Congratulations are in order for Todd Tilghman!
The 42-year-old Meridian, MS native was crowned the winner for Season 18 of The Voice last Tuesday (May 19) and not only was it the first virtual win for the Emmy Award-winning series, but it was also a very important moment for the contestant.
A husband, pastor and father of 8, Tilghman always had a passion for music. He was aware of his daily responsibilities and was torn on whether or not he’d be willing to walk away from his job as a pastor to pursue his dreams. After a lot of convincing from his wife Brooke, Todd took the leap and auditioned for the show.
“I was terrified that no chairs were going to turn,” the 42-year-old recalls from his audition.
He definitely didn’t have to worry about that, as all four coaches turned their chairs and wanted him on their respective teams. After deep thought, Tilghman chose to work with coach Blake Shelton, and the pairing couldn’t have been better.
“I’m sort of a country guy from a small town, so I relate to Blake [Shelton] that way,” Tilghman tells Celeb Secrets on why he chose the country crooner as his coach. “Blake’s personality is similar to mine. He likes to have fun and joke around and he doesn’t take like to seriously. So I knew that if he turned I would possibly lean towards him.”
“When he [turned his chair], he said a bunch of things to me, but he said that he’s been the only coach that’s been there since the beginning and that I was the reason why he stayed. That I was the type of person as to why he’s still on the show. That sealed the deal for me.”
Tilghman’s accomplishment sees him as the oldest artist to be crowned the champion of The Voice as well as coach Blake Shelton’s seventh win over 18 seasons. He beat out teammate Toneisha Harris, team Kelly Clarkson’s Micah Iverson, team John Legend’s Camm Wess, and team Nick Jonas’ Thunderstorm Artis.
Celeb Secrets had the chance to jump on the phone with Tilghman after our conversation, we completely understand how this Mississippi native won the hearts of America. Aside from being incredibly humble and kind, Todd has a fire and passion for music that will not stop until it has touched the hearts of individuals all over the globe. Take a read at the full Q&A below and make sure to follow Todd on Instagram at @todd_tilghman.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i8UJ_724uc
Celeb Secrets: So you’re a husband, pastor, and father of 8. What was it like to have the time to be able to fully immerse yourself in your passion? Obviously some things changed due to the lockdown, but for the most part you were in LA filming at the Warner Brothers Lot.
Todd Tilghman: “That was a very exciting time. My family was back at home and we have a remarkable support system. The music side of it was obviously the most out in the open up front part about it but really that was a remarkable experience because of all the people. I mean you get to meet all of these people who love music like you do, but they are all so different. I feel like I made friends I will keep for the rest of my life.”
Celeb Secrets: Thats so awesome. The talent this year was amazing. And on top of that the panel of judges in incredible. What was it like being in the presence of Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, John Legend and Blake Shelton? Did you ever have to pinch yourself?
TT: “For me, even like with James Taylor, it was almost like later on that night when you’re in bed you’re like, holy crap I was with John Legend today.”
CS: And not just with him, but getting support from him and getting advice! These people believe in you and your artistry.
TT: “I think when you’re there in the moment your minds almost like preoccupied on what’s happening. Like you’re doing your knockout and waiting for them to say who wins and who goes home, so your minds preoccupied til later. It’s like a delayed effect, and later you realize I was just working with and being complimented by these giants in this industry.”
CS: And even in your blind audition, they were all fighting for you! That must have been the most surreal feeling ever.
TT: “Oh ya, and the funny thing about the blinds is you go in with your mind made up. Like if this person turns, really I’ve said in every interview that I was going to go with whatever coach turned. But when they all turned and were like pitching for you to join their team, your mind starts changing with each coach you know!”
CS: Right, and what led you to the decision to pick Blake?
TT: “Well honest to God, there were a couple things, when I first went into it I was thinking, just because I’m sort of a country guy from a small town, I relate to Blake in that way. And also Blake’s personality is similar to mine. He likes to have fun and joke around and he doesn’t take life too seriously. So I knew that if he turned I would probably lean toward him. But what ultimately happened was his pitch was last. And he said a bunch of things but he said he’s been the only coach that’s been there since the beginning and that I was the reason why he stayed, that I was the sort of person, like why he’s still on the show. That sealed the deal for me.”
CS: That’s so cool. I mean did any part of you think, “I’m going to go audition for the voice and I’m going to win it?”
TT: “No, absolutely not, I mean I was terrified that no chair was going to turn haha.”
CS: I mean, for no reason. Anyone who listens to you is going to be in awe of your voice and your spirit. I mean, you’re used to being in front of people because you’re a pastor right?
TT: “Ya that’s the fun part. The crowd is the fun part. What makes me nervous is that you’re up against these people who are just spotless, they sing perfectly.”
CS: Ya, but it’s so much, it’s the entire package, it’s your message. Your original song “Long Way Home” — I absolutely love. It speaks a bit about being patient and how dreams might take a while to be fulfilled. How has this applied to your life? Obviously being all of those roles takes a lot of time and dedication? Why did you feel compelled to put this message into your first original song?
TT: “I mean there is a lot to that. First of all, you know that song is a Ryan Anes song, he started that song and it was on SongLand. So basically we started the song from a foundation that he had already put together with Ester and Shane. A couple other people were involved too I believe. When I heard that song, I was just like, I never thought I would come out here and defy the odds. What happened with me was, it’s not that I don’t have any regrets about pursuing music at a younger age. But what happened with me was, I sort of had a content life. I’m content with my wife and my kids, I was happy with my life. But then a couple of years ago, I went through some circumstances, and without sharing too much detail I ended up talking to them a bit about those circumstances and that sort of just broke something open inside of me that just said “You’ve got to do something different.” A lot of people say it was a midlife crisis, and maybe it was. But something really just broke open inside of me saying I had to do something different. And you know how you get that feeling like your inner man is just going to die if you don’t do it. And I looked into a lot of things but I never thought, oh I want to change my life so let’s go win the voice! But I will say I actually decided to not go to the audition and my wife used those words against me, saying that I’m always the one saying I need a change and now I won’t go do this. So I was like, ya you’re right. I dont know I just felt like I wanted to give something a shot.”
CS: And you’re doing a good job that’s for sure. So what do you see happening next for you? Obviously circumstances are a bit different because of Covid 19 but are there any short term/ long term goals to provide the fanbase you’ve now created with music, tour dates, etc.?
TT: “So short term what I’m doing is reaching out to people because I made so many remarkable connections throughout this time on the show. So I’m reaching out to these people I made enough of a connection with that I have their numbers and we can talk. And they are really sort of rooted in the industry already. I’m reaching out and learning from them. Because you know, I joke around about this but It’s really true. I’m too old to pretend that I’m smart about things that I’m not smart about. So I’m just straight up about it and let them know that I need someone to help me. And so, that’s what I’m doing with that. And what I do right now is, I sort of took a break because the show got so hectic but I think I’m going to kick things back off tomorrow. I’ve been doing like Friday night live shows on Facebook. Because you know I’m old, so I have my largest following on facebook. But it did grow a lot on instagram over the last week. But you know I go on there and I go live. I just use tracks and sing over those. I want to pursue a little more of this single and try to do a video and get it on the radio. And then I want to write, I love to write and I want to collaborate with other writers. There are other people who have been on the voice who have reached out and hopefully I will be able to get together with them and write. And hopefully sometime in the near future I can put something out. Because now I feel like people want to hear it and I never felt that before.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btvaGV1wUZY
CS: Thats so cool, I can’t imagine what that feeling is like of always wanting to share a message then finally having the chance to. I have another question for you. Being a fellow Christian I’m kind of curious about the decision to pursue secular music instead of worship?
TT: “I feel like there is a very valuable place in this world for Christian music. I think we need that in the world. But I also think that basically only Christian’s hear it. I’m hoping to sing, even if the Church world is to say it was secular, I’m hoping to sing more on that platform. That way you’re hearing the message of the gospel you just don’t know it. And maybe then they dig more into the persons life that’s singing it they will find it’s beautiful. I’m not a perfect guy, I make a lot of mistakes. Religion, if we’re not careful, tends to tell the world everything that’s wrong with them. And we’re not supposed to do that, we’re just supposed to love y’all. Because the thing is, there are things that are wrong in your life and there are things that are wrong in my life. It’s not like I have a blue ribbon and you don’t. And I hope that people just see that there are people in this world like myself who are followers of Jesus Christ, but that doesn’t make me the poster board for Christianity. I’m just a regular guy living by Grace like anyone else.”
CS: I love that and thank you so much for that message. It’s so important for people to know what Grace is and to realize that in order to attain it you don’t need to be perfect, you just need to be. Ok well, last but not least I can’t let you leave this interview without sharing a secret! Basically any little nugget fans might not know about you.
TT: “I actually believe there is a video of this floating around of this on youtube. Years ago, almost ten years now, I auditioned for a local talent completion to win a spot to audition for X Factor. And in our local talent competition I lost.”
CS: Well now the X Factor is bummed! Thank you so much Todd, and again congratulations! Congrats to your family and were looking forward to see all that you’re going to do in the world and in the music industry.
TT: “Thank you for the interview!”
