Alex Sampson of Atikokan said his legs were shaking as he sang his original song Pretty baby on Tuesday night’s episode of America’s Got Talent.
Sofia Vergara asked the singer if he had performed often.
“There are probably more people here than in my hometown,” he said of Atikokan. “So I don’t really have the opportunity to do that where I’m from, but I’ve done a few shows.”
When his song ended, Simon Cowell praised his efforts, saying, “Very, very good.”
“I could hear how nervous you were,” Heidi Klum said. “It made you more real somehow. We can hear that you can sing, so it didn’t bother me. I love the vibe too and I’m here for it.”
Howie Mandel said it took him a minute to adjust because Sampson is so young.
“You’re 20 years old. Your voice reminded me of the lead singer of Herman’s Hermits… I love that and it’s kind of retro. Nobody does that anymore… You’re creating something that doesn’t exist right now,” Mandel said.
Cowell said Sampson’s song could have been written in the ’50s or ’60s. He called it “very authentic. Very different.”
“If you want to go down that path, I think it’s a very smart move. You’re differentiating yourself from what everyone else is doing,” Cowell said.
All four judges gave Sampson a yes, meaning he moves on to the next round.
