The Incredible Journey of Tessanne Chin: From Struggles to Stardom.

In 2013, when a Jamaican reggae singer named Tessanne Chin stepped onto the stage of *The Voice*, she captivated audiences and coaches alike, making all four turn their chairs.

Little did anyone know that this moment would not only mark her as a standout talent but also lead her to become the first foreign-born winner in the show’s history.

However, behind this remarkable achievement lay a story of personal struggles, resilience, and a journey that would test her resolve in ways few could imagine.

Early Life: A Musical Foundation

Tessanne Chin was born Christine Amanda Chin on September 20, 1985, in Kingston, Jamaica. Music was in her blood; her father, Richard Chin, played drums for a band called The Carnations, while her mother, Christine Chin, sang and played the trumpet.

Growing up in a tight-knit Cuban-American family, Tessanne was surrounded by music from an early age. The family home even had its own recording studio, fostering an environment where creativity flourished.

Tessanne wasn’t just another child playing outside; she was a little girl with big dreams, often found singing into hairbrushes and memorizing every Janet Jackson routine she could find.

Her parents recognized her passion and enrolled her in vocal lessons and dance classes. By the age of nine, Tessanne was performing in musical theater tours across the country, belting out Broadway standards in packed auditoriums.

For her family, these performances were not merely about applause; they were a means of survival amid financial struggles.

The Move to England

At the age of 12, Tessanne’s life took a dramatic turn when her family relocated to England. This move was prompted by her mother’s ties to Britain, but for young Tessanne, landing in a predominantly white area felt like a culture shock.

She faced challenges in school, filling out forms that asked her to identify her race. The experience was daunting, yet it forged her identity and made her cling to her Jamaican roots even more fiercely.

In England, Tessanne coped with the upheaval by writing songs, channeling her emotions into her music. The exposure to different sounds and cultures enriched her artistry, but Jamaica remained her heartbeat.

When the family returned to Jamaica, Tessanne joined the reggae rock band Mile High, performing at various music festivals and opening for renowned artists.

Rise to Fame: The Breakthrough

In 2006, Tessanne released her debut single, “Hideaway,” which quickly gained traction on Caribbean radio and beyond.

The song’s success marked her transition from a backup singer to a solo artist ready to take on the world.

Following up with tracks like “Black Books” and “Broken Melody,” Tessanne continued to build her reputation in the music industry.

However, the real turning point came in September 2013 when reggae superstar Shaggy encouraged her to audition for *The Voice*.

On September 24, during the blind auditions, Tessanne performed Pink’s “Try,” and within seconds, all four coaches—Adam Levine, CeeLo Green, Christina Aguilera, and Blake Shelton—had turned their chairs.

This moment was surreal for Tessanne, who had worked tirelessly to reach this point.

Choosing Adam Levine as her coach, Tessanne delivered stunning performances week after week.

Her rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” hit number one on iTunes, and her cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” also topped the charts.

Tessanne made history by becoming the first contestant to achieve the number one position twice during voting windows.

Winning *The Voice*

On December 10, 2013, during the finale results show, host Carson Daly announced that Tessanne Chin had won *The Voice*.

The news sent shockwaves through Jamaica and the diaspora, as she had received the highest number of votes in the show’s history.

Tessanne’s victory was not just a personal achievement; it was a moment of pride for her country, celebrating the first foreign-born winner of the competition.

Immediately after her victory, Tessanne released “Tumbling Down,” a song written specifically for her by Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic.

This track became her first U.S. single, further solidifying her place in the music industry.

The subsequent months were filled with performances, including a notable appearance at the Rose Parade and a homecoming concert in Kingston, where she was celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike.

Challenges Behind the Scenes

Despite her newfound fame, Tessanne faced personal challenges that threatened to overshadow her achievements. In 2015, after four years of marriage to broadcaster Michael Anthony Cuff Jr., Tessanne filed for divorce.

The split was quiet, but the emotional toll was significant. During her time on *The Voice*, she had dedicated her performance of “My Kind of Love” to Michael, and now that love was gone.

The divorce process was difficult, and Tessanne retreated from the spotlight, facing criticism that she couldn’t maintain momentum post-*Voice*. Fans wondered if she would become just another casualty of reality television, lost in the shuffle of the entertainment industry.

A New Beginning: Love and Family

In 2019, Tessanne found love again with Brandon Krooks. Their relationship blossomed, leading to a quiet marriage in June 2019.

Soon after, Tessanne announced she was pregnant with their first child. On February 1, 2020, they welcomed their daughter, Zia Christine Krooks, into the world.

Motherhood transformed Tessanne, providing her with a renewed sense of purpose.

On February 2, 2023, just one day after Zia’s third birthday, Tessanne and Brandon welcomed their second daughter, Isa Denise Krooks.

Tessanne’s journey into motherhood has been filled with joy and challenges, but she embraces each moment, balancing her family life with her music career.

The Power of Resilience

Tessanne Chin’s story is not just about her rise to fame; it’s a testament to resilience, family, and the power of perseverance.

After her divorce, she almost walked away from music entirely, questioning whether she could continue pursuing her passion. However, her family—her sister Tammy, her father Richard, and her mother Christine—reminded her of her strength and the importance of her dreams.

As of October 2024, Tessanne announced she was working on her third studio album with Natural High Music, expressing her desire to get back into the creative zone.

In December 2024, she released a Christmas single titled “Christmas is Better With You” and staged her second annual Christmas production, showcasing her commitment to her craft and her community.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Empowerment

Today, Tessanne Chin’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $1 million, earned through album sales, performances, and television appearances.

She lives in Jamaica with Brandon and their two daughters, embodying the balance of motherhood and a thriving music career—a juggling act her mother modeled for her.

Tessanne’s journey from the *Little People* stage in Kingston to winning *The Voice* and navigating the complexities of personal life is a powerful narrative of resilience.

It highlights the importance of family, the strength found in overcoming adversity, and the unwavering passion for music that has defined her life.

Tessanne Chin is not just a winner; she is a survivor, a mother, and an artist who continues to inspire others.

Her story reminds us that the path to success is often paved with challenges, but with determination and support, it is possible to rise above and create a legacy that resonates for years to come.