Beating the Odds: “Blind Joe” Steals America’s Hearts, Performs for Northern Cass Students

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A local country singer beat the odds and is already past round one on “The Voice”.

Out of the 40,000 people who audition, about 96 make it to the next one, and Blind Joe, from just outside Kindred, is one of those 96.

It was his voice that made the judges turn their chairs, but his story that stole their hearts.

It was a performance that captivated Americans across the country.

And Joe Bommersbach can barely remember it.

“And the song started and I blacked out and the song was over,” says local singer, Joe Bommerbach.

All Joe needed was one judge to turn around, instead he got all four.

And instantly, they realized Joe, who also goes by “Blind Joe”, was one special guy.

Joe has been blind since birth, but that hasn’t stopped him.

A message he wanted to share to his fellow North Dakotans.

“It really does help them see that if they set their mind to it and they have goals they can achieve pretty much anything,” says Nothern Cass Superintendent, Cory Steiner.

“And this is Blind Joe’s first performance at an area high school after his debut performance on the voice. In just a few weeks he’ll be back in California to hopefully make Blake’s team.”

“Next up we have the battle rounds so it’s me and someone else singing duet style so we’re both vying to keep our spot on Blake’s team.”

But regardless of what happens next, Blind Joe has already made his mark, proving to the kids of Northern Cass and across the country, hard work always pays off.

Blind Joe started performing at just three years old, playing with his grandpa’s band in the garage.