Dylan Carter, a standout contestant from Season 24 of The Voice, has died at the age of 24 following a single-vehicle crash in rural South Carolina.
According to local authorities, the accident happened late Saturday night on a road in Colleton County. Officials confirmed the crash was fatal, while the South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances.
Carter first gained national attention in 2023 with an emotional blind audition on The Voice. Performing I Look to You in tribute to his late mother, he prompted all four judges to turn their chairs—an achievement reserved for performances that strongly resonate in the room.
Judge Niall Horan described the moment as “spectacular,” saying such reactions only happen when a performance truly connects. His coach, Reba McEntire, also reflected on the audition, noting how both the song and Carter’s voice moved the audience.
Following news of his death, McEntire paid tribute on social media, calling Carter “a brilliant, kind and talented young man” who brought light to those around him. She described his time on the show as a “huge ray of sunshine” and said he would be deeply missed.
Beyond national television, Carter stayed closely connected to his hometown. Thomas Hamilton Jr. spoke for the community, calling the loss heartbreaking. He said Carter was not only a gifted performer, but also someone whose kindness and charm earned lasting respect.
“As a gifted singer, he often performed at community town events,” Hamilton said, adding that Carter’s absence would be deeply felt by everyone who knew him.
Carter had been scheduled to perform at the town’s “Music on Main” event, which has since been canceled as tributes continue to circulate on social media.
During his audition, Carter spoke openly about the grief he carried after losing his mother. He told the judges that seeing them turn their chairs felt like seeing her again, sharing that she had once asked him to sing that same song at her funeral. For him, the moment was not only an opportunity, but a chance to make her proud once more.
After his time on the show, Carter reflected on the experience with honesty and growth. He acknowledged that the outcome was not what he had hoped for, but said he gave everything he had on stage. He also shared how the journey helped him regain confidence while keeping his mother’s memory close.
“I came to The Voice unsure of myself… and still grieving,” he wrote at the time. “I left with confidence in myself and my future.”
As the investigation into the crash continues, Carter is being remembered not just for his talent, but for the sincerity, resilience, and emotional depth he brought to his music and those around him.