SOUTH HOLLAND, IL–South Suburban College is proud to announce alumnus Mark Hood will be appearing this season on NBC’s “The Voice.” After choosing to join Pharrell’s team during the Blind Auditions, Mark has moved into the Battle Rounds.
During the “blinds,” the auditioning singers select the team he or she wants to join if more than one of the celebrity mentors hits the buzzer to turn their chair because they like what they are hearing. Hood received the full four-chair turn for his rendition of Bill Withers “Use Me.” He chose to join Team Pharrell after stating his sound is “kind of like John Legend meets Pharrell.”
Hood, 24 years old, was born, raised and currently lives in Chicago, Illinois. He recently graduated from SSC in May of 2015 after studying Radio/TV Communications and participating in the college’s studio programs and talent shows.
“Being a communications student at SSC, I was exposed to so many facets of TV production, which helped my love for entertainment grow,” said Hood. “Learning the behind the scenes, believe it or not, helped me in front of the camera.”
Hood added, “As a freshman at SSC, I participated in the school talent show one cold November night, and I sang the wrong song! It was there that I learned to trust my gut, and don’t try songs you’ve never sang before. I also first sang the National Anthem at an SSC Bulldogs Basketball game, which is a hard song but I conquered it with my SSC supporters standing right there watching.”
“SSC was a home for me where I could express my creative talents. Even when music or performing had nothing to do with the class or lesson, my approach was still appreciated and respected,” said Hood. “Another reason I fell in love with SSC was Mr. John Geraci–he was an amazing instructor that pushed me, yet respected me, and he developed my love and skill for communications like no one else could!”
“The Voice” airs at 7:00 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC. Hood’s second performance on the show will come next week during the Battle Rounds. “My goals are to be a successful actor and singer garnering Grammys, Oscars, Tonys and Emmys,” said Hood.
