Chris Kläfford’s Mesmerizing Performance of “Imagine”
Even without being a regular viewer, it’s undeniable that reality talent competitions like The X Factor, The Voice, and various Got Talent iterations have spotlighted emerging talents. These platforms are beneficial both for the artists and the audience, given the remarkable talent pool they uncover. Among these talents is Chris Kläfford, a Swedish singer and guitarist who graced the fourteenth season of America’s Got Talent, a series with a long history of memorable auditions. His stood out particularly. When queried by Simon Cowell about his musical roots, Chris mentioned his affinity for rock and bands such as Kiss during his formative years.
Interestingly, for his audition, Chris opted not for a rock piece but for John Lennon’s “Imagine,” delivering one of the most heart-touching renditions conceivable. His performance moved the audience to tears, and it was no surprise when the judges unanimously advanced him. Chris effortlessly progressed through the Judges Cuts to the quarter-finals with his original song “Something Like Me,” earning a standing ovation from the judges. He continued to impress in the quarter-finals with another original track. While original compositions are risky due to their unfamiliarity compared to hit songs, Chris still managed to captivate, receiving a standing ovation from Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough, and the audience’s support propelled him into the semi-finals.
Though Chris didn’t clinch the title and was eliminated in the semi-finals, his journey didn’t end there. Hailing from a small Swedish town with a close-knit community, Chris discovered his passion for music at a young age.