Jeff Jenkins has rediscovered his voice.

The Jones Creek native credits NBC’s new talent show the Voice, which enters the all-important live rounds this week, with rekindling his love of music.

“My mom passed away a year ago, and between the time of her passing and finding out about the Voice, I hadn’t done any performing,” he says. “When I heard about the show, and the concept, I really felt like this was my chance to get back in the game.”

Jenkins and several other singers made it past the initial “blind” auditions solely on the strength of their voices. He piqued the interest of all four celebrity panelists but chose Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine as his mentor. last week, Jenkins easily beat another vocalist during the battle rounds, which narrowed the field to just 16, including Austin’s Nakia, Gilmer’s Curtis Grimes and ousted American Idol diva Frenchie Davis.

“In the past, I had auditioned for American Idol. I didn’t make it, as you can see,” Jenkins says. “I am a strong believer in fate and timing, and I just think everything lined up for me.”

“What the Voice offers is a chance for people like me, who aren’t models, the opportunity to show our gifts, without the judgment of our appearance. I think that our generation wants to see real people.”

The live episodes kick off tonight and run through June 28. Contestants from each team will compete against each other, and viewer votes will save one singer from each group, leaving the coaches (Levine, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton) to decide live who they want to save and who will not move on. Four finalists will remain, and one will be crowned the Voice.

It’s a fresh spin on the familiar genre that’s connecting with audiences. the show is averaging 12.6 million viewers and ranks second only to American Idol this season in adults ages 18-49. It also makes no qualms about including seasoned singers who have yet to find a large audience.

Here is a look at the Texas boys in the running and a few of their fiercest competitors. (And don’t count out Xenia and Lily Elise, who could continue to surprise.)

Jeff Jenkins: the unassuming boy from Brazoria County has endeared himself to viewers with a strong back story and an expressive voice. His “blind” rendition of a Rascal Flatts tune likely had you misty-eyed. but don’t be fooled by his shy demeanor. Jenkins has proved a strong presence when it counts. He has a real shot at taking the whole thing.

Nakia: an openly gay Austinite with blues, soul and grit to spare. Nakia has been a familiar Texas face for years, and it’s refreshing to see him excel on such a large stage. His strength is in the contradictory nature of his package. There’s a sweet/tart, gentle/fierce sort of dynamic happening — wrapped inside a lovably bearded package. another one with a genuine shot at the win.

Curtis Grimes: the Gilmer native has gotten less screen time than some of his competitors. but he amped up the buzz during the battle rounds, sharing a smooch with singer Emily Valentine during their rendition of Lady Antebellum’s need you Now. It was honestly the most interesting part of their uneven performance. Grimes will have to fight hard to stick around much longer.

Frenchie Davis: the big-voiced diva was unfairly eliminated from Idol several years ago over some naughty photos. her success here, then, must be particularly sweet. Davis has the potential to steamroll the competition if she’s paired with the right song and showcases all the colors of her gorgeous voice.

Casey Weston: A shy athlete who wowed during the battle rounds with an emotive vocal and a surprising sense of confidence. Weston’s challenge will be to retain her musical integrity and stand out among females with bigger personalities.

Javier Colon: A striking performance of Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time made Colon the frontrunner early in the season. He’s a former major-label act who has performed with Joss Stone, Darius Rucker, the Indigo Girls and Anthony Hamilton. He’d need very little grooming to morph into a star.

Vicci Martinez: There’s something heart-wrenching about Martinez’s performances, which seem to come from a place of intense passion. Watching her onstage is like thunder and lightning. her take on Adele’s Rolling in the Deep and Pink’s Perfect have been season standouts.

Beverly McClellan: Here’s another strong female presence with an unlikely look and approach to music. McClellan doesn’t fit the “star” mold, and that’s the best thing about her.

The Voice airs at 8 p.m. Tuesdays on Channel 2.

Here’s who to watch on The Voice

Related Reading:

Valentine's Day