AMERICAN singer, songwriter Matthew Schuler got the fastest four-chair turn in the history of NBC’s The Voice. Schuler was immediately transformed into a fan favourite. His journey on the reality show was a memorable one, which included a mesmerising rendition of the Leonard Cohen classic, Hallelujah — his favourite in competition.

The singer, who was majoring in business at West Chester State University in Pennsylvania, took a semester off school to pursue music. Schuler was also an order-taker and sandwich-maker at a bagel shop. Although, his main focus has now been shifted to music, he still hopes to continue his education. The singer said: “I think I might have to take some online courses.” But no immediate date has been scheduled for a return visit to the bagel shop. “I have not gone back to the bagel shop yet,” Schuler said laughing. “I have to go back and see my old boss. I have [got] a lot of cool support, from them,” he added.

teenAGE asked the crooner about his first day in Jamaica. “I literally haven’t been in the island for more than 24 hours, but it has been amazing,” emphasised the 21-year-old. Schuler said he was surprised by the reception he received upon deplaning and being recognised immediately by persons who addressed him by name and gave him hugs. “I am very blessed and honoured that Jamaica has such a warm positivity about it,” he said.

After securing accommodations, The Voice alum made his way to international recording artiste Shaggy’s house for a Beats By Dre event. Schuler spoke fondly of the evening’s happenings: meeting Miss Jamaica and the food: “It was delicious,” he said of a jerked chicken lunch.

Schuler was invited to Jamaica to perform at Shaggy’s charity event, Shaggy and Friends on Saturday, January 4. The American said Jamaica can expect a good set with favourites from his stint on The Voice. “[I will incorporate] some of my favourite reggae songs and dancehall songs I’ve grown up listening to,” he added. Schuler said he intended to reciprocate the love he has experienced since his arrival through his performance this weekend. He further emphasised his connection to Jamaica’s music, recalling his purchase of Sean Paul’s The Trinity album as a youth.

Shaggy and Friends will be headlined by Jamaica Observer’s Personality of the Year and The Voice champ, Tessanne Chin. Schuler spoke fondly of “Tess”, whom he calls family. He said he is blessed to have met her. “I am so proud of her. I think she deserves it [winning The Voice’s fifth season]. She worked so hard and she is just such an amazing, humble human being.” He is elated to be billed alongside her at Shaggy and Friends. “It’s so much fun. I love seeing her in her success,” he added.

Schuler is accompanied on his visit to the island by members of his family, with whom he shares a close bond. He says he family grounds him and teaches him to love and how to be appreciative. “I wanna love people through my music,” Schuler, who is a Christian stated. One of his original songs Vices of Victory manifests his devotion. The song, he said, was borne out of conversations highlighting the struggles of youth at ‘Wednesday Night Worship’ — a gathering of a college group ‘Young Life’.