Boyd sang "The Old Rugged Cross" on the semi-final round of The Voice.
Craig Wayne Boyd received a thunderous ovation from the audience after singing the hundred-year-old hymnal “The Old Rugged Cross.” The 35-year-old Voice contestant is from Nashville, Tennessee and claimed to have surrendered his performance to God.
Boyd performed the hymnal as his second song in the semi-final round of The Voice on Monday night. He is currently leading the way in viewer votes for the show. His rendition of “The Old Rugged Cross” is second on the iTunes Top Ten Songs at the time of writing this article.
After Boyd's performance, all four judges gave a standing ovation.
Judge Pharrell Williams responded to the performance by mentioning its obvious reference to the Christian faith.
“I get it, man. To God be the Glory,” said Williams.
“What does it feel like, to be at the top of your game, and to surrender it all to God in front of the whole world?” Williams asked Boyd.
“I feel so blessed right now. It’s mind blowing,” responded Boyd.
Judge Blake Shelton said, “one of the best singers I’ve ever heard in my life,” in reference to Boyd.
“You gave one of the most passionate, epic vocal performances I have ever heard on this stage,” said Shelton.
Boyd gave recognition to the full orchestra who supplied the background music to his performance. The artist expressed his long desire to be able to perform with such accompaniment. “It’s a dream come true,” he said.
The hymn, written by George Bennard in 1913, 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.
“Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.”
