'The Voice' Season 25 host Carson Daly remembers late musicians Debra Byrd and Ernie Fields Jr during finale

'The Voice' host Carson Daly paid a heartfelt tribute to late musicians Debra Byrd and Ernie Fields whose careers in music contributed to the show
UPDATED MAY 22, 2024
Tributes pour in for Debbie Byrd and Ernie Fields Jr during 'The Voice' Season 25 finale (Instagram/@iamjhud/@tulsaworld)
Tributes pour in for Debbie Byrd and Ernie Fields Jr during 'The Voice' Season 25 finale (Instagram/@iamjhud/@tulsaworld)

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: During the grand finale of 'The Voice' Season 25, host Carson Daly took a moment to honor the memory of two beloved musicians, Debra Byrd and Ernie Fields Jr, who played an essential role in shaping the music that fans have come to love on the show.

Daly expressed his gratitude for their contributions and acknowledged their significant impact on the success of 'The Voice'. Daly's heartfelt tribute served as a poignant reminder of the lasting influence that Byrd and Fields Jr had on the music industry and 'The Voice' family.

“We’d also like to take a moment to remember two members of The Voice family that we unfortunately lost this year, the very talented Debra Byrd and Ernie Fields Jr. They were essential to all the music that you hear on this show," Daly shared.

Daly went on to say, “They both had unrivaled careers in music and entertainment and contributed so much to 'The Voice'. And while they’re no longer with us, they left behind an incredible body of work. They will be missed and always a huge part of our family.”

'The Voice' host Carson Daly remembers Debra Byrd and Ernie Fields Jr during finale (YouTube/The Voice)
'The Voice' host Carson Daly remembers Debra Byrd and Ernie Fields Jr during finale (YouTube/@thevoice)

How did 'The Voice' coach Debra Byrd die?

Debra Byrd, a renowned vocal coach known for her work on popular television shows like 'American Idol' and 'The Voice', passed away on March 5, 2024, in Los Angeles at the age of 72. The exact cause of her death was not disclosed.

Throughout her career, Byrd had a significant impact on the music industry, helping to shape the voices of countless aspiring artists. Her legacy as a talented and dedicated vocal coach will be remembered by many in the entertainment industry.

Among Byrd's pupils were individuals who have achieved Grammy awards, those who have made a name for themselves in the music industry, as well as talented actors, musicians, and Broadway performers. She collaborated closely with notable artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Bob Dylan, and Barry Manilow, among a plethora of other accomplished individuals.

'The Voice' vocal coach Debra Byrd passed away at 72 (Instagram/@iamjhud)
'The Voice' vocal coach Debra Byrd passed away at 72 (Instagram/@iamjhud)

What happened to Ernie Fields Jr from 'The Voice'?

Ernie Fields Jr, a talented baritone saxophonist and sought-after session musician, was best noted for his work as a music contractor on famous television shows such as'American Idol', 'The Voice', and 'X Factor'.

Residing in Pasadena, California, he followed in the footsteps of his renowned musician father, Ernie Fields. Throughout his career, he collaborated with various blues, soul, and funk legends, including B B King, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye.

Sadly, Ernie Fields Jr passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 8, 2024, at the age of 89, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the music industry.

Ernie Fields Jr from 'The Voice' died at the age of 89 (Photo/ Tulsa World)
Ernie Fields Jr from 'The Voice' died at the age of 89 (Photo/@tulsaworld)

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