America’s Got Talent is kicking off season 20 with an unforgettable audition.
During the season premiere on Tuesday, May 27, viewers at home were introduced to aspiring singer Jourdan Blue.
“In my teenage years, I got down the wrong path, and I got kicked out of school. I got myself into some trouble and ended up on my own at 16,” he shared before taking the stage to audition. “There was definitely a while there where I was homeless and I would bounce around from friend’s house to friend’s house or sleep in bathrooms where I worked at.”
Everything changed, however, when his grandpa stepped in to help provide love and shelter for the New Orleans resident. Now, Jourdan is a father and ready to make his musical dreams come true on America’s Got Talent.
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“I started street performing in New Orleans because I really wanted to dive into it,” he told judges Howie Mandel, Sofía Vergara, Mel B and Simon Cowell. “As you might remember, at the beginning of the year, there was a terrorist attack right on the exact block of where I perform.”
While trying to hold back tears, the 23-year-old said he knew it was time to step out of his comfort zone and try out for America’s Got Talent.
“It made me realize there’s so much more to live for,” he said. “That’s what made me choose AGT. I feel like this is the best way to level up.”
Within seconds, Jourdan wowed the audience with his unique rendition of “Breakeven” by The Script. When the song came to an end, the four judges and audience delivered a standing ovation.
While Mel B, 49, said the performance was “pitch perfect,” Sofia, 52, argued he was a total “rockstar.”
Simon, 65, called Jourdan “so cool” before Howie, 69, decided to use his Golden Buzzer on the up and coming singer.
“This is season 20,” Howie said. “I’ve seen dreams come true right where you’re standing, lives changed 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.”
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Because Jourdan received a golden buzzer, he will bypass other rounds of the competition and be able to advance straight into the live shows.
“I think you are somebody who lost their way a little bit,” Simon shared. “But, like you said, through music, you’ve found your way.”
America’s Got Talent airs on NBC Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET. Stream old episodes anytime via Peacock.
