As D.Smooth readies for 'The Voice' finale, teachers say he was always a talented singer

Montgomery resident D.Smooth is staying true to himself, no matter what happens next Monday and Tuesday — the two-part live finale for NBC’s “The Voice.”

“There’s no nerves or anything,” the 25-year-old told the Advertiser by phone Wednesday from Los Angeles. “I’ve done had a lot of time to be nervous. This is all about having a good time now, man. Execute it, and let America do what they’ll do.”

As the last remaining member of celebrity coach Kelly Clarkson’s team, he’s facing a “ridiculous” level of talent from the other top 5 singers:  Gina Miles (Niall Horan’s team), sister trio Sorelle (with Chance the Rapper), and Grace West and NOIVAS (both with Blake Shelton).

According to NBC, starting at 7 p.m. Monday they’ll each perform a ballad and an up-tempo song for the coaches, and America will vote.

After a 7 p.m. Tuesday episode reliving season 23, the live finale will start at 8 p.m. The season’s winner will be revealed that night.

“My goal was to make it to where it’s out of the coaches’ hands,” D.Smooth said. “I’m grateful that was able to come to pass.”

He’s also grateful to be a positive vessel for people back home to cheer for. He hopes God flows through him as he sings, and that God speaks to all the people watching.

“That’s what I live for,” he said.

There was always something special about D.Smooth

Teachers at Minor High School in Adamsville, near where he grew up, said the teen they knew as David Mitchell was a young man of “minor major possibilities,” as the school slogan goes.

“He always had that something special,” said LaTeesha Felton, D.Smooth’s student council sponsor at MHS. There was an “it factor” around the well-mannered young man from the class of 2016.

Even then, he had the “smooth but raspy” voice that Clarkson’s been praising, D.Smooth said it’s always come natural to him.

“God has blessed my voice to have some pain in it,” he said.

D.Smooth’s Spanish teacher Cotrena Moseley said she could see his abilities emerge during school shows.

“He would host my talent shows sometimes,” Moseley said. “He would sing in the talent shows sometimes, by himself or sometimes with a group.”

He also stood out in school broadcasts, and Felton said D.Smooth even won an award for them.

“He was just a natural,” Felton said. “He was a very well-liked student. Most of the people knew who he was. He’d come up and speak to you. He was very personable. An overall great kid and good student.”

D.Smooth’s teachers recalled how he excelled in sports — football, basketball and baseball. But he put his faith before games.

“I remember when he wouldn’t stay the entire game because he had to leave for church functions,” Moseley said.

D.Smooth said he thanks God for the longevity he’s had on “The Voice.”

On the show, Birmingham’s the hometown that’s been mentioned for D.Smooth, though he actually grew up in Mulga — a small town on Birmingham’s edge.

Since moving to the top 5, D.Smooth said he was able to talk with Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.

“He just wished me luck and said they were rooting for me back home,” D.Smooth said.

D.Smooth’s teachers say they’ve been seeing the young man they knew in the adult on national TV.

“The way he always goes ‘Miss Kelly,’ that’s just the Southern manners that he has,” Moseley said. “You can tell how he was raised.”

Looking back on the semi-finals

“I wasn’t nervous,” D.Smooth said of his time on the May 15 live semi-final episode. “I was shocked, though, I’ll tell you that. I was shocked.”

He’d already left it all on the stage with his rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” a song he was already familiar with.

“I’ve covered that song plenty of times for weddings and different occasions,” D.Smooth said.

The shock he experienced came later, as he was standing next to fellow Team Kelly member Holly Brand and the rest of the top 8, waiting for the results of America’s live vote.

D.Smooth’s parents, sister, aunts and cousin were in the audience, waiting with him.

“I almost didn’t even hear my name called,” D.Smooth said. “Holly looked at me and hugged me. I was like, ‘Oh snap, they did say D.Smooth.’”

One thing he did hear over the crowd just then was the voice of his mom, Michelle Mitchell.

“I’m just so grateful that my mom was here to see this type of stuff from her son,” D.Smooth said. “It’s a great feeling. I know she’s proud of her baby boy. Hopefully, I’ll keep making her proud.”

He’s also continued to keep close to 15-year-old Ryley Tate Wilson of Montgomery, who was also in the semi-finals, but didn’t make the cut for top 5.

“We’ve had a lot of late night talks, especially after the results,” D.Smooth said. “He’s going to be OK. It was definitely a shocker. Hundred percent a shocker. The boy is just so talented. God has really blessed him.”

Hometown friends will be watching ‘The Voice’ Monday and Tuesday

Moseley and Felton have been hosting "The Voice” community watch parties for D.Smooth at their school this season, and they have more planned for Monday and Tuesday’s finals.

“We’re ready for it,” Felton said.  “That’s our baby right there.”

“I’ve been encouraging all of our kids to vote,” Moseley said. “We’ve got our shirts and everything.”

Moseley said she’s told D.Smooth’s mom that no matter what happens, he’s already won.

“He’s won the hearts of so many people,” Moseley said. “They can see what a great guy that he is… This is all in God’s time. I think this is his time right now.”

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: “The Voice’ finals: D.Smooth’s teachers say he was always talented