The Voice, a popular singing competition, is known for its intense talent, blind auditions, and standout performances that captivate viewers and coaches alike. In season 26, Austyns Stancil made a strong impression with his powerful range and engaging stage presence.
A 34-year-old singer originally from East Oakland, California, Austyns now lives in Kansas City, Missouri, where he works as a district manager. Beyond his professional life, he is also a father of three daughters, with a fourth child on the way.
Stancil's Instagram account, @alwaysaustyns, showcases these performances, with posts highlighting his musical journey on The Voice and providing a glimpse into his career.
Austyns Stancil on The Voice: family, career, and the road ahead
Background and early life
Austyns Stancil was born in East Oakland, California, and later relocated to Kansas City. He has spoken about a childhood filled with frequent moves, explaining that performing on stage has always been a constant in his life. His introduction to singing began at age 7, with his first solo performance at 9 in a church setting at his mother’s encouragement.
Growing up, Austyns continued to develop his passion for music, eventually honing his skills in piano, organ, and drums, which have all contributed to his well-rounded musicianship.
In addition to his early start in music, Stancil attended San Jose State University and Life Academy of Health and Bioscience, balancing education with his dedication to music. His interest in music also led him to audition for American Idol in 2015, showing a history of pursuing opportunities in the music industry.
Career and musical experience
Austyns has performed with various notable gospel artists, including Fred Hammond, Byron Cage, Marvin Sapp, and Kirk Franklin. These collaborations have shaped his understanding and practice of gospel and soul music, helping him develop a signature style that combines vocal power with emotional depth.
His work with these artists highlights a versatile career that extends beyond gospel, incorporating elements of R&B and soul. In addition to these performances, Stancil regularly participates in KC Soul Sessions, a well-known Kansas City venue, where he has built a loyal following.
These sessions allow him to explore and express his talent, and his consistent performances at Kansas City Juke House further cement his role in the Kansas City music scene.
Stancil's Instagram account, @alwaysaustyns, showcases these performances, with posts highlighting his musical journey and providing a glimpse into his career.
Personal life and family
Stancil’s personal life reflects his dedication to his family, including three daughters and a fourth child on the way at the time of his audition for The Voice. One of his daughters, who is 10 years old, is already showing a passion for music, with Austyns sharing that she has recorded her first song, signaling a possible continuation of musical talent in the family.
In 2023, Austyns experienced a personal loss when his father passed away due to colon cancer. He shared that his father had been a mentor to him, influencing his life both musically and personally. This loss played a significant role in his journey on The Voice, especially in choosing a song for the Knockout round, where he selected Dance with My Father by Luther Vandross as a tribute to his late father.
The Voice journey so far
During his audition on The Voice, Austyns performed Ooo Baby Baby by Smokey Robinson, showcasing a vocal range that impressed the coaches. Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire were the first to turn their chairs, followed by Michael Bublé and Snoop Dogg, indicating the strength of his performance.
Snoop complimented Austyns on his falsetto, while Michael Bublé noted his versatility. Gwen Stefani expressed her desire to help him refine his musical identity, ultimately leading to Austyns’s decision to join Team Gwen.
As the competition progressed, Austyns Stancil lost his Battle Round on the October 28 episode of The Voice, where he went head-to-head with his fellow Team Gwen artist Jose Luis, performing Sam Smith’s Lay Me Down.
However, his journey wasn’t over. Coaches Reba McEntire, Snoop Dogg, and Michael Bublé all hit their buttons simultaneously as soon as presenter Carson Daly revealed that Stancil was for a steal. In the end, Stancil chose to join Team Snoop.
Social media and online presence
Austyns Stancil maintains an active social media presence, primarily on Instagram, where he shares updates on his journey through The Voice and glimpses into his music career. His Instagram handle, @alwaysaustyns, features several posts about his performances and experiences.
In one Instagram post, Stancil shared,
“Today is the day! I hope you will be watching tonight on Knockouts! You don’t want to miss this episode...I work so hard for my father to make him proud, my mother to make her proud...to God as I was given the gift and this platform to make him proud.”
Don't miss out on the latest episodes of The Voice. Tune in on Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC, or catch up with the next day on Peacock.