[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 21467]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JORDAN SMITH

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today I wish to give tribute to a 
Kentuckian who has become a local icon and a national celebrity. Jordan 
Smith from Harlan, KY, has risen to fame over the past few months for 
his astounding performances throughout this season of the television 
show The Voice. He sang his way into the hearts of Americans, and 
following his rendition of Queen's ``Somebody to Love'' on December 16, 
the show's viewers voted him to a first place win.
  I know I speak for my fellow Kentuckians when I say we are so proud 
to have someone like Jordan representing our State. This proud Kentucky 
Wildcat fan not only clinched a first place win in the competition, he 
also rose to a No. 1 spot on iTunes for record sales, beating out 
superstars like Adele. I think we have so many talented individuals 
like Jordan in Kentucky, and I am so glad that everyone else thinks so, 
too.
  A homecoming parade in Jordan's honor is scheduled for Monday, 
December 21, in his hometown. Kentucky is excited to welcome him home 
and even more so to see what he will do with his amazing talent in the 
future. I would like to congratulate Jordan Smith for all his success. 
I am certain we will be hearing much more from him in the years to 
come.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that an article about Jordan's 
historic win from the Harlan Daily Enterprise be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                   [From the Harlan Daily Enterprise,
                             Dec. 15, 2015]

                     Smith Is Season 9 Voice Winner

                        (By Reina P. Cunningham)

       After months of show-stopping performances, Harlan native 
     Jordan Smith has been announced as Season 9 winner of the hit 
     reality television show `The Voice,' winning $100,000 and a 
     recording contract with Republic Records.
       Going into the show, Smith was sitting pretty at the No. 1 
     spots on both `The Voice' and the Top 100 iTunes charts with 
     his most recent single, `Mary Did You Know.' Sitting at the 
     No. 1 spot is nothing new for the young man who beat out 
     national singing sensation Adele for the No. 1 spot on the 
     Top 100 iTunes chart--he has entered most of the results 
     rounds in the same situation. Additionally, going into the 
     live results finale, Smith held half of the top 10 spots on 
     `The Voice' iTunes charts and had 10 singles ranking on `The 
     Voice' chart--no easy feat considering the criteria for doing 
     so means the single must be ranked on the Top 200 iTunes 
     chart.
       In addition to performing with former contestants from this 
     season, Smith performed with former Voice coach and world 
     renowned singer Usher on Tuesday night's live results show. 
     The duo sang Usher's hit `Without You' with the crowd 
     screaming and cheering throughout the performance as Smith 
     showcased his broad range.
       Throughout the show, Smith has remained humble as the 
     judges continue to remark on his flawless performances, 
     citing his perfection and ability to connect with the 
     audience.
       The judges are not the only ones raving about Smith. Fans 
     are posting on social media about how much the young artist 
     has inspired them through his music. In addition to 
     purchasing iTunes and making social media posts, fans cannot 
     get enough of Smith's performances. As of the finale show on 
     Tuesday, Smith's YouTube performances on the show had an 
     outstanding 55 million views to date.
       Smith spoke about what the experience has meant to him in 
     an interview that aired during the live finale. The young 
     singer, who continuously stressed how important it is to him 
     to make it acceptable to be who you are, echoed those 
     sentiments again during the interview, saying if he won the 
     show it would prove it.
       ``You can be exactly who you are . . . to be the winner of 
     The Voice would just prove that,'' said Smith.
       Later in the show, the top 4 performers were surprised with 
     brand new vehicles--courtesy of the show's partners, Nissan.
       Smith chose the Nissan Altima and expressed his gratitude 
     for the vehicle, saying he would not have to borrow his 
     parents' car anymore.
       Smith was the only remaining contestant on coach Adam 
     Levine's team and the coach was obviously thrilled for the 
     young man who he says has inspired him throughout the show.
       Smith will be making appearances on numerous upcoming 
     television shows as a result of the win.
       A homecoming celebration is planned on Monday in Smith's 
     honor. A parade will begin at 2:30 p.m. in downtown Harlan 
     followed by a program at 4 p.m. at the Harlan Center.
       To continue following Smith, like his Facebook page and 
     follow him on Twitter.

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