Dec. 15--St. Charles singer Jeffery Austin performed three times Monday night during the finale of "The Voice" including a duet of "Leather and Lace" with his mentor Gwen Stefani.
Austin, an alumnus of St. Charles North High School and Loyola University, is one of four contestants left in the NBC singing competition. The singers each performed three songs Monday, including a Christmas carol and a duet with their mentor.
The winner of the show, which is determined by votes from the public, is slated to be announced at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The Season 9 winner receives a record deal.
Besides covering the Stevie Nicks and Don Henley song "Leather and Lace," Austin also sang Sugarland's "Stay" and "O Holy Night."
Austin received praise from the mentors Monday for his performances.
"There's this sweet spot of your voice that shakes the rafters, shakes the whole room," said Adam Levine, frontman for Maroon 5.
"You've had quite the journey this whole entire season," singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams said.
When Austin auditioned for the show over the summer, he said he had not performed since high school six years ago. Austin, who has been working in public relations in New York, told the Tribune that even if he doesn't win the show he still plans to pursue a career in the music industry.
He is the last contestant from the Chicago area this season. South Side native Mark Hood, Aurora area singer Keith Semple and Mount Prospect's Hanna Ashbrook were eliminated in earlier rounds.
