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Cut Week hits The Voice this Monday, and one of the artists featured on the program is Team Riley member Joe Henley. He performed Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” on the program, and that video is featured in our post. Henley spoke to Deepest Dream a couple of weeks ago right after his Battle with Kenna Elpers. During the 18-minute talk, Henley talked about having Riley Green as his coach, working with Elpers, and how he approaches his music. Full interview is below!
Read more: Joe Henley Talks ‘The Voice,’ Bonding With Riley Green, And Developing Confidence In His Music Career
Joe Henley’s Connection With Coach Riley Green
Joe Henley chose Riley Green as his coach after his Blinds performance of Travis Tritt’s “Anymore.” In one of this season’s many highlights, Green went on stage and performed his song “My Way” with Henley taking the lead.
For The Voice Season 30 artist, working with the country music star has been a memorable experience. Both men hail from Alabama, have a passion for sports, and are blessed with a dry wit. “We’re very similar,” said Henley about Green, who added that it felt like talking to someone from back home. “We’re both from Alabama. Both, you know, bigger guys, sports, and kinda raised in the same way. “I think it made it a little bit easier just going into it talking to him and being on the same page about things,” said Henley. “Even like you were talking about just how we talk and a little bit more laid back.”
That familiarity gave Henley the opportunity to focus on his music rather than worry about every aspect of his performance.
“It made it fun for sure,” said Henley. “Made it a little bit easier. It made me relax a little bit more and be able to breathe a little bit.”
Joe Henley Praises Kenna Elpers After Battles
During Battles, Henley competed against fellow Team Riley member Kenna Elpers as they performed the Riley Green and Ella Langley hit “Don’t Mind If I Do.” A candid Henley had nothing but praise for Elpers.
“It was absolutely wonderful because Kenna is amazing just as a person (and) as a singer and artist,” said Henley. “All of the above. She’s absolutely wonderful.”
Elpers also helped Henley with the harmonies. “And she’s like, ‘This would sound great if you do this,'” said Henley. “And I was like, ‘She’s helping me.’ I couldn’t ask for a better partner. I told her after the fact, ‘Kenna, I still feel you deserve that win.’ We came out, and I had sang first, and then she started singing. And I remember when she started singing, I was like ‘This is the best she’s ever sang.'”
I ask Henley that they probably learned a ton from each other with this collaboration. “She probably learned some patience with me,” he added. “But really for me to work with her was such a blessing and so much learned.”
‘The Voice’ Has Given Joe Henley Confidence In His Musical Future
Although Henley has always loved music, appearing on The Voice has helped him realize that pursuing a professional career may be possible.
“This thing that I want to do and that I love is possible,” said Henley. “Because for me it was nerves and the fear to put myself out there and what people might think of that. Is it good enough for people to watch and want to watch? And so this whole process and going through this and getting to sing, and not just one round, but the battles too and going into cut week,” said Henley. “It’s just the ability to do that and to be welcomed into that and be wanted. I think this thing that I’ve wanted for so long is like, you know, maybe (I) got a chance at this.”
Check out our full Deepest Dream interview with Joe Kenley:
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