The Voice 24: Tom Nitti opens up about why he quit The Voice
The Voice season 24 contestant Tom Nitti has revealed why he withdrew from the competition before the Playoffs, explaining his decision to fans on social media.
Nitti, a soulful country singer, was notably absent from the episode in which his coach, country superstar Reba McEntire, had to reduce her team down to three performers for the upcoming Live shows. Reba offered a brief on-air explanation, telling viewers, “I have wonderfully talented people, but Tom had to leave for personal reasons, so I only have five artists tonight.”
In a longer message on Instagram, accompanied by photos of his family — including his girlfriend and two young children — Tom explained that family needs were the primary factor behind his decision. He wrote plainly that his children come first, and that choosing them over the competition was both difficult and clear-cut: “At the end of the day, my kids will always come first.”
“I had to make probably one of the hardest yet easiest decisions ever…”
Tom’s post mixed gratitude and heartache. He thanked fans, friends and family for their support and described how much the experience on The Voice meant to him. He wrote that, despite the pain of leaving the show, putting his children first felt like the right choice. His words emphasized that the decision was both gut-wrenching and inevitable: “I had to make probably one of the hardest yet easiest decisions ever and ultimately at the end of the day, my kids will always come first and if I had to make the same decision again I’d do it over and over.”
Nitti reflected on the incredible summer the show gave him. He said working with NBC’s The Voice allowed him to live out dreams, forge lasting friendships, and even find love. He mentioned his girlfriend, Ashley Bryant, by name, thanking the people who supported him through the tougher moments while he was away from home in California.
He named several friends and fellow musicians who helped him through that period and expressed deep appreciation for their support. Being away from family while competing weighed heavily on him, and he made clear that returning home to raise his children and create new memories was his priority.
“God has it all figured out. He knows I don’t break easily. I’m alright and still standing”
Tom reassured followers that his decision doesn’t mean the end of his music career. He vowed to keep working, stay focused, and continue making music while prioritizing family life. He wrote that although he hadn’t been a believer in fate before, in this case he feels “God has it all figured out.”
He closed his message on a hopeful note, telling fans he was “alright and still standing,” and that he looked forward to continuing his musical journey and building a life with his family. He also included his children’s names, Rayleigh and Brently, and used hashtags emphasizing family and resilience.
While Tom’s public explanation was concise and personal, it suggests that a combination of family obligations and emotional well-being led him to step away from the competition. He expressed gratitude for the experience and for the relationships formed on the show, signaling that music remains central to his future.
During his Blind Audition, Tom explained he had previously served in the military and was injured while deployed to Afghanistan, sustaining a brain injury. He is a Purple Heart recipient, a detail he shared with the show’s audience when introducing himself. That background, combined with the demands of touring and television, likely contributed to the challenge of balancing family and the competition.
Reba always had a soft spot for Tom
Reba was the only coach to turn for Tom during his Blind Audition, when he performed a spirited cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours).” He went on to win his Battle Round with a performance of Cody Johnson’s “Til You Can’t,” and Reba later saved him after his Knockout Round rendition of The Temptations’ “(I Know) I’m Losing You.”
Although Tom identifies primarily as a country singer, he showcased a clear love for soul and Motown throughout the competition, which made him stand out. Reba’s repeated support made it clear she saw something special in him. He also revealed on the show that he was returning to music after a long absence, making his journey on The Voice especially meaningful.
With Reba’s team stacked full of talent, advancing to the Top 12 would have been a tough climb. Her finalists — Jacquie Roar, Jordan Rainer and Ruby Leigh — were strong contenders, and at that stage of the competition, decisions became increasingly difficult. Still, Tom leaves with gratitude for the opportunity and the relationships he formed, and he plans to keep making music while prioritizing his family.