As The Voice Season 16 presses on at NBC, the reality singing competition is faced with the loss of one of its former contestants. Janice Freeman, one of the show's more talented competitors and a crowd favorite in Season 13, has passed away. Freeman died in her home in West Covina, California, at the age of 33.
Janice Freeman's death was the result of a blood clot, which caused her to have difficulty breathing while at home with her husband Dion. TMZ reported Dion called 911, and performed CPR on Freeman until paramedics arrived on the scene. Freeman was taken to the hospital, but was pronounced dead early Saturday evening. She is survived by her husband, as well as her 12-year-old daughter Hannah.
The blood clot was said to be tied to Janice Freeman's ongoing battle with Lupus as well as a bronchial infection. Janice Freeman has a history of documented medical issues, and was noted to be a survivor of cervical cancer. News of her death spread throughout Hollywood, and reached the ears of her former Voice coach Miley Cyrus. Cyrus took some time to pay respects to Freeman, and posted a tribute to the singer in her Instagram story.
Miley Cyrus and Janice Freeman first met in the blind auditions, when the young singer managed to get her for her team after a showdown with fellow coach Jennifer Hudson. Freeman was a strong competitor in the early rounds, and handily got herself into the later stages of the game with her strong voice and commanding stage presence. Unfortunately, Freeman's ride stopped just short of the top 10, as she was eliminated when America voted to save Adam Cunningham over her.
Though she didn't end up coaching Janice Freeman on The Voice, Jennifer Hudson also shared a tribute to the departed singer. Hudson offered prayers to the family of Freeman, and shared a video of the blind audition that hooked her and Miley Cyrus back in 2017.
Miley Cyrus and Janice Freeman remained in contact after The Voice, and in early 2018 Cyrus arranged for Freeman to have a place to stay when her family struggled financially. Freeman openly thanked Cyrus for the support, and mentioned what a big heart the former Voice coach had that those who only see her on television may not appreciate.
After The Voice, Janice Freeman continued to sing, sometimes professionally, and other times for worship. A video from Freeman's Twitter page showed her performing at Mariners Church in Irvine, California a little over a month before her untimely death, and putting her powerful voice to work in a rendition of "How Great Thou Art."
CinemaBlend would like to offer its condolences to the family and friends of Janice Freeman, and wish them well during this trying time.
