Father Ray Kelly never imagined that a video of him singing "Hallelujah" at a couple's wedding would go viral, let alone that he would receive a recording contract because of his performance.
After finding instant fame on Youtube, the Irish priest says that major music labels Sony and Universal are interested in signing him to a record deal.
"I'll sit down and talk to them and see what they have to offer," Father Kelly told the Irish Independent. "They have ties in Ireland, the UK and worldwide."
The Irish priest was performing a wedding ceremony for Leah and Chris O'Kane when he surprised them by singing Leonard Cohen's 1984 hit, "Hallelujah." Kelly's performance featured amended lyrics that celebrated the O'Kane's union.
The wedding video, uploaded on April 7, has received over 30 million Youtube views.
Although shocked by the response, Father Kelly stated that he always knew he was talented.
"I knew I could sing – and that I had a voice – but I never thought I'd be in this league," he said. "As a young lad I always dreamed about hitting the big time. But not many people get there."
Kelly, 60, is a former member of the "All Priests Show," a traveling music ensemble, and performed across Ireland and the U.S. However, that entertainment industry experience was nothing compared to his current fame.
"I love to sing, and I love the buzz of performing," Kelly told the Irish Times. "I travelled to America and did shows there. I've never had to deal with anything like this before, but I'm coping."
The priest described his viral video as an extraordinary stroke of luck.
"It's kind of like somebody winning the Lotto – and then all of a sudden their life changes forever," he told the Irish Independent. "Somebody even compared me to a male Susan Boyle.''
Despite talking to record companies and performing on "The Late Show," Father Kelly has no plans to give up his day job.
"I'd like to launch an international career – but I still want to be a priest,'' he said.
