Returning artist reflects on renewed purpose and perspective
NASHVILLE, TN – (April 7, 2026) – Season 17 champion Jake Hoot faced off against Javier Colon, the inaugural winner of The Voice, in a high-stakes, head-to-head performance which aired last night on NBC as part of Season 29 The Voice: Battle of Champions. Colon delivered a rendition of his blind audition song, “Time After Time,” while Hoot performed his knockout round selection, “Desperado.” While both returning artist wowed the judges, ultimately it was Jake Hoot who brought home the win for Team Kelly’s team of contestants, giving them an advantage in this season’s finale! The concept centers on elite, winning coaches competing against each other, raising the competitive stakes for both artists and mentors. Coaches this season are all past winners: Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Adam Levine.
Watch the video of Jake Hoot performing “Desperado””
“Coming back to The Voice at this stage of my life feels completely different. The first time, everything was new and there was a lot to prove. This time, I’m walking in with a deeper sense of who I am, both as an artist and as a person. To be invited back by Kelly Clarkson, someone who believed in me from the beginning, means a lot. It’s given me the chance to experience this journey with more perspective, more gratitude, and honestly, a lot more joy in the music,” expressed Jake Hoot.
In review of Jake’s performance Kelly Clarkson exclaimed, “I think not only are you one of the best country singers that’s ever been on this show, but I also think you are a true gentleman, and that’s rare. That part that you did at the end, broke me, which is why I’m tearing up a little, the falsetto, man, that move, it’s not just a cool move to do. It’s sincere, and it’s why I love music and love what we get to do!”
Season 29 of The Voice: Battle of Champions brings together an elite roster of returning artists and winning coaches for one of the most competitive formats in the show’s history on NBC. The show raises the stakes with head-to-head Battle Round performances, strategic steals, and a heightened level of artistry as contestants compete for a second shot at the national spotlight. With its all-star caliber talent and coach-driven competition, the season delivers a fresh, high-impact evolution of the franchise.
Stay current with everything Jake Hoot on his website www.jakehoot.com and follow him on all streaming and social media platforms.
About Jake Hoot:
Jake Hoot is a storyteller with a six-string and a purpose. Best known as the Season 17 winner of NBC’s The Voice, Jake has emerged as one of country music’s most compelling voices, captivating audiences with his rich, soulful baritone and honest, heartfelt approach to song. He has performed on iconic stages including the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, and continues to connect with fans nationwide through dynamic live shows and authentic songwriting. He is also returning to the NBC spotlight in The Voice: Battle of Champions, joining an all-star lineup and showcasing the lasting impact of his artistry. Born in Texas and raised between the Dominican Republic and Tennessee, Jake’s music reflects a life grounded in faith, family, and real-world experience. Blending classic country roots with contemporary sensibility, his sound moves effortlessly from tender ballads to powerful anthems that resonate across generations. A devoted husband and proud father, Jake lives out the values he shares through his music. Whether performing at festivals, concert halls, fairs, or special events, he brings sincerity, spirit, and soul to every stage, offering audiences music that speaks to the heart and uplifts the spirit.
