Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Jared Herzog of Freeport, Fla., listens to coaches’ feedback following his blind audition on The Voice Season 17. (NBC Photo)

Cree was introduced to us as a big fan of The Voice. And as a big fan of Blake Shelton.

His blind audition song choice, “Speechless” by Dan + Shay, was even inspired by Cree because Jared said that’s how he felt when he met her.

So there Jared was, his blind audition over, with the choice of joining Team John Legend, Team Gwen Stefani or Team Blake Shelton.

He joined Team Legend.

Did a lover’s spat ensue?

Hardly, Jared says.

“Cree was so supportive of me and knew that, if I had the option, I would go with John. She also knows John suits my style the best.”

Here’s what else Jared, 21, of Freeport, Fla., told Voice Views about his blind audition.

Voice Views: What was that blind audition experience like?

Jared: It was surreal. I went into it pretty doubtful, as I saw a lot of incredible artists get turned away just before me. When John and Blake turned around in those first 20 seconds, I had a very hard time composing myself, and was immediately overcome with an un-tamable amount of joy. At that point, it was just about finishing the song without making any mistakes!

Voice Views: Is “Speechless” a song you’ve performed often? And did you consider it much of a risk singing that song, since you don’t consider yourself a country artist?

Jared: I had never performed “Speechless” until my audition. It was absolutely a risk. I am not too knowledgeable about the country realm of music, but the story was perfect, and I knew that anything was possible with a world-class band backing me up. The biggest risks in life often lead to the biggest payoffs.

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

Jared: I have been listening to John Legend ever since 8th grade. I loved listening to his older music, songs like “PDA”, “Ordinary People”, and “You & I” were my go-to songs. I also have a huge respect for anyone with as much music theory knowledge as he does. He is the most accomplished coach on the show in pop culture, and to make it all even better, he has dabbled in the theater realm which hits deep with my classical roots. He was perfect for me. Also, he invited me to dinner at his house made by CHRISSY TEIGEN. I couldn’t say no.

Voice Views: Judging from your YouTube channel, you’d tried the Voice previously. What made the difference this time?

Jared: Yes, I actually auditioned at the end of my freshman year at Lee University as a duet with my extremely talented friend Chloe Hamlin. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the executive callback from NBC and the line came to an end.

I think what made this different was going in as a solo artist and showing that I was comfortable without accompaniment or a partner. A lot of it has to do with what NBC is looking for, and fortunately, I made the cut this year. Chloe was extremely supportive and encouraging throughout the process, and I made sure to keep her updated with how things went. She is going to be a BIG time name one day, I promise you that.

See also …
Meet Jared Herzog of The Voice Season 17