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2021 Soul Train Awards: Who is Koryn Hawthorne? 5 Things to Know About The Soul Cypher Performer

The rising gospel star is known for appearance on ‘The Voice.’

Rising gospel star Koryn Hawthorne’s life has changed immensely since appearing on The Voice. Although she didn’t take home the big win, finishing in fourth place, the small town hero still landed herself a record deal and later went on to release her debut album, earning herself a No. 1 record.

At the 2021 Soul Train Awards  show, the singer is set to show off her vocal abilities during this year’s Soul Cypher which is sure to be a good one. As we gear up for the big night, here are some fun facts you should know about this year’s performer.

  • She’s from a small town

    Hawthorne is from a small town called Abbeville, Louisiana, that has a population of roughly 12,200. The “Speak to Me” songstress comes from one of the five most safest cities in the state.

  • She performed for small crowds at a nursing home

    Before she became a part of The Voice, the singer was a part of a group that sang at nursing homes and charity events.

  • She won despite not winning the competition

    After placing fourth on the musical competition show, Hawthorne laned a record deal with  RCA Inspiration, a division of Sony Music dedicated to gospel music.

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  • She almost didn’t audition for The Voice

    Hawthorne auditioned for numerous  reality singing competitions including X-Factor and  American Idol. However,  when her mother suggested auditioning for The Voice, the singer’s  initial reaction was 'no'. She told Atlanta Voice Newspaper, "I grew up watching reality TV singing shows and I did a lot of competitions too so I was definitely prepared for it, I had the mind for it and I knew I had to have great song choices every week.

  • Her debut was a huge success

    When the singer  released her first debut album, Unstoppable, it peaked at  No. 1 on the Top Gospel Albums chart. Two tracks off the full length project, “Won’t He Do It” and “Speak the Name ”also received Grammy nominations for “Best Gospel Performance/Song.”

    Watch the 2021 Soul Train Awards on Sunday, November 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.

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