Mike Yung, a singer from New York City, arrived on the America’s Got Talent stage with a remarkable story of perseverance. He revealed to the judges that he had spent approximately 37 years performing in the city’s subway stations to make a living. When asked about the challenges of his career, Mike explained the financial uncertainty of the streets, noting how some days were difficult while others were more rewarding when commuters received their paychecks. Despite the long years underground, he maintained a positive outlook and believed that there was no better platform than the AGT stage to finally achieve the success he had been working toward.
For his audition, Mike performed a deeply emotional rendition of the classic “Unchained Melody.” His voice, characterized by a raw and gritty texture, instantly commanded the attention of the audience. Unlike polished studio recordings, his performance felt authentic and filled with the experience of someone who had spent decades singing for passing strangers. The sheer power and soul he poured into the lyrics made it clear that every word he sang carried significant personal meaning, transforming the familiar song into something profoundly moving.
The judges were divided in their critique, which sparked an interesting debate. While Heidi Klum appreciated the emotion behind the performance, she felt it was a bit “rough around the edges.” However, Howie Mandel strongly disagreed, arguing that the roughness was exactly what made the performance so captivating and real. Simon Cowell weighed in by praising Mike for being the “real deal,” comparing his raw talent to the artificial nature of auto-tuned modern music. With three enthusiastic “yes” votes, Mike Yung proved that true talent doesn’t need a fancy stage to shine, and he officially moved on to the next level of his career.
