### Tessanne Chin’s Latest Confessions Have Everyone Talking
Tessanne Chin, the Jamaican reggae singer who captured hearts on *The Voice* in 2013, is back in the spotlight with some candid revelations about her life and career.
When she stepped onto the stage of *The Voice*, all four coaches turned their chairs, and she went on to become the first foreign-born winner in the show’s history, shattering voting records along the way. However, behind her success lies a story of personal struggle, including a divorce that nearly derailed her career and a deep-seated question about her future in music.
Born on September 20, 1985, in Kingston, Jamaica, Tessanne was raised in a musical family. Her father, Richard Chin, played drums for the band the Carnations, while her mother, Christine Chin, sang and played the trumpet in the same band. The Chin household had its own recording studio, and music was woven into the fabric of their lives. Tessanne and her sister, Tammy, were the youngest of five siblings, growing up in an environment rich with rhythm and melody.
As Seventh Day Adventists, the Chin family strictly observed the Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday sundown, which meant no television or performances during that time. Instead, they relied on radio and each other for entertainment. At just six years old, Tessanne joined Kathy Levy’s Little People and Teen Players Club, one of Jamaica’s top performing arts schools, where her mother also served as her vocal coach.
When Tessanne was 12, the family moved to England, where she experienced a culture shock in a predominantly white area. Filling out school forms that asked her race—whether she was Asian, Black, or White—left her feeling uncertain about her identity. This upheaval, however, forged her resolve to embrace her Jamaican roots even more fiercely, leading her to write songs as a means of coping.
Upon returning to Jamaica, Tessanne joined the reggae rock band Mile High and performed at major festivals. She toured as a backup singer for reggae legend Jimmy Cliff and opened for iconic artists like Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight. In 2006, she released her debut single, “Hideaway,” which received significant airplay and marked the beginning of her rise as a solo artist.
Despite her success, Tessanne faced personal challenges. She married broadcaster Michael Anthony Cuff Jr. in 2011, but the pressures of the music industry began to take a toll on their relationship. In September 2013, reggae superstar Shaggy encouraged her to audition for *The Voice*. During her blind audition, she performed Pink’s “Try,” impressing all four coaches who turned their chairs for her.
Choosing Adam Levine as her coach, Tessanne delivered unforgettable performances throughout the competition, including Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing,” which topped the iTunes chart. On December 10, 2013, she was crowned the winner of *The Voice*, making history as the first foreign-born contestant to win the show.
However, the aftermath of her victory brought its own set of challenges. Tessanne released her debut album, *Count on My Love*, and performed at various high-profile events, but her personal life was crumbling. In 2015, after four years of marriage, she and Michael divorced, leaving her to question her future in music.
Despite the heartbreak, Tessanne found love again with Brandon Krooks, marrying him in June 2019. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Zia, in February 2020, followed by a second daughter, Isa, in February 2023. Motherhood transformed Tessanne, reigniting her passion for music.
Now, as she works on her third studio album and stages Christmas productions, Tessanne reflects on her journey from a little girl on stage in Kingston to a celebrated artist and mother. Her story is one of resilience, family support, and the enduring power of music, reminding us all of the importance of following one’s passion and embracing life’s challenges.
