Reigning winner of NBC’s The Voice, Jake Hoot, came home to Cookeville, TN and put on one heck of a show on Saturday. (1.4.20.) Fellow contestants Alex Guthrie, Max Boyle, and Cali Wilson made the trip to join their buddy Hoot on stage. Cookeville native Judah Akers, of Judah & the Lion, and surprise guest Lonestar rounded out the lineup.
Tennessee Tech, Hoot’s alma mater, hosted the event & the town showed up for their hometown boy! When he came into the media room before the show for interviews, he was speechless when he was told to look out the window at the line that seemed to just keep on going.
The show kicked off with a roaring welcome, and plenty of “hoots.” Local & state government officials recognized Hoot’s accomplishment by naming the day after him. After presenting multiple checks to local charities with money raised from merchandise while on the show, the mayor announced that the street in front of the Habitat for Humanity would now be Jake Hoot Dr. This brought Hoot to tears & he was once again speechless.
Once the accolades wrapped up, the music began to flow. After a few songs by Hoot, he brought his fellow Voice contestants to each sing a song. My favorite part of the whole show was when Hoot & Guthrie sang “Tennessee Whiskey.” I literally got goosebumps. Akers was also welcomed with a loud applause & killed it on stage. I was impressed by how many fans he took photos with as he walked to backstage. Lonestar was a surprise guest & my 90s self was pretty excited. Hoot sang their hit “Amazed” on the show, so the collaboration totally worked.
I’ll admit, I didn’t watch the show. I will absolutely say that I very quickly became a fan of Jake Hoot! I was blown away by his talent & see a huge future for him – like Luke Combs big. Keep your eye, and ears, out for the rising career of Hoot! The show will become an annual charity event, so don’t miss out next year!
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