Lee University Student Advances on TV Talent Search
November 18, 2015–Jordan Smith, a Lee University student who has taken the semester off to compete on the popular NBC talent search, The Voice, is advancing further and further in the nationally-broadcast, top-rated show.
Jordan Smith — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
In this week’s episode which aired Monday night, Smith wowed the panel of celebrity judges with his rendition of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” The courageous choice to sing a deeply religious hymn on the secular program was met with a standing ovation from the judges and audience alike. The performance resonated with the television audience as Smith advanced to the next round of competition, determined through online votes cast.
The Voice judge and country music artist Blake Shelton said, “Based on what we have been through this weekend, thank you for that.” Another of the judges, pop artist Pharrel Williams, was “blown away” by Smith’s performance and encouraged the television audience to download the song on the popular music source, iTunes.
Apparently America listened. The song is #1, beating out globally-known artist Adele’s “Hello”, Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” and “Love Yourself,” and Drake’s “Hotline Bling” rounding out the Top 5 songs on iTunes.
At Lee, Smith is a senior majoring in music business. He has also been a member of the Lee Singers, directed by Dr. Brad Moffett.
“Jordan has held his own and been genuine with his faith while a contestant on The Voice,” Moffett said. “His authenticity and the way he has handled himself up to this moment allowed his performance to be truly powerful in front of a nationwide audience.”
Smith is just the latest Lee University alum to make it big on the national stage in music performance. Earlier this year, Clark Beckham, a 2014 graduate, was first runner-up on the popular American Idol series. In 2007, another Lee alumnus, Phil Stacey, finished sixth on American Idol and in 2009 the Voices of Lee ensemble finished third on the NBC group competition, The Sing-Off.
