Idol Chatter & Voice Views

His audition: Quizz Swanigan, 13, from Los Angeles, auditioned with the Jackson 5’s “Who’s Loving You.” He earned chair turns from Gwen Stefani and Alicia Keys late in the audition. Alicia said she loved the “powerful innocence” in Quizz’s voice. He joined Team Alicia.

His background: Quizz says he was inspired to start singing by his mother, a choir director. At age 6, he performed “Who’s Loving You” at a school talent show. Before you knew it, he was portraying little Michael Jackson at a tribute show all over the country. That prompted more opportunities, and the family moved from Little Rock, Ark., to L.A. He says he’s thrilled The Voice lowered its age limit to 13 for the first time in Season 12.

What the show didn’t show:

* He’s going by Quizz Swanigan on the show, but he’s also performed under the names Jacquez Swanigan and Kid Quizz in the past.

* According to his website bio, he started singing at age 3 at his home church and sang his first solo — “Yes, Jesus Loves Me” — at age 4.

* The talent show performance led to an invitation to sing at the Wal-Mart Black Music Celebration. And the tribute show Quizz performed in was called “Moonwalker.”

* In 2011, Jacquez was a contestant on America’s Got Talent, making it to the Los Vegas round. He also appeared on the Maury Povich show, “Maury’s Most Talented Kids” in 2013.

* He’s done voice work as A.J. for the animated Nick Jr. show “Blaze and the Monster Machine.”

* He’s appeared as an actor on episodes of “Fuller House” (2016), “The Player” (2015) and the film “Unspeakable Indiscretions.”

* Quizz says he’s been watching The Voice since Season 1 and got an email invite to audition for Season 12. “I was like, yeah. Of course. It’s the freaking Voice. I love The Voice.”

* As for competing on the show against contestants who have been singing since before he was born, Quizz says: “It’s a little intimidating. It’s kind of like, ‘How am I supposed to compete with artists that are just amazing?’ But I feel like I have a talent and God has put me on earth for that reason and I’m doing what I’m supposed to do.”

Keeping up with Quizz:
Twitter: @KidQuizz
Website
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

“Who’s Loving You” (cover)

“Bop Parody” (from Jimmy Kimmel Live)