The Unexpected Journey: Where Is The Voice Season 6 Winner Josh Kaufman Now? (2025 Update)

The Voice Season 6, which concluded in May 2014, delivered one of the most surprising and historically significant results in the show's history. The winner, Josh Kaufman, defied expectations by becoming the first artist to be "stolen" from another team and still go on to win the entire competition. This victory cemented a major milestone for his coach, Usher, who secured his first—and to date, only—win against rival coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.

As of the current date, December 12, 2025, Josh Kaufman's career has taken a fascinating and highly successful path that veers sharply from the typical reality TV trajectory. While many winners struggle to find lasting fame in the pop music world, Kaufman has quietly built an impressive career as a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and Broadway star, even contributing to Grammy-winning albums by one of the world's biggest artists.

Josh Kaufman: A Full Biography and Profile

Josh Kaufman’s journey to the top of the reality singing competition was anything but conventional. Unlike many younger contestants, Kaufman brought years of experience as a working musician and a grounded family life to the show, which ultimately informed his soul-infused performances.

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• Full Name: Joshua "Josh" Kaufman
• Born: November 9, 1976
• Age (at time of win): 37
• Hometown/Origin: Sarasota, Florida (Native of the Tampa Bay area)
• Current Base: Indianapolis, Indiana and New York, New York
• Pre-Voice Career: Worked as an SAT tutor; performed with his soul band, The New Etiquette.
• The Voice Season: Season 6 (2014)
• Original Coach: Adam Levine
• Winning Coach: Usher (after being 'stolen' in the Battle Rounds)
• Significance of Win: First stolen artist to win *The Voice*; first and only win for Team Usher.
• Post-Voice Debut: Broadway (Title role in *Pippin*)
• Current Status: Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and member of the band Muzz.

The Historic Win: From Team Adam to Team Usher

Kaufman's initial audition for *The Voice* Season 6 was a powerful rendition of George Michael's "One More Try," which earned him a four-chair turn from all the coaches: Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Shakira, and Usher. He initially chose to join Team Adam.

However, the pivotal moment in his competition came during the Battle Rounds. After being defeated by his teammate Delvin Choice, Kaufman was "stolen" by Coach Usher. This move proved to be a masterstroke, as Kaufman flourished under Usher’s mentorship, consistently delivering stunning, soulful performances that resonated with the voting public. His ability to perform a diverse range of songs, from "Stay With Me" to "Set Fire to the Rain," showcased his immense talent.

The finale, which aired on May 20, 2014, saw Kaufman prevail over country singer Jake Worthington (Team Blake) and the fan-favorite powerhouse Christina Grimmie (Team Adam). Kaufman's victory marked a major upset, not only for his status as a stolen artist but also for securing Usher's first win, breaking the dominance of veteran coaches Blake Shelton and Adam Levine.

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Beyond the Blind Audition: Josh Kaufman's Post-Show Success

The typical path for a *The Voice* winner involves a quick album release and a national tour. While Josh Kaufman released his self-titled debut EP shortly after his win, his career has since diversified into unexpected and highly respected avenues, proving that success for a reality star can be found outside of mainstream radio.

From The Voice Stage to Broadway’s Big Top

One of the most immediate and significant career moves for Josh Kaufman was his transition to the world of Broadway. Just weeks after his victory on the show, he was cast in the hit revival of the musical *Pippin*. Kaufman took on the title role of Pippin, replacing actor Kyle Dean Massey. His run in the show, which had won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, demonstrated his versatility and ability to command a live stage beyond a singing competition setting. This move established his credentials in the theater world, a path few *The Voice* winners have successfully followed.

A Secret Contributor to Music Royalty

Perhaps the most surprising and impressive detail of Kaufman's post-show career is his work behind the scenes as a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and producer. Rather than seeking the spotlight as a solo pop star, Kaufman has become a highly sought-after collaborator in the New York music scene. This work led to a major career highlight: contributing to recent albums by global superstar Taylor Swift.

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His contributions to the album *folklore* helped it secure the prestigious Album of the Year Grammy Award, a testament to his musical talent and production acumen. This achievement highlights a deeper, more sustainable form of success than the immediate chart performance often expected of a reality show champion.

Current Projects and Lasting Legacy (2025)

In 2025, Josh Kaufman continues to be an active and influential figure in the indie and soul music communities, focusing heavily on collaboration and production work. His career is a masterclass in leveraging reality TV fame into a long-term, respected musical profession.

• The Band Muzz: Kaufman is a member of the indie rock supergroup Muzz, alongside Paul Banks (Interpol) and Matt Barrick (The Walkmen). This project showcases his continued commitment to original, collaborative music outside of his solo brand.
• The New Etiquette: He still occasionally performs with his long-time soul band, The New Etiquette, which released their self-titled album in 2012 before his *The Voice* appearance.
• New Music Collaborations: Recent reports from 2024 indicate his continued involvement in new music releases, including collaborations with artists like Anaïs Mitchell and Eric D. Johnson, and contributing to the single "Maybe We're Alright." His work is frequently mentioned in best album lists and new music reviews, solidifying his role as a key figure in contemporary folk and indie rock.

Josh Kaufman's victory in Season 6 of The Voice is a reminder that success is not always defined by chart-topping singles. His journey—from a working SAT tutor and father of three in Indianapolis to a Broadway star and a Grammy-contributing producer—is one of the most unique and enduring success stories in the history of the show. He proved that a "stolen artist" could win and that true musical authority is built on versatility, hard work, and deep, lasting connections within the music industry.

His story serves as a powerful example for future contestants, demonstrating that leveraging the platform for unexpected creative opportunities, such as theater and production work, can lead to a far more stable and respected career than chasing fleeting pop stardom. The legacy of Team Usher's champion remains a high point for the show's history.