THE entertainment fraternity was given a much-needed lifeline in September, when singer Tessanne Chin auditioned for the NBC talent show, The Voice.

Many questioned the decision by the Hideaway singer, noting that she was already an established artiste in Jamaica. Why would she want to enter a competition for aspirants.

However, the Doubting Thomases were answered in no uncertain terms on September 25, when Chin stepped onto the stage for the blind auditions and wowed all four coaches.

Since then, she has also cemented her place in the hearts of Jamaicans, and achieved her goal of reaching a wide audience with her music.

Chin’s weekly appearances on The Voice has had fans glued to their television sets.

With nine performances under her belt, the 28-year-old Chin is now in the finals of the competition, which concludes next Tuesday. She is pitted against 16-year-old Jacquie Lee and Will Champlin.

This is the first time in two decades that a Jamaican female artiste is receiving such international attention. It was Diana King who last took the spotlight 20 years ago, thanks to her breakout single Shy Guy.

Cultural commentator Clyde McKenzie weighed in on the potential impact Chin’s appearance on The Voice could have for the Jamaican entertainment industry.

In an earlier interview with the Jamaica Observer, McKenzie noted: “Her sister (singer) Tami could get caught in this as well as an artiste like Shaggy, who encouraged her to enter The Voice. This could foster his re-emergence.”

Chin’s engaging personality and vocal talent have endeared her to many, including Adam Levine, lead singer of Maroon 5 and her coach on The Voice. It is now on to the homestretch, but for many, Chin has already won The Voice.