Thanks to a performance by contestant Jeremy Rosado, viewers of “The Voice” this week heard about the “Reckless Love” of God. The song by Bethel Music’s Cory Asbury proclaims the “overwhelming, never-ending” love of God, who “leaves the 99” to find the lost one.
On Monday, Rosado’s rendition of “Reckless Love” earned him a standing ovation from the studio audience and his celebrity coach, Kelly Clarkson.
Who Is Jeremy Rosado?
Rosado, 29, isn’t new to TV singing competitions. Ten years ago, he placed 13th in season 11 of “American Idol,” where celebrity judge Jennifer Lopez nicknamed him “Jer-Bear.” Exposure from that show helped launch Rosado’s career as a Christian artist and a church worship leader.
In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Rosado describes growing up in a large Puerto Rican family in Queens, New York, where he and his siblings performed “shows” for relatives. After moving to Florida, Rosado sang in his high school’s gospel choir and participated in every talent show he could find.
He also helped his mom raise his niece and eventually became the girl’s legal guardian. “She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he says of Jocelyn, now a college freshman. “I definitely had to push the music aside because I had to provide for my daughter, to be a single dad. [But now] I’m able to actually take a chance [with music] because it’s her turn to spread her wings.”
Jeremy Rosado Gives Glory to God
Of his run on “American Idol,” Rosado admits he “had a lot of immaturity vocally back then,” at age 19. But the publicity led to lots of offers and opportunities, including going on concert tours, making three albums, and serving as worship leader at Free Life Chapel in Lakeland, Florida, from 2015 to 2018. And all that experience helped mold Rosado into “a totally different singer” from his “Idol” days, he says.
On “The Voice,” Rosado says his hook is being “this big emotional guy who sings the big emotional songs.” To his coach, he pitches songs—including worship music—that “kind of play to my story, or that I feel so deeply.”
Rosado has cited Francesca Battistelli, Kirk Franklin, and Israel Houghton as his musical influences. The singer’s three albums are available on Spotify and Apple Music.
When his latest TV gig is over, Rosado says he plans to release a new album. He also has a “game plan in my head” for next steps, including what he hopes will be a major record deal. Another goal involves working in Christian broadcasting, “even locally” at Florida radio stations.
Following Monday’s performance of “Reckless Love,” Rosado took to social media to glorify God and thank his supporters. “Last night wasn’t about me, it was about HIM,” he posted on Instagram. “I’m not sure how America received this performance, it’s seems mixed between people online but what I do know for sure is that, the millions of lives that were impacted and told about the love of Jesus is worth it! Thank you family for sticking with me and for voting last night, praying for the best! I love you.”
