Nov. 18--South Side singer Mark Hood's trip to the top 11 on "The Voice" was not signed, sealed or delivered.
After narrowly avoiding elimination last week in NBC's singing competition, Hood was cut from the show Tuesday because he did not earn enough votes from the viewers. Hood sang Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours" in Tuesday's episode as part of a last-minute attempt to stay on the show.
"You have a very bright and strong future," Hood's mentor Pharrell Williams told him.
Hood didn't get enough votes last week but Williams used a save to advance him to this week's round. Hood told the Tribune last week he planned to show viewers a more reserved side. On Monday, Hood sang Phil Collins' "Against All Odds."
"I legit just like love to perform. The stage is my home. I'm always excited to get on stage. I'm always so excited to perform," said Hood, a Black Ensemble Theater actor who has appeared on "Chicago Fire."
Four singers from the Chicago area were initially picked to compete on "The Voice" this season. Now only one local singer remains, longtime St. Charles resident and Loyola University alumnus Jeffery Austin, who easily advanced in the competition Tuesday.
The winner of the show, which is in its ninth season, gets $100,000 and a record deal.
Irish singer Keith Semple, who lives in the Aurora area, didn't earn enough votes last week to continue on "The Voice." This was Semple's third turn in reality talent competitions, including a stint on "American Idol" in 2010 and the British show "Popstars: The Rivals" in 2002.
Semple, 34, said he doesn't plan to compete on reality shows again.
"I got everything that I wanted out of this experience. There's no way I would do another one," Semple said. "I just wanted to get myself to a national recognition."
Semple is scheduled to perform Wednesday at Play Book Ultra Sports Bar in Niles.
"The Voice" airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
