PERFORMANCE - JEREMY LEWIS
While the judges (and viewers) had seemingly all been blown away by Jeremy's first couple of performances, one thing stuck out to him. Last week, not one but TWO of the judges mentioned wanting to see the "real" Jeremy. To know the man behind the voice. And how to show that in the form of singing somebody else's song was something he'd wrestled with for days. Until he realized that if he shined a light on the darkest period of his life, it would show his soul as raw as could be, AND give him plenty of suitable songs with which to illustrate it.
Looking more somber and introspective this week, he took to the stage wearing another simple outfit of faded blue jeans and a red silk dress shirt. He had nobody backing him up this week... it was just the man and his guitar.
"Last week... you guys wanted to see who I am. What makes me the man you see here. So I thought long and hard about it... and decided to show you. Last week, I mentioned my wife, Iris, and my daughter, Brynn. But before them... I'd had a family once before. I was engaged to a woman named Camilla, who... was killed while pregnant with our child. I had given up on life, and honestly... meeting Iris was what saved my life. But even today, losing Camilla was the single worst moment of my entire life, and one I'll never completely be over. Tonight, I hope that when this song is over... you'll all feel like you know me a little better."`
Sitting on the lone stool in the middle of the stage, he adjusted the microphone so that it was near his face as he strummed at his guitar.
"Would you know my name If I saw you in heaven? Would it be the same If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong And carry on 'Cause I know I don't belong Here in heaven"
He didn't cry. He'd shed so many tears over this that the well was literally dry by this point. But the look of sadness in his eyes... the gaze of a broken man who'd been put back together again.. was heart-wrenching to see.
"Would you hold my hand If I saw you in heaven? Would you help me stand If I saw you in heaven?
I'll find my way Through night and day 'Cause I know I just can't stay Here in heaven"
His gruff, melodic voice cracked a little with emotion on certain words, as he gave all of himself to the lyrics, to the way they made him feel.
"Time can bring you down Time can bend your knees Time can break your heart Have you begging please, begging please
Beyond the door There's peace I'm sure And I know there'll be no more Tears in heaven
Would you know my name If I saw you in heaven? Would you be the same If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong And carry on 'Cause I know I don't belong Here in heaven
'Cause I know I don't belong Here in heaven"
As he played the final notes of the song, he sat motionless for a few moments, clearly collecting his resolve before wanting to say or do anything. Finally, he looked up, his eyes immediately searching for Iris. When he met her gaze, he mouthed one simple sentence to her: "Thank you. Thank you so much."