Damien Lawson of Monroe advances to finals on 'The Voice

America has confirmed it wants to hear Monroe native Damien Lawson compete in the final round of NBC's hit singing show, "The Voice."
Lawson was booted out of the competition early on Tuesday (Dec. 9) night's show but then allowed to compete with eight other previously eliminated semifinalists who were voted off in recent weeks for a fourth "wildcard" spot in the finals and a chance to win it all.
Viewers cast their votes via text, social media and by downloading Lawson's Tuesday night performance of Bruno Mars "Grenade" on iTunes.
Lawson, who grew up singing in church in Monroe and relocated years ago to Los Angeles to pursue what was ultimately a failed attempt at a music career, made it to the top five before he was voted out, then back into, the finals. Before he joined "The Voice" cast, he worked for the Transportation Security Administration at the Los Angeles International Airport.
TODAY show cohost Carson Daly, who also hosts "The Voice," revealed Lawson as the wildcard winner Wednesday (Dec. 10) morning on the TODAY show.
"I can't ask for anything more," Lawson said, but added that he was "super tired."
Tuesday night's show was performed live, and the top four will compete live to be winner of The Voice starting at 7 p.m. Monday (Dec. 15) on NBC.
"You're one of our more emotional performers," Daly said Wednesday on the TODAY show. "I think America really gets that from you."
Also competing in the finals will be Matt McAndrew, Craig Wayne Boyd and Chris Jamison.
Lawson recently took a trip back to Monroe with The Voice cameras. Watch highlights from his hometown trip from The News Star, here.
Watch Lawson perform Bruno Mars' "Grenade" below.