At Tech, Hoot said he developed discipline that continues to shape his music career
Tennessee Tech University alumnus and country music sensation Jake Hoot is set to return to the national spotlight as a featured competitor on “The Voice: Battle of Champions” on NBC.
Hoot, a 2013 graduate of Tech’s College of Emerging and Integrative Studies and former Golden Eagle football player, first captured national attention when he won season 17 of “The Voice” in 2019. Now, he will join fellow past winners and fan favorites as part of the show’s 29th season, which includes an all-star competition during the knockouts round.
For Hoot, the opportunity marks another milestone in a journey that began long before national television.
The son of missionaries, Hoot spent much of his childhood in the Dominican Republic after living briefly in Haiti. In a 2023 interview on Tennessee Tech’s “College Town Talk” podcast, he reflected on those formative years.
“We were homeschooled and we would get our homework done, and then we were outside playing dominoes … that’s how we learned the language was playing in the streets with other kids,” he said. “Watching mom and dad love on others and … give selflessly to others … that’s what I try to instill in my girls.”
Hoot later returned to Tennessee with aspirations of playing college football. After touring several campuses, he found what he described as “a perfect fit” in Cookeville.
“There was just something about Cookeville and Tennessee Tech,” he said. “I walked on the team, and that’s how I ended up playing here and going to school. It was an incredible four years of my life.”
At Tech, Hoot said he developed discipline that continues to shape his music career.
“I think from playing football and learning how to get good grades … the discipline that has kind of carried over into what I do now,” he explained. “Doing the right thing and working really hard when nobody’s watching … that was kind of taught to me while I was at Tech.”
Hoot has previously spoken about the impact of his coaches on “The Voice,” including his time working closely with Kelly Clarkson.
“She’s one of the most genuine people you’ll meet in the business,” Hoot said on the podcast. “She knows exactly what she wants, and she is very protective of her people. … She was very, very kind to me while I was on the show.
He noted that the experience ultimately strengthened his confidence as a performer.
“I think I walked away from it way more confident,” he added. “There’s no doubt who I am today … is a lot of things that I learned while I was on the show, and [I’m] just very grateful.”
After winning season 17, Hoot returned to Cookeville to play his first post- “Voice” concert for an energetic, capacity crowd at Tech’s Hooper Eblen Center. In the years since, he has visited campus often to perform, support local causes and engage with current Tech students.
In addition to his industry success, Hoot received the Tennessee Tech Alumni Association’s 2020 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, recognizing his professional achievements and continued connection to his alma mater.
“The Voice: Battle of Champions” premieres Monday, Feb. 23, at 8 p.m. CST on NBC. For more information about Hoot and his upcoming projects, visit www.jakehoot.com.
Photo by Jon Volk.
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