In the hopes of running down his dream, Worcester native, Berklee College of Music Alum and Team Blake contestant, Ricky Duran, battled hard in the finals of NBC’s The Voice last night. First, the singer/songwriter and guitarist, who now calls Austin, TX home, performed a killer version of Tom Petty’s “Running Down A Dream.”
We’ve come to know and love Ricky this season as a wild card, rocker, with a bluesy vibe… and an edge. That edge is his guitar slaying skills. The 29 year old has music in his genes. His dad was a musician. He taught Ricky guitar when he was just 6 years old. They played in a band together, while Ricky was just in high school.
Ricky’s guitar skills were highlighted in the final performances, when he and his coach Blake Shelton did the holiday favorite, “Run Run Rudolph.”
Ricky has endured so much in his personal life. Tragically, Ricky lost his dad to suicide shortly after his graduation from Berklee. Earlier this year, he lost his mother to breast cancer. His dad has served as his manager for Ricky’s band in college. His parents always encouraged his musical career path, and according The Voice website, has “dedicated his life to music to carry on his father’s legacy and comes to “The Voice” to make his parents proud.”
Ricky saved the best for last, finishing his night showcasing his songwriting skills, with a thoughtful and exemplary original song called, “A Woman Like Her.” In fact, judge Kelly Clarkson had the ultimate compliment for the contestant, comparing Duran to Bruce Springsteen!
For the first time in The Voice history, all 4 judges have a contestant in the running! The champion will be crowned during Part 2 of the live finale tonight on NBC at 8:00! We wish Ricky all the best tonight. Our hearts and loyalty are definitely with this talented artist. The Massachusetts native is certainly deserving.
#teamricky