Seven years ago, Jordan McCullough stood on the stage of “The Voice,” trying his best to get a chair turn from at least one of the show’s coaches.
But by the time he finished singing Mario’s “Let Me Love You” during his blind audition, his time on the show was already over. Even though Gwen Stefani at one point had turned to fellow coach Kelly Clarkson to say she thought McCullough was good, the singer from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, failed to get a chair turn.
Now, McCullough has returned to the reality competition space.
And this time around, he got really close to winning the whole thing.
Jordan McCullough places 2nd on ‘American Idol’
McCullough, a 27-year-old singer and worship leader, made an impressive run on “American Idol” this season that culminated with host Ryan Seacrest declaring him the Season 24 runner-up, behind country singer-songwriter Hannah Harper.
On Monday night, during the season finale, McCullough ended his time on the show the way he started: by sharing his faith through song.
“Can we just have a three-way tie, is that possible?” “Idol” judge Carrie Underwood said following McCullough’s performance of “Dear God.”
“I’m comin’ to your church to hear you sing in your church,” Luke Bryan added.
It was a full-circle moment for McCullough, who auditioned for “American Idol” with a rendition of CeCe Winans’ “Goodness of God.” McCullough, who has been performing in church since he was 4, delivered powerhouse vocals and got a standing ovation from all three judges.
“That’ll wake you up,” Underwood said during his audition.
“You have been given an incredible gift and I love that you use it,” the country star continued. “I just had chills pretty much the whole time.”
“Idol” judge Lionel Richie, meanwhile, said it was “mesmerizing” watching McCullough perform.
Ahead of the season finale, McCullough secured his spot in the top three with a performance of Leona Lewis’ “Footprints in the Sand,” which he dedicated to his brothers (he’s the oldest of seven).
“I just see so much in front of you, I see such a bright future,” Bryan told McCullough following the performance. “You’re one of the best singers we’ve ever had.”
Other performances from McCullough on “Idol” included Queen’s “Somebody to Love”; Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me”; and “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas.”