Godwin’s love for music began in the church. Growing up in Ashford, Alabama, he was immersed in a faith-driven community where music was central to worship. His mother, a pianist, played every Sunday at their local church, and by age 11, Godwin had joined the praise team, leading songs alongside adults twice his age.

“My mom is a pianist and played at our church,” he said. “Watching her Sunday after Sunday, using her musical gifts to glorify God, I thought that was pretty cool. I wanted to do that too.”

From those early days, Godwin became a regular presence in church music ministries, eventually serving as a worship leader at Him Only Ministries, Northview Christian Church, and Church of Purpose, all near his hometown. It was there he first discovered his vocal range and began performing for bigger audiences, including festivals and talent shows. 

All of that paid off in his appearance on “The Voice,” where millions were watching on television.

“Church is where I learned to connect with people through music,” he said. “It’s where I found my voice.”

From Small Town to National Spotlight

Godwin first auditioned in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, and made it through several preliminary rounds. But when it came time for the televised blind auditions, none of the celebrity coaches turned their chairs. His performance never aired.

“That really hit me,” he said. “I was 18, and I had to ask myself if this was something I really wanted to keep pursuing.”

Rather than quit, Godwin locked in on his preparation. Over the next two years, he refined his technique, performed at local events, and pushed himself vocally. By his season 23 audition, he said he felt more confident, experienced, and ready for the pressure.

Even then, the process was grueling. Out of more than 40,000 auditions, only about 100 contestants were invited to Los Angeles. Godwin spent nearly a month there preparing with wardrobe fittings, interviews, vocal coaching, and live band rehearsals.

“People see the two-minute performance on TV, but there’s so much work behind the scenes,” he said. “You’re rehearsing nonstop, doing media prep, learning to perform with cameras around you. It’s mentally and physically exhausting.”

When the big moment finally came, Godwin performed Ariana Grande’s “Point of View.”

“For the first half of the song, nobody was turning. I’m like, OK, I don’t want to do too much, but I maybe need to do something that’s going to make them turn. So by the time I got to the bridge of the song and sang the biggest note, both Kelly and Niall turned.”

It was a moment of relief, “A huge wave of relief and excitement washed over me,” he said. “My confidence instantly shot up, and I could finally relax and enjoy the rest of the performance.”

Toward Dentistry

After “The Voice,” Godwin returned home with a renewed sense of purpose. While music had given him extraordinary opportunities, the experience also clarified his long-term goals. He began preparing his dental school applications while finishing his biology degree at Auburn University at Montgomery. Howard quickly rose to the top of his list.

“I wanted a school where I could use my skills to serve,” Godwin said. “Howard’s mission to care for underserved communities stood out immediately.”

Godwin comes from Ashford, Alabama, a small rural town of just over 3,000 people. 

“Where I’m from, there’s a real scarcity of dentists,” he said. “I’ve seen what it’s like when people have to drive hours just to get care. I want to change that.”

His path to dentistry was inspired by family. His great-uncle and late cousin were both dentists serving patients in Albany, Georgia, and he spent much of his childhood watching them at work. 

“Seeing African American dentists in successful practices was eye-opening,” he said. “It showed me what was possible — that I could help underserved communities the same way they did.”

So far, he said he and Howard are in harmony. 

“During orientation, the leaders of the college talked about how the dental clinic accepts patients that other practices might turn away,” Godwin said. “That confirmed I was in the right place.”

The Grind Before Howard

After gaining admission to Howard’s College of Dentistry last December, Godwin had several months before starting dental school. He used that time to take a contract with Royal Caribbean International, spending three months performing across the Caribbean. He saw the job as both an opportunity to perform and a way to prepare financially and mentally unwind before school. 

But the cruise ship life was a grind, not a getaway. Rehearsals lasted two months in Miami before boarding the ship, and while most performers had trained for years, he had to catch up quickly.

“For most of the people, this is their livelihood,” he said. “I really had to learn the basics on the spot and then perfect them not long after. It was tough in the beginning, especially in the rehearsal phase.”

He said performing six nights a week demanded focus and discipline, qualities he will need in dental school this semester at Howard.

Godwin also sees dentistry as a natural extension of his creative talents.

 “Dentistry is an art,” he said. “It’s another way to express the creative side of myself, especially by working with my hands, creating something precise and beautiful, and helping people feel confident in their smiles.”

While dentistry is now the focus, Godwin plans to keep music in his life. 

“I’ll always sing,” he said. “Music has been my outlet since I was a kid, and it’ll always be a part of me.”

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