'The Voice' Season 18 Finale: Todd Tilghman's Christian rock song 'I Can Only Imagine' takes fans back to church
Team Blake Shelton's Todd Tilghman took on MercyMe's 'I Can Only Imagine' in tonight's finale episode that will determine who wins the show tomorrow (May 19). Speaking about his emotional performance last week, Todd stated he was overcome with emotion because his family was present and he got to relive their journey together.
The 42-year-old singer's fans were excited to see what he had in store for them. One fan stated, "I love them all but whatever happens I’m rooting for @todd_tilghman #TeamBlake #VoiceFinale #TheVoice."
Todd also shared that his wife was the one who helped him learn to believe in himself again, adding that working with Blake boosted his confidence significantly. Given his journey so far, 'I Can Only Imagine' seems like the perfect song choice, given its messages of looking back on one's life and overcoming hardships to finally make it.
Blake added that Todd teaches the word of god and connects with people on a spiritual level, and the Christian rock song suited him perfectly. He also commended the at-home performance setup, stating it felt more intimate, almost as if the were back in Todd's small-town church hearing him preach.
As Todd began his performance, it was clear he was also getting the fans' attention. "I love Todd so much. Gosh, that voice just stirs my heart. #TheVoice," tweeted one fan, another said, "I am going to cry. Todd Tilghman is the best! That was awesome! #TheVoice," and one fan stated, "Holy goosebumps! #TheVoice #ICanOnlyImagine @todd_tilghman."
"@todd_tilghman great performance of “I can only imagine” ... one of my most favorite songs! #VoiceFinale," shared one fan, and another said, "As a PK..... @todd_tilghman has my vote “I can only imagine” is also one of the most beautiful songs ever written / I’m in my feelings right now @NBCTheVoice #TheVoice."
One fan tweeted, "The commitment Todd Tilghman feels when he sings is exactly what I was missing when CammWest sang. Todd feels 100 percent connected to the music," while another said, "Todd taking me church. I love this song. #TheVoice." And one fan stated, "Just give #TeamBlake Todd #TheVoice title now. He's singing a worship song from the pulpit. How can Todd lose. Blake's big grin tells you that he knows Todd has won."
Blake gave Todd a standing ovation, causing his head to go out of frame while John Legend also seemed quite pleased with the performance. John called Todd's performance wonderful while Kelly Clarkson, having difficulty composing herself, said she would love to visit Todd's church to hear him speak someday. Blake, seeing Kelly cry, got quite emotional himself, adding Todd's connection with people and talent speaks for itself, commending his passion and calling him "special."
Not all fans agreed, however.
One tweeted, "This is not Todd’s best performance unfortunately. #TheVoice," while another stated, "Todd picked the wrong song. Beautiful, but the wrong one, and wrong timing. #TheVoice."