No one in the hall expected to be shattered by a single voice. But the moment the young Swedish singer began John Lennon’s “Imagine,” time seemed to freeze — and within minutes, the audience was wiping away tears. Now, viewers are calling it one of the most soul-stirring performances ever, but what is the secret pain behind the singer’s haunting delivery?

We can debate the value of TV talent shows all day, but one thing’s for sure: shows like The X Factor, The Voice, and Got Talent franchises have opened doors for countless unknown artists, giving them the chance to share their talent with the world. Swedish singer-songwriter Chris Kläfford is one of those artists who seized that moment and made it count.

Chris, a soulful singer and guitarist from Sweden, auditioned for Season 14 of America’s Got Talent. Over the years, the show has seen its share of unforgettable auditions, and Chris delivered one that firmly secured its place among the best. When Simon Cowell asked him about his musical influences, Chris shared that he grew up on rock bands like Kiss—a detail that made his song choice even more intriguing.

Instead of belting out a rock classic, Chris chose to perform John Lennon’s Imagine, delivering a rendition so heartfelt that many in the audience were moved to tears. It wasn’t a surprise when the judges unanimously voted him through to the next round, recognizing both his vocal gift and his ability to connect deeply with the song’s message.

Chris advanced through the Judges Cuts with ease, performing his original song Something Like Me, earning a standing ovation from all the judges and proving that his artistry went beyond covers. Original songs are often a gamble on these stages, as audiences typically connect more easily with familiar hits, but Chris wasn’t afraid to share his own stories. In the quarter-finals, he performed another original track, earning a standing ovation from Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough, and his fan support carried him into the semi-finals.

Though Chris didn’t win America’s Got Talent and was eliminated in the semis, it was far from the end of his journey. His story began in a small Swedish town where he started playing  guitar at nine and fell in love with music, despite many encouraging him to keep it as a hobby. Making a living from music wasn’t easy; he played countless small gigs, barely getting by, but his determination never wavered.

His persistence paid off when he won Swedish Idol in 2017, propelling him into the national spotlight. Chris quickly became a household name in Sweden, releasing three top-five singles the following year and breaking records by simultaneously holding the number one and number seven most-streamed songs in Sweden.

Chris Kläfford’s voice carries the warmth and raw honesty that make listeners pause and truly listen. Many who stumbled upon his Imagine performance on YouTube shared the same sentiment:

“This is the best version of this song I’ve ever heard. I actually prefer it to the original.”

As Chris continues to share his music with the world, here’s hoping that his journey expands far beyond Sweden, bringing his soulful sound to every corner of the globe. Because voices like his deserve to be heard.