The Voice’s Trevin Hunte On Lack Of Confidence Growing Up & Being Put Down By Teacher: ‘I Stopped Dreaming’

Trevin Hunte’s dreams are coming true.

The 18-year-old singer, who was ushered into the Final Four on “The Voice” on Tuesday, was once told by a teacher that he would never make it in music – a blow that almost knocked the already-shy New York native down for good.

“Growing up it was kind of hard for me. I kinda felt like I was different in a way, you know being that [I’m] the bigger dude with the high range and stuff. I feel like people didn’t gravitate to me as well,” he told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Wednesday’s Access Hollywood Live. “[The teacher’s words] kind of did affect me – I feel like I stopped dreaming for a bit.”

Adding, “Like I said, I wasn’t the most confident person in the world, so for her to say that kind of pushed that confidence way more down. It kind of hurt me, but I’m here today!”

Trevin boldly took on “And I Am Telling You (I’m Not Going)” — the “Dreamgirls” ballad made famous by Jennifer Hudson – on Monday night’s show, and has gained tremendous confidence during his time on the NBC reality hit.

“I feel like since the time I stepped on the stage at the blind [auditions], I’ve grown as a performer, as an artist and as even as a person,” he said. “To be in this competition has really helped me. I’m so grateful and thankful and honored to be here.

“I’m more outspoken and I’m comfortable around people and speaking my mind,” he added.

Watch Trevin compete with Cassadee Pope, Nicholas David and Terry McDermott to be “The Voice” on Monday at 8/7c on NBC.

— Erin O’Sullivan