Worcester native survives battle round on 'The Voice'

LOS ANGELES (WHDH) -- It was do or die for contestants on Monday night’s “The Voice.”

Quite a few singers were sent home during the battle round, but it ended on a high note for Worcester native Sam James.

James, a 26-year-old bar manager, performed Bon Jovi. He lived to see another day on the show.

“Who would have thought this soul kid from Worcester was going to be charting on iTunes and you know I’m really proud of where I’m from. I’m proud of Worcester, I’m proud of the people that live here. I’m proud of the businesses. Lucky Dog Music Hall, the place where I work at, I’ve worked here for years. Banner Bar and Grill, every time I was down and I needed gigs these are the spots that helped me out,” James told 7News.

James was a struggling song writer who was shopping songs in New York when a representative from a music label suggested he try out for NBC’s “The Voice.” Unfortunately, James didn’t make the cut in season two, but this time around, in season three, he is thriving.

“Going into season three I made it a point in my own head that I’m going to be myself. I’m myself all the time. It was just that one time during season two where I didn’t act like myself, I didn’t perform like myself,” James said.

“Sam is just this powerhouse, there’s this density to his voice,” said Adam Levine, coach of Team Adam on NBC’s “The Voice.”

A local voice is one step closer to being the last one left on Team Adam.

When 7News asked what his favorite music genre was he said he loves old records -- everything from Sam cook to Bruce Springsteen to Bob Dylan.

You can watch “The Voice” every Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m. on 7NBC.

Check out James' full performance here: