Local singer who gigs around Wichita to appear on new season of ‘The Voice’
Another season of “The Voice,” another contestant from the Wichita area.
Derby singer Jaelen Johnston has announced on his website and his social media channels that he will appear on the new season of “The Voice,” which airs at 7 p.m. on NBC. He says he was filmed when he went to the singing competition’s “open call” auditions.
Though he’ll be featured on the season, he’s told other local news outlets, he won’t be on tonight’s episode.
Johnston, according to his website, started singing and playing guitar after his grandparents gave him a guitar for his 16th birthday. His website describes his sound as “that dirty old country grit, a bit of rock, and a touch of bluesy smoothness.”
He also is known for performing at area bars and restaurants. He’s been known to gig at places like Madrocks in Derby and Caesar’s Barroom and Dockum in Wichita. One of his regular spots. The Sandbox in Goddard, is planning a series of watch parties, starting tonight with a meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. followed by the watch party at 7 p.m.
Johnston is a 2021 graduate of Derby High School. He’s written and released several original songs, which can be heard on streaming platforms and on his website, jaelenjmusic.com/home
He’s not the only local singer to appear on “The Voice” over the years. In early 2024, Southeast High School graduate AJ Harvey made it to the show’s “Battle Rounds,” where contestants must battle for selection with one other finalist, before being eliminated. In 2019, Wichita performer Injoy Fountain was a contestant on the show and also made it to the Battle Rounds. And Wichita native Chris Mann finished fourth on the show’s second season in 2024.
This is the 27th season of “The Voice,” and its celebrity judges this time will be Adam Levine, John Legend, Michael Buble and Kelsea Ballerini.
This story was originally published February 3, 2025 at 2:44 PM.
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