X Factor Judges Wow'd by Inspirational Performance of "Alabaster Box"

Aimee Herd : Sep 12, 2013
X Factor Season 3

"Where you been hiding? The fact that you sang a song that people didn't know and y'all could feel that, couldn't you? Every single part of this room, you touched with your voice." -Kelly Rowland to Lillie McCloud

Season 3 of the X Factor kicked off this week with a notable performance that brought all four judges—Simon Cowell included—to their feet, as well as the audience, in a standing ovation.

Besides the fact that Lillie McCloud's soulful-yet-powerhouse voice knocked it out of the park; the song she chose is a beautiful worship-ballad written by Cece Winans, and not very well known to the average X Factor viewer—let alone the judges.

Yet, as Season 3 judge, Kelly Rowland pointed out, "The fact that you sang a song that people didn't know and y'all could feel that, couldn't you? Every single part of this room, you touched with your voice."

Yes, 54-year-old Lillie McCloud isn't really a newcomer to performing—she's been an international singer since the ‘80's (under the name "Nicole") and even had a song chart in the Top 10 back then—she truly is a mom and grandma, and who among us would begrudge her another chance at a breakthrough singing career in her 50s?

Certainly not this 50-something.

Besides, if she can touch the heart of even seasoned skeptic Simon Cowell, with such an inspirational piece that gives glory to the Lord, then I eagerly await her next song on the X Factor stage.