Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Jake Hoot listens to the coaches’ feedback after his blind audition on The Voice Season 17. (NBC Photo)

Blake Shelton had used his block on Kelly Clarkson earlier in the blind auditions.

So when Jake launched into his cover of “When It Rains It Pours” by Luke Combs, Blake felt certain Kelly would retaliate to keep him from landing a talented male country artist.

To keep her from enjoying that satisfaction, Blake didn’t turn. And Kelly wound up with Jake on her team, even though she didn’t employ the block.

All of which was fine with Jake, who said he was just thrilled to wind up as a contestant on Season 17.

Here’s what the 30-year-old from Cookeville, Tenn., told Voice Views about his blind audition experience.

Voice Views: How did you wind up auditioning for The Voice Season 17 and what prompted you to do it?

Jake: I was reached out to by the social media team to come in and audition! I dont know what prompted me to do it other than it has always been a passion of mine, and I figured I would give it a shot!

Voice Views: Why did you choose ““When It Rains It Pours” for your audition song? Is that a song you’ve performed often?

Jake: I chose When It Rains It Pours because I love Luke Combs’ music, and the song is a killer tune! I have played it a TON of times, and its become a crowd favorite!

Voice Views: You delivered a really big ending in your blind audition, but had already gotten a chair turn from Kelly Clarkson. What was that like, and how to you feel about landing on Team Kelly? Did you have a coaching preference heading into the blind auditions?

Jake: I blacked out after she turned! It was a surreal moment, one that I will always be very grateful for! I had gone into the blinds fully expecting NOT to turn a chair, but if I did, I was leaning more towards Blake! However, Kelly is an incredible artist, musician, and coach, and I cant wait to work with her!!

Voice Views: I saw you had a successful Kickstarter campaign earlier this year to fund an EP. Can you tell me a bit about that project, what fans can expect and when you think it will be released?

Jake: Thank you! It was an incredible experience to see all the people that supported the campaign, not only by donating, but also all the people who helped me promote it! I started out hoping that the campaign would HELP fund the project, but it ended up exceeding anything I expected! Truly very grateful! As far as release date, I’m aiming for the beginning of 2020!

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