NORMAL — Alabama A&M University alumna Jazz McKenzie advanced to next week’s finale of NBC’s “The Voice” with a standout performance of the rock classic “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey.
Her coach, Michael Bublé, told her the rendition gave him “goosebumps.”
“I’m still soaking it all in,” McKenzie said. “Making it to the live finale has truly been a blessing.”
McKenzie’s journey began in September when she stepped onto the stage for the blind auditions hoping for a one chair to turn. She received a rare four-chair turn with her powerhouse rendition of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” Reba McEntire turned first, followed by Niall Horan, Snoop Dogg and Bublé.
In the Battle Rounds, McKenzie was paired with teammate Trinity for a duet of Jamiroquai’s “Virtual Insanity.” She again left judges praising her smooth vocals and confident presence.
“The song was chosen by my coach,” McKenzie said. “He told us he’d been trying to get this song on the show for several seasons, and this was the first time it stuck. I had never even heard it before, so it was interesting to learn. But I was honored to perform one of his favorites.”
McKenzie now prepares for the two-night finale Dec. 15 and 16, (8 p.m. Central) where America’s vote will determine the winner.
“The competition this season has been incredible,” she said. “I’m up against some amazingly talented artists, and standing beside them has pushed me to give my absolute best. For the finale, I’m hopeful that my songs will show who I am as an artist and where I’m headed. I can’t wait for everyone to see it. To all my fellow Bulldogs, it’s important to download the ‘The Voice’ app when the voting opens up.”
McKenzie, who comes from a musical family and grew up singing in church, said her confidence as a performer developed while she was on The Hill.
After joining Sigma Alpha Iota, an international music fraternity, she began taking music more seriously and found opportunities that led to performances at Huntsville’s Panoply Arts Festival.
That exposure eventually helped her share stages with artists including Doug E. Fresh, Chrisette Michele, Leela James, Avery Sunshine and Kem.
She said the outpouring of encouragement from A&M supporters has strengthened her throughout the competition.
“AAMU has been behind me since day one, and I’m grateful,” she said. “I appreciate all of the love and support.”
McKenzie stressed the importance of voting during the live finale. The winner will be announced Dec. 16.
“If I win, I plan to keep building momentum, releasing some original music, performing on bigger stages, and using this platform to inspire other artists like myself (young or even in their 30s) that all things are possible,” she said. “The winner is determined during the live finale, so we’ll all find out together.
“Please vote, vote, vote and go Bulldogs!”
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