Howie Mandel
23-year-old street performer Jourdan Blue has found himself an instant national fanbase with his emotional audition for the season 20 premiere of NBC’s America’s Got Talent on Tuesday (May 27).
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Blue’s performance of The Script‘s “Breakeven” was one filled with tears and triumph, with the young father’s story of overcoming adversity and terror adding to the euphoria that accompanied his Golden Buzzer-worthy performance.
Per Blue’s own account, he’s a street performer from New Orleans who spends most of his nights performing into the wee small hours in order to support his girlfriend and young son, Jax.
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“Growing up, my mom was a cop, my dad was a lawyer, so naturally I was a rebel,” he explained to the judges ahead of his performance. “I kind of got myself into some trouble and ended up living with my grandpa and he’s a big music listener and that inspired me to get into it.
“I started street performing in New Orleans because I really wanted to just fully dive into it. As you might remember, at the beginning of the year, there was an attack on New Orleans, right on the exact block where I perform.
“It made me realize that there’s so much more to live for,” he added. “That’s what made me choose AGT. I feel like this is the best way to level up.”
Immediately leveling up with the crowd as he dove into his performance of The Script’s 2008 hit, Blue’s unique voice instantly won over the crowd as it became clear that even the judges were immensely impressed by his rendition.
“I think you are somebody [who] maybe lost their way a little bit, but like you said, through music [you have] now found your way,” explained judge Simon Cowell. “You have such a distinctive voice, you are so cool, and you feed off the audience. They love you and how you made me feel just then was actually amazing.”
“This is season 20,” added fellow judge Howie Mandel. “I’ve seen dreams come true, and I’ve seen lives change right where you’re standing. And that stage and that moment can take you anywhere, and this is just the beginning of where you can go.
“I think you’re a star,” Mandel told Blue after hitting the Golden Buzzer. “I think your name is gonna be on the lips of everybody watching this across the globe.”
Blue was one of two acts to receive the Golden Buzzer on the May 27 episode, with Brazilian dance group Light Wire also receiving the same honor from Cowell.
Watch Blue’s full performance below:
In a season already brimming with talent, 9-year-old Journeyy stepped into the spotlight of America’s Got Talent on Tuesday night (July 23) and delivered a performance that left both judges and the audience deeply impressed.
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“I just didn’t expect that me recording videos at my house would lead to me being here right now. When I grow up, I want to be a pop singer,” Journeyy said in a backstage interview ahead of his performance according to NBC.
Performing his own original song “Paradise,” the New Jersey native wowed the crowd with not just exceptional songwriting skills but also an incredible stage presence and vocal ability that belied his young age.
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As he began to play the opening notes of “Paradise,” the room fell into a hushed anticipation. His voice, soulful and rich, had a haunting quality reminiscent of Lana Del Rey, drawing listeners into his imaginative world of “purple clouds” and “automatic lullabies”.
The judges’ reactions were unanimously positive. Heidi Klum was the first to speak, telling Journeyy, “I’m very impressed by you. Nine years old, your parents must be super proud of you. I’m proud of you. I hope you’re proud of yourself. Very well done, you have a beautiful voice.” Journeyy’s parents and sister stood in the wings, wiping tears away and nodding in agreement.
Sofia Vergara, clearly moved, stated, “I love you,” prompting a giant grin from the young talent.
“I think this season we have so many cool kids. Super cool kids, you’re one of them,” she enthused. Howie Mandel, always ready with a quip, joked, “A long time ago, I was nine years old for almost a year, and I think you’re amazing.”
Simon Cowell, often the toughest critic, was full of praise. “You’ve just got it, haven’t you? I love hearing people write their own material. It’s a glimpse into who you are, and I really like you. Great things are going to happen to you. I can feel it.” He added, “You are somebody who has a God-given talent. And it’s rare.”
The impressive performance not only earned him a standing ovation but also four enthusiastic “yes” votes from the judges, securing his place in the next round.
Journeyy’s path to “America’s Got Talent” was not just a lucky break. Simon Cowell revealed that one of his friends had discovered Journeyy’s talent online and recommended him to the show.
“A couple of days ago, ‘You’ve got to see this video.’ And it was you. Anyway, we sent the video to the production team and then we found out that they’d already found you,” Simon said.
Despite his young age, Journeyy has already garnered a significant social media following, where his viral cover of Hillsong United’s “Oceans” caught the attention of both fans and industry insiders, paving his way to the show.
Check out Journeyy’s America’s Got Talent performance below.
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