Texas native Craig Wayne Boyd won over fans and judges on last week's semi-final episode of The Voice with a Gospel anthem that not only showed off his amazing vocal ability, but pointed his audience to the cross of Jesus Christ.
Boyd, a single father who has experienced many obstacles throughout his life and career, gave a stirring rendition of the beloved song "The Old Rugged Cross" last Monday before a live audience.
The hymn was originally written in 1913 and is based off the biblical passage Galatians 6:14. The speaker in the hymn sings of of Christ's sacrifice through crucifixion, and his own dedication to the cross.
Judge Blake Shelton called Boyd's emotional rendition "one of the most passionate, epic vocal performances."
Producer and judge Pharrell Williams added,"Going through everything that you've gone through to get yourself here, what does it feel like to be at the top of your game and to surrender it to God in front of the whole entire world?"
"I feel so blessed right now, it's mind blowing," Boyd answered, adding that singing the hymn accompanied by a full orchestra was "a dream come true."
"I get it, man. To God be the glory," said Pharrell.
According to Mesquite News, Boyd grew up in the church and was actively involved in the church's music ministry and even helped direct the youth's praise band and choir for a time.
"He was never one of those teenagers that hid his faith," Mark Ellis, a minister at Peace Church for 21 years, told the Associated Press. "He was very involved with the youth group at church, very faithful and a good young man."
"He wasn't so wrapped up in life outside of church that he didn't have time to get involved," the pastor added.
After hearing Boyd perform The Old Rugged Cross this week Ellis said, "I was very proud of him Monday night. I immediately tweeted how proud of him I was."
Since his starting the show, Boyd said his Twitter and Facebook pages have been filled with support from fans nationwide. The YouTube video of the "Old Rugged Cross" show has had more than 1,342,000 views since Monday.
Boyd, currently a Nashville resident, will sing for viewer votes for the last time on Monday night's show before a winner is crowned on Tuesday night. "The Voice" will air at 7 p.m. Monday and 8 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
