Mississippi Pastor Makes Kelly Clarkson Shed Tears With 'I Can Only Imagine'

May 21, 2020

With the coronavirus pandemic changing how we live life, our favorite shows are still continuing to air with social distancing in mind.

That's what happened on the finale of season 18 of The Voice, when Mississippi pastor Todd Tilghmann performed MercyMe's I Can Only Imagine via video conference and in the process moved Kelly Clarkson to tears. By the end of the episode, he was named the season's winner.

Hailing from Meridian, Mississippi, 41-year-old Todd Tilghmann is a pastor at Cornerstone Church. The father of eight, which includes six biological children and two adopted from South Korea, is married to wife Brooke. Taking his love of singing to the next level, he's managed to go all the way on the popular singing competition show.

Now, as things have begun to stabilize into the so-called new normal life that we're living, our favorite TV shows have started to come back on air. To finish season 18 of The Voice, the contestants and judges came together via video conference to crown a winner.

Performing in what appears to be an empty venue, Todd is onstage when he begins singing the opening words of MercyMe's I Can Only Imagine. The slow ballad is complemented with subtle instrumentation, allowing Todd's powerful voice to shine through. 

As his performance continues, the four judges — each at home and calling in via video conference — appear at the bottom of the screen. His coach, Blake Shelton, looks on proudly, as the other judges, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend and Nick Jonas, also watch on. Towards the end of the song it's clear that Kelly Clarkson feels Todd's powerful message, as she watches on in wonder while holding back tears. 

In getting the judges' feedback at the end of the video, it's Kelly who speaks so dearly of Todd, as she mentions she's crying: "You are so moving, and it's because you are a pastor. You have such a bigger belief inside of you than just yourself." She adds that she'd love to come and see him talk at his church, before adding, "You are very special."

Obviously proud of his protege, Blake adds to Kelly's sentiments, stating: "You know Todd, what she's saying is true. The connection you have with people and your talent speaks for itself...You sing with so much passion, so much precision, you're just a special dude, man."

With so much adoration, it's little surprise then that by the end of the episode, Todd Tilghmann was crowned the winner of The Voice season 18. A video stream showed all three finalists and all of the judges hearing the news at the same time, and needless to say, Todd and his family, as well as Blake and his, including Gwen Stefani, were overjoyed with the news, letting off streamers and jumping in the air.

Winning $100,000 and a record deal, Todd uploaded his own video on Facebook addressing his family, friends and fans. Congratulations to Todd and here's to seeing whatever he succeeds in next.

What did you think of Todd's performance and his win on The Voice? Let us know in the comments and be sure to send this winning performance to your friends and family!