Burnell Taylor's 'This Time' wins 'American Idol' judges

Burnell Taylor gave a soulful and moving performance during the sudden death round on "American Idol" Thursday.

Performing a rendition of "This Time" by John Legend, Taylor won praise from the entire judging panel.

"Firstly you look great. Gosh I liked that performance. I really did," Keith Urban said, admitting that he tried to come up with a critique but couldn't. "I'm connected to this whole thing. When you auditioned you sang "I'm Here." After tonight, I think you are here to stay."

Even more impressed, Nicki Minaj said Taylor gave the best performance of the night.

"Right now, today, I would pay to see you sing. Burnell first of all, outside of everything Keith said about your style, the fact that you lost that weight, it signifies a different spirit taking over your life. You deserve that," said Minaj. "I know what that feels like. The best by far tonight. Nobody else was even in your lane tonight."

Burnell Taylor performs on "American Idol"Burnell Taylor performs on "American Idol"

Agreeing with Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson said Burnell Taylor was captivating.

"Love your story. Love that you lost the weight. It was captivating. You're very different. That's what I liked about you. You picked a John Legend song and you did it justice. You kind of put your own thing in it and that's what I always love about you. Props to you man," said Jackson.

Rounding out the panel, Mariah Carey said the performance was fantastic.

"I have to agree with Mr. Jackson. You know, the first time I saw you, they made a commercial out of it. I was crying because it was so authentic and raw. This was fantastic. This touched me as well, but that was just an isolated moment that was very intense and from that point on, I was rooting for you and wanting you to stay and excel in this competition," said Carey. "I hope you just keep doing you and being creative with your choices and really taking that time."

With strong reviews from the judges, Burnell Taylor was given a pass to the next round of the competition.

Did you enjoy his performance and did the judges get it right?

"American Idol" returns Wednesday night at 8 p.m. on FOX.