Jon Mullins is married to my cousin Whitney, and on NBC’s reality singing show called The Voice.
Jon’s audition was March 9th, 2020 and I’ve included it at the end of this post! (I’ve also included his incredible new single.)
Blake Shelton said that it was his GREATEST day of his coaching career on The Voice when he got Jon Mullins on his team!
Kelly Clarkson said that Jon’s voice gave her chills. His voice fills a room and he should be on Broadway.
Nick Jonas wants to “snatch him up” if he get the opportunity! (Update – he DID get the opportunity and was good on his word! Jon spent some time on #teamnick.
Here is my recent conversation with Jon:
ME: Jon, one thing I’ve always admired about you is your love for people. When you are in a room, you are not on your phone. You are engaged and interested in every person in the room – whether it’s our 90-year-old grandpa or our 5-year-old niece. As a parent, I’d love to see my kids engage the way YOU do.
Question 1: Where does your love for people come from, and how can parents cultivate it in their children?
Jon: I’ve always been outgoing. As a 4 yr old…I’d be at family gatherings, walking around, talking to everyone.
My parents cultivated it by not trying to hold me back.
Both of my parents are caring and engaging with people, and I’ve learned from watching them.
QUESTION 2: When did you first realize you had a gift for singing?
Jon: At 14 years old I became curious about singing. My choir teacher asked me to audition for an Acapella group and I made it. That’s when I discovered that maybe I could sing.
QUESTION 3: You play several instruments. When did you start playing and how often did you practice?
Jon: I began playing the trumpet as an 11 year old. Once I got that thing, I never put it down. I’d play all.the.time. Even sitting on the toilet.
I got my 1st guitar at 14 and took 3 months of guitar lessons and was hooked.
I’d practice at least four hours a day.
I’d fall asleep with a guitar in my hands.
QUESTION 4: How can parents motivate their kids in music? Or help develop a passion for it?
Jon: If your child is showing interest in an instrument, even drums, or any musical aspect, ENCOURAGE it!
I wish I would have started lessons before 11.
If you can’t afford lessons, ask a family friend to give you lessons. (You can also find lessons on youtube now!)
My parents never got annoyed by my constant playing and singing. Or if they did, they didn’t mention it. They always encouraged it.
QUESTION 5: You are an extremely talented, powerful singer. Kelly Clarkson said your voice fills up the room. Are you 100% talent…or do you still have to work at it?
Jon: First of all, thank you for saying that.
A singer’s vocal technique is ALWAYS a work in progress. Every popular music artist you can think of (Justin Bieber, Usher, etc) STILL has a vocal coach traveling with them and teaching them how to use their ‘instrument.’
I am ALWAYS a student of my ‘instrument’ (my voice). I’m always learning about how to use it properly so I don’t lose it.
QUESTION 6: Can you tell me a little about your faith?
Jon: Since I was young, my parents attended church. It was fun to me. I grew up in church. At about 5 years old, I felt a tugging on my soul. I talked to my dad about it and I prayed and invited Christ into my life at that young age.
My relationship with God has grown from there.
I am depending on God through this whole thing. Asking for peace and trusting HIM along the way. I’m asking that He open doors that should be open, and close the ones that need to be closed.
Also, if you saw me on stage with my hand raised, it’s because I’ve been a worship leader in the past, and I just start raising my hands when I sing.
I’ve gotten a feedback about my audition – that it was almost like a worship experience. My prayer is that people will see God through me.
QUESTION 7: How did you get on The Voice?
Jon: A friend of mine was in the audition process. They told the producer to reach out to me and they did.
I was REALLY hesident. I’d been on American Idol in 2010 and wasn’t excited about doing any more reality TV.
I had a conversation with Whitney, my wife. She said, “If God opened this door, walk through it. Maybe this is a good time to step out in faith.”
Then, I was at an eye appointment and there was a sign in the waiting room that said:
The biggest mistake you can make is a being afraid of making a mistake.
So, I felt like God gave me a LITERAL sign.
QUESTION 8: What was it like singing to the backs of four chairs and knowing that in those chairs sat Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Nick Jonas?
Jon: I went into the whole situation determined not to concentrate on the chairs. I focused on the meaning of the song! Because of this journey I’ve taken with my wife, the song had SO much meaning to me.
So, I told myself ‘Don’t focus on the chairs – focus on the message!‘
If you focus on the chairs, only nerves will come through!
QUESTION 9: What would you say has been your favorite moment in the competition so far?
Jon: Can I say two?
First, I’ve loved getting to know and grow close with the other artists. We all text and hang out, outside of the show. It’s now a family.
My other favorite MOMENTS … when I was able to step on that stage and sing that song about my experience. And then…
the HUG from BLAKE SHELTON!
When Blake said, “This is the best day of my coaching career,” I nearly fainted.
Question 10: If you look down the road, 5 years from now, what do you hope to be doing?
Jon: Maybe with a kid!?
I’ll still be living in Nashville.
Touring and playing – music is in my blood, so I’ll still be writing and singing!
Whitney still continuing her successful Lularoe business. Click here to find her stuff!
QUESTION 11: Speaking of Whitney, how is she doing?
Jon: She’s about 85 percent.
About 4 years ago, she fell and hit her head in the front. She damaged the part of her brain that controls important cognitive skills like emotional expression, problem solving, memory, language and anxiety.
After the fall she started having severe panic attacks. Agoraphobia …anxiety…
It’s getting better but she still gets occasional anxiety and panic attacks.
QUESTION 12: How can we pray for you?
Jon: Pray for Whitney – complete healing for her and peace through this process
That God continues to open and shut the doors for us.
Pray that the right people come into our path!
QUESTION 13: Where can people find you and follow you?
Jon: The HUB for me is JonMullins.com
Other places:
@jonmullinsofficial on insta and facebook
You can listen to me on youtube here – JonMullinsMusic
Twitter: @jonmullinsmusic
Jon, we are so proud of you! Keep up the good work!
Check out Jon Mullins amazing new release here:
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