The Real Reason Tom Nitti Quit 'The Voice'

Tom Nitti

Reba McEntire’s team for the Playoffs was one short on Monday night’s episode of The Voice when her country singer Tom Nitti was absent.

"I have wonderfully talented people, but Tom had to leave for personal reasons, so I only have five artists tonight," Reba said and that was all that was revealed about his absence.

It made Reba’s job of whittling her team down to three for the Live Shows that much easier. She went with an all-girl team of Jordan Rainer, Jacquie Roar, and Ruby Leigh—but still, Tom’s absence was felt.

Why Tom Nitti Quit The Voice

Today, Tom shared on Instagram his decision to exit The Voice, explaining it was for his kids.

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He wrote, “Well, I’ve been dreading this day ever since the blind audition so here goes nothin’. …First and foremost I’m blessed beyond belief and I can’t say enough how much I love and appreciate the constant support from my fans, my friends and my family…As much as it absolutely stings to say, I had to make probably one of the hardest yet easiest decisions ever and ultimately at the end of the day, my kids will always come first and if I had to make the same decision again I’d do it over and over…..

“This past summer was filled to the max with everything I love and could’ve only dreamed of and Thanks to @nbcthevoice I was able to live my wildest dreams and do what I’ve always hoped. I made friends that’ll last a life time, experiences that I can hold on to forever and even found REAL and TRUE love (@ashleybryantofficial)….

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“I wish I can put every single person in this post that had my back going through the tough times while I was in California like @jacquieroar @huntleymusic @lennonvmusic @officiallybias @marajustine1 @thejordanrainer @steemusic @reba but nonetheless I hope everyone knows how happy and grateful i am for them. This isn’t the end of me and I’ll do what I do best for everyone to see which is keep my head down and move forward playing music and raising/creating new memories with a family I will continue to grow.

“I never believed in the whole, things happen for a reason statement but in this case I think God has it all figured out. He knows I don’t break easily. For everyone asking, I’m alright and still standing. Thank you so much and as always, I’m super pumped to keep on keepin’ on with music, my kids Rayleigh and Brently my whole family to include my smokin’ girlfriend that keeps my head held high… Im more than ready to continue to live life now happier than ever before. #familyfirst #itsnotoveryet #thevoice #imstillstanding #support #blessed #kentuckygotme.”

Tom was a single chair turn in the Blind Auditions with Reba the only coach who pressed her button for his countrified performance of Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)." But Tom went on to make it through both the Battle and Knockout rounds and move into the Playoffs before he quit The Voice.

Tom came to the singing competition from New Hartford, NY, where he served as a New York State Trooper for eight years and now trains new troopers at the New York State Police Academy. Prior to that, he joined the military and was stationed in Germany and deployed to Afghanistan where he sustained injuries and was awarded the Purple Heart.

The Italian/Puerto Rican musician learned to play guitar at age 18 and continued his passion for music after serving in the military by gigging weekly. He has opened for artists such as Craig Campbell, Hunter Hayes and Chris Janson. Aside from his two kids, Tom's biggest supporters are his mother and grandfather.

The Voice airs Mondays at 8 p.m. PT/ET and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. PT/ET on NBC.