Sir Tom Jones left The Voice UK viewers emotional with a rendition of Leonard Cohen's 'In the Tower of Song' during the latest episode of the ITV singing competition. The Welsh singer performed the ballad during another round of blind auditions, wowing fellow judges Kelly Rowland, will.i.am, McFly's Danny Jones and Tom Fletcher, as well as the audience.
Emotional performance earns standing ovation
Before singing, Sir Tom said: "I mean, there's a song that Leonard Cohen wrote. It's called In the Tower of Song. That song really sort of touches a nerve with me. So, maybe we could do it today, maybe?"
The moving rendition earned Sir Tom a standing ovation, and will.i.am was seen becoming tearful as he described Sir Tom as a "gift". He said: "I am trying to make sense of my emotions right now. We just felt, like, the most purest of hearts – 85 years of every experience you can think of in this man's sponge of a soul and he rinsed it out for us. And we bathed in it."
Kelly Rowland also became emotional, adding: "Beautifully said." Sir Tom responded: "I cherish everybody in this room."
Fans praise the Welsh singer
Viewers at home shared their reactions online, with many saying: "He's still got it." One Facebook user commented: "He's incredible. His voice almost gets richer with age. He's got to be one of, if not the best vocalists of all time."
Another added: "What an incredible voice this man has still. Absolutely brilliant song he sang last night really got to me." A third said: "Omg he's still got it last night on the voice it was very moving when he sang."
Sir Tom reflects on his age and voice
In the episode, Sir Tom, now 86, also reflected on reaching 85 while still being able to perform. Kelly began by highlighting "85 years young," to which Sir Tom responded: "Oh, 85 years young."
As the audience applauded, Kelly said: "You've seen, heard so much. You have been around the world how many times? You know what I mean?" Sir Tom nodded, concurring: "A lot." He went on to confess: "I just love the fact that I can still sing."
Kelly concluded: "Amen. Your voice changes and it continues to evolve. But yours is so strong. When you're singing it is so strong."
