A former contestant on The Voice US has died at the age of 44, it has been revealed.
On Tuesday it was confirmed that Ryan Whyte Maloney had tragically passed away, with the Clark County coroner in Nevada confirming the singer’s cause of death was suicide. According to PEOPLE, the official cause was listed as a gunshot wound to the head.
The singer shared a video on his Instagram story just a day before his untimely death, saying: “Nine fine Irishmen for a private party tonight, and we will be rocking.” Ryan rose to fame when he competed on Season 6 of The Voice in 2014. As reported by the Mirror, he secured his spot on Blake Shelton’s team after performing Journey’s song ‘Lights’ during a blind audition.
Ryan made it to the Top 5 finalists on Blake’s team and even performed in the Season 6 finale after competing in battle rounds. Ryan performed four songs during his time on the show, including Tina Turner’s ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’, Shinedown’s ‘Second Chance’, Rascal Flatt’s ‘Easy’, and Journey’s ‘Lights’.
Born in Traverse City, Michigan, in 1981, Ryan had a musical upbringing, playing the guitar, violin, cello, and drums from a young age. He later took the lead role in a prog-rock band, and in 2005, he recorded the album Tomorrow’s Another Day. For a decade, he toured with the band before embarking on his solo career, according to People, reports the Mirror US.
Eventually, Ryan recorded his debut solo album Where I’ve Been, which was produced by Sean O’Dwyer (The Black Crowes, Roger Waters, Pink Floyd). From 2010 to 2013, he performed his original songs such as Hillbilly, Michigan Moonlight, and Living with No Directions, across the country.
His records were already being played on country radio stations in Michigan, Nevada, Colorado and California. After competing on The Voice in 2014, he continued his music career.
In addition to singing and songwriting for other artists, he also focused on his career as a studio musician/engineer/producer. In January 2023, Ryan released a single on country radio called Don’t Put Me in a Box, followed by Love with Nowhere to Go, Sleepwalk and Toast To Tonight.
Last year, he regularly performed at the opening of Blake’s venue Ole Red. Over his career, Ryan has shared stages with Tim McGraw, Morgan Wallen, Rascal Flatts, Shakira, Usher, Ed Sheeran, and more.
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