Christina Grimmie

After headlining the 31-date Voice tour that wraps August 2, Kaufman will start recording his major-label debut album. Not bad for a guy who was performing solo at Potbelly on Monument Circle earlier this year.

What makes his victory so refreshing is the fact that the best vocalist on the show actually prevailed.

What’s more, Ed Sheeran made a surprise appearance to announce that he will perform on the season finale. He may play “All of the Stars,” a song he wrote for The Fault in Our Stars film based on John Green’s hit YA novel.

Coach Usher picked “Love Runs Out” by OneRepublic, which was an excellent decision matched with perfect timing. America finally saw a comfortable Josh Kaufman meander about the stage as if it’s where he belongs—and it is.

The five remaining contestants will each perform two songs live for America with hopes of seizing a coveted spot in the finals. Follow along with us!

Kaufman controlled Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” with pitch perfection. When he mixes gospel roots with that soulful jazz tone, it’s hard to think he won’t make the show’s Top 2.

“[Usher] told me to practice in the mirror—once facing it, once in profile one way, and once in profile the other way, occasionally making eye contact with myself,” Kaufman tell IM. “It really helped me focus on connecting with the audience.”

Host Carson Daly called Kaufman’s take on a Bruno Mars tune “the performance of the night.” Here’s a look at his top four foes going into the live shows.