When 14-year-old Reid Wilson walked onto the America’s Got Talent stage, his shaking hands and visible anxiety were obvious to everyone in the room. Hailing from small-town Alabama, Reid admitted that while he had been singing his whole life, performing in front of a massive crowd was a brand-new, terrifying reality.
Judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel watched anxiously as the young teen tried to compose himself. Sofia Vergara admitted backstage that she was terrified the sweet kid was too nervous to pulls off his performance.
“When you were singing, I shut my eyes for a moment just to listen to your voice—and then I opened them again and there’s this sweet young kid!” — Heidi Klum
Unbelievable Soul: A Modern-Day Lesley Gore Classic
The moment the music started, Reid’s nervous demeanor completely evaporated. Taking on the classic 1963 soul anthem “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore, Reid showcased a jaw-dropping vocal tone filled with grit, soul, and power way beyond his 14 years.
Midway through the performance, Reid grabbed the microphone off the stand, strutted across the stage with total confidence, and hit immense, soul-drenched high notes that brought all four judges to their feet.
Key Highlights of His Audition:
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Incredible Soulful Tone: Channeling legendary influences like Aretha Franklin with effortless power.
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Stage Transformation: Turning from a shaking, nervous 14-year-old into a commanding soul powerhouse.
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Masterful Song Choice: Delivering a bold, unique rendition of a classic 60s anthem.
Howie Mandel Hits the Golden Buzzer!
The judges were left completely dumbfounded by the stark contrast between Reid’s quiet personality and his booming, soulful voice. Howie Mandel praised his bravery and noted how the AGT stage is where dreams come true.
“You were very nervous and you came off incredibly nervous—that was a surprise! Do you believe in dreams? Well, one of them is about to come true…” — Howie Mandel
Before taking a standard judge vote, Howie stood up and slammed the GOLDEN BUZZER, showering Reid and his crying family in gold confetti and launching the Alabama teen straight into the Live Shows!
Audition Overview
| Detail | Info |
| Performer | Reid Wilson |
| Age / Hometown | 14 years old / Alabama |
| Musical Idol | Aretha Franklin |
| Song Choice | “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore |
| Golden Buzzer By | Howie Mandel |
| Show | America’s Got Talent 2024 (Series 19) |
Watch the Golden Buzzer Performance
Experience his soulful transformation and Golden Buzzer moment on YouTube:
🎥 Watch now:
