Barrett Baber Brings Country Style to ‘Right Here Waiting’ on ‘The Voice’

Barrett Baber has become known for giving his performances 150 percent on The Voice, utilizing the entire stage and emoting with his entire body. But this time, coach Blake Shelton encouraged him to keep it simple for a performance of Richard Marx’ 1989 hit “Right Here Waiting."

The song, though not originally country, was a good fit for Baber’s passionate performance style, and he says the lyrics were appropriate as well when he considers his family. Baber says his wife of 10 years and two young kids make up a great support system for him, especially during the crazy journey of The Voice.

Shelton suggested Baber stand behind the microphone stand without moving for the performance, in order to let the song shine on its own, and also encouraged him to enunciate without losing too many phrases in the country-fication of the tune. His voice, like Shelton’s, is country enough as it is, he told Baber with a laugh during rehearsals.

Standing still and keeping it simple worked for most of the song, but toward the end, Baber couldn’t help but tear the mic off and give it that classic passionate delivery. His powerful vocals were impressive, leaving all four coaches with nothing but praise.

“No matter what kind of vocal it is, you just attack it. I love that about you,” Adam Levine gushed. “That just shows how much determination and passion you have."

“You did it, you did it as long as you could stand it,” Shelton joked of Baber’s need to get out from behind the mic. “What comes out of you is real. It’s the thing that makes you a real artist … first and foremost you are a great singer, man."

One of the Top 12 will go home Tuesday night (Nov. 17), and fans can vote for Baber until noon ET Tuesday day. View Baber’s full performance in the video above.

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