Huntley performing in the “Tell Me When It’s Over” music video, conveying deep emotion and intensity.
Michael Huntley, better known simply as Huntley, might be a name that resonates with many thanks to his powerful performances on The Voice.
But for the 34-year-old singer, the journey post-show has been a lot more complex than some might think. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Huntley shared his thoughts on winning The Voice, the realities of life after the show, and his new single, “Tell Me When It’s Over.”
The Morning After the Big Win
For many, winning a show like The Voice seems like the pinnacle of success. But for Huntley, the reality was more sobering. The morning after his victory, he found himself alone in a hotel room with nothing but his trophy for company.
“I woke up to an empty hotel room with nothing but me and a trophy,” Huntley recalled. “All the people left, and I was supposed to go see my family, but I got asked to do the halftime show for the [Los Angeles] Chargers game.
I ended up staying there an extra week in the hotel by myself.”
This moment of solitude highlighted a harsh truth about reality TV fame. “I think there’s a misconception on what happens after you win these shows,” Huntley said, hinting that the victory, while sweet, was just the beginning of a much longer and tougher journey.
The Realities of Post-Show Life
Huntley is quick to express his gratitude for The Voice and the opportunities it presented.
“They are an amazing organization to work with,” he said, emphasizing that the show treated everyone fairly and gave each artist a platform to showcase their talent. However, he also pointed out that the real work begins after the cameras stop rolling.
“I really don’t want to dwell on any business stuff, honestly,” Huntley shared, “but I do think people think you get this Kelly Clarkson sort of moment, and they just give you the world.”
He was referring to Kelly Clarkson, the season one winner of American Idol, who went on to achieve massive success. Huntley, however, didn’t feel like he was given much direction after his win, and soon realized that going independent was the best move for his career.
Going Independent and Finding His Own Path
This past spring, Huntley made the decision to strike out on his own. “It really comes down to a lot of the artists being able to write and being able to connect with the audience that they gained from the show and putting a great team around them, which I’m lucky to have,” he explained.
With his new team, Huntley has entered a fresh chapter in his career, marked by the release of his latest single, “Tell Me When It’s Over.” The song, which is deeply personal, speaks to the broken promises and unmet expectations that many encounter in life.
The Inspiration Behind “Tell Me When It’s Over”
“Tell Me When It’s Over” is not just a song—it’s a reflection of Huntley’s own experiences, particularly in a past relationship that left a deep impact on him. “I went through a lot of things while I was on The Voice,” he admitted.
“I happened to go through a lot of ups and downs in a relationship that I was in. When I love, I love wholeheartedly, and it’s really hard for me to give up on something just because of differences.”
He continued, “There’s just time to walk away from a relationship when it gets to a point where you’re coming home every day and you’re kind of losing a piece of yourself—and each person knows it.”
The pain and raw emotion of that experience are evident throughout “Tell Me When It’s Over,” especially towards the end of the song. “It’s one of the fastest songs that I’ve ever written in my life,” Huntley said. “I think that’s what happens when it just comes from the heart. You can’t really fake something like that.”
A Powerful Music Video to Match
Accompanying the single is a powerful music video, which Huntley was deeply involved in conceptualizing. However, he admits that creating a visual representation of such a personal song was a challenge.
“It was so hard for me to come up with a concept myself,” he shared. “I had an idea of what kind of vibe I wanted, but I didn’t want to be so specific to my own relationship. I wanted it to be very widely relatable.”
And relatable it is. The video captures the universal feelings of heartache and the struggle to move on, themes that many can connect with.
Balancing Stardom and Fatherhood
Despite his rising fame, Huntley remains grounded, particularly when it comes to his family. “To my kids, I’m just Dad,” he said with a laugh. His daughter Stella, whom he describes as a “little rockstar,” and his son Michael, who is his “biggest fan,” are his top priorities.
“Basically, I’m on the road doing all these things, and then as soon as I land, I’m getting my daughter from school,” he shared. “I’m blessed that I can do both, and it’s definitely been crazy to navigate it, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
For Huntley, the journey post-The Voice is about more than just chasing a dream. It’s about balancing that dream with the reality of being a father and finding his own voice in the music industry. And with “Tell Me When It’s Over,” it’s clear that Huntley is well on his way to making his mark.
