Early life[edit]
Kaufman was born in Sarasota, Florida, the son of Beth Gilbert, minister of music at Slusser's Chapel in Blacksburg, Virginia; and Mark Kaufman, who runs a roofing company.[1] His stepfather, Rev. Richard Gilbert, is the pastor at a church in Blacksburg, Virginia.[2] While in Blacksburg, he was a member of the Blacksburg High School Madrigals, an elite choir. He grew up and attended school in Lake Wales, Florida until his first year of high school. He and his mother moved to Blacksburg, Virginia where he attended and graduated from Blacksburg High School. His musical talent appeared early in his life. At sixteen, he appeared on Star Search and in 2011, Kaufman auditioned for the first season of Simon Cowell's The X Factor (U.S.).[3] After living his teen years in Virginia, Kaufman settled in Anderson, Indiana to attend Anderson University and graduated from IUPUI.[4]
Kaufman is a member of the band The New Etiquette (formerly known as Josh Kaufman and the Frequency), an Indianapolis based rock and soul band. The band was formed in 2010 with original band members Josh Kaufman, Ryan Koch, and Nate Gray. The band released a six track self-titled EP in spring 2012 drawing on the musical talents of several local musicians.[5]
From 2011 to 2014 Kaufman was a musical staple at Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Indianapolis,[6][7] and also worked as an SAT prep tutor.[8]
Career[edit]
The Voice (2014)[edit]
On the fifth episode of the Blind Auditions broadcast on March 10, 2014, he performed George Michael's song "One More Try." All four judges turned their chairs and Kaufman chose to join team Adam. Kaufman defeated fellow Team Adam member Austin Ellis in the Battles, Round 1. Kaufman lost his second battle round competition against Delvin Choice but was immediately stolen by Team Usher.[9][10] Kaufman received the first iTunes bonus multiplier of the season, with his studio recording of "Stay With Me" reaching the fifth position on the iTunes Top 200 Singles chart at the close of the voting window.[11]
On May 20, 2014, Kaufman was announced as the winner of Season 6 of The Voice.
Broadway[edit]
Kaufman sung on Broadway in the show "Home For the Holidays, Live on Broadway" which was presented November 17 to December 30, 2017, at the August Wilson Theatre. Other vocal performers included Candice Glover, Bianca Ryan, Peter Hollens and Evynne Hollens.[15]
Personal life[edit]
Kaufman is married to Jennifer Myer and they have five children as of November 2016. They live in Carmel, Indiana (an Indianapolis suburb) where Kaufman sings with his band The New Etiquette.[16]