Oklahoma State University student joins Team Blake on NBC’s The Voice

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Last week an Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business student made strides to expand his music career in a big way on NBC’s The Voice.

OSU’s Corey Kent White, a junior from Bixby, performed “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band for his blind audition and captivated the audience while he waited for the judges to turn their chairs. After they did, it became a battle between judges Pharrell Williams and Blake Shelton to win the young singer/songwriter over.

“It would’ve been an honor to work with any of the judges and I felt lucky that one coach pushed their button, but I couldn’t believe that I had the luxury of choosing between my top two picks of coaches,” White said.

Pharrell, with help from Adam Levine, tried to convince White to join his team but was unsuccessful. White ultimately chose to join fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton’s team. 

“I had my heart set on working with Blake,” White said. “He knows the country music industry so well and has so much respect that I would’ve been crazy to go any other way. Plus, there’s just something about those boys from Oklahoma!”

He has always been serious about succeeding in the music industry and even moved to Nashville to further his dream. White maintained student status with OSU while working in Music City by taking online classes, at one point taking tests in six different states. His dedication to both work and education keeps those around him confident that he will succeed.

Marissa McIntyre, director for Student Academic Services in the Spears School, is excited to watch White’s journey on The Voice. 

“From the moment that I first met Corey, I knew his singing and songwriting aspirations would take him far,” McIntyre said. “If the dedication to his musical career has even half of the effort that he puts into everything else he does, then the people across the United States are in for a treat.” 

White is thankful for the people at Oklahoma State University and says Stillwater is one of his favorite places.

“I [want to] win this thing, but I can’t do it without you guys,” White said. “Let’s show [them] how loyal and true Cowboys really are! Go Pokes!” 

Keep up with White’s progress on The Voice, airing Mondays and Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on NBC. 

Story by Katie Rosebrook