Ray Lamontagne permitted 16-year old Sawyer Fredericks to sing his unreleased song “Please” as his original single for the final of The Voice 2015. Frederick won the competition, and wow, what talent (despite needing a haircut).
And if you are a purist (I am)…Here’s Ray’s version:
Live & Learn 
Sawyer version is lighter and Rays..is more base ..making it searious.
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Terrific insight. Agree.
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thank you
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I have to say I love Sawyer! I was really glad to see someone so folksy win!
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So agree!
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I love both versions, but have to say Ray’s is my favourite of the two. The kid’s got talent though! ❤
Diana xo
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Agree Diana…
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Love Ray’s raspiness. Makes him so unique. Agree with the other comments about Sawyer’s talents but Ray is my fav.
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Agree!
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I was rooting for Sawyer from the beginning, so glad he won. And what an honor to have one of his musical idols give him this song to perform. No comparison for me though, between the sweetness of a teen vs. the angst of a 40 year old with a rasp and soul that gets better with life experience.
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Beautifully stated. I’m right there with you.
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What a wonderful thing for an artist to do. Though it was used to help Sawyer win the competition, I much prefer the richness of Ray and hope that his version is what is heard on the airwaves, not Sawyers.
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I agree Mrs. P.
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both great versions, but ray’s has the life experience behind it and comes off as much more intense and emotional.
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Yes, I’m with you Beth.
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Heartily concur with all of the above assessments. Sawyer is a talented young man, but Ray is, well, RAY. For my money, unparalleled. The timbre of his voice is unique.
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Yes. heartily concur with you Lori.
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There’s a little David Gray in that kid.
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Yes. You’re right.
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I was really happy to see Sawyer win…what a sweetheart with such a great voice. His hair is beautiful, David…he needs to keep it! 🙂 I do still like Ray’s version better…you can hear more life in it…he’s older and has the benefit of having really lived the song probably.
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Smiling. Yes, Carol, all of us old dogs prefer hangin’ with the old dog.
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