Jermaine Paul, 'The Voice': Why the R&B Artist Chose Team Blake

Posted Mar 26th 2012 5:50PM by Gayle Thompson
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Jermaine Paul had a successful career as a background singer for R&B sensation Alicia Keys before he became a contestant on NBC's hit show, 'The Voice,' and started taking cues from his coach, country star Blake Shelton. In spite of the difference in genres, the New York native says he has plenty to learn as a member of Team Blake.

"I'm taking advice to just have a good time and have fun with it," Jermaine tells The Boot. "Blake was very adamant on having a good time on stage, and not being so serious for me. So, I plan on doing that."

The father of four chose the country star over Cee Lo Green, who also turned his chair around at the blind auditions, during which Jermaine performed a unique rendition of Avril Lavigne's 'Complicated.' Blake has two lovely ladies to thank for this powerhouse addition to his team.

"I'd never heard of Blake before this whole thing. I was introduced to him when I was introduced to the show, pretty much, through my daughter and wife," says Jermaine. "My daughter and wife had told me how good a coach he was. They also told me it's not really genre based, it's cool to be with someone in your genre, but it's cool to be with someone who can appreciate what you bring.

"I'm a huge, huge Cee Lo fan," he continues, "but I just felt the sincerity from Blake ... [When] he turned around, he said he saw exactly what he heard. It made me feel like he wouldn't try to change me or influence what I'm doing in any way -- he would just help me cultivate what I do already. That's the main reason I went with him."

So far, it has proven to be a great choice. Jermaine beat out fellow teammate ALyX in last week's battle round, performing Billy Ocean's 'Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car.' While both singers sang their hearts out, it was Jermaine's performance that won rave reviews from the other three coaches (Maroon 5's Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo), which was the stamp of approval he'd been seeking.

"It felt like validation," Jermaine acknowledges. "I was really excited and happy to hear all their comments and just happy that they all said that they liked what they heard from me."

Other contestants who have made it through the Battle Rounds on Team Blake include Erin Willett, RaeLynn, Jordis Unga and Charlotte Sometimes.

'The Voice' airs Monday nights at 8:00 PM ET on NBC.

Watch Highlights From 'The Voice' Battle Rounds