Curtis Finch Jr's 'I Believe I Can Fly' moves Nicki Minaj on 'American Idol'

Curtis Finch Jr. touched Nicki Minaj with an inspirational performance during "American Idol" Wednesday.

Performing a rendition of the R. Kelly song "I Believe I Can Fly," Finch led Nicki Minaj to say that his gift is bigger than "American Idol." He also received a standing ovation from the entire panel of judges.

"Let me tell you something. This is bigger than "American Idol" to me. When you make people feel like they can fly, that was something that was given to you by another power. You have a calling on your life," said Minaj. "Curtis I really, really hope and pray that you make that kind of album. This is what we need from you. We need that."

Keith Urban was also touched by the performance.

"Good and light and godly and whole. You have so much hope in you and we need that. Thank you Curtis," said Urban.

Curtis Finch Jr performsCurtis Finch Jr performs

Also referencing God and the power of the performance, Randy Jackson said Curtis Finch Jr. picked the right song and direction.

"Let's all just say praise God. Dude I felt like the competition tonight, it started right here," said Jackson. "This is what you do right here."

Rounding out the panel, Mariah Carey said that she needed to hear a moving song like that at that moment in time.

"I told you I wait for you to sing every time. The energy that you gave off and what you were feeling was what I needed in this moment right now in my life," said Carey. "So much bad energy for no reason at times. Every single thing you said, you made me feel like thank you that Curtis is here tonight. I just want to say yet again, thank you."

Were you touched by his performance?

"American Idol" returns with results from the viewer vote Thursday night at 8 p.m. on FOX.