An Alabama man impressed the nation with his singing of “God Bless the Broken Road” by Rascall Flatts on Monday night’s episode of NBC’s “The Voice.”
As reported by WSFA, 22-year-old Kirk Jay blew the four judges away, getting them all to turn their chairs around during his performance, indicating that they each wanted Jay on their team in the singing competition. The Bay Minette native, who now lives in Montgomery, eventually chose to be on Blake Shelton’s team.
Jay was introduced with a moving video that reflected on his life, giving background on his struggles, his experiences, his family and his faith that led to his inspiring song selection.
Watch:
At the beginning of the video, Jay described growing up in poverty, as he showed a film crew the small mobile home he and his family shared. The home often lacked lights or water and Jay reflected on the many days when there was no food and having to use the bathroom outdoors.
His step-dad worked overtime to provide more for the family and ultimately got them out of the situation.
Jay explained how he and his family persevered in the toughest of times.
“Faith kept us together and, of course, music,” he said.
“I always prayed that I would make it out someday,” Jay added. “But I’m appreciative of the struggle. It really made me who I am today.”
In the audition itself, Jay described why he chose “God Bless the Broken Road.”
He recounted, “It’s the first country song I ever heard in my life. I was on the way to school one day and ‘God Bless the Broken Road’ came on. I started crying and chills came all over my body.”
From there, Jay’s love of country music took off, and his ascent appears to be far from complete.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.