Milton celebrity Jimmie Allen has made it easy for Delawareans to fall in love with him more over the pandemic, because he’s had the entertainment industry in a chokehold.
If everything goes according to plan, he might end up slapping a few folks into a headlock as a professional wrestler.
In a recent interview with Delmarva’s Froggy 99.9 radio station, the station reported that Allen begins training for the WWE in January.
‘Don’t let Jimmie get hurt! LOL’
Some of his fans on Facebook are curious to see Allen show off his charisma and lay the “SmackDown” on foes. But they also want him to stay in one piece.
“I am ecstatic and can’t wait to watch his new journey and be able to cheer him on. He deserves ALL the open avenues for him!” Ashley Wagner, of Smyrna, wrote in a personal message on Facebook.
“Dear Lord don’t let Jimmie get hurt! LOL. I hope he has fun and brings awareness to his amazing talent,” Hartly native Julie Gramb commented.
“Nothing surprises me with Jimmie. From songwriting to writing a children’s book to performing, he is always up for a challenge. He is such a showman that the WWE is perfect for him. All of his fans, especially his Delaware fan base, will be cheering him on,” Stacie Zdrojewski, of Middletown, said.
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“I worry about him getting hurt in the WWE. It’s a positive to widen his fan base and possibly country music. I feel Jimmie is a very talented young man and he seems to be a humble one,” Ann-Marie O’Donnell, of Hartly, explained.
“It’s definitely a different scene, but he is funny and definitely an amazing performer,” Amber Gregory, of Camden, said.
Celebs on WWE include Betty White
In addition to Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather and Dennis Rodman, there are a bunch of notable (and unexpected) celebrities who have made guest appearances on the WWE. The list includes Wolverine actor Hugh Jackman, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, “Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, reality stars Kim Kardashian and Snooki, R&B great Gladys Knight, “Golden Girls” star Betty White, The Muppets (yes, this is a thing), rapper Snoop Dogg, longtime “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek, and NBA stars LaMello and Lonzo Ball.
A decade ago, Allen had a wiry frame. He’s since bulked up, and now he could possibly pass for a wide receiver in the NFL.
The muscular Grammy-nominated country star has won many people over for his music, not just his handsome looks.
Jennifer Johnson, of Selbyville, loves how relatable Allen’s music is, especially his song “Down Home,” which he dedicated to his late father.
“I lost my mom when I was 17 and I know how hard it is losing a parent,” Johnson said. “He’s my daughter’s favorite country artist and her first-ever concert.”
Fellow fan Gramb said Allen’s music charmed her husband — something that wasn’t easy.
“When I first met my husband, he didn’t listen to country music at all. Jimmie Allen was one of the first country singers that he started listening to,” she said. “We both love his music and listen all the time. He is genuinely a good guy.”
Jimmie Allen joins ‘The Voice’
After making his debut as a mentor on “American Idol” in the spring, the Grammy-nominated country star has been tapped to appear on another popular reality show this fall.
NBC announced last week that Allen will be a Battle Advisor for coach Blake Shelton (Team Blake) on season 22 of “The Voice,” which returns at 8 p.m. Sept. 19.
Season 22 will roll out a new format during the Knockout Rounds. For the first time ever, three-way knockouts will be a part of the competition, raising the stakes more than ever before, according to NBC.
During the Knockout Rounds, there won’t be a Mega Mentor; instead, NBC stated, artists will work directly with their coaches to prepare them for the challenge ahead.
The coaches on Season 22 are Shelton, Camila Cabello, Gwen Stefani and John Legend. Allen joins fellow Battle Advisors Jazmine Sullivan (Team Legend), Charlie Puth (Team Camila) and Sean Paul (Team Gwen).
Whether he’s training for the WWE, appearing on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” or NBC’s “The Voice” — Milton fan Rhonda Ziegler knows Jimmie Allen is like a box of chocolates.
“He keeps his fans guessing. Ya never know what he is going to get into next,” she wrote on Facebook.
Andre Lamar is the features/lifestyle reporter. If you have an interesting story idea, email Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com.
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