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He was the little kid with the big voice – one that soared like a Fourth of July rocket.
At 8, Jonathan Cox of Lenoir won a 4-H talent contest belting out “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”; at 12, he hit the high notes on “The Star Spangled Banner” at a Carolina Panthers-Dallas Cowboys game in Charlotte.
And today, at 18, he'll perform for millions on “Can You Duet?” That's a national TV talent show from the producers of “American Idol.”
“It's so exciting it doesn't feel real,” said Jonathan, who auditioned for the show in March with his best friend, Morgan Franklin, 16.” “But it certainly is real. This has been a crazy ride.”
Morgan didn't make the cut and judges paired Jonathan with Brandon Green, 23, of Lucedale, Miss. Billed as JB Rocket – a name that combines their first initials with a reference to Rocket Dog shoes, they're among 20 finalists in the CMT music series that begins its second season at 8 p.m. They'll sing the Dixie Chicks' “Long Time Gone.”
Celebrity judges include country music superstar Naomi Judd, Big Kenny of the country duo Big and Rich, and Scott Borchetta, president and CEO of Big Machine Records.
When the competition ends in about six weeks, the winning duo will land a Big Machine recording contract. Jonathan has already made a positive impression.
He's singled out by Judd in a June 19 story by The Associated Press. “I was so completely mesmerized by this kid. I said to him, ‘You have one of the most remarkable talents I have ever seen in my lifetime.'”
Patriotic pieces
Jonathan grew up in Lenoir where his father, Roger, is pastor of Globe Baptist Church and his mother, April, a graphic designer.
Gospel music was an early passion, but he picked a patriotic piece for the Caldwell County 4-H Talent Show.
Jeanette Schuszler, head of the county 4-H, remembers the day well. Jonathan wore a navy blue suit and red bow tie and looked slightly nervous - until he opened his mouth, and the Battle Hymn boomed forth.
“Everybody knew he could sing, but, wow, we didn't know he was that good,” Schuszler said.
Jonathan won the contest. Then he sang at other 4-H events, performed patriotic numbers at July 4 celebrations, sang at gospel events from Texas to Maryland. Then came the invitation to sing at the Panthers' game. At each performance, his ability and ease on stage astounded those who watched.
“We knew he had the talent and the personality,” his mother said. “We always thought the Lord had big plans for him.”
Eyes on future
Jonathan and Morgan started singing together about five years ago. Last spring, they sent a video to the CMT talent-show audition and got an invitation to Nashville.
Headed to Tennessee with their mothers, Jonathan and Morgan were in high spirits. They sang along with whatever song came over the radio.
But rocky times were ahead. In Nashville, they waited outdoors more than eight hours for their turn. Then it was over in a flash – with Morgan getting the ax.
“It was pretty emotional, and bittersweet,” she said. “I was really happy for Jonathan – glad he got to go on. I'll help him any way I can.”
Jonathan and his new partner are writing songs together. Hanging out in Nashville, Jonathan went to the 2009 CMT Music Awards and sat near superstars Keith Urban and Brad Paisley.
His head was in the clouds. Now, his eyes are on the future.
“I'm going to pursue what this TV show has opened up,” Jonathan said. “From now on, I'll be living the dream.”
Regardless of what happens with his music career, “family and friends will keep me grounded,” Jonathan said. “I'll always have a place to call home and people who love me for what I am.”
And Morgan is still his best friend.
