This Kentucky singer did something nobody has ever done on ‘The Voice’

There’s been many singers from the Commonwealth to appear on the NBC singing reality competition television series “The Voice” during its 29 seasons, but the latest to take the stage did something nobody — Kentuckian or otherwise — has done before.

Maysville singer Hunter Jordan, 22, had a big decision on his hands after earning a triple chair turn during his blind audition airing March 2 — should he join Team John (Legend), Team Adam (Levine) or Team Kelly (Clarkson)?

He ended up going with Levine, making him the first country singer to ever join up with the Maroon 5 frontman during his 18 seasons as a coach on the popular singing show.

It was a big moment for Jordan, but one he says he’s been contemplating for years after having grown up a fan of the TV show.

“My mindset through the whole thing was, Kelly is exactly who I want,” admits Jordan. “She’s a versatile coach. She can do multiple different genres too, and that was what I was looking for in a coach because I feel like that is what gives me an edge in a competition like this. However, I vastly remember a moment growing up and watching the show at my dad’s house in Ohio where I thought that if I ever made it on the show, I feel like I would go to (Team) Adam Levine because I just feel like we’d be a good fit. He brings a rock style to the show, and I just like his personality.”

Jordan continues, “But when it came to the audition, your mindset changes so much in the process of stepping on that stage and performing in front of those coaches. The thing that sold me for Adam over Kelly was the way Adam pitched himself and the way that he hit every nail that I wanted to hit on the aspect of what I want to improve in myself as an artist.”

What song did Hunter Jordan play on ‘The Voice’?

The song that earned Jordan that triple chair turn was a cover of Billy Currington’s No. 1 country hit “Let Me Down Easy,” which was also one of the first songs he ever learned to play on guitar back when he was six. Following the audition the coaches were fawning over him, with Levine having this to say after Clarkson jokingly asked him if he knew what the song Jordan sang was.

“I don’t need to, because I know greatness when I hear it,” responded Levine. “Once I turned around and saw what you were doing, the effortless, smooth power you were able to deliver, it didn’t look difficult for you. It looked like you had a lot of control over it and were really harnessing power without having to push too hard. That’s just the sign of a really, truly, effortlessly great voice, and that is what goes the distance on the show.”

Jordan chose the Currington cover not only because it’s one of the first he learned, but also due to its narrative of rolling with the punches feeling tailor made to the position and moment of destiny he found himself in.

“I felt like it was the perfect song for me in that moment, not only because I feel vocally strong about it, but also due to its message,” says Jordan. “No matter what happens, I’m going to give everything that I can for this moment whether it works out or not. But in the end, just being on the show in general is just an amazing opportunity that I’m grateful to be a part of.”

How singer Hunter Jordan got into music

Jordan’s musical instincts didn’t come about from a childhood around other players. In fact, he says he’s the “black sheep” of his family in that regard, although he can give credit to his grandfather for the epiphany that led him down the path he’s on.

“One time I spent the night with him and he had a bunch of friends over that brought guitars,” recalls Jordan. “I saw them doing that and thought ‘I want to do that too’. From then on, each new song I learned I did by ear, working to find my fingers on the right strings as I put them together. Singing eventually came along in middle school, but I never took it seriously until getting involved with musical theatre, which helped me to discover that love and build up my stage presence.”

That musical experience wound up coming in handy during his audition for “The Voice,” an opportunity that came about after being encouraged to respond to a nationwide open call after opening a show in Louisville for the show’s season 22 winner, Bryce Leatherwood.

“I typically don’t have anxiety on stage, but stepping in front of these coaches on a show I grew up watching and knowing the opportunity in front of me definitely brought some pressure with it,” explains Jordan. “But at the same time this is what I feel like I was born to do, so I ran with it.”

When will singer Hunter Jordan be on ‘The Voice’ again?

“The Voice” will stream and air its next episode March 9 with the third part of Blind Auditions.

Jordan will next appear on “The Voice” during the Battle Rounds that begin March 16. In the meantime, Jordan has a slew of Kentucky shows on tap including a sold out gig at Maysville’s Washington Opera House March 7, Lexington’s Campus Pub March 13 and Richmond’s Chenaut Vineyards April 11.

“I’m really appreciative for the success I’ve had from the show so far and am excited for my upcoming shows in Kentucky, a place I will always hold very near and dear to my heart,” exclaims Jordan. “My hope is to give back to the people supporting my there and to represent them well.”