Jermaine Paul facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jermaine Paul
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Paul performing with Alicia Keys in foreground; 2006
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jeremiah Jermaine Paul |
| Born | July 26, 1979 Harriman, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Labels |
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Jeremiah Jermaine Paul (born July 26, 1979) is an American R&B singer and songwriter. He is well-known for singing backup for famous artists like Alicia Keys. He sang on her popular songs "Diary" and "Unbreakable". He also sang on her cover of Marvin Gaye's "If This World Were Mine". The song "Diary" was even nominated for a Grammy Award!
In 2012, Jermaine Paul won season 2 of the TV show The Voice. After winning, his cover of R. Kelly's song "I Believe I Can Fly" became very popular. It reached number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100 music chart. Since 2012, Paul has also been a minister in the United Methodist Church. As of 2025, he is a pastor at a church in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Contents
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Jermaine Paul was born on July 26, 1979, in Harriman, New York. He grew up in Spring Valley, New York, and was one of ten children. His father helped him get into music by making their living room a place for musical performances. It was filled with instruments like pianos, drums, and guitars. Some of the children, including Jermaine, formed a group to sing gospel songs in local churches.
By the time he was 12, Jermaine was known for singing in churches and talent shows with his family. He also joined many adult choirs. When he was two years old, Jermaine and his brother moved to Alabama to live with their grandfather. There, he learned to play the guitar. He played his step-grandmother's old Gibson guitar at the local church. With some guitar skills, he wrote his first song because he wanted to move back to New York.
At age 14, he returned to Harriman in upstate New York. He went to Monroe-Woodbury High School. There, he learned about rock and jazz music. He took guitar lessons and was chosen for the all-state and all-county chorus. He also joined a high school singing group that was trained in classical music.
Music Career Highlights
When he was 15, Paul joined a singing group called 1 Accord. They signed with basketball star Shaquille O'Neal's record label, T.W.Is.M Records. Jermaine started writing and producing his own songs. He tried out for the first season of American Idol but did not get a call back.
Later, he began singing backup for many famous artists. These included Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Joss Stone, Blackstreet, and Jaguar Wright. He even received a Grammy nomination for his work with Alicia Keys on the song "If This World Were Mine". This song was part of an album that honored the singer Luther Vandross.
Winning The Voice in 2012
In 2012, Jermaine Paul tried out for the second season of The Voice. He sang the song "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne. Two of the four coaches, Blake Shelton and CeeLo Green, turned their chairs, showing they wanted him on their team. Paul chose to join Team Blake. He eventually won the entire second season of the show.
During his time on The Voice, Jermaine sang many different songs. He performed "Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car" and "Livin' on a Prayer". He also sang "Against All Odds" and "Open Arms". In the finale, he sang "I Believe I Can Fly" and "God Gave Me You". He also performed "Soul Man" with his coach, Blake Shelton.
After The Voice
After winning The Voice, Jermaine Paul's cover of "I Believe I Can Fly" became a hit. It reached number 83 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. His song "Soul Man" with Blake Shelton also did well, reaching number 108 on a related chart.
Jermaine Paul also released a single called "I Believe in This Life". This song was expected to be on his first album after The Voice. He performed it on the show in November 2012.
Jermaine Paul's Music
Singles Released
Jermaine Paul has released several songs, especially after his time on The Voice.
- In 2012, he released his versions of songs he sang on The Voice, like "Complicated" and "I Believe I Can Fly".
- His song "I Believe in This Life" was also released in 2012.
Songs with Other Artists
Jermaine Paul has also been featured on songs by other artists, often as a backup singer.
- In 1996, he was featured on "Don't Wanna Be Alone" with Shaquille O'Neal.
- In 2003, he sang on "Diary" with Alicia Keys.
- In 2005, he was on "Unbreakable" and "If This World Were Mine" with Alicia Keys.
- He also appeared on a remix of "Gold Digger" by Kanye West in 2005.
See also
In Spanish: Jermaine Paul para niños
