{"id":47477,"date":"2026-11-06T12:43:37","date_gmt":"2026-11-06T12:43:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new50.info\/?p=47477"},"modified":"2026-11-06T12:43:37","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T12:43:37","slug":"musicflow-04fcad5f341a8c7c90de440b43559559","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new50.info\/?p=47477","title":{"rendered":"Joe Henley\u2019s Road From Alabama Basketball to \u2018The Voice\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before Joe Henley became a standout on Season 30 of The Voice<\/em>, the 19-year-old from Grand Bay, Alabama, spent much of his time focused on basketball. He had little experience performing for an audience, making his rapid adjustment to a national singing competition one of the defining parts of his early journey on the show.<\/p>\n

Music was part of Henley\u2019s childhood, too. His grandparents ran a small ministry, where gospel hymns were an early influence. He later gravitated toward traditional country artists including Travis Tritt, Keith Whitley, Don Williams and George Strait. For his Blind Audition, he chose Tritt\u2019s \u201cAnymore,\u201d earning chair turns from Kelly Clarkson and Riley Green before selecting Green as his coach.<\/p>\n

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Their Alabama connection helped the two find common ground. When Green asked Henley about a favourite song, Henley named \u201cMy Way,\u201d and the pair shared an impromptu acoustic performance. Henley later described himself and Green as similar, saying their shared background helped him feel at ease.<\/p>\n

\"WATCH:
WATCH: Riley Green Leaves His 'Voice' Chair To Join Contestant Joe Henley For 'My Way' Performance – Country Now<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A different kind of stage<\/h2>\n

Henley\u2019s other pre-show focus was the basketball court. He played shooting guard and small forward for Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile, wearing number 20. In November 2024, he scored 21 points against McGill-Toolen High School; his final high school games came only months before his television debut.<\/p>\n

\"Alabama
Alabama contender on 'The Voice': 'My heart's for the Lord' – al.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The transition to performing was not effortless. During the Battle Rounds, Henley sang \u201cDon\u2019t Mind If I Do\u201d with Kenna Elpers, a duet first recorded by Green and Ella Langley. He was still learning to work with a microphone stand and move comfortably onstage. Elpers helped with their harmonies, and Henley later said he thought she deserved to win. Green chose Henley to advance.<\/p>\n