Joe Kirkland Performs All-American Rejects’ ‘Gives You Hell’ on Season Premiere of ‘The Voice’

Joe Kirkland from Fort Worth, Texas gave a high-energy performance of the All-American Rejects hit, ‘Gives You Hell’ on tonight’s season premiere of ‘The Voice’ – and within two notes, he grabbed the undivided attention of Adam Levine and Blake Shelton.

In addition to praising his “star quality,” Shelton tried to convince Kirkland to choose him as a mentor by pointing out their multitude of similarities. For instance, they both have an affinity for vests – which Shelton jokingly proposed they wear on tour together while performing a duet – not to mention a common Texas brotherhood.

But the 24-year-old singer said “no” to the matching vest tour and “yes” to the opportunity to work with Levine instead.

Kirkland is best known for his role in the pop-punk group Artist vs. Poet, which formed back when he was in college. He started out as a back-up vocalist but eventually became the band’s frontman when several of the original members dropped out. His band’s songs have appeared on the MTV shows 'The Real World’ and ‘Parental Control’ and the group has performed covers by popular acts including Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, and Carly Rae Jepsen.

Kirkland hopes to pave the way for his own personal success on this brand-new season of 'The Voice,' and Levine seems more than eager to help him achieve that goal.