'The Voice' Star Kirk Jay

The moment of truth for season 15 of The Voice has almost arrived. The final performances are lingering just around the corner on Monday, December 17, and the remaining four contestants, Kirk Jay, Chris Kroeze, Chevel Shepherd, and Kennedy Holmes, are gearing up for the big night.

Kirk has been a standout since the Blind Auditions, when he wowed Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, and Blake Shelton with his rendition of “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. But the 22-year-old is so much more than his sultry country sound. Here, everything to know about the contender from Team Blake.

His life hasn’t been easy.

NBC

Kirk is from Bay Minette, Alabama, but currently resides in Montgomery, Alabama. According to his bio on NBC, he grew up “extremely poor,” and can recall not having electricity, water, or even food.

He’s been involved with music since he was little.

Kirk began playing drums at church when he was just five years old, and also sang in the choir. He met a music manager in 2014 who encouraged him to meet with Alabama's bass player Teddy Gentry, but his career really took off in 2015 when he started singing at open mic nights with his band, Kirk Jay & Kuntry Funk.

He’s known for his unique sound.

Fans flock to Kirk for his fresh take on the genre. “Most country singers are predominantly white artists, so me coming in being a black country artist is different. It’s unique in a way,” he tells CountryLiving.com. “I feel like I bring different things to the table.”

His former competitor, Dave Fenley, agreed, adding, “I think Kirk has one of the most amazing R&B sensibilities that the country music world has needed for a long time.”

His performances stand out week after week.

From his moving version of “I’m Already There” to his sweet duet with 16-year-old Chevel, every time Kirk sings he impresses the audience—and the coaches. “[Blake] almost had to pick me up off this floor when you sat at that piano playing and singing the way you do,” Jennifer said after his emotional performance of Chris Young’s “Tomorrow.” She added, “You’re absolutely one of my favorites.”

Same, Jennifer! The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on NBC.

Meet Kirk's Competition

Chevel Shepherd

Chris Kroeze

Kennedy Holmes

Megan Stein is the executive editor for The Pioneer Woman, and oversees entertainment, features, and news for the website. Whether it's catching up on the latest true crime podcast, or re-watching the best '80s movies for the zillionth time, she's always here to talk about anything and everything relating to pop culture.

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