Honestly, if you were watching NBC back in 2021, you probably remember the exact moment the room went quiet. It was the Season 20 finale. A 22-year-old college senior from North Carolina A&T State University stepped onto the stage, took a breath, and basically redefined what a "singing competition" is supposed to look like.
Victor Solomon The Voice standout didn't just sing. He performed. He rapped. He danced in a way that made the coaches—people who see talent every single day—look like they’d just seen a ghost.
When he finished Beyoncé’s "Freedom," John Legend didn't just give him a standing ovation. He called it the "best performance" he’d ever witnessed on that stage. Total hyperbole? Maybe from someone else. But from an EGOT winner? That carries weight.
The Blind Audition That Broke the Rules
Most people forget that Victor started his journey by doing something almost nobody dares to do on that show. He sang a John Legend song right in front of John Legend.
The song was "Glory." It’s a massive, soaring anthem that requires both technical precision and a specific kind of soul. Usually, when a contestant tries to cover a coach's song, the coach stays seated. It's awkward. It feels like an imitation.
But Victor was different.
He didn't just mimic John. He added these gospel runs and a grit that felt personal. Blake Shelton turned first. Then Nick Jonas. Then, finally, John Legend.
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"He was better than me," Legend admitted after the performance.
Think about that. You’re a kid in college, and one of the biggest stars on the planet tells you that you just out-sang him on his own track. That's the moment the #SoloNation fanbase was born.
More Than Just a Voice: The HBCU Factor
Victor wasn't just some guy who liked to sing in the shower. He was already a leader. At North Carolina A&T, he was literally "Mister A&T." He was the 17th Mister HBCU.
That matters because it explains his stage presence. He wasn't nervous because he’d already spent years performing for thousands of students and leading his community. He brought that "Aggie Pride" to every single episode.
He’s a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and you could see that discipline in his choreography. Most singers on these shows stand behind a mic stand like they're glued to the floor. Victor? He moved. He used the whole stage.
Why "Freedom" Was a Cultural Moment
We have to talk about that finale.
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The choice to do Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar’s "Freedom" was a massive risk. It’s a song about struggle, power, and Black excellence. It’s not a "safe" competition song.
Victor came out in this military-inspired black leather outfit with a full squad of dancers. He didn't just hit the high notes; he tackled Kendrick’s rap verse with a flow that was actually credible. It didn't feel like a cover. It felt like a headline show at the Grammys.
Kelly Clarkson was basically screaming. She told him to let her know when his tour started because she’d be the first person to buy a ticket.
Where Is Victor Solomon Now? (2026 Update)
So, what happens after the cameras stop rolling?
A lot of people think if you don't win the whole thing—Victor actually finished in fifth place—your career is over. That’s a total myth. Just look at Jennifer Hudson or Adam Lambert.
Victor took that momentum and ran with it. He moved to Los Angeles after graduation to jump into the industry head-first. He’s been busy.
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- American Idol Season 23: In a move that surprised everyone, Victor popped up again on the 2025-2026 circuit, auditioning for American Idol. It’s rare to see a Voice finalist jump ship, but it shows his hustle.
- The Chick-fil-A Connection: Interestingly, while chasing the dream, he’s been working as an Associate Director at a Chick-fil-A. It’s a grounded, human side of his story that fans love. He’s not just waiting for a handout; he’s working.
- Original Music: He dropped "The Power Song" in 2023, and guess who helped him tweak it? John Legend. The two stayed in touch, which tells you everything you need to know about the respect Victor earned.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Success
People see the flashy suits and the viral videos and think it was easy.
It wasn't. Victor almost quit the audition process before it even started. Back in May 2020, he nearly opted out because he was worried about losing his gospel roots. He didn't want to just be another "secular" pop star.
He’s a church kid at heart. He started in the "sunshine band" (the kids' choir) at age six. For him, the music is a ministry. He eventually decided that he could do both—sing the big pop hits while keeping his faith front and center.
That’s why his performance of "I Can Only Imagine" felt so different from his performance of "I Wish." He can go from a Saturday night party vibe to a Sunday morning worship service without missing a beat.
Actionable Steps for Aspiring Artists
If you're looking at Victor Solomon's career and wondering how to replicate that kind of impact, here is the blueprint he unintentionally left behind:
- Master the "Coach Test": If you’re auditioning, don't just sing a song. Interpret it. Change the arrangement. Make the original artist feel like they’re hearing it for the first time.
- Lean Into Your Community: Victor didn't hide his HBCU roots; he celebrated them. Find your "tribe" and let them carry you.
- Versatility Is Survival: Don't just be a singer. Be a performer. Learn to move, learn to engage with the camera, and don't be afraid to rap or try a different genre.
- Keep the Day Job (For Now): There is no shame in working a 9-to-5 while you build your empire. It keeps you hungry and, more importantly, it keeps you funded.
Victor Solomon proved that The Voice is just a platform, not a destination. Whether he's singing on a national stage or leading a team in L.A., the talent is undeniable. He didn't need the trophy to prove he was a star. The "Freedom" performance already did that.