Ninth-grader Jaylen Dunham from Porter Ridge High School captivated a national audience when he stepped onto the stage of NBC's The Voice. With more than just his voice, Jaylen brought his passion, dedication and a lifelong love of music, showcasing a level of talent and determination that has already set him on a remarkable path few his age experience. Whether he is hitting the books or the right notes, his hard work and focus show in everything he takes on.

For Jaylen, music has been a constant in his life, a love that began as early as he can remember. "It wasn’t something I discovered—it’s always been there," he shared. "I was never drawn to sports. Music, singing, dancing and acting have been my passions ever since I was about two years old."

One of Jaylen’s earliest musical memories involves humming along to Wings by the girl group Little Mix. Today, his playlist reflects his diverse influences, ranging from Adele’s powerful voice to Olivia Rodrigo’s heartfelt lyrics and Bruno Mars’s captivating melodies. "I love how Olivia Rodrigo writes songs I can connect to on a deep level," he says. "Adele’s voice is unmatched, and Bruno Mars’s melodies are incredible."

Jaylen’s journey skyrocketed when his cover of Rodrigo’s Vampire went viral on TikTok, racking up an astonishing 9.5 million views and even drawing a comment from Rodrigo herself. This viral success was a game-changer, providing the means for Jaylen to travel to New York and perform at Amateur Night at the Apollo. There, he wowed the audience with a powerful rendition of Beyoncé’s Listen, earning first place with a 96 out of 100 on the crowd meter. “The Apollo was unforgettable,” Jaylen recalled. “The crowd was amazing, and the energy was electric.” While Jaylen had already been building his resume—performing at an open mic in sixth grade and singing the national anthem at a Charlotte Hornets game—the viral video quickly launched him into the spotlight and opened doors to incredible opportunities.

Jaylen describes singing the national anthem at the Hornets games as one of his most nerve-wracking moments. "You can’t mess up the lyrics—no one wants to go viral for that," he joked. "Even while singing, I was nervous, but it was an incredible experience."

Though singing the national anthem was memorable, it was only a glimpse of what was to come when Jaylen landed an audition for The Voice.

That song, Listen, became his standout moment during the blind auditions on the show, where he advanced to the battle rounds on Gwen Stefani’s team. "I didn’t even know my mom had signed me up!" Jaylen said. "We had a few Zoom calls to prepare, and before I knew it, I was in Los Angeles for a month of rehearsals." The experience introduced him to a new level of professionalism, from band rehearsals to stage preparations. One of the highlights was working with his coach, whom he describes as "mother-like and incredibly supportive." She gave him invaluable advice: "She told me to record myself singing to analyze and refine what I didn’t like. That advice has stuck with me."

Initially, Jaylen kept a low profile about The Voice, telling only a few close friends. "When everyone found out, they were shocked," he said. Now, his classmates, many of whom didn’t know he could sing, and fans frequently request performances, and he’s embraced his growing platform to inspire others.

The road to national television wasn’t without its challenges. Jaylen and his mom spent long days in hotel rooms during filming, navigating a whirlwind of production schedules and strict confidentiality rules. "It was tough being away from home," his mom admitted, "but it was worth seeing him grow and experience the industry firsthand." For Jaylen, the experience solidified his dreams. "Being on The Voice made me realize that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life."

After returning to North Carolina, Jaylen has been focusing on his next steps. He recently released a single, Too Young and is determined to release more music and reach wider audiences. "I want to create that one big hit that puts me on the map," he said. Beyond singing, Jaylen has a passion for acting and hopes to expand his artistry. "I’d love to be the kind of artist who combines music with acting," he shared.

With his talent, humility and determination, Jaylen Dunham is a name you will want to remember. With his soulful voice and engaging stage presence, he is set to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry.

12/05/2024