Texas A&M sophomore and College Station native Aiden Ross wowed ‘The Voice’ judges this week, advancing to the next round, which will be televised on NBC Monday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m.
In his third appearance in front of a national audience, Ross’s soulful performance of Billie Eilish’s “when the party’s over” energized the show’s judges, the studio audience, and fans across the country.
“I was ready to give everything to the crowd. When I was announced as the winner, I was ecstatic and incredibly grateful, but I was ready to get on to the next round,” Ross said. “The farther I’ve made it in the competition, the more I’ve been like, ‘I really want this. I really want to stay. I really want to show them that I have more in me.’”
Ross’s recent success is the culmination of a somewhat unlikely path. His passion for music started when he was 4 years old, but it wasn’t until his junior year in high school that he began singing publicly. Then Ross first applied for ‘The Voice’ during his senior year at A&M Consolidated High School, but didn’t advance far into the audition process. Instead of being discouraged, the experience guided him to A&M, where he joined musical organizations like Hardcore Dynamics, a student acapella group.
“In hindsight, it’s been the best thing that could’ve happened,” Ross said. “I’ve grown so much as a singer, a performer and a person. That’s what led me to reapply my freshman year and to where I am today.”
When show producers called him back, Ross immediately booked a flight to Los Angeles. During his blind audition in September, he impressed the judges almost immediately: mere seconds into his performance, all four of the show’s judges spun their chairs around – a clear sign they heard something technically flawless.
“It felt like I had hardly even gotten a note out when I saw Snoop Dogg turn his chair, then Michael Bublé, then Reba McEntire, then Niall Horan,” Ross said during a recent interview at Aggie Park on the Texas A&M campus.
Soon, it would be time to choose a coach from the four superstars. Because he was drawn to Horan’s musical style and perspective, Ross trusted his instincts and joined Team Niall. Horan is a former member of the boy band One Direction and is now an award-winning solo pop artist.
“He writes and makes music that is most similar to the type of artist that I aspire to be,” the 20-year-old said. “He’s the youth of the show. It was the right decision for me at the right time, and it’s been a great experience.”
Aside from the support of the judges, Ross is grateful for the other contestants with whom he shares this intense, but extraordinary experience.
“The pressure of being aired in front of millions and millions of people, side by side, with the loving and supportive community that is ‘The Voice,’ gave me lifelong friendships.”
With all eyes on him, Ross has stepped onto one of television’s biggest stages, but he said he’s not giving up the small-town venues he loves.
“First Friday (the monthly event in Downtown Bryan) is one of the most special gigs I’ve gotten to play, and I hope to continue to play it, no matter what happens,” Ross said.
In fact, Aggieland continues to be where Ross feels the most love.
“I was astonished at the level of support I’ve received walking around at the tailgates and people coming up to me, sharing such kind and supportive words,” he said. “If you see me, say what’s up. I’m just a dude. It means the world to me, and I would love to talk to you.”
You’ll have a chance to see Ross perform live – likely to a larger audience than usual – at The Palace Theater in Downtown Bryan on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m.
Although his career is still gaining momentum, albeit under a national spotlight, Ross shared some words of encouragement for others seeking a similar path.
“I wasn’t motivated to play my guitar all the time or write songs all the time or to play gigs all the time, but to have the discipline to do something will take you so far beyond music.”
Regardless of the show’s outcome, Ross said he wants to finish his degree in Industrial Distribution Engineering while continuing to pursue his passion for music.
“The decision on what I do after the show is based on what opportunities arise,” he said. “If something in music pops up that is a viable opportunity, I will jump at it. If there’s a spark, I’m gonna fan that flame.”
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Bryan-College Station community, so I feel like it’s a joint effort,” Ross said. “I seriously am just so grateful to be where I am.”
