ROME – Italy’s singing nun, Sister Cristina Scuccia, is the winner of “The Voice of Italy,” after becoming a global sensation starting in March when her rendition of Alicia Keys’ “No One” in the talent show’s blind audition got more than 50 million hits on YouTube and appreciative Tweets from Keys herself and Whoopi Goldberg.
On Thursday night, wearing her nun’s habit, crucifix around her neck, and plain black shoes, the 25-year-old Sicilian nun won Italy’s version of “The Voice” with 62.3 percent of the vote.
“My presence here is not up to me, it’s thanks to the man upstairs,” she said before reciting the Lord’s Prayer onstage.
Sister Scuccia, who won a recording contract with Universal, was coached by Italian rapper J-Ax. She beat long-haired male rocker Giacomo Voli.
She has said she was inspired to audition for “The Voice” by the words of Pope Francis to “get out onto the streets” in his call for a Catholic Church that is closer to common folk and their everyday lives.
