Derby HS Football Star Jaelen Johnston Soared to Fame on The Voice

Derby High School's athletic prowess found new expression through Jaelen Johnston, who captivated audiences with his rendition of Chris Stapleton's Cold during The Voice Season 27 finale.

May 20, 2026

Updated May 20, 2026 by Manoj Gadtaula

Jaelen Johnston hails from a musical lineage, with grandfather Ross frequently likened to country icon Ronnie Milsap.

A Kansas native, Jaelen first made waves as a dynamic wide receiver at Derby High School, showcasing exceptional agility and leadership on the gridiron. Yet his heart remained tethered to melodies.

At 16, his grandfather gifted him a Taylor guitar, igniting a lifelong passion that would eventually eclipse his football ambitions.

Johnston honed his craft at local open mics before making the pivotal decision to leave his Air Force Base position and pursue music full-time.

Tonya Johnston: The Unwavering Force Behind Jaelen's Success

Raised by single mother Tonya Johnston, a Derby High School alumna herself, Jaelen credits her relentless encouragement for his breakthrough.

Tonya, a Derby High School attendance office worker, secretly entered Jaelen into The Voice without prior consent, recognizing his latent talent before he could doubt himself.

"It means the world to me because he is doing what he loves," she shared, highlighting her pride in seeing him transform aspirations into reality.

Her dedication extends beyond submissions—she proudly displays Jaelen memorabilia, including a custom T-shirt and framed photos.

This maternal support proved instrumental as Jaelen advanced to The Voice's Top 5.

While personal details about his father remain private, Ross Johnston's musical legacy clearly shaped Jaelen's early development through his vocal comparisons to Milsap.

Behind the Scenes: Tonya's Strategic Support

Tonya Johnston maintains deep roots in Derby, Kansas, where she continues supporting her son's career from Wichita while managing her education role at Butler Community College.

Case Study: Parental Influence in Music Careers

• Jaelen's early performances included Luke Combs' "Where the Wild Things Are," impressing coaches like Kelsea Ballerini
• His grandmother's mentorship combined with modern digital outreach strategies

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