Idol Chatter & Voice Views

His audition: Jessie Lawrence, 31, Newark, N.J., “All or Nothing,” by O-Town: He showed off a big voice and lots of passion on stage. And he earned a chair turn from Gwen Stefani. Gwen called his voice “raw and untamed” and liked the fact that his approach to the song sounded so genuine. Because she was the only coach to turn, Jessie automatically joined Team Gwen.

Here’s more about Jessie.

* He was born and raised in Newark, N.J., and began playing drums and dancing at an early age.

* Jessie told The Voice that there “were dark times” growing up and, because his mom couldn’t take care of him “the way she wanted to,” he was moved to a series of group homes. Music, he said, was his outlet.

* In his freshman year of high school, he took first place in the Elizabeth (N.J.) Idol contest.

* He went on to attend the Arts High School in Newark, honing his vocal, dance and performance skills.

* In 2003, he participated in a dance group called “Pulse” that won an amateur competition at the Apollo Theater in New York.

* In 2013, he made it to Hollywood on Season 11 of American Idol.

* In his Road to Hollywood video, Jessie says his inspirations include Michael Jackson, James Brown, Britney Spears and Usher, not only for their musician talent, but for the energy they bring to the stage, something he tries to mimic every time he steps on one.

* Jessie has also taught dance — hip-hop and jazz — to youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Newark.

* He’s also performed as Jay Bess and describes his sound as “sultry with an urban edge.”

* As Jessie Lawrence, he appears to have four songs on ReverbNation, including one called “Farther Than Me.” You can check it out below. Jessie told Voice Views he’s only released underground singles to this point.

* Jessie’s been making his living as a commercial painter.

See also …
Jessie Lawrence talks about his blind audition on The Voice

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