Jordan Smith showed the world his musical gift in 2015 when he became the “Best-selling artist in the history of The Voice” and the winner of Season 9. Now, he shares his message through the songs on his forthcoming 2016 debut album for Republic Records/LightWorkers Records—Something Beautiful. “It’s extremely important for me to let everyone know it’s OK to be different,” he affirms. “I feel like it’s taken a long time for me to love different parts of myself. The world is hurting and searching, because we think there are flawed parts of who we are. It’s important to accept yourself and have confidence, and then you can love others.” Jordan’s honesty made history. Not only did he cement himself as The Voice’s biggest seller, moving 1.5 million singles in 6 months, but he launched 8 songs to the Top 10 of iTunes— the first artist from any season to hit the iTunes Top 10 every single week of the Live Rounds. He also became “one of two The Voice artists to notch three #1s during the show’s season.” Meanwhile, he’s “the first act to own both the #1 and #2 titles concurrently on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs Chart.” The singer and performer has certainly come a long way from his native Harlan, Kentucky. In a “close knit town where everyone knows everyone,” Jordan found himself surrounded by music at home. He constantly sang with his family, whether harmonizing in the car with his mom or singing in the church choir. At the same time, he fell in love with the likes of gospel singer Shirley Caesar, pop songstress Sara Bareilles, the legendary Whitney Houston, and more. This diversity would inform his own sound and style. In high school, Jordan’s music teacher noticed his talent and encouraged him with one-on-one training and a place to practice. After graduation, he attended college, pursuing a major in Music Business. In 2014, he decided to audition for The Voice following years of fandom. “I’ve been a fan since season one,” he goes on. “So when auditions came near my school, I had to try out. We signed up the day before and drove all night to Nashville. I actually got a call back, but when I did the private audition, I never heard anything. I was a bit disappointed, but inside I thought I was meant to be a part of it. It just wasn’t the right time.” The right time serendipitously came a year later when a talent scout reached out. Jordan made it to the show, joined Adam Levine’s team, and eventually emerged as the 2015 victor.

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In Tune Highlights

Highlights from BBC Radio 3’s weekday drivetime programme In Tune - featuring interviews with guests from the world of music and the arts. In Tune is broadcast every weekday 4.30-6.30pm, presented by Sean Rafferty or Suzy Klein on BBC Radio 3.

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