Back in early 2012, Wichita native Chris Mann was an aspiring classical singer trying to make it in Los Angeles.
He was 30 at the time and was hoping that his lengthy resume — which included working in two Music Theatre Wichita companies during high school, studying vocal performance at Vanderbilt University, appearing on the hit television show “Glee” in 2010, and singing on a few big-time movie soundtracks — would help him launch a career.
That’s when he landed a spot on Season 2 of the NBC singing competition “The Voice,” which had premiered the previous year and had become an instant hit. Mann — who stood out for his operatic style — was a judge and audience favorite, and he sailed through the competition, ultimately making it to the finale and winning fourth place with coach Christina Aguilera.
Now, 14 years have passed. Mann is 44 and still lives in Los Angeles, but he’s now a married father of two. And although he was able to make a career out of singing, his life after “The Voice” took several unexpected and surprising turns…