PILL HILL — A lot has changed for Mark Hood since leaving NBC’s "The Voice" last year.
The Pill Hill native never believed he would win Season 9, but he didn't think he'd be eliminated before the finals. Hood was sent home with 11 singers remaining.
Adjusting to life after the reality television singing competition show, where each week viewers vote for their favorite singers, was challenging, he said.
“I was devastated, I was depressed,” he said. “It was really hard when I came back home because it was the best experience of my life.”
That opportunity came with lots of exposure, lessons and a new relationship with fashion-forward rapper and record producer Pharrell Williams, whom Hood says he has kept in touch with since leaving.
“I can talk to him whenever I need to, whenever I want to,” he said. “We cool, that’s my boy.”
He also has gained more followers and fans.
“It’s been crazy,” Hood said. “I’ll go places and people recognize who I am and it’s kind of weird. They’ll ask for a picture.”
He said he’s embracing the new fame though because the exposure “has allowed me to make relationships with people I probably wouldn’t make relationships with if I hadn’t done the show, so it’s been nothing but a blessing.”
Hood didn’t let the defeat keep him away from music. He’s currently working on his EP, which he says will drop this summer. He also is appearing in the musical production “Sister Act,” which is based off the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg.
The production focuses on disco diva Deloris Van Cartier, played by Stephanie Umoh. After witnessing a crime, she’s hidden in a convent and disguised as a nun for protective custody. Her cover is quickly blown once she stands out as one of the choir members.
Hood plays TJ, the nephew of one of the criminals.
“He’s a really silly guy and as soon as I read the script I was like I got this. He reminds me a lot of myself.”
The love for acting was discovered at an early age, said Hood, who attended Amelia Earhart Elementary, a performing arts elementary school at 1710 E. 93rd St.
“That was where it kind of started,” he said.
His love for performing and entertaining grew, and, in 2012, he began auditioning to join the Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St.
Breaking into the industry didn’t come easy for the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences grad. Hood uses his experiences to send a message to aspiring actors.
“No is not a ‘no,’ it’s a 'not right now,' ” he said, detailing his journey of several failed attempts to get cast by the Black Ensemble Theater.
“I used to go to all those auditions and it wasn’t the right time. It was not right now, so when it’s your time, it’s your time.”
Lately, things are working out for the young performer. When he’s not enjoying lunch at one of his favorite South Side eateries — Chicago House of Chicken and Waffles or LiteHouse Whole Food Grill — he’s working on the next thing. Hood, who declined to give details, said he’s working on some TV projects.
To stay in the loop with Hood, follow him Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
"Sister Act" runs through April 3 at the Marriott Theater. Ticket prices range from $50 to $55. To reserve tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847-634-0200 or go to www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.
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