Trusting God in the Valley: What the Lord Taught Me Through My Experience On NBC’s The Voice

The omnipresence of our Lord is something that we as believers often touch on. But how frequently do we truly invite Him into our big moments?

Whether it be a wonderful moment or a tragic one, are we asking the Creator of the Universe to join us in our highest highs and our lowest lows?

It’s so simple, yet so easily forgotten – I make that claim from my own experience.

My experience with NBC's The Voice is a 3-year journey that has had God's fingerprints all over it. He gave me NO other choice but to walk through it alongside Him every step of the way.

The Backstory The Voice

I got the call in the Spring of 2023.

"Congratulations, Brendan! Pack your bags! We would like to invite you to Los Angeles to compete on Season 25 of NBC's The Voice!" 

I was over the moon. 

I was grateful that someone recognized what I had always considered my God-given talent. As a singer-songwriter, I was blessed to be getting the career opportunity of a lifetime.

But NBC made this very clear...

"After spending your summer preparing with us, we will create an audition order for the Blind Auditions. However, once all of the celebrity teams are filled, the Blind Auditions are over. There is a chance that you may not receive an audition."

I'm sorry...what? You mean I could spend my entire summer out there:

• filming interviews

• attending band rehearsals

• fitting for wardrobe

• flying my parents to LA

• undergoing interviews

• rehearsing and anticipating

And there’s a chance that I won't actually get to step onto that stage?

It was a little worrisome, but I thought, "No...Jesus would never do that to me. I'll be FINE."

I spent my summer preparing, making new friends, and even witnessing to others about my faith. I felt so confident I'd be chosen for the first day of auditions!

We finally approached audition week.

Day 1 - My name wasn't called.

Day 2 - My name wasn't called. 

Day 3 - MY NAME WASN'T CALLED.

There was one day left.

Group chats were blowing up: "Only 6 spots left." 

But there were 25 of us left who still had to audition.

Suddenly, all of my confidence shifted. I was anxious.

Hearing the Lord in the Depths

Just the week prior, our hotel hallways had been filled with the laughter and music of bright-eyed contestants. Now you could hear a pin drop. 

I went to bed that night furious and disappointed with the Lord. But it led me to one of the most transformative prayers I have ever prayed.

It began as a prayer inspired by one of David's Psalms: 

"Lord, WHY?! Are you even there? Why did you even bring me out here? The odds are so slim, and I'm scared.” 

I cried to the Lord almost all night. Then I felt the Spirit speak so clearly to me:

"It's not going to go your way. You won't understand now, but just trust Me."

The next day came, and sure enough, just before it was my turn to audition, one of the producers walked over to me,

"I'm so sorry. The last slot was just filled. The Blind Auditions are over."

Of course, I was upset, but I was grateful that the Lord had prepared my heart for this devastation. 

My confusion was met by the hopeful expectation of receiving divine comfort in the Lord's perfect timing. It was a unique set of feelings to experience amid the disappointment, but I was going to trust the Lord.

I left Los Angeles and never explored going back. But the Lord had other plans for me.

“For we know that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Trusting the Lord is a lifelong practice. Check out next week’s blog to see how the Lord worked in Brendan’s journey.