Vernon Hills singer eliminated from “The Voice”
Although Jamie Lono’s journey on the “The Voice” has ended, the Vernon Hills singer said his elimination is only the beginning.
The singer, 22, was sent home on Monday’s episode of the NBC reality show after a battle round duet against teammate Jamar Rogers of New York. The two sang Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is,” and celebrity coach Cee Lo Green named Rogers the winner. Rogers will move on to the live shows next month.
Going into the performance, Lono said he was nervous — but coming out of it he said he has more confidence than ever.
“Now I can truly say I believe in myself as a musician and as a person,” he said.
The two young singers ended their performance with a hug and Lono said they’ve been in touch since, even appearing on “Today” together Monday morning.
After his elimination, Lono said through tears that he knew there was a reason he was on the show — and that maybe that reason was to let Rogers, a recovered crystal meth addict who has overcome several problems in his life, go on to the next round.
Lono describes himself as an emotional person, and he was a little nervous that America would see him cry on TV. But he said he’s glad he was able to be true to himself.
“I was nervous that people were going to see me cry and maybe not like me for that, but that’s just the kind of person I am,” he said. “When I have to go up against a friend like that, it’s hard for me.”
Lono has recorded and released his own solo version of “I Want to Know What Love Is” on his YouTube page since the show aired, saying it was something he felt he had to do for himself and his fans.
Looking back, Lono said he doesn’t have any negative feelings toward the show.
“This show gave me the start to my career. There’s no doubt in my mind that something good will come of this,” Lono said. “It doesn’t end here.”
Next Lono will be heading to the studio to record an album of original songs that he hopes will be out in the next six months, possibly sooner.
For the thousands of fans Lono has earned since appearing on the show last month, he said he’s thankful for their support and hopes they’ll stay with him.
The music is more important to him than the fame, Lono said, and he hopes to be making music that changes people for a long time to come.
Lono and his band, The Feel Good Nation, will headline a concert at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at The Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. Tickets cost $10 and available at beatkitchen.com.