It’s easy to see when you’re “marked” for greatness. Star quality. Eclectic talent. Fireball. NBC ‘The Voice’ season 9 alumni Mark Hood is all that and more; a poster child of perseverance, determination when destiny meets favor.
Most notably known as a ball of energy, who could sing anything, from soul to R&B with heavenly runs and adlibs galore on #TeamPharrell, Hood indeed, made his mark. Bouncing from one side of the stage to the next like a boomerang, every performance, with standing ovations and judges praise to boot, made Hood an unforgettable force.
Like a thief stealing the show, Hood performed classics, including “Use Me” by Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye’s and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” with his unique spin and timeless talent.
Despite an early departure, peeking in the Top 12 finalists, Hood soars to bigger and better. The Source caught up with Hood in his home city, Chicago, as he talked about his journey on the show, what he loves about Pharrell, new music and more.
Why did you audition for The Voice, why not American Idol, America’s Got Talent or other talent shows?
“I will say- with no shade at all- I do think The Voice has the best talent on TV, it’s just a different caliber from any show. I auditioned for The Voice a couple years ago and I didn’t make it, so I was over it, thinking I have a budding career as an actor so I’m good.
The opportunity to audition came about again and again and then a third time so I felt God was telling me to get this blessing, so I’m glad I did.”
What was it like working with Pharrell?
“Pharrell is literally one of the most humble, spiritual human beings I’ve ever met in my life. His whole spirit is calming and all about helping. There’s not an ill intention in him and if there is he does such a good job at hiding it because I just don’t believe it’s there.
Working with him was so phenomenal because I really got to build a friendship with him, we connected on a different level. I always say I don’t understand why Pharrell loved me as much as he did- he would always continue to call my name and choose me when everybody was good.”
Now that The Voice is over, have you talked to him?
“Yes, I actually brought in my birthday with him. We’re going to be working together on my project so I’m excited about that.”
What’s the project you’re working on?
“I have an EP coming out next year that I’m really excited about. Pharrell has a sound that he wants for it and I do as well so I’m excited about diving in. I’ve already started recording- I got some good producers and writers for it.
This will be a new introduction for me as an artist- people haven’t heard new music from me for awhile. I put out music years ago but have been focused on acting.”
What’s your relationship like now with your Voice co-stars?
“Today (December 19) is Celeste Betton birthday, so I have to call her and I was FaceTiming Darius Scott the other day- I talk to them all the time. You become a family; we lived together in a hotel for months so you get close to everyone who are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.”
And congratulations to Jordan Smith who won The Voice this season…
“It was a very well deserved win, he is an anomaly. The man can sing anything with a big voice. He’s so nice and humble and he brought me back to sing with him on the Finale.”
THE VOICE — “Live Playoffs” Episode 913B — Pictured: Mark Hood — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)
What’s something fans of the show would be surprised to know about behind the scenes?
“I was surprised when I got there to see the stage was way bigger than I thought it was. As an entertainer, I’m all about working the stage- running and spinning around- so I was in heaven!
One time when we got to the live stage, there’s these areas that you could go to, but they said, ‘Alright Mark, you’re not supposed to go down here, but we know that you are, so we’re going to set some boundaries right now. Everybody else, they can’t go down there, but we know, if we tell you that you can’t, you’re still going to do it, so Mark, for camera purposes, please do not go pass this point or we won’t catch you.’
And I tried to respect- but I may have crossed the line in a group number, but let’s not talk about that! I was feeling it man!
But the stage is home. I feel more comfortable on stage than walking down the street, which is crazy. I just love to be there and it’s not about the lights, it’s just a comfort ability I have there, I can be free and do anything.”
As you look back, do you have any regrets?
“No regrets; I feel like I followed the path God lead me on and I did everything, including having faith, so everything that was supposed to happen, happened. Top 12 was what was ordained for me for the show. I never thought in a million years I’d get to the Top 12 and that was huge!
But if I had to change anything, maybe some song choices would have been different because song choice is key, but you live and you learn. But overall, the experience was so incredible, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Do you find that your friends and family treat you differently now?
“I wouldn’t say differently, but sometimes I have to remind my family, ‘OK, let’s just be regular today!’ I’ll see my parents and they’ll just want to talk about the show and my career and I’m like, ‘Hey, yo, let’s just chill!’ When I go outside in the streets I have to talk about it and take pictures, so when I come home, I just want to chill. And I love them and they’re not overbearing with it but that’s one small thing.
But the way life is turned, I can’t believe it is how it is; I’m getting recognized on the streets now. But that kind of stuff, I’m not in it for. Some people thrive off of that stuff, but for me it’s weird, like, ‘Oh my gosh, people notice me’ when I just love to do this.”
What can fans expect from you next year, aside from your EP?
“Most people know I’m an actor as well and people ask me which one [compared to singing] do I love more, but I’m absolutely that Tyrese or Jennifer Hudson who can spend three months touring then three months filming a movie.
Jennifer is the mold of what I want; she has a Grammy, an Oscar and she’s about to get a Tony Award for her role as Suge Avery in The Color Purple!
As an actor, I have opportunities in some popular TV shows and I’m doing Sister Act: The Musical regionally at the Marriott Theater next year. So The Voice did exactly what it was supposed to do; it put me in front of the right people to get me to the next level of success.”
Follow Mark on his official website and Instagram!
Photo credit: Trae Patton/NBC
