From 'Stolen Artist' To Broadway: 7 Shocking Updates On The Voice Winner Season 6, Josh Kaufman (2025)

The winner of *The Voice* Season 6, Josh Kaufman, remains one of the most unique champions in the show's history, not only for his soulful voice but also for the historic path he took to victory. Airing in 2014, this season saw the Indianapolis-based family man defy the odds, becoming the first "stolen artist" to ever take home the coveted title, securing a monumental win for his coach, Usher. As of December 2025, Josh Kaufman is far from the "funky family man" introduced by host Carson Daly a decade ago; he is now a prolific multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer with a major new album release slated for early 2025 and a surprising post-show career that includes a major Broadway role. This deep dive reveals his complete journey and the freshest updates on his music career today.

Josh Kaufman: Full Biography & Profile

Josh Kaufman’s journey to becoming a reality TV champion and a respected figure in the music scene is marked by a deep commitment to his craft, long before he stepped onto *The Voice* stage. Here is a detailed look at the profile of the Season 6 winner:

• Full Name: Joshua "Josh" Kaufman
• Date of Birth: May 26, 1978
• Hometowns: Tampa Bay, Florida (Native) / Indianapolis, Indiana (Current Base)
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist, Producer, Composer
• The Voice Season: Season 6 (Spring 2014)
• Original Coach: Adam Levine
• Winning Coach: Usher
• Winning Song: "Set Fire to the Rain" (Adele cover)
• Runner-Up: Jake Worthington (Team Blake Shelton)
• Finalist (3rd Place): Christina Grimmie (Team Adam Levine)
• Noted Career Highlights: Broadway debut as the title role in the Tony-winning revival of Pippin.
• Current Record Label: New West Records (for upcoming album)

The Unforgettable Journey to Victory in Season 6

Season 6 of *The Voice* was highly competitive, featuring coaches Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Shakira, and Usher. Josh Kaufman’s run was characterized by a dramatic turn that changed the course of the season and the show’s history.

The Historic Steal from Team Adam to Team Usher

Kaufman initially impressed all four coaches during the Blind Auditions with his soulful rendition of George Michael's "One," ultimately choosing Team Adam Levine. However, the pivotal moment came during the Battle Rounds. After a spectacular performance of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," Adam Levine chose his opponent, forcing Kaufman into the pool of available artists.

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Coach Usher immediately recognized the mistake and used his "steal" to bring Kaufman onto his team. This move would prove legendary. Under Usher’s mentorship, Kaufman flourished, consistently delivering powerful, emotionally resonant performances of songs like "Stay With Me" and "All of Me."

Breaking the 'Stolen Artist' Curse

Before Kaufman, no artist who had been stolen from their original team had ever gone on to win the competition. His victory in May 2014, over country singer Jake Worthington (Team Blake Shelton) and the late Christina Grimmie (Team Adam Levine), marked the first win for Team Usher and shattered the long-standing "stolen artist" curse.

His final performances, including a show-stopping duet of "Every Breath You Take" with Usher and his cover of Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain," solidified his status as the clear frontrunner and demonstrated the power of the "steal" mechanic in the show's format.

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What Happened After The Voice? Josh Kaufman's Career Trajectory

Unlike many reality TV winners who struggle to maintain momentum, Josh Kaufman immediately pivoted his career into a surprising and respected direction: musical theater.

The Broadway Debut in Pippin

Just five months after winning *The Voice*, Kaufman made his Broadway debut in the title role of the Tony Award-winning revival of Pippin. He took over the lead role from actor Kyle Dean Massey at the Music Box Theatre in New York City, beginning his performances on October 31, 2014.

This move showcased his versatility, proving he was not just a pop/soul singer but a true musical artist capable of handling the demands of a major acrobatic, circus-inspired Broadway production. His time in Pippin solidified his reputation in the broader entertainment industry beyond the reality competition circuit.

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A Return to Roots: Songwriting and Production

Following his run on Broadway, Kaufman returned to his home base in Indianapolis and focused on his core passion: writing, producing, and performing original music. He has since established himself as a respected multi-instrumentalist, engineer, and composer, working on a variety of projects in the indie and folk music scenes.

His work often explores the intersection of soul, folk, and rock, allowing his signature soulful voice to shine through in more intimate settings. He has also been involved in numerous collaborations, showcasing his depth as a session musician and producer.

Where Is Josh Kaufman Now? Latest Updates and Projects (2025)

Josh Kaufman is currently experiencing a major career resurgence with several high-profile projects slated for late 2024 and throughout 2025, confirming his status as a dedicated, working musician.

The Highly Anticipated Album: 'Spirits'

The biggest news for fans is the release of his new studio album, Spirits. The album is scheduled to be released on February 28, 2025, under the esteemed New West Records label. This project follows years of development, including a previous working title, "The Depth and Darkness," which was mentioned in earlier reports about his new songs.

The first single from the album, "Ghosts Are Weak," is set for release on January 22, 2025, offering a taste of the new material. The new work is expected to be a deeply personal and beautifully crafted collection, highlighting his maturation as a songwriter since his *The Voice* win.

New Releases and Production Work

Kaufman's recent activity demonstrates his constant involvement in the music world. In late 2024, a song titled "What Do The People In Your Head Say To Each Other?" was released, with a vinyl LP version scheduled for release in December 2025.

Beyond his own recordings, Kaufman has been busy behind the scenes as a producer. He is credited as the producer for Mary Chapin Carpenter's 17th studio album, "Personal History," set for release in June 2025. This role underscores his technical and artistic credibility within the industry, solidifying his reputation as a versatile musical talent.

From the high-pressure stage of *The Voice* Season 6 to the bright lights of Broadway and now to a major album release on a respected label, Josh Kaufman’s career is a testament to the idea that true artistic talent will always find its path. Fans eagerly await the release of Spirits in early 2025 to hear the latest chapter from the show’s historic champion.