From the moment 15-year-old Lane Pittman sang his first note in a deep southern drawl on The Voice stage, it was hard to believe he was not an older country crooner. And the speedy four-chair-turns agreed with the sentiment.
WATCH: The Voice | Kaylee Bell sings Keith Urban-inspired song
Following Lane’s performance of Luke Combs’ Even Though I’m Leaving for the blind auditions, fellow country singer Keith Urban was instantly keen to find out more about his mini-me.
Querying why the singer and guitarist chose that particular song for the competition, the mentor soon learned why the 15-year-old connected so deeply to the lyrics.
“So about three, nearly four years ago, my dad passed away,” Lane confided in Keith. “So that song kind of hits home with the lyrics and really makes me think of him.”
Instantly, dots started connecting for the Blue Ain’t Your Colour singer, who told Lane it “felt like (he) really knew what this song is about”.
“And then it was a bit shaky with the pitch and everything, but that’s why,” Keith added. “I so understand that, I can work with that with you.”
The other judges shared similar sentiments to Keith, with Rita Ora saying the singer’s voice put her in a “trance”, while Jessica Mauboy deemed the audition his “magic moment”.
Once the coaches had completed their pitching, the teen was forced to join a team.
“This is the scary bit now,” he said. “The coach I’d like to go with is Keith.”
Following his performance, Lane’s grandfather, who was watching side-stage, assured his grandson that his late dad “would be proud”.
Overcome with emotion, the Voice’s latest addition took to Facebook to thank viewers for their support.
“I want to thank my mum for always being my biggest supporter,” Lane wrote. “My Nan and Pop for always believing in me and helping out when mum works.”
He continued: “My brother for being there and that’s about it. My best mates who were in the audience that night. Finally, my dad for giving me a reason to try and make this thing work.”
After braving the call backs and battles, Lane was ultimately put through to the top eight, representing Team Keith along with Thando Sikwila.
In an Instagram post following the battles, the 15-year-old gushed that Thando’s “talent is unbelievable”.
“You became a second mum to me on the show and now to think we are Keith’s top 2 and in the top 8 is unbelievable. Let’s go kick some a** in the semis.”
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