Lee Student Performs Tonight in Finals of ‘The Voice’
Lee University senior Jordan Smith performs tonight as one of four finalists to determine who will take home the crown on Season 9 of ‘The Voice’ on NBC television. The competition begins at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Jordan Smith performs with a gospel choir on the December 7 episode of ‘The Voice’ (Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC) (Click photo to enlarge)
With Smith’s performance, Lee becomes the first university in the nation to land students in the championship rounds of both “American Idol” and “The Voice” — much less in the same year. Clark Beckham was runner-up in May’s finale of “American Idol,” and Smith is a finalist, and considered the front runner, to win the title. The four finalists will perform and be judged by online votes with results of the competition to be announced on a follow-up “results” shown on Tuesday night.
According to an article in the Chattanooga Times Free-Press, the publication called Lee, “something of a TV talent show factory with the number of successful contestants it has produced from its music department.” The article went on to tout the past successes of Lee alums, including Phil Stacey, who placed sixth on Season 6 of “American Idol” in 2007, and the Voices of Lee a cappella ensemble that finished third on NBC’s “The Sing Off” in 2009. Additionally, the Lee Singers and Voices of Lee are on the road throughout each academic year, performing anywhere from banquets to presidential inaugurations.
“We definitely have had students come here saying they heard about the school on TV,” William Green, dean of Lee’s School of Music told the Times Free-Press. “We get a lot of comments, especially when we are on the road, ‘Oh, that’s where Clark was from.’ We really try to maximize these opportunities without misusing the fame.”
Jordan Smith’s performances over the last several weeks on the program have generated nationwide attention with downloads of his songs skyrocketing to #1 on both iTunes and YouTube, dethroning such well-known musical artists as Adele and Justin Bieber. Smith is from Harlan, Kentucky, a senior at Lee, taking this semester off to be a contestant on the show. He is a member of the Lee Singers and regular contributor to praise and worship teams as a vocalist during chapel services and convocations.
