Exclusive: Tom Nitti details ‘gut-wrenching’ reason for leaving ‘The Voice’
Reba McEntire was one team member short when it was time for the Playoff Rounds on Season 24 of “The Voice.” Tom Nitti, a 31-year-old singer from New Hartford, was unexpectedly absent due to ‘personal reasons.’
At the top of the Playoff episode, McEntire said, “I have wonderfully talented people, but Tom had to leave for personal reasons, so I only have five artists tonight.”
Carson Daly, the host of “The Voice,” reiterated that Nitti’s exit was for ‘personal reasons’ but did not elaborate.
Nitti’s fan base was left without answers. It wasn’t until Monday night when Reba added, “all of our hearts go out to Tom, he is so strong and so good.”
After breaking his silence on Instagram, Nitti disclosed the full truth in an exclusive interview with the Observer-Dispatch on Wednesday, Dec. 5.
“The biggest misconception is when people think I went on the show knowing that I’d leave,” he said. “It all happened so quickly and I needed to make a fast decision. I chose my family and I’ll tell you why.”
Who is Tom Nitti?
Tom Nitti is a New York State Trooper in the Mohawk Valley. He was a contestant on Team Reba on Season 24 of “The Voice.”
Following his graduation from New Hartford Central School, Nitti joined the military and was deployed to Afghanistan as an Airborne Cavalry Scout. After taking mortar fire during combat, he suffered a serious brain injury and was awarded the Purple Heart medal for his honorable service.
Returning home, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined law enforcement to serve with the state police.
“Being able to sing in front of thousands of people has always been my dream,” Nitti said. “Once I had kids, that changed to wanting to be known locally and serving my community.”
Nitti’s timeline on “The Voice”
Reba was the only chair to turn for Tom’s cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” in the Blind Auditions.
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He won his Battle Round performance of Cody Johnson’s “Til You Can’t” and was saved by Reba following his Knockout Round cover of The Temptations’ “(I Know) I’m Losing You.”
The singer continued to impress throughout the season, receiving words of encouragement from other coaches on the show.
“Tom, I keep getting blown away because to emote the way you did at the end, it just kept building and building,” said Gwen Stefani during the Knockout Rounds.
Nitti was one of six finalists on Team Reba. With his departure, Team Reba was left with Jordan Rainer, Ruby Leigh, Jacquie Roar and Noah Spencer heading into the Playoffs – plus, her Super Save singer, Ms. Monét.
Why did he leave so soon?
On the show, Nitti was simultaneously trying to co-parent with his ex-wife. Admittedly, things were less than civil.
Nitti was supposed to appear on Season 23 of “The Voice,” but deferred to a year later. It didn’t warrant enough time to notify the state police for a leave of absence, he said.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to pursue music full time, but I can’t do that without a cushion,” said Nitti. “As a dad, I need to make sure my children will be supported.”
Five months before Season 24 aired Nitti filed for a divorce.
