Ryan Whyte Maloney, a musician known for his memorable appearance on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2014, died by suicide early Tuesday morning in Las Vegas, the Clark County Coroner’s office confirmed. He was 44 years old.
Maloney gained national recognition during Season 6 of “The Voice” when he achieved a rare four-chair turn during his blind audition. All four coaches – Adam Levine, Shakira, Usher, and Blake Shelton – were impressed by his powerful performance of Journey’s “Lights,” ultimately leading him to choose Team Blake.
His musical journey began at age 9, and he went on to become a versatile performer in multiple genres, including alternative, country, classic rock, R&B, and hip-hop. Maloney released two albums, “Tomorrow’s Another Day” in 2005 and “Where I’ve Been,” performing at venues ranging from small clubs to national festivals with crowds of over 250,000 people.
In a deeply personal Instagram post just days before his death, Maloney shared the challenges he faced during his time on “The Voice.” He revealed experiencing severe financial hardships while filming the show, describing moments of searching for food scraps while other contestants enjoyed their experience with their families.
Most recently, Maloney had been a regular performer in Las Vegas, including scheduled shows at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red venue. His final public performance was a private show at Nine Fine Irishmen, which he had promoted on his Instagram Stories prior to his death.
Throughout his career, Maloney lived by the motto “Only Those Who See The Invisible, Accomplish The Impossible,” reflecting his determination in the competitive music industry. He advanced through multiple rounds on “The Voice,” winning his Battles round and Knockouts before concluding his journey during the Playoffs.
The music community and fans are mourning the loss of a talented artist who fought passionately for his dreams despite personal challenges.
