Ken Peiffer to replace Blake Shelton on “The Voice”
When I first heard Blake Shelton was leaving"The Voice" after Season 23, I thought to myself how cool would it be to take his place. I've been playing music on the radio for nearly 40 years, so I'd say I have a pretty good idea which artists sound good
After countless interviews and auditions, I was somehow chosen to be a part of the show. The whole thing started when I was approached by of former co-worker who now works for KWWL Channel 7, our local NBC affiliate that carries the show. She told me "The Voice" was looking for a replacement for Blake and the producers were looking at radio DJs to do just that. I sent my application thinking the worse they could do was say no. But then I got the call. One of the shows producers invited me to the auditions in Des Moines. I made the trip still thinking I had a snowballs chance in he-- of being chosen. I'll be honest with you, it was a little nerve racking being in front of the camera instead of behind a microphone. Eventually I felt a little more comfortable in front of the camera and got the hang of it. I met a lot of other radio DJs from around Iowa and enjoyed the day.
They wouldn't let us watch anyone else's audition so I had no idea how I did. Several weeks later I got the call. I was picked along with a DJ from Sioux City to represent Iowa in the next round of auditions. I'll be honest with you, I was shocked to be chosen as a finalist. Never in a million years did I think I'd make it.
The next step was a flight to California and Universal Studios in Hollywood. The closer I got to my second round audition, the more nervous I got. People ask me all the time if I ever get nervous on the radio and my answer has always been NO. I'm very comfortable behind a microphone. But let me tell you when you walk into "The Voice' studios, your heart can't help but skip a beat. It's a lot bigger in person! I managed to control my nerves(sort of) and made it through the audition. Once again I was not allowed to see anyone else' audition so I had no idea how I did. After the auditions I headed home thinking that was the end. I enjoyed my 5 minutes of fame but figured it would end there. No way they would ever choose a small town kid from Cascade, Iowa. Well I was wrong. I got a call from that same former co-worker who told me I'd been chosen to be a coach on season 24!! After I dropped the phone and caught my breath I asked her to say it again....it just didn't seem possible. She repeated the news again. "You've been chosen to replace Blake! I'm getting goosebumps right now just thinking about. As excited as I was, at the time I was only able to share the news with my wife. I had to keep it a secret until today, April 1st. So get ready for me as a coach on season 24 of "The Voice"!