I admit, I don’t watch music competitions like I did when I was younger. When I watch TV, it’s usually a mind-numbing experience or a mystery.
But luckily, many of the people I interview started out on the show, and if they’re from the country, they often end up in my inbox. Since the competition is so tough, most of the artists introduced to me are outstanding performers. Orlando Mendez is one such artist and I am honored to tell his story.
Orlando Mendez, known as the “Cuban Cowboy”, was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He is a second generation Cuban American who developed a love for country music at an early age. His grandparents fled the Castro regime and ended up raising their family in Miami. Country music was not the main music he heard/listened to, but that all changed when Darius Rucker began a solo career in country music.
He heard Rucker’s new hit, “Come Back Song,” on the radio.
Mendes recalled: “I recognized his voice from my youth. And that’s because he was the lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish. I heard a lot about this growing up. And I liked the song. I kind of fell in love with “Come Back Song,” the lyrics and the story it tells. And I thought, “Let me start listening to some of his other stuff.” After I looked through Darius’ catalog, that led me to Dierks Bentley.
He eventually discovered Blake Shelton, who further expanded his country music horizons.
He reflected: “From the moment I was a kid, I fell in love with the storytelling, with the melodies, with how entertaining it was. And that’s kind of what got me into country music.”
After graduating from high school, Mendez attended the University of Florida, where he received a degree in theater. He continued his acting career and acted in several plays and also had other opportunities. But his booming career was cut short due to COVID.
“That’s when I decided it was time to pick up a guitar and learn to play and write my own songs. I’ve always written poetry and song lyrics. Like I said, I was just into country lyrics. And I was finally able to add some chords to it and kind of changed everything for myself,” he confirmed.
Due to his previous acting career, Mendes has been on many casting lists. He received several notices about NBC. Voice, but he blew them away. However, his friend informed him, “You’re auditioning for this. If you don’t register, I’ll sign you up.”
What I like most about Voice These are blind auditions. Initially it is based only on someone’s voice. Just listening to Orlando Mendez, he sounds as country as any other Nashville artist. You’d never guess he wasn’t raised on country music.
His cover of Luke Combs’ “Beer Never Broke My Heart” earned the singer a four-chair turnaround. And although Blake Shelton was persistent, Mendes ultimately chose Cuban Camila Cabello as his coach. He wowed America with his performance of “Rocket Man” in Voice Battles that led to his stunning interpretation of Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” in the playoff rounds.
And although country singer Bryce Leatherwood ultimately won Season 22 VoiceWe knew Orlando Mendez had another country singer whose star was on the rise.
Mendes is currently living in Nashville, Tennessee, recording his debut EP.Where am I. The title track was released alongside the very personal “Front Porch Heartbreak” (my favorite) which proves he belongs in the country music community as he shares his truth with his fans. With lyrics that make you want to be close to him; he reminds me of a young Lee Brice.
His new single “Heart On The Line explores universal themes of love, vulnerability and self-discovery. Orlando’s soulful vocals and lyrical prowess merge to create an emotional masterpiece that resonates on a deeply personal level. The track paints an intricate portrait of a heart in turmoil, caught between shades of love and loss, showcasing Orlando’s ability to channel raw emotion into a powerful musical experience.
Thanks to his acting experience and outstanding performance on VoiceMendes has honed his ability to command a stage and connect deeply with his audience. In his upcoming EP, he promises a collection of songs that will provide a glimpse into his personal journey, inviting listeners to connect with his experiences and emotions. His music is imbued with authenticity and strives to create a deep connection with listeners as they navigate life’s complex tapestry of emotions.
His goal as an artist is to combine the vibrancy and energy of Cuban culture with the truth and simplicity of country music. It’s rooted in his heritage, infusing his music with a distinctive blend of cultural richness and modern country lyricism without losing sight of the traditional country sensibility that first brought him to the genre.
Orlando Mendez’s journey from a boy singing in his Miami home to an artist about to release his soulful music to the world illustrates the power of dreams, dedication and a genuine connection to the craft. As he takes his first steps toward a promising future, Mendes’ unwavering spirit and musicality continue to resonate, reminding us all that every note sung and every story told reflects a life well lived and a soul deeply felt.
Be sure to follow Orlando Mendez on his website, Instagram, TikTok. Twitterand all streaming platforms.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, chrANDadsAnd X (Twitter).
