‘The Voice’ Winner Vulnerably Shares Loss in Emotional Tribute: ‘I Lost My Hero’

After a whirlwind few weeks of media buzz over his debut album, including a performance on “The Voice” season 27 finale, Bryce Leatherwood — who won season 22 in December 2022 — is taking a step back to mourn the loss of his beloved grandfather.

On June 22, 2025, the 25-year-old country singer revealed in an emotional social media post, “Yesterday I lost my hero. It’s hard to put into words what someone means to you without writing a book…”

Bryce Leatherwood Says His Grandpa Taught Him About Classic Country Music

Captioning a series of photos with his grandpa, from the time he was a little boy to current day, Leatherwood wrote that his grandfather was the one who inspired his love of country music.

“He was everything a grandson could ever ask for and more,” he wrote. “He’s the reason I fell in love with country music and he was such an inspiration to so many. He was my mentor, teacher, and best friend and I sure am going to miss him. Love you Granddaddy. I’ll see you after while”

Since winning “The Voice” on Blake Shelton’s team, Leatherwood has moved to Nashville to focus on his music career. Days before his grandfather’s death, on June 18, Leatherwood mentioned his grandpa during an interview with The Tennessean, telling the local paper that he took his time with his debut album to make sure it reflected his upbringing and his authentic Georgia sound.

“Growing up in North Georgia surrounded by the mountains, I was always inspired by the natural beauty around me,” Leatherwood told the outlet. “I really wanted to carry that inspiration into a song that reminded me of home. I’m trying to work on songs that will live longer than I ever will because they connect well with everyone.”

“My grandfather had me working on his farm in Macon, Georgia,” he continued, “while teaching me about classic country and Southern rock. Then, I sang in church and afterwards listened to Conway Twitty songs in my grandfather’s truck.”

Bryce Leatherwood Lost His Other Grandfather Nine Months Ago

Many fans and friends left notes of sympathy for Leatherwood, who shared on Instagram in 2018 that his grandpa had beat cancer twice.

Fellow season 22 contestant Alyssa Witrado wrote, “So sorry for your loss <3”

“So sorry for your loss,” one of his fans commented, “A grandparent is the hardest goodbye. Sending prayers to you & your family 🤍”

Another shared, “I’m so sorry for your loss🙏I’m sure you have the best memories you can cherish of your grandad!”

Leatherwood’s loss comes nine months after losing his other grandfather, which he shared via a Facebook video in September 2024, telling his fans, “Yesterday, my poppa, my grandad, peacefully passed away at the age of 92 years old.”

“Luckily, I was able to come down from Nashville before he passed and say my goodbyes and tell him I love him,” Leatherwood continued. He captioned his September post, “Thank God for Grandpas.”