With 49,190 likes on Facebook, more than 80,500 Twitter followers and 38,075 Instagram followers — not to mention all that national TV time — 18-year-old country singer Jake Worthington has had a heck of a year. The runner-up on season six of NBC's The Voice was joined by family, friends and fans at IW Marks Jewelers on Thursday night to celebrate his success and wish him luck on his upcoming tour.
The La Porte hometown star eagerly signed autographs and posed for pictures with his devoted fans a few days before heading out on tour with The Voice past stars and this season’s finalists. The tour kicks off in San Antonio Saturday and includes a Monday night stop in Houston at the Bayou Music Center.
Erica Rico and Tim Tuttle from The New 93 Q Morning Zoo show and Houston Texans vice chairman and COO Cal McNair stopped by to wish Worthington good luck on the tour. Rico and Tuttle had Worthingont on their radio show three times during his season on The Voice.
“He is still the same down-to-earth guy we met at the beginning of the season, nothing has changed,” Tuttle said. Tuttle believes that, with country artist Blake Shelton backing him, Worthington will be a huge success.
“He is still the same down-to-earth guy we met at the beginning of the season, nothing has changed."
Worthington's aunt, Tammy Lopez, also believes that he will become a big star. “His charisma and loving personality is something you just can’t teach someone and I strongly believe that he will become a very successful country artist.”
His girlfriend, Taylor Branstetter, stood by his side the entire night. “I am so proud of him. This has been such a growing experience for him that I am so lucky to be a part of," she said.
Also joining in the excitement were Worthington's parents, Bubba and Wendy Worthington, Hannah McNair, Brad and Joanna Marks, Miss Jr. Teen Texas Jessica Hall, Matt Hibbetts, Bethany Hartland, Tiffany Martin and Martin Wild.
As the party was coming to an end, with food and drinks catered by Fireside Subs, Worthington made his fans proud, singing to them and taking selfies with everyone.
While making brief remarks, he held back tears as thanked those who had turned out to wish him good luck. “I couldn’t have made it through this journey without the help and support of my family and friends," he said. "I am so grateful for everyone who was there for me and words cannot express how thankful I am for each and every one of you.”
After his emotions almost got the best of him, he finished the night off with a final song.
Shaina Park, from left, Jake Worthington and Stevi Maytubby.
