Entertainment
Filipino contestant of ‘The Voice’ USA makes top 24
“TOP 24!! Wtheck guys!! Thank you so much to everyone who supported me so far in this incredible journey. Words can’t even express how grateful I am.” (Photo: @jejvinson/Instagram)
Representing Filipino talent on an American stage, Davaeño Jej Vinson, has officially advanced to the Top 24 of “The Voice US” after besting out Team Adam Levine’s contestant LB with his rendition of Bruno Mars’ “Versace on the Floor” during the Cross Battle Round.
The episode, which was revealed last Tuesday, April 23, announced that Jej has advanced to the show’s next round after receiving a qualifying amount of public votes. To express his delight, the singer posts a photo hugging his coach, former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, captioned, “Top 24! Thank you so much to everyone who supported me so far in this incredible journey. Words can’t even express how grateful I am,” adding a note to his mentor, saying, “Kelly Clarkson, you’re incredible. Thank you for believing in me. I’m excited to learn more from you. Excited for next week! Again, thank you for all the support. Love you all.”
Jej immediately attracted attention on the show’s 16th season after singing Drake’s track “Passionfruit” during the Blind Auditions and receiving a four-chair turn. Prior to the Cross Battle Round, Jej was chosen by Kelly over Beth Griffith-Manley when the two artists sang the same song, “Jealous” by Labrinth.
The t22-year-old moved to South Dakota from the Philippines at the age of 15. When he was 18, he left his family to pursue a singing career in Los Angeles, while balancing nursing school at the University of Southern California. Eventually, Jej gave up nursing by switching his major to music, where he eventually joined award-winning acapella group SoCal VoCals as their music director.
One of the highlights of Jej’s career has been singing in front of former President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama.
The young star cites Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Brian McKnight, Daryl Ong, Morissette Amon, and Regine Velasquez as some of his musical inspirations.
