When Jake Tankersley walked onto the stage of The Voice Season 26, he wasn't just another guy with a guitar. He was a 31-year-old father of four from Sand Springs, Oklahoma, carrying a baritone so deep it felt like it had been aged in a bourbon barrel. Most contestants are lucky to get one chair to turn. Jake? He got all four.
Honestly, the moment he started singing Zach Bryan’s "Something in the Orange," you could feel the energy in the room shift. It wasn't just a cover; it was a statement. He had this low, gravelly texture that Gwen Stefani immediately latched onto. She even blocked Reba McEntire—the queen of country herself—just to make sure she had a fighting chance at landing him.
But then something weird happened.
Instead of going with the pop icon or the smooth Michael Bublé, Jake Tankersley chose Snoop Dogg. It was the first four-chair turn of the season, and he became the very first member of Team Snoop. Everyone was floored. A country worship leader from Oklahoma pairing up with the "D-O-Double-G"? It felt like a fever dream, but Jake saw something in Snoop’s business mogul status and genuine appreciation for "real" music that made sense to him.
The Journey from Sand Springs to the Big Stage
Jake’s story didn't start in a Hollywood studio. It started in the church pews of Cedar Point Church in Claremore, where he serves as a worship pastor. He’s been a family man since he was 18, marrying his wife, Ashleigh, and becoming a father of four by the time he was 24.
He almost didn't even audition.
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It was Ashleigh who pushed him. He was hesitant, probably thinking about the responsibility of four kids and a steady life in Oklahoma. But when he hit that stage, he looked like he’d been doing it for decades. Maybe because he had. Jake’s been gigging in local bars and restaurants across Oklahoma for years, often playing late-night sets after his kids were tucked into bed.
Before The Voice, he actually tried his luck on American Idol Season 15 back in 2016. He used the stage name Jake Dillon then and even snagged a golden ticket. He was a plumber’s apprentice at the time. Life has a funny way of circling back, though. The experience he gained from those early "Jake Dillon" days clearly paid off when he stepped back into the spotlight years later with more maturity and a lot more to lose.
The Team Snoop Era and the Shocking Steal
Working with Snoop Dogg was, in Jake's own words, "insane." Snoop turned out to be a massive country fan. During the Battles, Jake went head-to-head with Brad Sample, performing a rendition of "Stuck on You." Snoop eventually picked Jake as the winner, praising his confidence and claiming he had the potential to "coast to the championship."
But the road got rocky during the Knockouts.
Jake performed Luke Combs’ "Going, Going, Gone." He was up against some heavy hitters like Austyns Stancil and Christina Eagle. Snoop ended up choosing Austyns, leaving Jake vulnerable. This is where the season got wild. Both Gwen Stefani and Michael Bublé used their Steals to try and grab him.
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Jake decided to head over to Team Gwen. It felt like a full-circle moment since she was the one who blocked Reba for him in the first place. He was finally on the team of the woman who saw his potential before anyone else.
Why Jake Tankersley the Voice Journey Ended Early
Despite the four-chair hype and the double steal, Jake didn't make it to the finale. During the Top 20 Playoffs, he performed "The Painter" by Cody Johnson. Vocally, it was solid. Professional critics gave him an "A" for the vocal delivery, but the feedback from the coaches and viewers was a bit more nuanced.
Some felt he lacked "stage presence."
While his voice was impeccable, he stayed behind his guitar, looking a bit stationary compared to the high-energy performers on Gwen’s team. Gwen eventually had to make the impossible cut. She chose to move forward with Jan Dan and Sydney Sterlace, leaving Jake, Jose Luis, and Gabrielle Zabosky to head home.
It was a controversial exit. Many fans felt that "The Voice" should be about, well, the voice, and Jake had one of the best of the season. But that's the reality of modern TV competitions; it’s a total package deal.
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What’s Next for Jake Tankersley?
If you think he’s gone back to just being a plumber or staying quiet in Claremore, you’re wrong. Since the show, Jake has been incredibly active in the Oklahoma music scene. He’s been playing iconic venues like Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa and the Coleman Theatre in Miami.
He’s also releasing music. He finally put out his version of "Something in the Orange" and a new single called "Stuck on You."
Key Lessons from Jake's Run:
- Risk pays off: He didn't want to audition, but doing so changed his career trajectory.
- Authenticity matters: He stayed true to his country roots, even when paired with a rapper.
- The show is just a platform: Not winning doesn't mean the end. Jake’s streaming numbers on Spotify for older tracks like "Money Man" and "My Dad's Truck" have seen a massive bump.
He’s proving that you don’t need the trophy to build a sustainable career in country music. He’s got the talent, the family support, and now, a national fanbase that knows exactly what he’s capable of.
If you’re looking to support Jake's post-show career, your best bet is to catch him live. He’s frequently booking shows at Track 5 in Catoosa and various spots around Tulsa. You can find his full schedule and his 18-song album, The Little Things, on most streaming platforms. Supporting independent artists directly through their websites or by attending local gigs is the most effective way to help them stay on the map after the TV cameras turn off.