Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Jack Rogan reacts to feedback from the coaches on The Voice Season 21. (NBC Photo)

And you might say it went very well.

Singing “House of the Rising Sun,” Jack had Kelly Clarkson and John Legend facing in his direction early in the performance.

The 18-year-old from Rochester, N.Y., opted to join Team Legend.

Here’s what he told Voice Views about his blind audition experience.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for The Voice?

Jack: I have actually been auditioning for the show for quite a while now. I grew up always dreaming of being on a show like this. I remember when The Voice first came out and I was absolutely enthralled by the new format of a singing competition that they presented. Since then, I would always dream about doing something like this.

My first audition was actually when I was 14 or 15 and I went through a good portion of the lengthy process. I ended up coming short and did the same when I was 17. Eventually, they reached out to me late last year and asked me to send in some videos of covers online, and the rest is history!

Voice Views: Why did you perform “House of the Rising Sun” for your audition song? Is it a song you’ve performed often?

Jack: “House of the Rising Sun” is one of my favorite songs. My older brother Alex showed it to me a few years ago, so it holds a special place in my heart because he actually showed me a lot of the music I grew up on, and that inspires me to this day. I love singing it and enjoyed putting my slow bluesy signature on it.

See also …
More about Jack Rogan and his music.

Voice Views: How would you describe that blind audition experience, especially having chairs turn so early in the performance?

Jack: The experience of performing for a blind audition is something I will never forget. I was surprised by how relaxed I was on stage. God blessed me with so much peace in that moment and I decided to just enjoy it. When John and Kelly turned, I felt a feeling I have never felt before. Excitement, thrill, joy, relief –- some words that fall short but point you in the right direction.

It’s really just a special moment when staring at the back of a chair transforms into this intimate moment of instant connection with such influential celebrities such as them. The opportunity to share my own gift of singing with people who are so incredibly talented was intimidating, but something I will hold dear to my heart for the rest of my life.

Voice Views: Why did you decide to join Team Legend?

Jack: The second John turned, I really just felt a connection with him. His even-keeled demeanor meshes well with my personality, and his words of encouragement really struck a chord in me. He was also homeschooled when he was young, we have similar tastes in music, and his voice is something I have always admired and been in awe by.

I won’t lie though, Kelly tempted me. She compared me to some of my biggest influences, those being Johnny Cash, Ray Lamontagne, and THE Chris Stapleton. Her words really meant so much to me and her heart is something that is undeniable, but in the end, I felt John was the right choice. (Plus those boxing robes?!, I mean come on, how sick?!)