At 19, Alabama singer Joe Henley is drawing attention on The Voice for his traditional country sound. But before the competition put him in front of a national audience, he was weighing a future in basketball—and had never played a professional music gig.
Henley graduated from Cottage Hill Christian Academy in 2026, where he played varsity basketball. At about 6 feet 5 inches tall, he had considered continuing the sport in college or pursuing opportunities overseas. Music was part of his life, too, but his experience came from a very different setting than a concert stage.
His grandparents ran a truck stop ministry for more than 40 years, and Henley grew up singing at worship gatherings with family. He has said that church services and informal campfire performances made up much of his singing background before his Blind Audition. He had not performed professionally before appearing on the show.
From church singing to the Blind Audition
Henley’s musical influences include Travis Tritt, Keith Whitley and George Strait. For his audition, he chose Tritt’s “Anymore,” a performance that turned chairs for Kelly Clarkson and Riley Green. Green, also an Alabama native, joined Henley for an impromptu rendition of “My Way” after learning that Henley admired his music. Henley chose Green as his coach.
He went on to perform in the Battle Rounds and Cut Week. His version of Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” earned a standing ovation from all four coaches. Green selected him to advance from the team, and Henley reached the Top 13 ahead of the Live Shows.
A glimpse away from the competition
Henley’s personal life has also drawn interest. Publicly shared social media posts indicate that he is reportedly dating Abby Billante, an Alabama woman. A photo she shared with him on Facebook in May 2026 offered an early public glimpse of the relationship, but the two have not confirmed when they began dating. Billante graduated from Alma Bryant High School in 2025 and turned 19 that December; they have otherwise kept details of their relationship largely private.
With Team Riley Green scheduled to perform on November 16, Henley’s path from basketball courts and family worship gatherings to The Voice’s Live Shows marks a striking change of direction. His story combines a late start in professional performance with years of informal singing and a serious interest in another pursuit.
