‘The Voice’: Sawyer Fredericks Debuts Song Written By Ray LaMontagne

Sawyer Fredericks says he’ll be okay if he isn’t crowned as the winner of The Voice, because in his eyes, he’s already won. Last night, he shared one of the biggest winning moments of his journey so far by singing a song given to him by his musical idol.

Ray LaMontagne allowed Sawyer Fredericks to sing his unreleased song “Please” as his original single for the finale. The tender tune seemed to be created just for Sawyer, because everything about it suits him perfectly. Sawyer covered LaMontagne’s “Trouble” earlier in the season.

Judge Adam Levine shared his excitement for Fredericks, saying it would be like someone handing him an Eddie Vedder song when he was 16-years-old. He repeated Sawyer’s sentiments, telling the young artist, “Dude, you win… Game over,” referring to the fact that LaMontagne was impressed enough to offer him his song. Fredericks expressed his gratitude on his Facebook page last night.

“So grateful to my musical hero and inspiration, Ray LaMontagne, for writing such a beautiful song, ‘Please,’ and letting me be the first to sing it. And Thank You to Neil Young for letting me sing Old Man. I’ve had such an amazing night.”

As Sawyer mentioned, he also covered Neil Young’s “Old Man.” He discussed his deep interpretation of the song with coach Pharrell Williams during rehearsal. Fredericks said it is about a young man who wants to connect with his father, but is angry at him at the same time. He explained while it’s not something he has personally experienced in his young life, he understands it. Pharrell commended him, saying he didn’t think Sawyer realized the magnitude behind the wise words he had spoken. Those words seem true for all Sawyer Frederick’s performances. He’s been described as an an old soul who’s wise way beyond his years.

Carson Daly spoke to Sawyer briefly about his Voice journey. Fredericks said his life has changed dramatically from singing on the farm and at farmer’s markets to being on national TV. He shared that no matter what happens tonight, he will be fine because he is happy singing and writing songs no matter where he is — on his farm or in front of America. He explained he’s grown and learned so much on The Voice that he already feels like a winner.

Daly also mentioned that Fredericks has been in the top five of iTunes every week. At the time of publishing, his original, “Please” is at No. 2, and his “Old Man” cover is No. 4. His “Summer Breeze” duet with Pharrell is No. 25.

Christina Aguilera predicts Sawyer Fredericks will be crowned winner of The Voice tonight. Do you agree?

[Image by Tyler Golden/NBC]