Who is JaRae Womack? 'The Voice' Season 24 singer and single mum shares lineage with Sam Cooke and Bobby Womack

JaRae Womack featured as an artist on the song 'We Thank You' - a tribute to Nelson Mandela
UPDATED OCT 10, 2023
'The Voice' Season 24 contestant JaRae Womack is Sam Cooke's great-grandfather and Bobby Womack's niece (Spotify, Instagram/@jaraewomack)
'The Voice' Season 24 contestant JaRae Womack is Sam Cooke's great-grandfather and Bobby Womack's niece (Spotify, Instagram/@jaraewomack)

UNIVERSAL CITY, CALIFORNIA: Bobby Womack's niece, JaRae Womack, took the 'The Voice' Season 24 stage wearing what may be the season's most eye-catching ensemble.

But the four-chair turn contestant's shaved head became the least intriguing thing about her the moment she opened her mouth.

This single mother put her singing career on hold to raise her kid, but she returned with a bang, receiving all four chair turns with her rendition of 'Back to Black' by Amy Winehouse.



 

"Is this real?" JaRae asked. "Somebody come pinch me."

Niall Horan applauded her for playing the unforgettable and haunting ballad in her own unique style, adding, “You completely made it your own…standout performance.”

Reba McEntire appreciated the "quality" of her tones even though she couldn't recognize the song, ending up comparing JaRae to some country greats.

Gwen Stefani praised her for using her rasp when appropriate throughout the song, "I loved all the breathiness, the rasp. Really powerful, emotional."

'The Voice' Season 24 contestant JaRae Womack (Instagram/jaraewomack)
'The Voice' Season 24 contestant JaRae Womack (Instagram/@jaraewomack)

JaRae Womack picks Team Legend on 'The Voice' Season 24

John could tell she was a genuine and soulful vocalist. He eventually won her over by praising Jarae's vocals for their "drama" and "energy" and expressing his admiration for her ability to own the words.

He is most likely the only coach who has heard of the Womack brothers, making it an easier decision for JaRae.

JaRae Womack picks Coach John Legend on 'The Voice' Season 24 (Instagram/jaraewomack)
JaRae Womack picks coach John Legend on 'The Voice' Season 24 (Instagram/@jaraewomack)

'The Voice' singer JaRae Womack has an extensive musical background

JaRae's great-grandfather was soul legend Sam Cooke, and she is Bobby Womack's niece.

Jarae stated in a video profile she made on YouTube seven years ago that her heritage comes with high expectations.

She certainly lives up to her lineage in the excellent 2014 track 'Sound of a Woman,' which was created to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

'The Voice' Season 24 contestant JaRae Womack (Instagram/jaraewomack)
'The Voice' Season 24 contestant JaRae Womack featured in a tribute to Nelson Mandela (Instagram/@jaraewomack)

'The Voice' singer JaRae Womack auditioned in front of Demi Lovato

JaRae is one of three musicians featured on 'We Thank You,' a song released in 2013–14 to honor Nelson Mandela.

JaRae was driving for Lyft to make ends meet in 2017 when she was called to audition for a corporate ad.

She was astonished to be performing in front of pop diva Demi Lovato when she came for the audition. JaRae described the incident as "a moment I will never forget" on social media.

'The Voice' Season 24 contestant JaRae Womack and Demi Lovato (Instagram/jaraewomack)
'The Voice' Season 24 contestant JaRae Womack with Demi Lovato (Instagram/@jaraewomack)

'The Voice' Season 24 airs on Mondays and Tuesdays on NBC at 9 pm ET.

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