9-year-old impresses “AGT” with unforgettable beautiful song “Paradise”

America’s Got Talent

In a season full of talent, 9-year-old Journeyy stepped into the spotlight of America’s Got Talent on Tuesday evening (23 July) and delivered a performance that deeply impressed both the jury and the audience.

“I just didn’t expect to be standing here right now because I’m at home recording videos. When I grow up, I want to be a pop singer,” Journeyy said, according to a backstage interview before his performance. NBC.

With his own song “Paradise,” the New Jersey native thrilled the audience not only with his exceptional songwriting skills, but also with his incredible stage presence and a vocal talent that belied his young age.

As he played the first notes of “Paradise,” the room was filled with quiet 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 jury’s reactions were unanimously positive. Heidi Klum was the first to speak and said to Journeyy: “I am very impressed with you. At nine years old, your parents must be super proud of you. I am proud of you. I hope you are proud of yourself. Very well done, you have a beautiful voice.” Journeyy’s parents and sister stood in the wings, wiping tears from their eyes and nodding in agreement.

Sofia Vergara said visibly moved, “I love you,” which brought a broad grin to the young talent’s face.

“I think we have so many cool kids this season. Super cool kids, and you’re one of them,” she gushed. Howie Mandel, who always has a joke ready, joked: “A long time ago I was nine years old for almost a year and I think you’re great.”

Simon Cowell, often the harshest critic, was full of praise. “You’ve got it, don’t you? I love listening to people write their own material. It gives me an insight into your personality and I really like you. Great things are going to happen to you. I can feel it.” He added: “You’re someone who has a God-given talent. And that’s rare.”

For his impressive performance, he not only received a standing ovation, but also four enthusiastic “yes” votes from the jury, which secured his place in the next round.

Journeyy’s path to “America’s Got Talent” was not just a stroke of luck. Simon Cowell revealed that one of his friends discovered Journeyy’s talent online and recommended him for the show.

“A few days ago, it was, ‘You have to watch this video.’ And it was you. Anyway, we sent the video to the production team and then we found out that they had already found you,” Simon said.

Despite his young age, Journeyy already has a sizable following on social media, where his viral cover of Hillsong United’s “Oceans” caught the attention of both fans and industry insiders, paving his way onto the show.

Check out Journeyys America’s Got Talent Performance below.