On a recent episode of The Voice, 14-year-old Jaukeem Fortson delivered a performance that left the judges and audience in awe. Singing For King & Country’s hit Christian song, “God Only Knows,” Fortson brought the house down with his powerful vocals and heartfelt delivery.
The young performer’s connection to the song was deeply personal. Before his performance, Fortson shared how the song had provided him peace during challenging times at school. “God can meet you where you’re at,” he said, testifying to the song’s impact on his life.
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As Fortson sang, the atmosphere in the studio shifted. Coaches Michael Bublé and Snoop Dogg stood to their feet, visibly moved by the performance. Both lifted their hands, mimicking a worshipful gesture, as the audience erupted in applause.
Originally a member of Reba McEntire’s team, Fortson’s standout performance drew the attention of Michael Bublé. By the end of the night, Bublé had used his steal, bringing Fortson onto his team.
“I stole Jaukeem because I see the potential in him,” Bublé explained. “When I was young, people believed in me, and I’m thrilled to do the same for him.” His decision was met with cheers from the crowd.
Snoop Dogg, who has emerged as a surprising force on the show, also praised Fortson’s talent. “Man, I felt like I was in church tonight,” Snoop said, grinning. “That’s what this show is about—bringing soul and spirit to the music.”
Fortson’s rendition of “God Only Knows” was a bold song choice, one that resonated deeply with the show’s diverse audience. The contemporary Christian music (CCM) hit explores themes of hope, redemption, and divine love, striking a chord with listeners of all backgrounds.
For King & Country, the song’s original artists, took to social media to commend Fortson. “What an incredible performance,” they wrote. “It’s amazing to see our song touch lives in such a powerful way.”
Fortson’s journey on The Voice has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite his young age, he consistently demonstrates a level of poise and maturity beyond his years. “He’s got the voice of an old soul,” Reba McEntire said earlier in the season.
During pre-show warmups, Fortson said the song had given him a new outlook on life.
“God really knows. And I know, if you just let Him step into your life, He can do the miraculous,” Fortson said. “This song talks about how if you’re in a hard time or if you’re struggling with something, that God can meet you where you’re at. This year, I went into ninth grade. In some classes, work can get a little bit overwhelming. And I felt like after I heard the song, I could just do my work more and just feel more calm.”
Now under Bublé’s mentorship, Fortson is preparing for the next stage of the competition. “I’m excited to work with him,” Bublé said. “This is just the beginning of what he’s capable of.”
The audience’s reaction to Fortson’s performance underscored his widespread appeal. Fans flooded social media with praise, calling him “the future of gospel music” and “an inspiration to his generation.”
Fortson’s family, who were present in the audience, expressed their pride in his accomplishments. “We’ve always known he had a special gift,” his mother said. “Seeing him share it with the world is a blessing.”
Despite the growing spotlight, Fortson remains grounded. In a post-performance interview, he emphasized the importance of staying true to himself and his faith. “At the end of the day, I want my music to bring hope and encouragement to others,” he said.
With his unique blend of talent and authenticity, Fortson is quickly becoming a fan favorite. His ability to connect with both the judges and viewers sets him apart in a competitive field.
As the competition heats up, all eyes are on Jaukeem Fortson. If Monday night’s performance is any indication, this 14-year-old is poised to make a lasting impact on The Voice and beyond.
Terry Littlepage 
Darnell Thompkins