In a surprising turn of events on this season of The Voice, Tom Nitti, a standout contestant on Reba McEntire’s team, made the difficult decision to exit the show, leaving fans both inspired and heartbroken. However, his departure was not due to the usual reasons contestants leave the stage; instead, it was prompted by a deep and personal struggle – a custody battle for his two children.
Tom took to social media to express his gratitude for the overwhelming support he received, saying, “Thank you everyone for the support. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I walked the road of my dream for a bit and loved every minute of it. I’m also quite certain I’m where I need to be right now. I ain’t ever giving up on this dream, and my two kids know that.”
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His touching message concluded with lyrics from the song “‘Til You Can’t” by Cody Johnson, a track he performed during the Battles round. “If you’re gonna love somebody, hold them as long and as strong and as close as you can, till you can’t.”
Nitti’s journey on The Voice began with a soulful rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” in the Blinds round, earning him a coveted spot on Reba McEntire’s team. He later showcased his talent in the Battles with “‘Til You Can’t” alongside Dylan Carter and the Knockouts with the Temptations’ “(I Know) I’m Losing You.”
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What many viewers may not know is that Tom initially qualified for The Voice’s 23rd season but had to defer a year due to his commitment as a New York State Trooper. Just five months before the commencement of season 24, he filed for divorce, facing a tumultuous period in his personal life. He admitted that during the Knockouts, he received an email from his lawyers urging him to return home as his ex-wife sought primary custody of their children.
In a candid interview with the Utica Observer-Dispatch, Nitti revealed, “I made this choice not because I missed my kids but because I couldn’t imagine losing them.” The emotional toll was evident when McEntire super-saved him during the Knockouts, offering him a lifeline to continue on the show.
Reflecting on his decision, Nitti expressed satisfaction but questioned whether it should have come to that point. “I am happy with the decision I made, but should it have come to that point? Absolutely not.”
Reba McEntire, touched by Tom’s journey, shared, “We’ve been emailing back and forth, and all of our hearts went out to him ’cause he couldn’t finish the competition. He is so strong, so good. He’s gonna be watching and cheering all of us on, but our hearts are with him.”
Tom Nitti hopes that one day, his children will understand the sacrifice he made, saying, “I’m hoping one day my kids will be able to see why I did what I did instead of just thinking that I quit.”
As fans bid farewell to Tom Nitti on The Voice, they are left with a poignant reminder that life’s challenges sometimes take precedence over even the grandest of dreams.
