Lincoln’s ‘The Voice’ Contestant Bryan Olesen Advancing to Finals

Lincoln’s very own contestant on “The Voice,” Bryan Olesen will be advancing to the live finals-round of NBC’s singing competition show.

His coach John Legend selected Olesen Monday night, out of three performers, after his playoff round performance of “Africa” by Toto.

Olesen and event emcee Doug Fitzgerald on stage during “The Official The Voice Watch Party: Hometown Celebration” Monday night. (Courtesy: Doug Fitzgerald)

Broadcast House stations (Froggy 98.1, B107.3, KLIN) co-hosted a watch-party on Monday at the Bourbon Theatre, where a packed house of locals watched him wow judges on the big screen, and cheered for the Lincoln singer who was in attendance.

After the episode, celebrating his victory, Olesen hit the stage with his daughter Jaydn’s band AMFM, a local 80’s cover band.

“The Official The Voice Watch Party: Hometown Celebration” was filmed for usage of the live show by “The Voice” producers.

“Bryan, you just show up here every time and make us feel like we’re at Bryan’s concert. You’re such a pro,” said Legend after his performance, adding that he justified Legends use of the “playoff pass” to advance Olesen to the playoffs after a battle-round loss to Nathan Chester of Chicago.

Olesen, 50, has been involved in Lincoln’s local music scene for some time. He performs lead vocals, guitar, and bass for the Christian rock band VOTA (formerly known as Casting Pearls) and also played guitar for the popular Christian band Newsboys from 2003 to 2006. Olesen said his bandmate John Wooten, the drummer of VOTA, was the one who encouraged him to audition for “The Voice” when he initially felt skeptical.

The live finals for “The Voice” will be held in California on May 6 and 7, beginning with 12 singers. The public will vote after each live performance to advance five finalists.

Olesen has appeared on KLIN’s airwaves several times, detailing his stunning audition of “Love Runs Out” by OneRepublic, and previewing Monday night’s watch party on Drive Time Nebraska with Doug Fitzgerald.

Watch Olesen’s rendition of “Africa” below.