Lucas West, a senior at the State University of New York at Fredonia, concluded his run on NBC’s hit show “The Voice” during the season finale on April 14, earning national recognition for his performances throughout the competition.
West and three other finalists each performed two songs on the final episode. West chose “Cold as Ice” by Foreigner, and later in the show sang “Ordinary People” by John Legend, who was West’s coach on “The Voice.” West did not play the piano on “Cold as Ice,” but played the piano without an accompanying band for “Ordinary People.”
“Your voice sounded more clear and powerful than ever,” Legend told West after his first performance. “I love that you did (Ordinary People) really on your own,” coach Adam Levine said following West’s second performance. “That is the purity of you.”
“I’m so proud of Lucas,” Legend said later in the show. “I love working with a real musician who understands what it means to be a pianist, be an arranger, and of course what it means to be a great vocalist and performer.” West finished third in the final vote.
Fredonia held a watch party at the Williams Center to cheer for West during the finale. Among the participants was Interim Dean of the College of Music, Theatre and Dance Sarah Hamilton. “On behalf of my colleagues and students, we are excited to see Lucas move forward with his dreams,” said Dr. Hamilton. “We are so glad to have been able to support him in this journey, and so very proud of all the work he has put in, and the very talented artist he has become!”
West, a senior Music major with a concentration in Jazz Studies in Fredonia’s School of Music, advanced through multiple rounds of the nationally televised competition, building a following with performances that highlighted his musicianship and artistry.
His journey began in a Mason Hall practice room, where he recorded and submitted an audition video; a step that ultimately led to his selection for the show. After progressing through several rounds, West received the news while on campus, calling the moment “an answer to a lot of prayers.” During the competition, he worked closely with celebrity coaches Legend, Levine, and Kelly Clarkson, gaining insight into the professional music industry.
“Working with the coaches is absolutely surreal,” West said. “You realize they’re doing what all of us music students are doing, just at the highest possible level.”
While at Fredonia, West has honed his skills through performance-based learning, including ensemble participation and individualized instruction. “The training I’ve received here has really shaped me, not just as a jazz musician, but as a musician overall,” he said.
West’s mentors in the School of Music said his combination of talent and curiosity set him apart early on.
“Lucas came in with a strong skill set, but what makes him special is his openness to growth,” said James Harrington, an assistant professor of voice. “He’s always learning, always exploring, and that’s what allows artists to reach this level.”
Harrington added that West’s success reflects both his artistry and his ability to fully embrace his own voice. “There’s a lot of power in what he does, and learning to lean into that and express it fully has been part of his growth,” he said.
Dr. Nick Weiser, an associate professor and coordinator of Fredonia’s Jazz Studies program, said West stood out from the beginning for both his talent and work ethic. “When I first met Lucas, he was a naturally gifted musician who could rise to challenges very quickly,” Weiser said. “What’s been most impressive is his drive and his ability to take advantage of every opportunity to grow.”
Weiser noted that Fredonia’s program structure helped support that growth. “With a program our size, students can explore multiple areas and gain real performance experience,” he said. “That kind of versatility and preparation is what allows them to succeed at the highest levels.”
West credited the university’s supportive environment and faculty mentorship for helping prepare him for the national stage. “That cycle of support never felt disingenuous,” West said. “They cared about my success and my well-being first.”
West’s national exposure reflects the strength of Fredonia’s music programs and the opportunities available to students, Dr. Hamilton said.
While his run on “The Voice” has concluded, West said the experience has had a lasting impact on his development as an artist. “My favorite part about ‘The Voice’ was meeting people who are trying to hone their craft at a high level,” he said. “That experience is something I’ll carry with me.”
