“American Idol” is a show that’s been discovering talented individuals for 20 years. From Kelly Clarkson, the show’s first winner, to Carrie Underwood, Fantasia, and Jennifer Hudson, it’s a show that highlights how a beautiful voice can come from the most unsuspecting subjects. Season 20 recently kicked off with a heartwarming performance by a young minister, Tyler Allen.

Starting in Austin, Texas, season 20’s premiere featured Allen, who is a preacher, singer, writer, actor, and mentor, according to his Instagram bio. According to his website, Allen is an ordained elder in his church. He has been in ministry for 15 years after starting as an evangelist at 9-years-old. He is a newlywed who regularly posts about the power of God.

In a recent birthday post on Instagram, Allen honored “Mama Matthews,” a woman he described as his “mentor.” Allen said that Mama Matthews has been one of his biggest encouragers throughout his young adult life.

Allen shared, “This picture describes the feeling between me and mama Matthews once the spirit hits us !!!! Since I was a teenager, this woman has been in my life. She’s my musical mama, and she’s the one that stayed up with until one almost two before I flew out to audition for ‘American Idol’ working on my audition piece.”

The 24-year-old Alabama native dedicated his audition to his 1-year-old nephew, Noah. Both Noah and his mother, Allen’s sister, were killed in a horrific car accident last April, telling the judges that an 18-wheeler hit his family members and killed them instantaneously. Allen said that putting his nephew to rest was the hardest thing to do, but he does believe he’s in a better place. Allen then sang a song he used to sing to Noah, Whitney Houston’s “I Believe in You and Me.”

Judge Katy Perry, a pastor’s daughter and pop star, overflowed with emotion during Allen’s audition. Allen’s performance moved the judges, who praised the singer for his talent.” It’s just God-given,” Perry said. “It’s beautiful.” Judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan also chimed in, with the former declaring, “You are a star. You’re the top of my food chain right now.” After hearing a “yes” from all three judges, Allen immediately praised the Lord, advancing him to the Hollywood round.

Allen said that he’s been singing in church all of his life. He attended the University of Mobile, joining the Voices of Mobile group. He sang with the group in New York, Cuba, London, Romania, and the White House. Allen also says that his dream is to be an international recording artist, traveling the world to sing. He’s familiar with “American Idol,” particularly with Fantasia Barrino’s run on the show in 2004.

The loss of a family member, particularly a young family member, would be enough to drive anyone crazy. You wonder why God would allow something so tragic to happen. However, instead of allowing it to turn him cold, Allen uses his pain to propel him into stardom potentially. Allen’s sister and nephew are looking down on him, and they couldn’t be more proud.