America’s Got Talent’s panel of judges were blown away by 14-year-old Reid Wilson’s cover of the Leslie Gore classic “You Don’t Own Me.”
Like last week’s performance by the equally youthful Maya Neelakantan, Reid Wilson’s blockbuster rendition of the pop standard brought down the house, much to the surprise of judges and the audience alike.
Reid’s vocal skills left the panel – Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, and Heidi Klum – visibly moved, culminating in a dramatic and emotional final outcome.
Reid Wilson’s AGT Performance Was A Huge Shock
Before Reid Wilson’s AGT performance, a brief segment introduced the audience to the 14-year-old from Alabama.
Reid is the younger brother of Ryley Tate, a contestant from Season 8 of The Voice.
In a segment interspersed with childhood photos and video clips, Reid talked about his musical beginnings and being the “forgotten” middle child, saying:
“When I was little, I would just run around the house screaming at the top of my lungs. I was not good at all … I’m the middle child.
“The stereotypes and stuff about like, being forgotten a little bit are, like, true, but now I will not be forgotten. I’m on TV right now! I would love to be like the next superstar pretty much …
“I am definitely nervous, but I am going to put my all into those two minutes to sing my heart out, and just try not to miss a note.”
Reid then took the stage, and briefly spoke with the judges before launching into his electric, unbelievable performance of “You Don’t Own Me.”
Simon was the last to speak before Reid sang, saying:
“I always say this, and it’s happened — two minutes really can change your life. So let’s see what you can do”:
Somehow, Reid’s performance was simultaneously, instantly compelling as well as a slow burn.
By the time he built up to the second chorus and detached the microphone, Terry Crews excitedly cheered:
Reid took the mic, and the audience and judges went wild as he finished the song to a standing ovation.
Simon called Wilson a “gutsy little kid”:
Reid’s Dramatic AGT ‘Golden Buzzer’ Moment
It took several moments for everyone to compose themselves after Reid performed, and backstage, his mother said her heart was “racing.”
Simon was the first judge to speak, and he said: “Well, Reid … we weren’t expecting that.”
Heidi and Sofía talked next, and Simon asked about the young man’s influences. Howie Mandel chimed in, and said:
You know what? That stage is where dreams come true … do you believe in dreams?
Reid said “yes,” and Howie added: “Well, one of them is about to come true.”
Mandel stood from his seat, and the America’s Got Talent segment switched to slow motion — as Reid slapped his hand over his mouth in surprise, Howie hit the “Golden Buzzer.”
Gold confetti rained down on the stage, Terry shouted “oh, my God,” Reid’s mother darted to the stage to hug her then crying son, and Howie joined the pair:
Howie’s decision to award Reid Wilson with a Golden Buzzer means the teen will automatically advance to the live shows.