Montgomery's singing dentist Jerome Godwin III steps into knockouts on 'The Voice'

Jerome Godwin III’s next chance to shine could be as early as Monday night on NBC’s “The Voice,” as the competition leaps into the knockouts rounds.

“It’s similar to the battles, as far as us going against another contestant on our same team,” Godwin explained. “But we do not do a duet, per se. We do our own solo songs, and then our coach will choose one to advance.”

We’re still in segments that were recorded months ago, so there’s little Godwin can say about knockouts. But he does recall seeing some familiar faces in the audience: playoff pass winners Ryley Tate Wilson and D. Smooth of Montgomery, plus the other playoff pass winners — Manasseh Samone and Mary Kate Connor. They all get to skip the knockouts.

“That was pretty cool to have them there to cheer us on and show support,” Godwin said. “They know how it feels to be on the stage, and how nerves can get to you. Just to see them kind of helps ground you.”

Godwin’s mother and aunt were able to fly in to support him early in the competition during the blind auditions. As the episodes progress in California, he’s been receiving on-site mom support on the show as well from Ryley Tate and Mary Kate’s mothers.

“I know them quite well,” Godwin said. “They’re on there being big supporters and cheerleaders for us all."

He continued to thank everyone their support.

“All of the posts, the messages and the calls that I’ve been receiving from friends, family and supporters out there, it’s been very cool to see all of y’all supporting the talent from Montgomery.”

Coach Niall being generous with time for team

Godwin enjoys working with his celebrity coach Niall Horan, who Godwin said is amazing.

“He’s very intentional with everything that he tells everyone on the team,” Godwin said. “He’s very involved with us. He’s not afraid to hop on a Zoom with us, email us or give us his time.”

That time is extra precious right now for Horan, who is preparing to release his third studio album “The Show” on June 9. He released the single ‘Heaven’ in February, and a second single from it called “Meltdown” will be released on April 28.

“This album is a piece of work I’m so proud of and now it’s time to pass it over to you and make it your own,” Horan wrote on social media.

“The fact that he’s making himself available to us is showing a lot about his character, and how excited he is to work with us,” Godwin said.

Godwin’s battle round

Godwin advanced after winning the battle round against Talia Smith on their duet of Sam Smith’s “Like I Can.”

“Going through my duet with Talia was very cool,” Godwin said. “I’m pretty comfortable singing with other people, because I sing with a lot of people at my church. I do background vocals and have experience orchestrating and composing full arrangements and whatnot. So this round was definitely very fun for me.”

It was a solid performance, but Godwin said he couldn’t help but have some anxiety while waiting for coach Niall Horan to make his decision.

“Whoever didn’t win that round goes home,” Godwin said. “I wasn’t ready to go home just yet.”

It’s worth noting that Godwin is the only one of the three remaining Montgomery contestants to win his battle round. Ryley Tate Wilson (also a member of Team Niall) and D.Smooth (Team Kelly) both technically lost, but both received playoff passes to keep them in the competition and move them past knockouts into the playoffs.

“I didn’t think about it like that, but that’s true,” Godwin said.

There’s a closeness between the three, emotionally and residentially.

“D.Smooth lives five minutes from Ryley Tate, and I live about eight minutes away from them,” Godwin said. “It’s kind of crazy how we’re all advancing, and that we’re even on the show.”

As fame rises, Godwin’s planning for music, but keeping outings to minimum

Back in Montgomery, Godwin recently joined Ryley Tate and D.Smooth at a “The Voice” watch party held at Ryley Tate’s church.

“I did get to meet up with them, and we were able to talk and catch up,” Godwin said. “It’s been a little bit since we were able to see each other… How many times can you say that all of your friends are on national television, and watch it together?”

Fame’s been growing for Godwin, who said he’s getting recognized when he goes out shopping. He said he’s been getting a lot of support on Auburn University Montgomery’s campus, where he’s a pre-dentistry student.

“A lot of them come up and ask me about my experience, and that’s pretty cool to share with them,” Godwin said.

Godwin said his family is still supporting both of his paths, through voice and teeth. He’s on his way to becoming a dentist, and works at a dental practice.

“As the show is going on, we’re all for music at the moment,” Godwin said. “I guess the publicity and exposure that I’m getting has opened their eyes to new things.”

Whatever happens next, you’ll definitely be hearing more from Godwin after this season of “The Voice.” He’s ready to push his artistry while attention is high.

“After the show is over, I’m definitely going to start releasing more music, doing more shows and putting myself out there more,” Godwin said.

That said, he’s been keeping in for the most part while in California, aside from going grocery shopping and going to Walmart. Contestants are encouraged to mostly stay at their hotel.

“I don’t do too much adventure,” Godwin said. “I’m being safe with COVID and everything. I don’t want to risk catching anything.”

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: Montgomery's Jerome Godwin III stepping into knockouts on 'The Voice'