Japleen Khera
‘The Voice’ has been bringing to the forefront real singing talent for years now, and its latest edition, season 19, is no exception. The singing reality competition series vouches to give all its contestants, be it professional or amateur singers, a platform that directly leads to international fame. One of the participants to have garnered much popularity and success after his appearance on the show is Ian Flanigan.
But every bit of it has been earned, which is evident by the love he received from the audience as well as the judges, including his team leader, Blake Shelton, right from the time he performed on “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band during his blind audition. We got intrigued to know more about the talented star who has bagged a standing ovation from all the four coaches, and here is everything we found out!
Ian Flanigan: Age and Background
Ian Flanigan is a 30-year-old singer who grew up with the dream to become a phenomenal songwriter. He has played music as far back in time as he can remember and began to pen down his feelings as song compositions at the tender age of 11. Shortly after he completed his high school education, the young artist started wandering about to play music in bands and never let go of a chance to perform wherever he possibly could. Flanigan hails from Saugerties, a town in Ulster County in New York, and continues to reside there.
But to say the least, his current living situation is unconventional as he does not live in a “house.” It would come as a surprise to his fans, most of whom are unacquainted with the fact that Flanigan is, indeed, a touring musician. This not only means he remains on the wheels around the year to create, perform, and promote his music but also lives on it. On September 19, 2019, the passionate vocalist made up his mind to sell all his personal belongings to turn into a full-time touring singer. Flanigan risked everything he owned to purchase an older but beautiful 24 foot Winnebago: a motorhome officially called the FlaniVan.
Ian Flanigan’s Singing Career
Ian Flanigan is a professional singer whose life’s mission is to hone his skills as a songwriter, musician, and performer. Renowned for his signature raspy, soulful style, he has become a sensation after showcasing his talent on ‘The Voice.’ The show knocked on his door when he was left with only “eighty bucks” in his pocket as an aftermath of COVID-19. Team Blake’s front-runner truly made most of the opportunity as he won the viewers’ hearts.
Thank you America!!!!! I am humbled and grateful to be continuing on the voice!!! #TheVoice #teamblake pic.twitter.com/0QmAkoIbUM
— Ian Flanigan (@IanFlanigan) December 2, 2020
During season 19, judge Kelly Clarkson showered upon him compliments like, “You can sing anything! Like any song. Your voice is one of my favorite voices to ever come across this stage. You are so blessed.” Flanigan’s impeccable on-stage execution has earned him the label of the “New Progressive Folk Guitar Hero” by A&R Factory, a leading Music Industry Blog.
He has collaborated with various Grammy Award-winning artists, like Justin Guip, for his 2019 release “Give Me Color” and also won awards for several of his songs. The soulful singer has appeared on several local stages from West Virginia to Texas to Bethel Woods, where he performed at the Woodstock 50th Anniversary Concert in 2019.
Luckily, around the time Flanigan decided to become a touring singer, he did not have to be alone on his journey to explore and create fresh content as his family stood by his resolution like a rock. Interestingly, the singer, along with the love of his life, started Nightcap Entertainment, a promotional music company dedicated to connecting budding musicians to prestigious venues. After Flanigan adorably dedicated his rendition of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” to his new fiancée, his fans got intrigued to know more about their love story!
Ian Flanigan: Fiancée and Daughter
Ian Flanigan has been happily engaged to his lady love, Ayla Rector, since October 2020. In fact, he popped the question only a few weeks prior to his debutant performance on ‘The Voice,’ and the couple is sure that the wedding bells will soon be ringing. They reportedly began dating in 2016 and have been enjoying the bliss of a healthy relationship for years.
As Ayla often expresses on her social media accounts, Flanigan has been a great father to her daughter, Kamea, from the moment they had known each other. The fan-favorite singer met his now-fiancée and business partner shortly after his fight with addiction concluded. Sadly, Flanigan had begun to slip into an unhealthy lifestyle but mended his ways by checking himself into rehab. Undoubtedly, being a part of a happy family helped his cause, and Flanigan has been sober for over four years.
