Battle round victory

By Nancy Kriz HARRIMAN — Harriman resident Jermaine Paul is flying to Los Angeles today following his battle round victory this past Monday evening on the NBC hit reality show, “The Voice.”

Now, he’ll be in focused on rehearsals, perfecting every part of his forthcoming live performance in order to vow judges and show viewers - who now get a say in who they like by casting votes.

“It was a lot of excitement,” Paul said on Wednesday, reflecting back on Monday’s show. “The anticipation and excitement… it was like doubled just watching it. I was so excited to be watching it again and experience it all over again.”

The show was taped in January, Paul said, but he and his family had to keep tight-lipped about the outcome when speaking with anyone who inquired about it.

Still, he didn’t know how producers would edit together his segment, where he competed against a 19-year-old singer from Texas known as “ALyX” in a duet of Billy Ocean’s “Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car.”

“I had no idea how it was going to play out on television,” Paul admitted. “But I wanted to make sure I remained humbled throughout.”

Works with American Idol winner

After each battle round was completed, all the judges had an opportunity to comment on the singers’ performances before those singers’ judge/coach made his/her choice.

But getting to the stage to sing Ocean’s song required practice and perseverance.

In the pre-battle preparation, where the contestants go one-on-one with celebrity advisors, Paul knew he had an advantage over ALyX, given her age. She admitted that she’d need to rise up to the song to get on Paul’s level. Shelton told them just to appear as if they’re having a good time on stage and not try too hard.

Paul found himself working with singer Kelly Clarkson as his advisor. Her her current hit “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” is on the airwaves everywhere, and as an American Idol winner, Clarkson knew how stressful competition can be. As his advisor, she didn’t give him a significant amount of advice, though she did say she’d love for him to tour with her.

“That was a pleasant surprise,” Paul said, talking about having Clarkson as his advisor. “She gets it, the whole experience. I want her to say, ‘I want to buy a ticket to your show.’”

And after their performance, Paul listened to the accolades of the other three celebrity judges: Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green. While their choices were split with prior performers, they all clearly made it known that Paul was their choice.

Paul remains determined to see this singing journey to the end and become “The Voice.”

A local path “I’m hoping I can shed this image as a backstage singer,” he said. “I’m committed to seeing this through. I’m still not satisfied. I want to take this thing all the way. With this competition, I have set out on my own path to make a name for myself. I want to be that rhythm and blues, pop sensation.”

He continued to ask for the support of local residents.

“I’m hoping to rally all of Orange, Rockland, Westchester and Sullivan counties,” said Paul. “I just want to represent the Hudson Valley to the fullest. In return, I hope people can get behind me, follow me with their votes, buy the songs on iTunes and show support. I’m staying there (on the show) as long as America keeps me there.”

Next week’s show will feature Round 4 of the last group of battles between singers before the live shows begin to air.