The Voice's Jordan Smith Makes Chart History with 2 Back to Back Christian #1 Hits

By Timothy Yap Dec 12, 2015 04:32 AM EST

NBC's The Voice Jordan Smith makes chart history. Smith is the first artist in Billboard's Christian Song chart history to directly succeed himself at No. 1. Smith's rendition of Leonard Cohen's 1984 classic "Hallelujah" makes a historic opening at #1 replacing Smith's own "Great is Thy Faithfulness" which falls from 1-8 after two weeks on top of the chart. Since Hot Christian Songs launched in June 2003, Smith is the first artist to have two back to back #1 hits.

Smith, a 22-year-old student at Lee University (in Cleveland, Tenn.), performed the song onThe Voice Monday, Nov. 30. The single bows with 68,000 downloads sold, according to Nielsen Music. It also starts at the summit on Christian Digital Songs and No. 6 on the all-genre Digital Songs tally.

Jordan Smith's cover of "Hallelujah" has quickly become a favorite after his wonderful performance on The Voice.The judges all had high praise for Jordan's performance saying his singing is effortless and that his voice astonishes them every time. Adam Levine even said he got chills watching just watching just the rehearsal footage of Jordan's performance.

Smith's talent for singing started at a young age. His parents, Kelley and Geri Smith, are both musicians, and his Aunt Amy Cottrell is also an accomplished musician who was extremely influential for Smith. He started singing and playing drums at church, House of Mercy in Wallins Creek, at an early age.

He describes his parents as being musically inclined and says that some of his fondest memories are of them harmonizing together and singing all the time. When Smith was in middle school, his grandfather told him about a concert featuring Lee Singers. Growing up, Smith participated in a choir, led by director Jeanne Anne Lee, from fifth grade until his high school graduation.

"This platform has opened so many doors for me and has allowed me so many opportunities to make music in lots of different ways," said Smith. "At this time, I'm just waiting prayerfully and doing my best. Whatever happens, I know I will continue to make music and lead worship wherever I go. While my future is unsure at this moment, I know who holds the future, and I will continue to move and trust in God's plan for me."