(Photo Credit: Trae Patton/NBC)

Jake Hoot celebrates win with coach Kelly Clarkson

Jake Hoot, a 31-year-old aspiring country music artist, was crowned the winner of the 17th season of The Voice, the popular TV series in which celebrity coaches seek out new musical talent. Hoot’s victory makes this the third win for Kelly Clarkson as a voice coach.

Hoot said he was shocked by his win–but he’s thrilled by how far he’s come. He said he “went out of breath” when he was announced the winner.

Hoot thanked Clarkson for guiding his path to victory.

“Having Kelly believe in me from the get-go and being here tonight is just an incredible thing,” Hoot said.

Hoot told reporters it “didn’t feel real” as he stayed on the show every week. He told his wife over and over again that he was coming home soon.

“From the get-go, for a little bit, I didn’t think it was real. Every step of the way, I’m like, ‘Alright honey, I’ll be home next week’ or ‘I’ll be home after battles’ or ‘I’ll be home after knockouts.’ I continued to doubt myself and Kelly continued to encourage me,” Hoot said.

Clarkson joked to reporters that she’s a “great cheerleader” for the contestants she coaches.

“I just sat there and encouraged him. I’m a pretty good cheerleader because I love humans. I literally am a glorified cheerleader y’all, I did nothing. He did everything,” Clarkson said.