Alabama singer earns kudos from Reba McEntire on ‘The Voice’: ‘He’s got a great talent’
Alabama’s Jerome Godwin III was eliminated from “The Voice” on Monday’s episode, but not before he received some major praise from Reba McEntire.
“When I first heard Jerome, I was fascinated by the roundness of his voice,” the country star said. “Jerome, 20 years old and singing like that, he’s got a great talent.”
McEntire was a “mega mentor” for Season 23 of the NBC reality series, guiding the contestants in a round known as the knockouts. That included Godwin, a Montgomery resident who was paired with another singer, Ross Clayton, for solo performances that would determine their fates on the show.
Godwin covered Lewis Capaldi’s “Somebody You Loved” during the knockouts, while Clayton chose Steely Dan’s “Dirty Work.” (Early episodes of “The Voice” are filmed in advance.)
Both vocalists were members of Niall Horan’s team, and Horan, their coach, had the final say on who stays and who goes. McEntire was on hand to offer extra advice and wisdom. During rehearsals with Godwin, she was impressed by his voice, and encouraged him to express his emotions while performing the “tearjerker” song.
“Great sound!” McEntire said during rehearsals. “The only note I would have, I want to know that you did go through that. I got to see that pain.”
Godwin took her suggestions to heart, offering a performance of “Somebody You Loved” that was infused with feeling. He faltered a bit on his pitch, however, and allowed his nerves to show. Clayton, on the other hand, was consistent and confident throughout.
“Jerome, I thought you really put everything into it,” Horan said. “It did get a little bit pitchy in the first verse. And that’s usually where you’re the most solid, is in that lower register, and I think it knocked your confidence a little bit. But you’re an incredible singer, there’s no doubt about it.”
In the end, Horan chose Clayton as the winner of the knockout, and Godwin made his exit from the competition. (“I’m sad to see Jerome go,” Horan said.)
Godwin shared his thoughts on “The Voice,” and the results of his knockout round, in a Monday night post on social media.
“Of course this isn’t the outcome I wanted,” Godwin said via Instagram. “But this was an experience I longed for! Therefore, I’m so grateful to have been a part of a production of this magnitude. There is definitely more to come! All I ask is that y’all keep rocking with me and supporting me. This was just the beginning and a major stepping stone to what’s to come. To Niall, I am simply honored to have been able to share the same atmosphere. The zoom calls and e-mails and consistent contact exceeded my expectations. I appreciate you! What a coach! And the amazing things Reba McEntire said about me. What!!!!”
Here’s what “The Voice” says about Godwin in his official bio for the series:
“Jerome got his first taste of music at a young age when his church’s music director pushed him to direct a show at a nursing home. From there, he followed in his parent’s musical footsteps and started singing in church. Jerome’s parents are both teachers, so they made sure Jerome focused on his academics. Now a sophomore in college, Jerome is a pre-dentistry major and has big dreams of becoming the ‘singing dentist.’ Pursuing dentistry leaves little time for Jerome to focus on music, but he does manage to make time for leading worship at a church. ‘The Voice’ is his opportunity to see if he has what it takes to make a career out of music and follow his dream.”
Two singers from Alabama remain on “The Voice” this season: Ryley Tate Wilson of Montgomery and D.Smooth of Birmingham. Both received a “playoff pass” from their coaches, allowing them to skip the knockouts and move directly to the playoffs.
Viewers will see Wilson and D.Smooth compete again on episodes airing in early May, when the playoffs begin. “The Voice” airs on Mondays at 7 p.m. CT on NBC.
Alabama’s never had a winner on “The Voice,” but three singers from our state have made it to the finals: Dexter Roberts, who took third place on Season 16; Kirk Jay, who placed third on Season 15; and Red Marlow, who came in fourth during Season 13. Other “Voice” contestants from the state have included Berritt Haynes, Emma Caroline Warren, Levi Watkins, Cam Spinks, Josie Jones and Worth the Wait.
More on “The Voice”:
Alabama singer’s ‘super soulful’ audition thrills Niall Horan on ‘The Voice’
Alabama singers on ‘The Voice’: One ‘smashed it,’ another sent home in battle rounds
Watch Alabama teen’s ‘incredible’ battle on ‘The Voice’; coaches go nuts for ‘beautiful’ vocals
Birmingham singer wows ‘Voice’ coaches with ‘phenomenal’ battle: ‘A crazy good performance’