, and I’m so glad I did because I loved it. That was the turning point. So definitely my dad and definitely my family.

PC: You’re currently in school. How challenging is it to manage that and The Voice?
Michael: It’s definitely been challenging in the past. I’ve had my challenges. It’s always a balance of your priorities. I remember back in the blinds, there was a lot going on. There were a lot of hurdles. I had to find time to do schoolwork. When I found those times, I would work hard so I would have time to do music. It was definitely a grind, but I’m grateful for everything because it’s a learning experience.

PC: You’re a part of Team Nick. What’s been the best advice that he’s given you?
Michael: The best advice that Nick has given me is to have confidence. As a performer, I like to overthink a lot and judge myself because I want to get better. One thing that Nick told me was to have confidence because he believes in me and I’m here for a reason.

PC: We’re a couple of performances in. Which has been your favorite? Which has been the most challenging?
Michael: All of them have been amazing. My battle with Allegra [Miles] was the most fun. We got to work together a lot. We worked really hard on that song for a couple of days. It was great to connect and have a friend singing up there on stage. There were so many times where we were joking around. It was so fun how it came together.

The knockout round was an amazing experience for me because I really connected to the song. My grandpa had passed away weeks before I got to perform the song. I was able to dedicate that to him, so there were so many emotions. That was a really special performance for sure.

PC: Speaking of the battles, walk us through that moment when you got saved by Nick. What was going on in your head?
Michael: Yeah. Wow. When I was on the stage, right after he announced Allegra as the winner, there was definitely a lot of disappointment. I was definitely planning on what I was going to do when I got back home and how I was going to continue music. There was also a bit of like “Okay. If God wanted me to move on in this competition, he would have. He’s going to open other doors for me.” But when I walked off that stage and Nick slammed his button down, I was so excited and grateful. It was very humbling too because of how talented Nick is and how talented his team was at that point. For him to pick me, it was a testament to what he thinks of my voice and what I can bring to the table.

PC: As a result of that save, you got to take part in the historic four-way knockout. What was your mindset heading into that performance?
Michael: I wanted to make that performance the best possible performance it could be. I was competing against three other amazing singers. My mindset was to do my own thing: don’t try to be something I’m not when I’m singing. What’s cool is that all four of us are different genres. So I’m excited to see what the outcome is.

PC: It was announced earlier this week that the live shows will take place from home. How has that changed the coaching experience? How have you been preparing?
Michael: It’s been nice and relaxing. Obviously being in LA, it was amazing to be able to work closely with the coaches and be in that situation and that environment. But I think it brings something new to the table. It’s exciting doing the shows from our homes because it’s our own places. We’re comfortable. We’re super relaxed. We’re filming from different parts of our houses all across the country. Obviously there are challenges, but so far so good.

PC: When you look at this experience so far, what’s been the biggest takeaway?
Michael: The biggest takeaway has been getting to learn what’s special about me as an artist. There are so many people pursuing music and doing this for a living. Each person has something unique that they bring to the table. It’s been cool to learn from other seasoned artists that have been doing this for their entire lives and to learn what I have as an artist that Americans can fall in love with. What special thing can I bring to the table that will light up their worlds and put a smile on their face?

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Michael: One Direction. I wasn’t always a fan of them, but I’m a huge fan of them now. Also there’s a band called for KING & COUNTRY.

PC: First album you bought?
Michael: Michael Bublé’s To Be Loved. I had it on my MP3 player, and I remember listening to that pretty much every single day. I’ve been homeschooled my whole life, so I’d be listening to it doing work and singing the songs back into a pencil or whatever when I was younger.

PC: First concert you attended?
Michael: It was for KING & COUNTRY. It was at a church and they were leading worship. It was before they were as big as they are now. Looking back, I’m like, “Wow. I got a free concert.” It was free from a band that sells out now. So that’s cool.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Michael: That’s a really good question. Going back, I think it was Michael Bublé. He’s such an inspiration to me—not just musically but who he is as a person and how he entertains. Growing up, my brother was a big fan of Michael Bublé. He really introduced me. My brother and I really bonded over Michael Bublé. The album made me want to pursue a music career.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Michael: I think it’s every singer’s dream to play Madison Square Garden. That would be a dream to sell out Madison Square Garden.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Michael: Good snacks. I love Ale-8, so that would be in the fridge. Also definitely a family member. I’d love to have someone, a family member or friend, on the road with me.

To keep up with Michael, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Trae Patton/NBC