Lucas West

A State University of New York at Fredonia senior has earned a spot on national television after a successful blind audition on NBC’s “The Voice.”

Lucas West, a senior majoring in Music with a concentration in Jazz Studies from Fairport, appeared on the current season of the Emmy Award-winning singing competition and secured his place following his performance.

West learned he had been selected for the show last spring while on campus. After submitting a video audition and advancing through multiple rounds of callbacks and interviews, he traveled to Los Angeles to perform in front of the celebrity coaching panel during the show’s blind audition round.

During his blind audition, West relied on familiarity and focus. “I just went out there and didn’t overthink it,” he said. “It was a song I had played like a million times, except this time you’ve got to dial everything up to 100.” During that performance, coaches listened with their backs turned, choosing contestants based solely on vocal ability. Two coaches — John Legend and Adam Levine — turned their chairs, showing a desire to mentor West and move him forward in the competition.

“You just came out here and gave such a beautiful performance, and you showed yourself to be quite a pianist as well,” Legend told West. “Seeing how into it you were, how soulful you are, it made me want you on Team Legend even more, so I’d love to coach you.” Lucas chose Legend to be his coach.

While at SUNY Fredonia, West has immersed himself in the College of Music, Theatre, and Dance. He plays trombone and piano in the Fredonia Jazz Orchestra and New Jazz Flextet, and sings in multiple ensembles in the vocal jazz program. Lucas studied classical piano during his first year at Fredonia with Fr. Sean Duggan, jazz piano his second year with Dr. Nick Weiser and now studies jazz voice with Professor James Harrington. Their guidance, he said, helped shape both his technical skills and artistic identity. “I always say Fredonia is conservatory training for the price of a state school,” West said. “You just can’t find that anywhere else.”

For West, the “Voice” experience has been as much about people as performance. “My favorite part about ‘The Voice’ was meeting like-minded people,” he said. “High-achieving, very kind, wonderful people. It has been incredible.”

“The Voice” airs on NBC and streams on Peacock. Episodes featuring West can be viewed on the network’s website and streaming platforms.