Max Cooper III Turns “End of Beginning” Into a New Beginning After The Voice Exit
After his surprise elimination from NBC’s The Voice during the Knockouts, Max Cooper III is proving that his story is far from over. The 23-year-old singer from Olathe, Kansas, known online as @themrpianoman, has released a haunting piano cover of “End of Beginning” by Djo — the same song he performed during his final appearance on the show.
Alongside the video, Cooper posted a short, cryptic caption hinting at artistic renewal, signaling that this might mark the start of his next creative chapter.
A Soulful Reinvention of Djo’s Nostalgic Classic
The original “End of Beginning” — written by Stranger Things actor Joe Keery under his musical alias Djo — is a nostalgic indie-pop track filled with hazy production and reflective lyrics about youth and self-discovery.
Cooper’s version strips the song to its emotional core. Accompanying himself on piano, he replaced Djo’s dreamlike textures with raw intimacy. His jazz-inflected phrasing, soft falsetto, and subtle melodic shifts created a more vulnerable interpretation that highlighted his musical depth and control.
The Knockout Round: Talent Meets Tough Competition
During the Knockouts, Cooper faced fellow contestant Max Chambers in what fans called one of the season’s most competitive pairings. His coach, Michael Bublé, praised Cooper’s artistry and musicianship:
“Your understanding, your intonation, and the genuine enjoyment of what you’re doing… I think the world needs to see more.”
Judges Snoop Dogg, Niall Horan, and Reba McEntire echoed the praise, commending his tone and emotional maturity. Still, Bublé ultimately advanced Chambers — leaving Cooper out of the competition, but not out of the spotlight.
Fans Rally Behind Him
Since the episode aired, social media has rallied around Cooper. Fans flooded his comment sections with support:
“I had chills — he was incredible.”
“He’ll have a real career as an artist. The other guy might be great at covers, but Max is a creator.”
Many followers believe his recent “End of Beginning” post hints that new original music is coming soon.
A Musician with Depth and Vision
Cooper’s musical foundation runs deep. A self-taught pianist turned trained performer, he honed his skills in Kansas City and performed with The Whips, a band blending jazz, pop, and alt influences.
Earlier this year, he released his debut EP, The Overthinker, a collection of introspective, piano-driven tracks that earned him a devoted online fan base — one that followed him straight into The Voice competition.
Even on the show, Cooper’s connection with Bublé stood out. In one memorable rehearsal, he revealed that the first song he ever performed publicly was Bublé’s “Just Haven’t Met You Yet.” In an emotional full-circle moment, the two performed it together.
The Start of Something New
Now that his Voice journey has come to an end, Cooper appears to be using it as a springboard rather than a setback. His new “End of Beginning” cover feels symbolic — both a farewell and a fresh start.
For fans, the message is clear: this is not the end of Max Cooper III’s story.
It’s just the beginning — and his best work may still be ahead.