Gainesville Native to Open for Jonas Brothers at Jiffy Lube Live

If there's a such thing as “star quality,” then Jordan Baird definitely possesses it.

It’s apparent when the fresh-face, blue-eyed, 21-year-old walks in a room, and when he hits the stage—as he will on Monday when he opens for the Jonas Brothers at the Jiffy Lube Live Amphitheater near Jordan's Gainesville home.

It was also apparent when the Stonewall Jackson High School graduate was a finalist on “The Next” The CW’s singing competition show that aired last fall.

“The Next” is how he met Joe Jonas, of the Jonas Brothers.  Joe was his mentor during the season.  Pop artists Gloria Estefan, John Rich and Nelly were mentors to the other contestants.

View video of Jordan on,“The Next” here. 

Though he didn't win, the show presented opportunities for him to advance his career. He recently flew to Los Angeles and signed a management agreement with Kevin Jonas Sr. the father of the Jonas Brothers.   Together, they are hope to get Jordan's debut album released.

Jordan said he considers “The Next” as his first major breakthrough though he's  had other musical successes others only dream about. 

He won a national contest and got to release his first single, “Grateful”  through Jive Records. In 2009, Jordan auditioned for the panel of celebrity judges on “American Idol," but wasn't selected. He also made it through a few rounds of the "X Factor," where he got to sing for a crowd of more than 5,000 in Seattle, Jordan said. 

“It (The Next) is encouraging.,” Jordan said in an previous interview with Patch. “'American Idol’ is really cut throat; they don’t really care much about you, they care about the show. ‘The Next' is the exact opposite.  They care about mentoring you … and helping to jumpstart your career.”

When asked if he would be able to continue handling the tough world of the music industry, Jordan said he feels confident he’ll be OK.

“I think I have a good head on my shoulders … but it is a crazy world and the music industry is just flooded in all that. My goal in this—the reason I do music—is to change people’s lives through my music and to help them come to know Jesus in the way I have,” Jordan said. “Like straight up, my faith is huge for me. So whatever the case may be, I’m not worried too much right now.”

Jordan is the second child of David Baird, the pastor of Life Church in Manassas, and his wife, Jo-Ann, a Christian singer. The couple has three sons in all.

Jordan said he has his family to keep him grounded.  He recently married his long-time girlfriend, whom he proposed to during his time on “The Next.”

“ … I’m definitely aware of what’s out there,” Jordan said. “I just love sharing my music with people and I feel like my faith and my personality and what  I believe comes out through my music.”

Tickets to Monday’s concert can be purchased at livenation.com.