DERBY, Kan. — Jaelen Johnston, a 21-year-old country artist from Derby, Kan., performed a powerful and emotional tribute Monday night on NBC’s The Voice, just weeks before he headlines Downtown Sounds in Sidney on Friday, July 18.

Johnston, coached by country singer Kelsea Ballerini, was brought back into the competition as a semifinalist after Ballerini used her super save to keep him in the competition. She shared the news with Johnston via FaceTime ahead of the live shows.

“My facial reaction, I can't recreate it,” Johnston said. “My face was contorted. It was crazy.”

Ballerini acknowledged she had received criticism for not originally choosing Johnston to advance, saying she was “getting demolished on the internet.”

During Monday night’s performance, Johnston delivered “I Drive Your Truck” by Lee Brice in honor of his cousin, who died in a highway accident at age 16. Johnston described his cousin as the best duck caller he had ever heard.

“I think it’s the perfect song choice for the moment, because it encompasses everything that country is about,” Johnston said. “It tells a story, showing that vulnerable side of you. Everyone has had a loss at some point in their life.”

After the performance, Ballerini told Johnston, “You just made your mama and cousin proud. You’re making country music so proud already. I’m so honored to be your coach. There you are.”

Johnston, the last remaining country artist in the competition, said representing the genre is a tremendous honor.

“The Voice has definitely been a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Johnston said. “To represent Kelsea in her first finale would be a dream come true.”

The Top 12 will be cut to the final five Tuesday night.