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Fredonia Today
By the People, for the People
SUNY Senior Earns Spot on NBC's 'The Voice'
Lucas West, a music major at SUNY Fredonia, secures a place on the Emmy-winning singing competition show.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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A State University of New York at Fredonia senior named Lucas West has earned a spot on the current season of the NBC singing competition show 'The Voice' after a successful blind audition. West, a music major focusing on jazz studies, was selected by coaches John Legend and Adam Levine to join their teams during the blind audition round.
Why it matters
Lucas West's achievement in making it onto 'The Voice' highlights the strength of SUNY Fredonia's music program, which has provided him with conservatory-level training and performance opportunities. His success on the national stage also showcases the talent of young musicians coming out of New York's public university system.
The details
West, a senior majoring in Music with a concentration in Jazz Studies, submitted a video audition and advanced through multiple rounds of callbacks and interviews before traveling to Los Angeles to perform in front of the celebrity coaching panel during the show's blind audition round. During his blind audition, two coaches - John Legend and Adam Levine - turned their chairs, indicating a desire to mentor West and move him forward in the competition. West ultimately chose to join Legend's team.
- West learned he had been selected for 'The Voice' last spring while on the SUNY Fredonia campus.
- West's blind audition performance aired on NBC in February 2026.
The players
Lucas West
A senior music major at SUNY Fredonia who is concentrating in Jazz Studies.
John Legend
A celebrity coach on 'The Voice' who selected West for his team.
Adam Levine
A celebrity coach on 'The Voice' who also turned his chair for West during the blind audition.
SUNY Fredonia
The State University of New York campus where West is a student, known for its strong music program.
What they’re saying
“You just came out here and gave such a beautiful performance, and you showed yourself to be quite a pianist as well. Seeing how into it you were, how soulful you are, it made me want you on Team Legend even more, so I'd love to coach you.”
— John Legend, Coach, 'The Voice' (The Voice)
“I always say Fredonia is conservatory training for the price of a state school. You just can't find that anywhere else.”
— Lucas West (Observer Today)
What’s next
West will continue competing on 'The Voice' as part of Team Legend, with future episodes featuring his performances airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
The takeaway
Lucas West's success in earning a spot on 'The Voice' demonstrates the high-caliber music education and performance opportunities available at SUNY Fredonia, a public university that is able to provide conservatory-level training at an affordable price point.
