Second on ‘The Voice,’ Ricky Duran is first in Grafton’s hearts

It was close. So close.

Grafton native Ricky Duran placed second Tuesday night on NBC’s “The Voice,” coming just behind country singer Jake Hoot.

Duran was a favorite from the first time he stepped on the stage, receiving a rare four-judge chair turn and his choice of coach. Blake Shelton, who has mentored him throughout the competition, has predicted future recording success for Duran, win or lose, citing his stage presence, guitar prowess and impeccable vocals.

His original song, “A Woman Like That,” climbed the iTunes charts shortly after its release on Monday, alongside his two other recordings from the night, “Run, Run Rudolph” with Shelton and Tom Petty’s “Running Down a Dream.”