When Dylan Carter took to “The Voice” stage, there was one person on his mind: His Mom. Before she passed away last October, she let him know that at her funeral, she wanted him to sing “I Look to You” by Whitney Houston. Although Dylan tried his best, he wasn’t able to make it through the whole song. It’s no wonder, then, why he chose that very song for his audition.

Not only did Dylan get through the song this time, but he also pulled off a rendition so moving, all four judges turned around for him. As soon as they did, an already emotional Dylan became even more overwhelmed — still, he kept going.

“When I saw y’all turn around, I saw my Mom,” Dylan said. “… this was the best second chance — I just made her so proud.”

Watch Dylan’s powerful performance in the emotional video below.