We all know The Voice has helped launch some pretty successful music careers. But what about the stars who didn’t make it past the audition room?
While the NBC show has given us names like Morgan Wallen, others like Chappell Roan, Maren Morris, and even Luke Combs were turned away long before making it in front of the famous red chairs. And now, with Grammys and chart-topping hits under their belts, these once-rejected artists are proving that a “no” from reality TV doesn’t mean the end—it might just be the beginning.
Let’s take a look at some big names who didn’t get their shot on The Voice, and how it actually worked out better than they ever expected.
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Luke Combs: “Too Boring” for TV?
Today, Luke Combs is one of the biggest names in country music. But before he was selling out stadiums and collecting CMA Awards, he auditioned for The Voice—and was told he wasn’t interesting enough for TV.
In a 2022 podcast appearance, Combs shared the wild story: He waited hours to audition, sang in a group of ten, and was one of the few asked to stay for a second round. But after making it through, he got a rejection letter. Their reason? He was “too boring.”
Looking back, Combs laughed it off. Clearly, millions of fans (and streaming numbers) disagree.
Chappell Roan: A Disappointing Start
Chappell Roan, now known for her unique voice and powerful performances, didn’t exactly get a warm welcome during her Voice audition at age 15.
In an April 2025 interview, she recalled singing Rihanna’s “Stay” a cappella in front of a producer—who barely looked up from his phone. “He never really looked at me,” she said. “He was like, ‘Okay, next.’”
Though she left discouraged, Roan didn’t give up—and is now one of pop’s most exciting rising stars.
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Morgan Wallen: Eliminated, But Grateful
Morgan Wallen actually made it onto The Voice in 2014, joining Usher’s team before being “stolen” by Adam Levine. But he didn’t win—or even come close.
Still, Wallen says the experience helped kickstart his career. “I’m thankful I didn’t win,” he said in 2019. “It gave me time to figure out who I really was as an artist.”
That time clearly paid off: Wallen is now a household name in country music, with sold-out tours and chart-topping albums.
Maren Morris: Rejected by Everyone
Before she won her first Grammy in 2017, Maren Morris tried out for The Voice, American Idol, and more—without much luck.
In a 2019 interview, she admitted, “There were a ton I didn’t make it to. Thank God.”
Turns out, she didn’t need reality TV. Morris paved her own way—and is now one of country music’s most celebrated voices.
Sometimes Rejection Is Just Redirection
Not getting on The Voice might feel like the end for some artists—but for these stars, it was just a detour on the road to success. Whether they were overlooked, cut too soon, or simply not flashy enough for TV, they all proved one thing: talent wins in the long run.
And maybe, just maybe, The Voice missed out on something great.