‘The Voice’ alum to co-headline NACC’s ‘Art of Beer’ event

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

X: @joshuamaloni

IG: @imjoshuamaloni

As millions of Americans witnessed watching the Olympics on television, it’s not easy performing at the highest levels when the brightest lights are shining.

In the world of music, there aren’t many stages bigger or more intimidating than the one on NBC’s “The Voice.” When it was Lockport native Joshua Vacanti’s time under that spotlight, he soared – nabbing a chair turn from John Legend … who also blocked Ariana Grande from taking Vacanti for her team. The future “Wicked” star said she was “obsessed” with Vacanti’s performance.

That Vacanti did so well – and lasted into the season 21 semifinals – is even more remarkable considering he oftentimes gets stage fright.

“People will say, like, ‘Oh my gosh; you seemed so cool and calm and collected when you were on the show,’ or even, like in performances. I'm always someone who's deeply nervous; like, I have so much performance anxiety when it comes to even singing,” Vacanti said in an interview this week. “But, I feel like, when I get on the stage, that all melts away. But really, the lead up is very difficult for me, and it's almost like that picture of the swan, or like the duck on the lake. It's like everything seems peaceful and calm at the surface, but underneath, there's a lot happening.”

Joshua Vacanti on season 21 of "The Voice," which aired in 2021. (NBC photo by Chris Haston)

••••••••

So, how did Vacanti overcome and succeed on “The Voice”?

“Family grounded me so much; just reminding myself this is something that I love to do, and I love to have fun, and I want to have fun, and I want everyone watching me to have fun,” he said. “So, if I'm not up there living my dream and being like a little rock star up on the stage, then no one else is going to be able to join in with me.

“And then also, I feel like my faith. I grew up singing worship music. So, truly, a lot of times, I'm calling on God and just having a quick little prayer moment with my wife or with my family before I go on stage. That's typically my ritual.”

Ultimately, “I've always just loved performing. I love being on stage. I'm a very introverted person in my everyday life, and I feel like, when I get to sing, it's like I get to be my true self. It's almost like my superhero form,” Vacanti said.

WATCH:

 

Though “The Voice” centered in on Vacanti’s love for worship music and musical theater, his catalog is more expansive.

“I'm a little bit of musical theater. I have a big, huge heart for worship music. That's definitely where I live. But I also have pop elements, a little bit of rock elements; so, I'm very much a unique voice,” Vacanti said. “When people say, like, ‘Oh, who do you sound like?’ or ‘What do you sound like?’ I've always had trouble kind of picking that out, because I feel like I do have my own little Joshua lane and Joshua voice.”

Vacanti and fellow “The Voice” alum Cami Clune will headline the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center’s “Art of Beer” fundraiser on Friday, March 6.

He said, “There's always going to be like an emotional, sad ballad – no matter what – that's always going to be a given. My little emo self will always come out. So even, like, for the ‘Art of Beer’ festival, it's going to be happy and celebratory and fun. But I'm going to throw in a couple of those songs that I feel like you have to constantly mold yourself to whatever environment that you're in – but always having that throughline of exactly who you are as an artist.

“So, I'm going to have those emotional songs; I'm going to have those big notes; those long, soaring notes. But, no matter what, every single show, I'm just here to have fun. I'm having fun on stage. And that's what I'm really looking at. When I'm creating a set, I'm thinking about, ‘How am I going to have fun on stage?’ and ‘What is the vibe of the space?’ And like, ‘How can I invite as many people to have fun with me?’ ”

Joshua Vacanti performing on stage. (Image courtesy of Joshua Vacanti)

••••••••

Speaking of Clune, Vacanti said, “Her voice is so special.

“I just love to collaborate; so, anytime I get to have someone else join me on stage, whether it's Cami, or I love to sing with my wife, and I have some fellow artist friends, it's just a party. And I think Cami, her voice, in particular, it's so special. She has those beautiful, like haunting, floaty notes. But then she has such a beautiful mid-range, and she has a really great intensity about her on stage.

“I feel like we kind of both have that in common. We can do the fun, high-energy numbers, but we also are really great and, I feel like, can get in our lane when we're in those more emotional songs, I would say.”

“He's such a great artist,” Clune said of Vacanti. “He's so talented, and very kind, and also very versatile. He can do a lot of different things.”

WATCH:

 

Vacanti, now 32, said, “I'm just starting to slowly go back into” musical theater. “I actually just did a show with Starring Buffalo over Valentine's weekend, which is really cool. I got to sing alongside some actual performers that have been on Broadway.”

Moreover, it appears Vacanti’s work with “The Voice” will continue.

“The season that's airing right now, ‘Battle of Champions’ (9 p.m. Mondays), I got to be a part of this season a little bit. It's going to happen later on,” he said.

“There's some amazing talent,” Vacanti noted. “I love that the show, I feel, it's constantly trying to reinvent itself. I feel like my season was a really special time for the show, and a really special era, season 21; and I feel like they're starting to usher in a new era, and I'm really just honored that I got to be a part of it, even in a little way. So, if you're not watching, I highly recommend watching, and maybe later on, you might see a familiar face on your screen.

“But, truly for me, I'm so grateful for ‘The Voice.’ It opened so many doors for me, and it gave me a lot of confidence and so many friends and relationships that I think I’ll have forever.”

For more on Joshua Vacanti, visit https://www.facebook.com/joshuavacantiofficial/ and https://www.instagram.com/joshuavacanti/.

••••••••

‘Art of Beer’

“Art of Beer,” the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center’s fundraiser, will take place from 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, March 6, at 1201 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls. The 21-and-older event includes beer, wine and cider tastings from local brewers; food from top Niagara Region restaurants; a commemorative beer glass; fine art; and live music on multiple stages – including headline performances by Cami Clune and Joshua Vacanti.

“For its 18th annual year, ‘Art of Beer’ will have music headliners for the very first time!” NACC Development Manager Kacy Carbone said. “Made possible by a sponsorship from Flynn Battaglia Architects, we’re beyond excited to welcome Joshua Vacanti and Cami Clune to the NACC for this year’s ‘Art of Beer.’

“Both WNY locals, Joshua and Cami rose to national acclaim on ‘The Voice.’ Joshua brings a soaring, theatrical energy that fills the room, while Cami’s soulful, genre-blending style creates an intimate, electric connection with the audience.

“What makes this especially meaningful for us is how genuinely warm and engaging they are offstage. They’re artists who believe in community, collaboration, and the power of live performance to bring people together. Their set will be fun, heartfelt and high-energy – the perfect soundtrack to a night that celebrates craft, creativity and connection at the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center.”

Tickets can be purchased at the NACC or online at https://thenacc.org/art-of-beer-2026/. All funds raised will directly support the NACC.

See also >> Singer, songwriter, actor & more: Cami Clune excels as storyteller