[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 184 (Thursday, December 17, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CONGRATULATIONS TO JORDAN SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 17, 2015

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Harlan County's own Jordan Smith for winning Season 9 of The Voice, 
NBC's nationwide vocal competition.
   Jordan's superior talent impressed all four superstar judges during 
the blind auditions, igniting a competition for Jordan's team choice. 
From the moment the world heard Jordan's vocal debut, his powerful gift 
was undeniable. However, it was in the conversations following his 
performance that Jordan shared insight to his outstanding character, 
his determination and humility, as well as his faith in God. His 
courage and boldness has inspired people across the country, and 
especially in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. Coach Adam Levine said it 
best, noting Jordan as ``the most important person that's ever been on 
this show.''
   Jordan has received applause and the utmost praise from some of the 
most talented, award-winning artists across the nation, affirming that 
his vocal gymnastics have impressed the best of the best artists. Coach 
Pharrell Williams even expressed to Jordan, ``God has signed your 
voice.'' Jordan quickly became more than a singer in a televised 
competition, but arose as a leader and inspiration during a critical 
time in our nation. The celebration of Jordan's personal victory comes 
during a time when hope is desperately needed in his hometown and 
across the country. With the looming threat of terrorism at an all-time 
high and as Jordan's hometown region suffers from devastating job 
losses in the coal industry, he chose encouraging songs of hope and 
faith to transcend shared feelings of despair and fear. Additionally, 
Jordan's performances shined a spotlight on the compassionate and 
talented people of Harlan County, evoking much-needed positive news 
stories about our region.
   It is his courage of conviction that makes Jordan so much more than 
a vocalist on stage. He is a leader of hope and faith for our nation 
and the people of Eastern Kentucky are deeply proud of his 
accomplishments thus far.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Jordan 
Smith on his monumental win on The Voice. I look forward to following 
the career of another talented artist from Eastern Kentucky.

                          ____________________