Howie Mandel makes 14-year-old singer cry with Golden Buzzer pick

(Spoiler alert: This contains spoilers from America’s Got TalentSeason 19, Episode 6.)

It is always a great moment when one of America’s Got TalentThe judges – including Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and Heidi Klum – make their decision every time they use their golden buzzer. That was the case with 14-year-old singer Reid Wilson, who traveled all the way from Alabama with his mother to perform and have a chance at the grand prize.

Ultimately, Howie saw potential in the young artist, whose song played his way into the hearts of viewers watching from home and the show’s audience. Wilson delivered his best rendition of “You Don’t Own Me,” revealing a powerful vocal range that he said wasn’t always perfect.

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“When I was little, I would just run around the house and scream. I was no good at all and I kind of taught myself from then on,” Wilson revealed in his opening act, which introduced viewers to his backstory. “I’m the middle child. The cliches that you get a little bit forgotten are true, but now I’m not forgotten,” Wilson added.

When praising his performance, the judges asked which artists had influenced or inspired him, and Wilson named Aretha Franklin. Acknowledging how great the icon was, Simon said to Reid, “Your parents must have great taste in music, right?” to which the teenager bluntly replied, “No.”

Despite his quick reaction in that moment, Wilson’s politeness impressed the judges, and his talent clearly impressed Howie, who told him: “I was overwhelmed because I was surprised. I was surprised, first of all, because you’re a 14-year-old boy from Alabama. I would imagine – if I put myself in your shoes – that you were very nervous and in fact came across as incredibly nervous. That was a surprise,” Howie admitted.

“And you know what,” the judge continued, “this is the stage where dreams come true. Do you believe in dreams?” asked Howie.

“Yes, I do,” Wilson replied, to which Howie added, “Well, one of those is about to come true,” before pressing the golden buzzer. Wilson’s reaction was immediate and emotional. What do you think of the golden buzzer’s choice? Let us know in the comments section below and don’t miss out on more outstanding performances as America’s Got Talent continues.

America’s Got TalentTuesdays and Wednesdays, 8/7c, NBC