I remember interviewing Pat Boone several years ago after the astringently sanitized Christian pop star released a heavy metal album. It was a bizarre recording and an uncomfortable conversation -- mostly because the whole exercise reeked of career desperation and Boone had no idea who King Diamond was.

The reason this occurs to me is because Hope Valley, R.I., native Billy Gilman has just finished work on his first bluegrass album — and if it’s a bit of a stylistic departure for the two-time Grammy nominee, at least it’s a logical exploration for an artist with country roots. He’s not diving headfirst into Frank Zappa territory.

Indeed, throughout his career, the hyper-talented Gilman — a once-time child star who’s gone through a series of artistic ups and downs — has always emerged strong and committed. If he wants to play bluegrass, you can pretty much count on interesting and accomplished efforts.

See how it turns out Saturday when Gilman headlines Westerly’s United Theatre. It’s an inspired bill given that one of Gilman’s career highlights was finishing as a runner-up on NBC’s “The Voice” singing competition. Also performing at the United will be two other regional “Voice” alumni — Old Lyme’s Braiden Sunshine (runner up) and Rhody’s Kara McKee (Battle Round). It might be fun if the three artists sit down and share anecdotes about their “Voice” experiences.

Billy Gilman, 7:30 p.m. Friday, United Theatre, 5 Canal St., Westerly; with Braiden Sunshine and Kara McKee; $35-$40; unitedtheatre.org.