British singer Mo Jamil won the 2017 season of The Voice, landing a deal with Polydor. Born Mo Jamil Adeniran on September 25, 1995 in London to a Gambian immigrant mother who was forced to give him up for adoption as a baby. He was brought up in Warrington, England by Nigerian adoptive parents who physically abused him for years before he was removed from them and returned to the foster care system. He took solace in music and, despite his experiences, he succeeded academically, eventually attending music college in Manchester. He was working the night shift as a hotel bellboy when he was spotted by a talent scout, who suggested he audition for The Voice. Mentored by Jennifer Hudson, he wowed judges and audience alike, swiftly progressing through the rounds to become the overall champion. Following his win, he reconnected with his birth mother. Signed by Polydor, he released his debut single, "That Feeling," in March 2018; the euphoric electro-pop-R&B tune showcased his rich, soulful voice, reminiscent of old-school shouters like Otis Redding. His debut album, Evolve, for which he co-wrote every track, dropped the following month, and reached number 36 on the U.K. chart. ~ John D. Buchanan