Q+A with The Voice contestant + HV native Ian Flanigan

Hudson Valley A+E

Dec 7

Written By HVNY

“Saugerties coming together the way they have has been absolutely overwhelming. I can’t express my gratitude for my hometown during these times enough.”

— Ian Flanigan

Last fall, HVNY caught up with Saugerties native Ian Flanigan right before he packed up, moved into an RV, got engaged and, oh yeah, landed a spot in the Top 9 of this season of NBC’s The Voice as a member of country superstar Blake Shelton’s team.

This Monday, December 7, and Tuesday, December 8, his hometown in Saugerties will get together – with all the proper COVID-19 protocols in place – for a live drive-in viewing party to watch Ian on a LED screen at Cantine Field. There is a limited capacity of 150 cars for this free event, and those in attendance must remain in their vehicles at all time. For more information, and to reserve a spot, head here: https://fs10.formsite.com/mXQetd/atjfgwnq41/index.html

HVNY got a chance to catch up with Ian over the weekend to talk about The Voice, the viewing party hosted by his hometown, if Blake Shelton is really a cool guy, and what it’s like doing all this during COVID. Read our interview below:

NIKI@HVNY: Hey Ian! A lot has happened in the year since we first met at that balloon launch – how are you feeling, has it all sunk in yet?

IAN: I’m feeling very fortunate, very grateful to be where I’m at. I've been overwhelmed by the support and love coming my way, and I’m just trying to perform my best and send all that love back to everybody.

HVNY: Who do you think your biggest competition (on The Voice) is so far?

IAN: Jim Ranger is my best friend and arch nemesis, and we have taken vow to fight to the death… But truly there is only love between all of us and in music it's only ever a competition against yourself.

HVNY: What about Blake, cool guy like you?

IAN: Blake's probably one of the coolest guys on the planet. He’s a great hang, he’s very down to earth considering he’s a superstar and he has a great perspective on music.

HVNY: What’s it like doing all this during COVID?

IAN: My family and I were in Nashville with $80 left when COVID-19 hit and shows started cancelling. The stress and tension was very high for us. This show has been a blessing beyond words for us to navigate this climate. As far as the production goes, they have an intense amount of regulations in place to keep us all safe. This is the only season I have ever been on, but it's been a really wonderful experience.

HVNY: How does it feel to have the folks of Saugerties get together to cheer you on?

IAN: Saugerties coming together the way they have has been absolutely overwhelming. I can’t express my gratitude for my hometown during these times enough. I just want to say, with all the love in my heart, thank you.

HVNY: Any message you’d like to send to them?

IAN: I love you all, you’ve been really amazing during this whole time, I can’t wait to get back home when we can all go through another barn show together. Wishing you and your families a very happy holiday season.

See how Ian does on Monday and Tuesday nights at 8pm on NBC and VOTE for him in the Top 9 starting Monday night: https://voice.vote.nbc.com/ / https://www.nbc.com/the-voice