Chris Kroeze's adherence to roots rock and country traditions proved to be a winning formula for the Wisconsin native when he appeared on the 15th season of The Voice. He took home the crown of Runner Up when the season wrapped in late 2018, but by that point, his heartland appeal had been evident: he had strong placements on internet charts and he'd already chalked up years on the road supporting everybody from Montgomery Gentry to the Doobie Brothers. Born and raised in the western Wisconsin town of Barron, Chris Kroeze started playing guitar when he was a mere six years old. By the time he was in middle school, he screwed up the courage to perform at his school's talent show -- an experience that convinced him music was his calling. In 2014, Kroeze headed to Nashville to record his first single, "Four Letter Words." The song helped build his following in the upper Midwest. Soon, he was on the road constantly, playing upwards of 200 shows a year. Kroeze joined the cast for NBC's The Voice for its 15th season, which aired in late 2018. Earning a place on Blake Shelton's team, Kroeze made it all the way to the finals, coming in second to Chevel Shepherd. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine