Todd Tilghman

From a fusion of country, gospel, and classic rock, Mississippi pastor Todd Tilghman, father of eight, rose to instant prominence in 2020 when he claimed victory on season eighteen of The Voice. At age forty-two, he became the oldest contestant ever to win the competition.

A Meridian, Mississippi native, Tilghman assumed leadership of Cornerstone Church in 2011—the same sanctuary where he first sang at the age of eight. After wedding his high school sweetheart and welcoming three children, the couple adopted two sisters, expanding their household to eight by the time Tilghman auditioned. Following nearly a decade of local ministry, he entered season eighteen of the singing contest to create an opportunity for himself and his family. His Southern accent, relaxed charm, and robust vocal style prompted all four judges to turn during his take on Bob Seger’s “We’ve Got Tonight,” placing him on Blake Shelton’s team. Acclaimed performances of Peter Cetera’s “Glory of Love,” John Mellencamp’s “Authority Song” shared with Shelton, and the original “Long Way Home” carried him to the final win, making him the program’s eighteenth champion.