The Voice 24: Tom Nitti opens up about why he quit The Voice
The Voice season 24 contestant, Tom Nitti, explains on social media why he left the competition before the Playoffs.
The soulful country singer was absent from Monday’s episode, in which his coach, Reba McEntire, was left with only five singers to whittle down to three for the upcoming Live shows.
Reba only offered a short explanation: “I have wonderfully talented people, but Tom had to leave for personal reasons, so I only have five artists tonight.”
Now, Tom shares that he decided to drop out due to family concerns. On Instagram, alongside a gallery of photos of his family, including his girlfriend and two young kids, the singer penned a lengthy caption. “At the end of the day,” Tom writes, “My kids will always come first.”
“I had to make probably one of the hardest yet easiest decisions ever…”
“Well, I’ve been dreading this day ever since the blind audition so here goes nothin’. …First and foremost I’m blessed beyond belief and I can’t say enough how much I love and appreciate the constant support from my fans, my friends and my family…As much as it absolutely stings to say, I had to make probably one of the hardest yet easiest decisions ever and ultimately at the end of the day, my kids will always come first and if I had to make the same decision again I’d do it over and over…..”
Tom continued, “This past summer was filled to the max with everything I love and could’ve only dreamed of. And thanks to @nbcthevoice I was able to live my wildest dreams and do what I’ve always hoped. I made friends that’ll last a life time, experiences that I can hold on to forever and even found REAL and TRUE love (@ashleybryantofficial)….”
Being in California away from his family was difficult. “I wish I can put every single person in this post that had my back going through the tough times while I was in California like @jacquieroar @huntleymusic @lennonvmusic @officiallybias @marajustine1 @thejordanrainer @steemusic @reba. But nonetheless I hope everyone knows how happy and grateful i am for them.”
“God has it all figured out. He knows I don’t break easily. I’m alright and still standing”
Tom continues, “This isn’t the end of me and I’ll do what I do best for everyone to see, which is keep my head down and move forward playing music and raising/creating new memories with a family I will continue to grow.”
“I never believed in the whole, things happen for a reason statement but in this case I think God has it all figured out. He knows I don’t break easily. For everyone asking, I’m alright and still standing. Thank you so much and as always, I’m super pumped to keep on keepin’ on with music, my kids Rayleigh and Brently my whole family to include my smokin’ girlfriend that keeps my head held high… Im more than ready to continue to live life now happier than ever before. #familyfirst #itsnotoveryet #thevoice #imstillstanding #support #blessed #kentuckygotme.”
His explanation is vague, but it looks like his family, mixed with his emotional well being, drove him to leave the competition. Maybe he’s surprised to make it this far! Tom explained in his Blind Audition that he joined the military, and was injured in Afghanistan, sustaining a brain injury. He has a purple heart.
Reba always had a soft spot for Tom
Reba was the only chair to turn for Tom’s cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” in the Blind Auditions. He won his Battle Round performance of Cody Johnson’s “Til You Can’t” and was saved by Reba following his Knockout Round cover of The Temptations’ “(I Know) I’m Losing You.”
While Tom identified as a country singer first and foremost, he was eager to show his love for soul and Motown music during the show. He barely made it past the Blind Auditions. When Reba saved Tom in the Knockouts, it was clear she had a soft spot for him. He beat a 4-chair turn in the Battles! Tom also revealed that he was coming back to music after a long absence.
But, considering how stacked Reba’s team was, he would not have advanced to the Top 12. Considering how talented her three finalists–Jacquie Roar, Jordan Rainer and Ruby Leigh–are, he was cannon fodder at this point.
