The judges and viewers were unsure of how to react to 35-year-old Mayfield, Kentucky resident Kevin Skinner when he entered the America’s Got Talent stage. He acknowledged that his prior employment was gathering chickens, sometimes up to 60,000 in a single night, while wearing a plain cap worn backward and looking like a normal “country boy.” The judges were ready for a “car crash” performance, anticipating something ridiculous or incompetent, and the audience was dubious.
But all changed when Kevin started singing “If Tomorrow Never Come” by Garth Brooks. The critics were instantly silenced by his deep emotional delivery and soulful, gravelly voice. Everyone in the room fell in love with him in twenty seconds. His performance was so sincere and impactful that it overcame his physical attributes, demonstrating that genuine talent frequently arises from the most unlikely sources.
The judges’ response was very positive. Piers Morgan said that instead of anticipating a catastrophe, he was moved by one of the most impactful performances he has witnessed in a long time. David Hasselhoff proclaimed him the “real deal” and a possible winner of the entire tournament, while Sharon Osbourne commended his sincerity, describing him as a “very genuine individual.” A lovely reminder to never judge a book by its cover is provided by Kevin’s journey from a menial chicken catcher to a standing ovation.
