A Hometown Moment on National TV
Fresno City College alumnus Ralph Edwards made his hometown proud after earning a rare four-chair turn during his audition on Sept. 22, on “The Voice.” Performing Journey classic “Lights,” Edwards impressed all four celebrity coaches and captured hearts across the central valley.
For viewers across the country, it was an impressive audition. For FCC, it was a moment of pride. Edwards, once on the same campus stages as other theater students, sang in choir rooms and community events before taking his voice nationwide.
Roots in Fresno City College Choir Program
Before his time on national TV, Edwards musical journey began in the choir room of FCC, surrounded by classmates, teachers and the rhythm of the practice sessions.
“So I started off on the track team, back in 2015. Then I spoke to one of my old teachers. He was a friend of another teacher, and he told Julie Dana, who was the choir director at the time, about me. He told me about her, and I ended up walking into an audition for the City Singers,” Edwards said.
That audition changed things for Edwards. He found a community in the choir program, a place where his natural talent and growing passion could take shape.
“When I ended up taking Rebecca Sarkisian, when I took her voice class, that really helped me tap into things that I didn’t really realize I had. So I was able to, you know, hit higher notes. And she brought a lot of good things out of me when it came to my vocals,” Edwards said.
As he continued to train and learn, another mentor helped him unlock even more of his potential.
“Just being around music that much helps shape everything of my music, musical career, because being able to be around such amazing groups like Julie Dana and Mike Dana, having all of them around me, giving me pointers, telling me things, and teaching me,” Edwards said.
A Story of Perseverance
Edwards’ road to “The Voice” wasn’t easy. He tried out 11 times before finally getting his flowers. It took years of rejection, practice and patience before he got his moment to shine. His story shows just how far determination can take someone.
“I’ve always had a never give up attitude,” Edwards said. “You know, growing up in sports and doing all that stuff, I’ve always never wanted to give up. That’s my goal, is to never give up, keep trying. And that’s what happens when you don’t.”
Edwards said that moment, as he stepped on stage, was everything he had worked for.
“It felt like a dream come true,” Edwards said. “It felt like everything. Finally, I got to see the stage. Finally, I got to get on the stage and then, let alone one chair, four chairs. It’s crazy. It was a crazy moment.”
Representing the 559 and Central Valley
For Edwards, his journey on “The Voice” is more than personal success. It’s about representing Fresno and the Central Valley.
“I’m representing all of that, everything that I’ve touched in my life,” Edwards said.
Edwards hopes his story inspires others from his community. As he continues to train and learn, another mentor helped him unlock even more of his potential.
“I want people to understand that they can do it too,” Edwards said. “It’s not just a one-off. If you put the work in and grind as hard as you can, you can do it too.”
He emphasized that talent exists everywhere in Fresno, even if some feel overlooked. He hopes his success shows that creativity and drive can come from any corner of the city and that with the right support, local artists can reach any stage.
“You can’t give up,” Edwards said. “You have to just keep going.”
Looking Ahead
Edwards’ journey on “The Voice” is more than a story of talent. It’s a testament to hard work, resilience, and community pride. From representing Fresno and the Central Valley to reminding everyone that persistence pays off, Edwards’ message resonates far beyond the stage.
Working with his coach, Snoop Dogg, has also been a major learning experience.
“Snoop really taught me to relax and stay in the moment,” Edwards said. “There’s a lot going on cameras, makeup artists, all the craziness, but he told me to slow down, feel the music, and just do my thing. I still use that advice every time I perform.”
As Edwards continues his journey on “The Voice,” he carries not only his own hopes but the inspiration of an entire community behind him, showing that success is possible for anyone willing to keep pushing forward.
“Don’t give up. Keep trying. Your time is going to come,” Edwards said.
