BAY MINETTE, Alabama — Hundreds lined the streets of Bay Minette on Friday, Dec. 21 to honor area native Kirk Jay, who took home third place on Season 15 of NBC’s The Voice.

“We are excited and proud to honor one of our own who, through hard work and dedication, was able to achieve his dreams,” said Mayor Bob Wills. “We know that wherever you go, whatever you do, this will always be home.”

Wills read a proclamation on the steps of the Baldwin County Courthouse, declaring Friday, Dec. 21 as Kirk Jay Day in the city of Bay Minette. He also presented Jay with a key to the city.

Baldwin County Judge of Probate Tim Russell, on behalf of Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, also presented with an American Flag that had been flown over the Capitol building in Montgomery.

Just three days before, the 22-year-old country crooner, whose real name is Kirk Johnson, fell just shy of winning Season 15 of The Voice, finishing third on the show.

Going back to the artists that got him his four-chair turn in the Blind Auditions, Jay performed Rascal Flatts’ “I Won’t Let Go,” and George Straight’s “You Look So Good In Love,” with coach Blake Shelton. Jay also got to perform with Rascal Flatts during Tuesday night’s live finale.

His original song was co-written by Voice alum Nicolle Gaylon entitled, “Defenseless.”

Jay told the crowd gathered in Courthouse Square that he was blessed to have the success he did, starting with an open casting call in Houston.

“Not many people know that when I started this journey, I was one of 40,000 singers vying for a spot on the show,” he said. “First and foremost, I want to give glory to God for getting me to this point and say how much I appreciate all of my fans, family and friends for getting me here.”

Jay encouraged young fans not to give up on their dreams.

“Whatever you do, work hard, never give up and always put God first,” he said.

Following the ceremony, Jay signed autographs in the Courthouse Square pavilion for the better part of an hour.

Said Wills, “You might have finished third on The Voice, but to us you’ll always be, what?” To which the crowd responded, “No. 1!”