South Jersey, At just 28 years old, De’Von Williams-Jiles is already making waves with a story as powerful as his voice. Raised in Paulsboro, New Jersey, and rooted in a family rich with musical talent, Williams-Jiles discovered his own passion for music in the midst of personal loss and self-discovery. Inspired by the sounds of Michael Jackson and guided by the support of his beloved grandmother, he has transformed grief into a burning drive to share his gift with the world. De’Von’s journey is one of perseverance, authenticity, and a deep love for music that speaks across generations.
In an exclusive interview with the nation’s premier faith-based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, we have the pleasure of speaking with him fresh off an amazing performance at the “Legends of Heaven Tribute” show where he performed Michael Jackson’s music, singing, and dancing excellently. He now prepares to launch his original work and he stands ready to embrace the world stage with both courage and heart.
Collins:
Who is De’Von Williams-Jiles?
Williams-Jiles:
I’m a 28-year-old male, born in Delaware and raised in Jersey. My grandmothers and grandfathers have done a lot for me in my life—my mother and father as well. I come from a very musical, musically inclined family on both sides. My grandfather was always singing around the house, and whenever we went to do carpet cleaning jobs with him, he was always singing along with whatever was playing in the car.
My grandfather on my mother’s side played guitar and was in bands when he was younger, just like my grandfather on my father’s side. They played in bands and groups. My mother is a singer, and my grandmother on my father’s side is also a singer. Believe it or not, this grandmother sings too, but she doesn’t think she’s good at it. Still, I hear something in her that she doesn’t hear in herself.
Williams-Jiles:
I grew up in Paulsboro and graduated from Paulsboro High School. I won a state championship with the Paulsboro Red Raiders basketball team in 2015. After that, basketball just wasn’t clicking with me anymore—especially after my father passed away. I didn’t really want to play anymore, but I chose to stick with it through the rest of high school.
Then one day, I fell into a dark space in my life. I remember before my father died, I visited him in the hospital, and he told me, “De’Von, you’ve got to take care of your mother, your brother, and your sister for me.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand what he meant. I was only thinking of my immediate family. But later, I realized that family includes everyone who’s been there for you—people who’ve done something for you, fed you, put shoes on your feet, clothes on your back.
That message really hit me. I realized I had a talent I hadn’t shared my whole life. People knew I loved Michael Jackson, but they didn’t know I had this fire inside me for music.
Collins:
Let me stop you right there and ask: when did you realize you had a love for music?
Williams-Jiles:
It was one day in either 11th or 12th grade, after school. I went home and just started crying. My house wasn’t the same anymore. My mother was going through a lot after my dad’s passing, and sometimes people lose themselves when tragic things happen.
I went up to the attic—it was hot up there—and I cried. I pulled out my phone, opened the voice recorder, and started recording what I was feeling and hearing in my head. It was sad, but it felt like I had been holding onto something for a long time. Putting that emotion into music made me realize I had something special. But I didn’t know how to bring it out or share it with the world.
One day I went to my friend Jose’s studio in Paulsboro on Delaware Street. I started recording. A few days later, Jose said, “I know you just started this, but the Apollo is holding auditions in Philadelphia. You want to go audition?” I said yes.
Around that same time, there was a funeral on my grandmother’s side of the family. I volunteered to sing. I don’t know why—I just said I would. That’s how my family found out I had a gift. Everything came full circle. I realized that this is what I want to do with my life.
Collins:
At what point did you decide Michael Jackson would be the artist whose music you wanted to take on? What about him inspired you?
Williams-Jiles:
Growing up, whenever my dad was home, he’d be cleaning and playing Michael Jackson. I’d come home from school and hear him playing “You Are Not Alone” or sometimes Tupac. I grew to love those two artists the most.
Michael Jackson made my dad a different person—softer, easier to talk to. I remember one night, my parents went out to dinner. I was in bed listening to “Human Nature” on his Walkman. The part where Michael sings, “Oh, why, oh why…” I started singing it. My parents had just come home, and my dad heard me. He ran upstairs, busted into my room, and started singing with me. He was smiling and laughing.
Seeing him smile like that stuck with me. That music touched him, and it touched me too. I love Michael Jackson just as much as my dad did. He always seemed like the number one person to look up to and follow.
Collins:
What was it like the first time someone told you—or you realized yourself—that you sounded like Michael Jackson?
Williams-Jiles:
Honestly, it was kind of freaky, but I love it. In my eyes, he’s the greatest of all time in singing and performance. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, but when it comes to male vocalists, he’s the pinnacle for me.
The way he was able to take over the world was astonishing. Coming from a place like I come from—as an African American male wanting to be great—it means everything to be loved not just by a few, but by people across the world, from different continents and nationalities. That’s more than a dream come true.
Collins:
You love to sing and make people happy through music. How are you received among your friends?
Williams-Jiles:
I don’t have many friends because not everyone shares the same goals. Some people are content with where they are in life. A few coworkers at work want to see me do great things, and I really appreciate that. There are others who try to paint a bad picture of me, calling me selfish or stuck-up. But I’ve looked out for a lot of people. That’s just the reality of it.
Collins:
Now I want to go back to the Apollo. You did your audition and passed. What was it like performing there?
Williams-Jiles:
At the time, I didn’t have any real stage presence. I had only sung in small churches and local events. So being at the Apollo was terrifying. I remember it like it was yesterday—my legs wouldn’t stop shaking, I couldn’t control my breathing or my voice.
I don’t even know how I won the first show, placing first and making it to the finals. I lost the final because I didn’t listen, but still, it was fun. It was nerve-wracking and something I wasn’t prepared for back then.
Collins:
What’s the difference between De’Von Williams-Jiles at Showtime at the Apollo and De’Von Williams-Jiles today?
Williams-Jiles:
Today, I’m more experienced. I’m hungrier. I’m not getting any younger, so I know I’ve got to go for it now—before I get too old, before I don’t look or sound the same.
Now I give it my all, knowing I’m talented, knowing I’m good. I don’t let fear or rejection stop me. I just do what I love to do. Back then, I had a lot of fear—not just about music, but other things too. It was a lot on my shoulders. Now I’m more clear-minded, level-headed, and ready for the world. That’s what I want.
Collins:
Speaking of being ready for the world, the world loves you when you perform Michael Jackson. Kids dress up like him and come to your shows. But you also have your own music. What’s next for De’Von Williams-Jiles?
Williams-Jiles:
I want to find a good studio and the right team around me—people who can help take my music to the next level, get it published, and out into the world. I know people will love it. If I enjoy my own music, I know others will too. It’s really good.
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Collins:
Who is your biggest influence right now?
Williams-Jiles:
Michael Jackson will always be number one for me. But I also draw inspiration from Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Teena Marie. I love music with soul—music that speaks to you across generations and genres. I have a lot of inspiration.
Collins:
And your motivation locally—what’s it like having your grandmother in your corner, acting as your “grand-manager”?
Williams-Jiles:
It’s awesome. You always want someone really close to you backing you 100%. We butt heads sometimes—she talks a lot—but I love her. Ever since I was born, she’s been my best friend. Nothing will ever come between us. I love it.
Collins:
What words of encouragement would you give to a young man or woman who might be in the shadows, but has a desire to express their talent?
Williams-Jiles:
Don’t let anything stop you. Don’t let what others have done—or haven’t done—keep you from reaching your potential. Anything is possible with drive and determination. You just have to put your all into it.
Collins:
The Anointed News Journal has over 180,000 readers. In conclusion, is there anything you’d like to say to our readers?
Williams-Jiles:
I hope I’ve sparked your interest, and I hope you’ll be on the lookout for what I have coming in the future. Just like last time—I love you.
Conclusion:
De’Von Williams-Jiles is a shining example of how passion, perseverance, and purpose can turn pain into power. With his family’s support and his unwavering love for music, he is determined to make his mark on the world. As he continues to pursue his dreams, audiences everywhere can expect to be inspired by his voice, his heart, and his journey.
By Chris Collins
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