David A. Mitchell
David Anthony "D. Smooth" Mitchell (born September 28, 1997 in Mulga) is a singer and pianist who competed in the finals of the NBC series "The Voice".
Mitchell is the son of Anthony and Michelle Mitchell and grew up singing in his church choir. In 2016 he graduated from Minor High School, where he played football and performed as a vocalist with the jazz band. He studied at Faulkner University in Montgomery for three semesters before returning to Birmingham to take a job in construction so he could afford to buy a car. He switched into a retail position that allowed him to take classes at Lawson State Community College. He got involved in the local music community, picking up various gigs for weddings and parties. He then returned to Montgomery where he worked as a fitness trainer and continued to pursue opportunities in music. He performed at an "Apollo Night" at B.B. King's Blues Club which led to a regular booking. He also began working for UPS and was quickly promoted to manager.
During the COVID pandemic a friend signed him up for an audition for "The Voice." He was invited to California for the 21st season's blind auditions, but dropped at the last minute. He was invited back for 22nd season, but not chosen. He ended up making it onto the show's 23rd season when Kelly Clarkson selected him during his performance of "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran. He made the show's finals where he sang a duet with Clarkson on "Slow Dancing in the Dark", and ended up finishing in 3rd place.
References
- Colurso, Mary (May 15, 2023) "Who is D.Smooth, ‘The Voice’ finalist from Alabama?" AL.com
- Louissaint, Magdala (June 15, 2023) "'It's just the beginning': D Smooth returns to Birmingham after taking 3rd place on 'The Voice'." wvtm13.com
- Posey, Sym (December 22, 20232) "Encore Theatre and Gallery’s ‘Soul of Christmas with ‘D. Smooth’ Runs Dec. 21- 23." The Birmingham Times
External links
- David Mitchell on Facebook.com
- D. Smooth at NBC.com