Tag Archives: The Voice

How Team Gwen’s Ben Allen Gives Back

Ben Allen, a Top 9 contestant on season 19 of “The Voice”, reveals how he gives back to veterans.

By Heather Newgen

Fans know Ben Allen from touring Southwest Florida with the Ben Allen Band, as well as season 19 of “The Voice”. The country singer was first on Team Blake, however, was let go during the Knockout Rounds after his coach chose the family trio Worth the Wait instead. But he was given a second chance by Gwen when she saved him from going home and viewers moved him forward to the semi-finals.

Ben Allen quickly became a fan favorite and every week has showcased his talents, which has advanced him far in the competition. While the 42-year-old keeps a busy schedule, he consistently dedicates time for volunteering at Miles Ranch in Florida.

“It’s an organization that works with veterans that come home and have PTSD. It incorporates horses in their therapy. They can go and have time with these animals and it saves the animals at the same time, so it’s kind of dual purpose,” he told The Voluntourist.

“This organization gives these animals purpose. In Florida, there’s a lot of horses that slip through the cracks. I’m not necessarily a big horse guy. I don’t know how to ride a horse, but I do know there’s a lot of horses that fall through the crack. A horse can be an expensive animal to have, so this gives these horses a purpose and a use. It works very well with these veterans to go out and get some peaceful time. [They]  go out and have some peace, change their mindset and get them away from the things that they’re carrying around with them inside. They’ve done things for our country that they have to carry. If I can benefit them in some way then I’m happy to do that,” he added.

For now, Allen is in Los Angeles fighting for a spot in the finals, which his coach thinks he has. After his performance of “All About Tonight,” a Blake Shelton hit, Gwen gushed, “I think it’s funny that I’m gonna win The Voice with you doing Blake..America is gonna be all over that.”

“That was music to my ears. It was exactly what I wanted to hear in that position,” he laughed.

“Wouldn’t it just be the icing on the cake for her to win the show with the artist that Blake passes on and in his own genre as well. I think it all fits together really, really well. I don’t know if we get there but maybe we do. I’m really hoping it’s something I can have a laugh about with them in the future.”

Fans can vote for Ben Allen to advance to the next round by visiting the official The Voice voting website, casting a vote via The Voice‘s official app or voting from their Google Assistant. There is a limit of 10 votes per artist per method.

How “The Voice” Season 17 Finalists Give Back

Long before the contestants of Season 17’s “The Voice” made it onto the Emmy-winning reality show battling it out for the top prize, they were giving back in their communities.. With their new platform, they’re now able to highlight those efforts and raise awareness for their charitable causes.

By: Heather Newgen

Fan favorite Ricky Duran, 29,  beautifully sang Leon Bridges’ “River” for his blind audition, winning all the coaches over, getting a four-chair turn. He ultimately chose Blake Shelton as his mentor, who he stayed with throughout his time on the show. Duran effortlessly performed like a pro who was ready to take on the industry by storm all season. Plus he dressed like a rock star and pulled off a sequin blazer and leather pants, proving he means business.

The Voice THE VOICE — “Live Semi Final Results” Episode 1719B — Pictured: (l-r) Blake Shelton, Ricky Duran — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)[/caption]

The edgy diverse singer came in second place, Team Kelly’s Jake Hoot took home the trophy, but believes this is just the start of something big in his career, so be on the lookout for him.

The Voice THE VOICE — “Live Finale Results” Episode 1720B — Pictured: (l-r) Ricky Duran, Gary Clark Jr. — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)[/caption]

While Duran isn’t impressing the crowd with dynamic vocals and musical talents, he’s giving back to an organization that’s very personal for him.

RELATED: Kelly Clarkson on giving back to young artists

“There’s a foundation called the AFSP, the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention that I’ve put on a couple of benefits in Worcester for that cause. I think it’s a very important subject that needs to be talked about Suicide awareness,” he told The Voluntourist.

Duran’s father, Ricardo Duran, was a musician, which sparked his love for music. His dad taught him how to play the guitar and they played in a band together when Duran was a teenager. Later on, his father managed his college band called the Blue Light Bandits. Tragically, Ricky lost his father in 2012; Ricardo took his own life after his health went into serious decline.

“I lost my dad to suicide when I was 22 and also my best friend four years ago. It’s a tough thing. It’s a lot of mental illness tied in with real life. It’s something that we all need to look into a little more,” he revealed.

Another frontrunner on “The Voice” season 17 was Team John Legend’s Katie Kadan who placed third. The beautiful 38-year-old soulful singer from Chicago, Illinois wowed audiences with her powerful voice and blues-infused style.

The Voice THE VOICE — “Live Finale Performances” Episode 1720A — Pictured: (l-r) John Legend, Katie Kadan — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)[/caption]

The artist admits she was fearful to own her talents and although she sang in her church choir, she didn’t start performing anywhere else until age 30.

Now the powerhouse fully embraces her gift and when she’s not belting out perfect performances in the Chicago club scene, she’s volunteering.

The Voice THE VOICE — “Live Finale Results” Episode 1720B — Pictured: (l-r) Katie Kadan, Adam Lambert — (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC)[/caption]

“I do a lot of service like helping rebuild communities. I’m helping out in a town called Maywood, IL, helping rebuild the community because finances are down and crime is up. I love to get in there and help whether it’s feeding people, whether it’s singing with people, whether it’s cutting lawns or doing whatever I can. I like to do that,” she said.

As to what happened to Maywood, she revealed, “The town was a great town, a historical town, but taxes went up so high that people aren’t able to keep up with their properties. It breaks my heart. The church that I’m involved in does a lot of outreach for the community. It’s called Impact Church and I’ve been working with them for about a year. While the singer does what she can, she wishes it could be more.

“It feels great to help, but I know I can do more. I think the biggest message I want to spread is kindness and love. We live in a society where people are just hating on people too much. it’s our job to be kind, so if I can do a little bit of that then I’ve done my job.”