Nun wins 'The Voice Italy,' leads crowd in Our Father

Rome, Italy, Jun 6, 2014 / 09:22 am

In an emotional finale decided by Italian TV viewers, 25 year-old Sister Cristina Scuccia won the 2014 edition of The Voice Italy on June 5.

The Ursuline Sister of the Holy Family captivated millions with her talent and charisma. Upon winning 62 percent of the final vote, she told the audience, "I want Jesus to enter into here," and led the crowds in praying an Our Father.

"I wish to thank everyone, my sisters, all the people who have supported me at this moment," Sister Cristina said when she was announced the winner. She explained that her presence on the program was not about herself, but about "the one who is above. My ultimate gratitude is to the one on high."

Sister Cristina's mentor, J-Ax, said that the experience has been "incredible" and voiced hope that "this small change we have made together will allow you to go on. My advice, as I told you before, is that you can change things and be an important example out there."

As was the case throughout the competition, Sister Cristina was accompanied during the finale by members of her community and her own family.

She performed several songs, including one by her mentor J-Ax, as well as "No One," by Alicia Keys, the song she sang at the beginning of the show that garnered worldwide attention.

After she finished the Keys song, J-Ax said, "I think I can speak for everyone. This song has changed everyone's lives. It is a song that has caught the attention of everyone, even Alicia Keys."

"To paraphrase Elvis, 50 million people can't be wrong," he said in allusion to the 50 million views the video of the performance has received so far on YouTube.

Before taking part in the finale, Sister Cristina told the Italian daily La Stampa, "Tonight an incredible adventure that still surprises me is coming to an end."

She hopes the attention that she has gained "will give young people the will and strength to follow their own dreams."

"I don't deny that I felt somewhat uneasy when reporters asked me what it feels like to be in the spotlight as a religious. I always answer that when I discovered my vocation, I found myself in the arms of Jesus, and by singing I seek to express God's beauty."

Regarding her future, Sister Cristina said she is leaving it in the hands of Providence. "If they send me overseas I will go. If they want me to keep singing I will do so with my kids at the oratory and I will do so with joy."