Meet Jacquelyn George, a twenty-seven-year-old singer-songwriter and entrepreneur from Franklin, who recently made a splash on NBC's The Voice. During the blind auditions on February 17^th, her powerful performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” earned her a spot on Team John Legend. But the real magic happened when John joined her on stage for an impromptu duet of “Ordinary People,” a song that held special meaning as it was played at her wedding. Jacquelyn’s journey on the show didn’t stop there. In the battle rounds, she wowed with a stunning rendition of “Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton, earning her a spot to continue in the competition. We caught up with Jacquelyn to hear about her unforgettable experience on The Voice and how our community has helped shape the artist she is today. To follow along with her journey, find her on Instagram @jacquelynvgeorge. 

 

I’ve been surrounded by music for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Nashville—I’ve lived here for almost twenty years—and being in Music City definitely shaped my journey. I’m the youngest of six kids in a very musical family. My parents were music pastors; my dad played jazz, and my mom sang opera, so music was just a natural part of our everyday life.  

 

I was the “party trick” at family gatherings, always ready to perform. I’d ask guests, “Do you want me to sing like myself, or like I’m in a gospel choir?” My oldest brother was in the Christian boy band Plus One, and I remember watching him win a Dove Award at the Grand Ole Opry and thinking, “I want that to be me one day.” That dream stuck.  

 

I started posting covers on YouTube around age nine—my first was “Oh Happy Day.” By eleven, I was writing songs and released my first single, “You’re the Way.” From ages twelve to fifteen, I toured as a background vocalist and dancer for CCM artist Nicole C. Mullen, which gave me the confidence to pursue music seriously.  

 

I later earned a scholarship to sing with Voices of Lee at Lee University, performing alongside artists like The Gaithers, Nicole C. Mullen, and Kelly Clarkson. After college, I returned to Nashville and helped launch “The Songhouse Co.”, which now has over four million followers. I began releasing pop/soul singles like “Fear or Love” and “My Story,” and eventually started writing for other artists, including K-pop group, Oh My Girl.  

 

After getting married, I spent about three years focused on songwriting—until The Voice reached out. That moment reignited the performer in me. I’m still on cloud nine being on Team John Legend and getting the chance to do a duet with him. Now, I’m preparing to release my debut EP “Come As You Are" in April 2025, and it feels like the culmination of everything Nashville, my faith, and my journey has taught me.

 

My biggest influences are Tori Kelly, John Legend, Lauren Daigle, and a little bit of Kacey Musgraves. Growing up in church gave me a foundation in southern and gospel music, and I’ve always been drawn to artists who bring soul, depth, and strong storytelling into their work.

 

I almost didn’t! I had been behind the scenes writing for others and hadn’t performed live since college. But then I thought about the little girl in me—the one who always wanted her voice to be heard. I auditioned for her. It was a leap of faith, and I’m so glad I took it.

 

I rehearsed a lot and did visualization exercises—imagining the coaches in front of me helped calm my nerves. I chose Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” because it’s always been my go-to karaoke song, but also because the lyrics are so raw and honest. “Share my life, take me for what I am” felt like the perfect message—
I wanted the coaches to hear me, not just see me.

 

My first thought was, “Millions of people are watching… don’t mess this up!” I was especially overjoyed that John Legend turned first. His music is so personal to me—“Ordinary People” played at our wedding, and we danced to “Never Break” for our first dance. I just wanted one person to believe in me. When he asked to sing a duet with me, I literally blacked out and just prayed I’d remember all the lyrics!