Chris Kläfford Offers a Mesmerizing Interpretation of “Imagine”

Regardless of whether you’ve tuned in before, it’s universally acknowledged that reality talent competitions like The X Factor, The Voice, and various “Got Talent” iterations have spotlighted emerging talents. This exposure is beneficial for the artists and the audience alike, given the wealth of talent discovered. Among these talents is the Swedish singer-guitarist, Chris Kläfford, who made a notable appearance in the 14th season of America’s Got Talent—a show with a long history of memorable auditions.

His musical journey, influenced heavily by rock bands such as Kiss, took an unexpected turn during his audition.

Choosing to perform John Lennon’s “Imagine,” Chris Kläfford offered an incredibly moving rendition, leaving many in the audience visibly emotional. His performance was so compelling that the judges unanimously advanced him to the subsequent rounds. Chris’s journey continued as he wowed both the judges and the audience with an original song, “Something Like Me,” earning a standing ovation and progressing through the competition.

In the quarter-finals, he took a gamble with another original piece. While original compositions can be risky due to the audience’s unfamiliarity, Chris managed to secure a standing ovation from judges Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough, and audience support propelled him into the semi-finals.

Despite his semi-final exit, Chris’s musical aspirations didn’t wane. Hailing from a small Swedish town, where he began playing guitar at nine, Chris’s early life was steeped in music, despite the challenges of pursuing it professionally. His persistence paid off when he won Swedish Idol in 2017, leading to significant success in Sweden, including top charting singles and a record for streaming achievements.

His rendition of “Imagine” has garnered significant acclaim on YouTube, with many praising it as superior to the original—a testament to his talent. For those intrigued by his voice, his quarter-final performance, “Cold At The Altar,” is worth exploring. Chris Kläfford continues to be an artist worth following, with a voice that resonates and moves listeners worldwide.