Montgomery's Ryley Tate Wilson, D.Smooth make top eight on 'The Voice'

Shannon Heupel, Montgomery Advertiser
·2 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

The dream of performing live on national TV is coming true for two Montgomery residents.

Monday night on NBC’s “The Voice,” D.Smooth of Team Kelly and Ryley Tate Wilson of Team Niall made the show’s steep playoffs cut from 20 to the top 8.

Montgomery residents Ryley Tate Wilson, left, and D.Smooth have advanced to the top 8 and will be in the live semi-finals on NBC's "The Voice."
Montgomery residents Ryley Tate Wilson, left, and D.Smooth have advanced to the top 8 and will be in the live semi-finals on NBC's "The Voice."

It’s been a bit since they’ve been on stage there. Each had previously received a Playoff Pass from their celebrity coaches, Kelly Clarkson and Niall Horan, to skip the Knockouts rounds. Each were also the first of their coaches’ two picks to advance to the live semi-finals on May 15.

Up until now, D.Smooth and Ryley Tate’s advancement on the show has been at their coaches’ discretion. Starting next week, it’ll be put into the hands of America’s viewers, and the results of that vote will be announced live that night.

“Silky Smooth Singer” D.Smooth won his semi-final spot with a soulful, improv strong version of Khalid’s “Location” that had all the coaches impressed.

“I love D.Smooth’s voice because it reminds me of the ‘90s,” Clarkson said. “Just imagine those singers that can really tell you a story and break your heart.”

“To make it to the live and go all the way, that’ll make it to where I don’t have to do anything but music,” D.Smooth said on Monday’s episode. He’s a native of Mulga, just north of Birmingham, and moved to Montgomery in 2016 to attend Faulkner University. “That would pay for all my bills and my mamma’s bills. That’s really the goal, to look after my family.”

Ryley Tate, 15, the son of Kelley and Todd Wilson who is homeschooled, drew praise for his technically spot on version of Billie Eilish’s “When The Party’s Over.”

“I’ve loved Billie Eilish forever,” Ryley Tate said. “She’s my number one favorite artist of all time.”

He said he knew he had to bring his “A game” to this round after bypassing the Knockouts.

“The music industry is in good hands if Ryley Tate is in it,” said Horan, who dubbed the teen “Future Boy” and said he’s super gifted.

“I can see glimpses of myself in him,” Horan said. “He has this maturity to him that’s way beyond his years.”

From left, ALI, Cait Martin, D.Smooth, Holly Brand, Neil Salsich of Team Kelly find out that Montgomery resident D.Smooth has made it to the top 8.
From left, ALI, Cait Martin, D.Smooth, Holly Brand, Neil Salsich of Team Kelly find out that Montgomery resident D.Smooth has made it to the top 8.

Along with Ryley Tate and D.Smooth, the top eight going into next week’s live semi-finals include Gina Miles (Team Niall), Holly Brand (Team Kelly) Grace West and NOIVAS (Team Blake), Ray Uriel and Sorelle (Team Chance).

To join in America’s vote during the semi-final episode next week. Votes can be cast online and through the show’s official app. Learn how to register online at nbc.com/the-voice.

From left, Gina Miles, Michael B., Ross Clayton, Ryley Tate Wilson, Tasha Jessen of Team Niall find out that Ryley Tate has made it to the top 8 on NBC's "The Voice."
From left, Gina Miles, Michael B., Ross Clayton, Ryley Tate Wilson, Tasha Jessen of Team Niall find out that Ryley Tate has made it to the top 8 on NBC's "The Voice."

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Montgomery's Ryley Tate Wilson, D.Smooth make top eight on 'The Voice'