With only a self-penned song and a silent fire in his eyes—the kind you get when the world says “maybe later” too often—a 21-year-old took the AGT stage. There was silence in the room. Simon showed his resolve by raising an eyebrow.
But all of that changed when his voice broke the silence. It electrified the air. After two minutes, the crowd was roaring rather than applauding. Then, as if the situation couldn’t get any better, it did: Howie, completely enthralled, leaped on top of the judges’ table like a kid who had seen magic and pressed the golden buzzer. The confetti exploded. The room erupted. All of a sudden, a dream came true.
Allen told me, “I think I have the ability to have a big impact on the world, and I just want to see how much of a footprint I can leave on earth before I leave.”
Joseph Allen was raised with confidence, had a love for music from birth, and now has friends who encourage him. When the 21-year-old Texan tried out for season 14 of America’s Got Talent on Tuesday night, all of these factors came together.
Allen, the youngest of 12 children in a “blended” family and a self-described “dreamer,” is the kind of kid who achieves his objectives. Allen, a longtime motocross enthusiast, now concentrates on his own music production, songwriting, and singing.
Allen’s Phoenix, Arizona, family and classmates gave him a hearty welcome on Tuesday night’s performance, cheering him on as he emerged onto the stage. Allen later had the “best reaction for doing nothing” in the history of the competition, according to Judge Simon Cowell.
Allen spoke confidently and without a hint of conceit about why he wanted to be the best at AGT. Before he left, he told me, “I want to see how much of a footprint I can leave on earth because I think I have the ability to make a big impact on the world.” The aspiring artist then played a song that was written especially for the event and was partly rap and half soul. “The world will know my name after today,” he declared. He could have a point. All four judges were moved, and it was a lucky beginning.
“Listen, this stage is where dreams come true. As Allen wiped away his emotions, Gabrielle Union added, “And I think we are seeing your dream come true.”
Cowell praised his voice and energy. “That audition was incredible.”
Howie Mandel gushed about the singer’s dazzling energy and smile. “This time is being discussed by people in this room and at home. All they want is for this moment to occur. Mandel said, “You want to leave a footprint,” as he climbed up on the judges’ table and, sure enough, left his stamp on the golden buzzer.
See the entire performance down below!
