Did Jordan Smith Win The Voice? A Look at His Journey to Victory

Jordan Smith captured the hearts of America when he appeared on and won the ninth season of The Voice in 2015. His pure, soaring voice and humble, gracious personality made him a standout contestant from the beginning. So how did this small-town choir singer rise to the top on one of the biggest singing competitions in the world? Here’s a comprehensive look back at Jordan Smith’s journey to winning The Voice.

Jordan Smith‘s Background Before The Voice

Jordan Smith grew up in the rural town of Harlan, Kentucky, where he lived with his supportive parents and younger sister. From a young age, Jordan found solace in music, singing in church and school choirs. Though painfully shy, he came alive when performing solos, astounding people with his effortless high notes and rich tone.

Jordan went on to study vocal performance at Lee University in Tennessee. He sang classical music and continued perfecting his technique. After graduation, Jordan returned home and took a job as a singing teacher at the school he had attended. He enjoyed shaping young voices but dreamed of pursuing music full-time.

When he heard about the open auditions for The Voice Season 9, Jordan decided this could be his chance to share his gift with the world. Though nervous, he knew he had to try.

Jordan Smith‘s Blind Audition Wows the Coaches

For his blind audition in September 2015, Jordan chose to sing "Chandelier" by Sia in his pure, soaring soprano. Within seconds, all four coaches—Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams—had turned their chairs in astonishment.

Jordan’s rendition showcased his incredible range, texture, and emotional connection to the lyrics. The coaches gave him a standing ovation, astounded that someone possessed a voice like his.

Adam told Jordan he could sing anything in the world. Gwen said his voice “touched her heart.” Pharrell called Jordan’s gift “otherworldly.” All four coaches vied to get Jordan on their teams, but he ultimately picked Adam.

Smith‘s Performances Wow Audiences

Throughout the battle and knockout rounds, Jordan continued to stun everyone with his versatility and vocal control. For his first live show performance, he sang “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele and brought the coaches to their feet again.

Subsequent performances on hits like “Halo,” “Who You Are,” and “Climb Every Mountain” showed off Jordan‘s ability to inhabit different genres and sing both male and female parts flawlessly. He tapped into the emotional core of each song, connecting deeply with the audience. It was evident a star had been born.

Jordan Smith Makes History on iTunes

After each live performance on The Voice, songs are made available to purchase on iTunes. Jordan Smith made history when his studio version of "Set Fire to the Rain" hit #1 on the iTunes chart—the first time a Voice contestant had ever achieved that.

His other studio tracks also soared up the iTunes charts week after week, breaking more records and signalling Jordan‘s widespread appeal. It was clear America couldn‘t get enough of him.

Smith Lands in the Finale Against Barrett Baber

In December 2015, Jordan Smith advanced to the live finale of The Voice Season 9, along with fellow competitors Emily Ann Roberts, Jeffery Austin, and Barrett Baber.

For his final solo performance, Jordan sang Queen’s “Somebody to Love,” showcasing his astounding range and artistry. The coaches were on their feet before he even finished. Gwen Stefani remarked that she felt like she was witnessing the birth of a star.

The finale came down to Jordan against Barrett Baber of Team Blake. After a night of spectacular duets and solo songs, it was time to crown the new winner.

Jordan Smith Takes Home the Title

Host Carson Daly announced Jordan Smith as the winner of The Voice Season 9, marking coach Adam Levine‘s first victory. Jordan beamed and thanked everyone who helped him along the way, saying he hoped he could be an inspiration. His debut single, "Climb Every Mountain," was released on iTunes shortly after, rocketing to #1.

Jordan Smith‘s incredible journey on The Voice proved that hard work, determination, and God-given talent could make dreams come true. America fell in love with the small-town choir singer whose voice echoed the greats. Jordan Smith was crowned The Voice, but it was clear a long, momentous career stretched ahead of him.

After winning Season 9 of The Voice, Jordan Smith moved to Nashville and dove headfirst into his music career. He began working on his first full-length album with legendary producers David Foster and Stephan Moccio. Released in March 2016, Something Beautiful debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Christian Albums chart.

Smith embarked on his first solo tour across the U.S. to support the album. Venues sold out as fans flocked to finally see the viral sensation live. Critics praised his warm stage presence and jaw-dropping vocals that seemed even bigger in person. To cap off a successful first year post-Voice, Something Beautiful was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Christian Album.

Jordan’s meteoric rise continued in 2017 with various high-profile appearances and his first holiday record, ‘Tis the Season. The album peaked at #11 on the Billboard 200. His televised Christmas special on PBS became one of their highest viewed holiday programs ever.

In 2018, Smith released his first live album, Live from Nashville, and embarked on an 85-city U.S. tour. He also performed a headlining set at the CMA Fest. His busy touring schedule carried through 2019 across the U.S. and Europe.

2020 saw Jordan pivot to virtual concerts and holiday shows amidst the pandemic. He also released his first book, Stars, which features his landscape oil paintings and poetry.

Most recently, Smith dropped a new single “Gimme” in 2021 and appeared as a guest mentor on The Voice. He continues touring while working on new original music in Nashville.

Nearly 7 years after his win, Jordan Smith’s star continues to shine bright. His social media shows him living a full life – traveling, painting, spending time with loved ones. The Harlan choir boy with the golden voice is now an international star, but his humble grace persists.

Jordan Smith choosing Sia‘s "Chandelier" for his blind audition proved a pivotal early moment on his path to victory. The soaring, emotive pop song allowed him to showcase his stunning vocal range and artistry right off the bat, prompting all four coaches to spin their chairs.

Sia‘s version relies heavily on belting and vocal fireworks, but Jordan added haunting whispers, smooth falsetto, and soulful runs that spotlighted his versatility. Where Sia sings the pre-chorus in a fragile cry, Jordan infused it with delicate power. He tapped into the lyric‘s raw emotion and built masterfully from verse to chorus.

"Chandelier" was an unconventional audition choice, since most male contestants sing rock or R&B songs. But Jordan‘s rendition silenced any doubts about his artistry. It exemplified his ability to reinvent well-known songs and bend gender conventions.

Finally, the dramatic ballad established Jordan‘s poise and confidence as a performer, commanding the stage with ease. When the coaches‘ chairs turned, he seemed humbled yet unfazed.

Jordan Smith‘s blind audition rendition of "Chandelier" proved he possessed a world-class instrument and the courage to use it boldly. It set the tone for his entire Voice journey as an innovative, emotive interpreter unafraid to stand out.

Here are some standout performances that paved Jordan Smith’s road to victory on The Voice Season 9:

Battle Round: Jordan’s battle against Regina against on “Like I Can” by Sam Smith showcased impeccable technique and runs from both singers. Jordan‘s transcendent high note at the end prompted a rare mid-battle standing ovation from the coaches.

Knockout Round: “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele highlighted Jordan’s ability to inhabit complex female pop vocals with ease and emotional depth. He sang with conviction well beyond his years.

Top 12: Jordan’s rendition of Sia’s “Chandelier” for the live playoffs was even more powerful than his blind audition cover. His final note seemed to hang in the air forever, leaving the coaches and crowd spellbound.

Semifinals: Singing Adele’s “Halo,” Jordan portrayed the lovestruck narrator to perfection by mixing vulnerability and power. His voice soared effortlessly through challenging key changes and ad libs.

Finals: Jordan stunned with a sweeping, grand finale performance of Queen‘s “Somebody to Love” that showed off his astounding range. His vocal acrobatics earned him a long standing ovation.

Winner’s Song: After the votes were tallied, Jordan premiered his coronation single “Climb Every Mountain” from The Sound of Music. His uplifting performance was the perfect bookend to his Voice journey.

Throughout season 9, Jordan Smith continuously surpassed all expectations with his insurmountable vocal talent and emotional resonance. Each week, he unveiled new sides of his artistry that proved why he deserved the title.

Jordan Smith’s career was catapulted into the stratosphere after his victory on The Voice in 2015. Just a small-town choir singer before, he suddenly had legions of dedicated fans eager to support his music. This created major opportunities that immediately gave his career momentum.

First, it provided Jordan with a nationwide platform to share his music and story. Over 14 million viewers tuned in to the Season 9 finale to watch him be crowned the champion.

Second, his debut single “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” shot to #1 on iTunes, proving his commercial appeal. Jordan also signed a lucrative record deal with Republic Records to release his first album.

Third, it opened the door for high-profile bookings at music festivals, fairs, and holiday spectacles across America where people could see Jordan Smith live.

Fourth, his name recognition helped get radio play for his original songs like “Stand in the Light” and “Ashes.”

Finally, it gave Jordan’s career invaluable credibility that money can’t buy. He could now be billed as “The Voice winner Jordan Smith” at venues.

Winning The Voice provided Jordan Smith the golden ticket to quickly transition from amateur singer to professional recording artist. It gave him the momentum and resources to focus entirely on creating music full-time. Six years later, Jordan Smith continues to reap the benefits of being christened “The Voice.”

Yes, Jordan Smith broke multiple records during his history-making run on The Voice Season 9. His achievements include:

• First artist to have three songs chart in the iTunes Top 10 simultaneously

• First artist to have a song hit #1 on iTunes the same week as a new release (“Climb Ev’ry Mountain”)

• Only artist to have all studio recordings chart in the Top 10 on iTunes

• Top-selling studio recording in The Voice history on iTunes (“Chandelier”)

• Only winner to have two songs sell over 500,000 copies ("Chandelier," “Halo”)

• Most singles to sell over 100,000 copies (5 total)

• Male artist with the most singles to reach Top 10 on iTunes (5 total)

• Only artist to crack the Top 200 on Billboard charts each week with live show releases

Jordan Smith consistently dominated the iTunes charts, outselling all previous artists each week. America simply couldn‘t get enough of him. While his staggering vocals were the draw, Jordan‘s humble charm also made people root for him.

In coronating Jordan its champion, The Voice crowned its most commercially successful contestant ever. Jordan Smith‘s meteoric rise during the show ushered in a new era of popularity for the franchise.

Here are Jordan Smith’s biggest hits on the Billboard charts so far:

• “Halo” (The Voice studio recording): Peak #6 on Digital Songs chart

• Something Beautiful: Peak #2 on Billboard 200, #1 Christian Albums

• “Stand in the Light:” Peak #1 on Christian Airplay chart

• “Ashes” (from Deadpool 2): Peak #6 on Digital Songs Sales chart

• ‘Tis the Season: Peak #1 on Holiday Albums chart

• “Only You Can Love Me This Way” (with Erin Napier): Peak #9 on Hot Christian Songs chart

Though Jordan has yet to land a solo Top 40 mainstream hit, his albums and Christian radio singles have found immense success. He has cracked Billboard‘s all-genre charts multiple times, no easy task.

Jordan Smith‘s clear voice, range, and emotional resonance continue making him a force on Christian radio. With his Voice fame, he can attract collaborations with high-profile artists in other genres as well. crossover into mainstream charts seems inevitable.

Yes, Jordan Smith has embarked on several major headlining tours since his victory on The Voice in 2015. His shows consistently play to sold-out crowds eager to experience his vocals live.

In 2016, Smith headlined his first solo tour across America in support of his debut album Something Beautiful. Venues like the Beacon Theatre in New York City quickly sold out as fans jumped at the chance to finally see the viral star on stage. Critics praised his warm, down-to-earth stage presence.

In 2018, Jordan launched his first major national tour called “The Voice Performance Tour” playing over 80 dates from January to May. The extensive tour saw him selling out large theaters across America. It was in support of his second album, Only Love.

For the holidays, Jordan has headlined Christmas tours in 2016, 2017 and 2020. His “The Voice Holiday Tour” stopped at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall. Jordan also performed several dates in Europe and South Africa.

Most recently, in 2021 Jordan embarked on his “Back Home Again Tour,” playing smaller clubs and theaters in America’s heartland. It shows Smith remains dedicated to visiting fans of all sizes no matter how famous he gets.

Despite being the Season 9 champion over 5 years ago, Jordan Smith has stayed connected to The Voice in several ways:

• Appearing as a guest advisor: Jordan has given back by mentoring newer Voice artists on multiple seasons. He provides invaluable audition tips and stage presence advice.

• Performing on live shows: Smith has returned to showcase new singles like “Gimme,” reminding viewers of his extraordinary talent.

• Promoting on social media: Jordan often live tweets Voice episodes and congratulates new team members on Instagram, keeping fan excitement high.

• Attending reunions: He attended a Team Adam reunion in LA, posing with coach Adam Levine and past teammates.

• Doing press: Jordan frequently gives interviews reflecting on his Voice journey, like the recent Drink Champs podcast.

Though fully focused on his blossoming solo career, Jordan Smith remains appreciative of the platform The Voice provided him. He seems happy to help the community thrive in any way he can. Jordan Smith retaining his connection as an alum helps the show retain its credibility.

Over six years since first blowing America away, Jordan Smith continues to thrive as a touring musician, recording artist, author and budding actor. Some possibilities of what‘s next for the history-making Voice champion:

• Releasing new original music – Jordan has been back in the studio working on what will be his 4th full album. It promises a more modern, pop-oriented sound.

• Steadily touring – Smith plans to visit even more cities on his current "Back Home Again" club tour through the end of 2022.

• Starring in film/TV – Jordan landed a small part in an indie movie last year. With his name recognition, bigger acting roles seem likely.

• Headlining holiday shows – Jordan will likely embark on another Christmas tour in late 2022 based on past years.

• Launching a podcast – Jordan‘s social media hints at him starting a podcast where he interviews fellow artists.

• Releasing a live album – A live album of his 2022 tour performances would make a dynamic addition to Jordan‘s catalog.

• Continuing charitable work – Jordan frequently plays concerts benefiting worthy causes he believes in.

No matter what comes next, one thing is certain: Jordan Smith has not even begun to hit his ceiling yet. His rare talent and work ethic ensure success in whatever he chooses to pursue. The future burns bright for the history-making Voice champion.