Reality Star of the Week: The heartbreaking reason Tom Nitti chose his family over 'The Voice'
NEW HARTFORD, NEW YORK: When Tom Nitti suddenly departed 'The Voice' Season 24 during the playoff rounds last month, claiming 'personal reasons', the Team Reba country singer didn't provide many details about why he had to quit.
Tom finally spoke up about the terrible situation at home that pushed him to decide on a December 6 interview with the Utica Observer-Dispatch.
"It's always been a dream of mine to pursue music full-time, but I can't do that without a cushion," said Tom, a New York State trooper and former Airborne Cavalry Scout who received a Purple Heart after suffering major brain damage in an Afghan mortar strike.
"As a dad, I need to make sure my children will be supported," he told me.
According to Tom, performing in front of thousands of people has always been his dream. However, after becoming a father, his objective shifted to becoming known locally and supporting his community.
"The biggest misconception is that people think I went on the show knowing I'd leave," said the father of two small children, who grieved leaving his children when he traveled to Afghanistan for numerous rotations and while attending airborne school and warrior commander training.
"It all happened so quickly, and I needed to make a fast decision. I chose my family, and I’ll tell you why."
The 'gut-wrenching' experience compelled Tom to leave the show, "not because I missed my kids, but because I couldn't imagine losing them," he told the newspaper.
"I am happy with the decision I made, but should it have come to that point? Absolutely not," he added. Even though he departed before the programs aired live, Tom admitted that he was unprepared for the reaction to his departure during the pre-taped portion of the season.
“I never believed that things were meant to be until this all happened,” Tom said. “The most positive thing from my experience on the show was the camaraderie I found among other vocalists.”
Tom Nitti missed out on auditioning for 'The Voice' Season 23
Tom, originally slated to participate in Season 23 of 'The Voice,' had to defer his involvement by a year due to insufficient notice given to the state police. In an interview with the Utica Observer-Dispatch on December 6, he revealed that while pursuing a full-time music career remained a long-term goal, his top priority was ensuring the well-being of his children, Rayleigh and Brently.
Is 'The Voice' Season 24 contestant Tom Nitti married?
Tom filed for divorce five months before Season 24 premiered. Tom stated that after facing up against Jacquie Roar in the knockout rounds, she asked him what was wrong when he appeared melancholy, despite Reba McEntire sparing him from elimination.
"I spilled my guts," he confessed. "I told her about how I had just received an email from my lawyers urging me to come home because my ex-wife was going after primary custody."
As per his Instagram postings, Tom might be seeing a fellow singer called, Ashley Bryant.
'The Voice' Season 24 contestant Tom Nitti dropped a new single
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Tom released a new original, 'One Night Stand', alongside fellow contestants BIAS and Lennon VanderDoes earlier this week. BIAS is still on the show, however, Lennon was booted after the playoff round when Gwen Stefani brought him back with a Super Save.
According to the newspaper, Tom has also penned a new song about his travels called 'Redemption Road'.
“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,” he added.