When 62-year-old legal assistant Ronee Martin stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage, she brought decades of heart-wrenching “almosts.” Having spent years trying to land a record deal—getting close time after time only to see her dream slip away—she entered AGT with one clear goal: “Before I lose it, I need to get it.”
Radiant, confident, and full of energy, Ronee immediately won over the judges with her warm personality. But when she began her first song, Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” something wasn’t clicking.
“I don’t think that song was right for you. What else have you got?” — Simon Cowell
The Second Chance Song That Changed Everything
Rather than panicking when Simon cut her music short, Ronee composed herself and announced her second choice: Aretha Franklin’s legendary soul anthem “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”
The moment she struck the first chord of her second attempt, her voice completely transformed. Ronee unleashed a rich, soulful, and roaring vocal performance that filled the entire theater, hitting soaring high notes with breathtaking power and absolute control.
By the time she reached the massive chorus, judges Mel B, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Simon Cowell were exchange stunned looks as the audience erupted into a standing ovation.
Key Highlights of Her Audition:
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Mid-Song Intervention: Overcoming a brutal stoppage by Simon Cowell and pivoting instantly.
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Masterful Vocal Range: Transforming from a flat first attempt into a soaring Aretha Franklin tribute.
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Proving Age Is Just a Number: Demonstrating at 62 years old that raw talent has no expiration date.
“Your Voice Transformed into Something Truly Amazing!”
The judges praised Ronee not just for her immense vocal power, but for her courage under pressure. Simon Cowell admitted that he was ready to vote “No” during her first song, but was blown away by her second choice.
“The first song you sang, in my head I was already saying no. But when Simon made you sing the second song, your voice all of a sudden transformed into something really amazing!” — Heidi Klum
“I’m going to go by what I heard, and what I heard was phenomenal—and there is no way to say no to phenomenal!” — Howie Mandel
With praise pouring in from all sides, Ronee earned 4 enthusiastic YES votes, leaving the stage with tears of joy and proving that her lifelong dream was far from over!
Audition Overview
| Detail | Info |
| Performer | Ronee Martin |
| Age / Occupation | 62 years old / Legal Assistant |
| First Song Choice | “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt (Interrupted) |
| Second Song Choice | “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin |
| Judges’ Verdict | 4 Unanimous YES Votes |
| Show | America’s Got Talent 2016 (Season 11) |
Watch the High-Stakes Audition
Experience her incredible turnaround and second-chance performance on YouTube:
🎥 Watch now:
