Idol Chatter & Voice Views

His audition: Mike Jerel, 31, of Ashburn, Ga., performed “It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World” by James Brown. His brilliant opening prompted almost instant chair turns from Nick Jonas and John Legend. They were so impressed, they watched the rest of the performance from their feet. Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton eventually turned as well for what was unquestionably one of the best auditions we’ve heard in Season 18. Kelly said he “lit the room on fire.” John liked his confidence and the fire in his voice. Mike joined Team Legend.

Here’s more about Mike:

* He tells the judges he grew up singing in nursing homes with his grandmother. His pay for those performances: A Happy Meal, he writes on Facebook.

* Mike graduated from Turner High School in Georgia and attended Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music.

* While there, he was cast as Nemorino in the opera, The Elixir of Love, and won Georgia and Southeast Regional NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competitions.

* He also sang with Schwob’s Choral Union and University Singers, as well as the university’s popular music ensemble and jazz combo.

* After graduation, he performed with a number of cover bands, according to his Facebook bio, including River City Horns, Fountain City Players, the Chemistry Project and Silent Threat.

* That bio also indicates that he’s toured as a keyboardist and vocalist with Alabama Shakes, Carlos Samayoa, Jerald Daemyon and Charles “Big Saxy” Robinson, resulting in performances throughout the Southeastern U.S., South America and Europe.

* He’s also released a good deal of music, including still-available singles “Keep Moving” (2015) and “If You” (2018). You can check out the latter below.

* And in 2015, he released the five-song “Neo Soul Symphony,” described as the combination of two improvisational sessions, including a 24-minute jam that includes poetry, hip-hop, neo-soul, inspiration, funk and jazz.

* He’s also been serving as music director at New Testament Christian Center Church – The Ment, in Columbus, Ga.

Mike on social media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube

See also …
Mike Jerel talks about his blind audition on The Voice