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As the middle child in his family, 14-year-old Reid Wilson says he’s used to being forgotten — but that’s all about to change.
The Alabama native was the highlight of Tuesday’s episode of America’s Got Talent, shocking the judges with a soulful, sensational performance of Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” that earned him a coveted Golden Buzzer.
“I’ve been singing all my life, but the past year I’ve been working on it a lot more … because it’s definitely my dream,” he said as he took the stage, citing Aretha Franklin as one of his musical inspirations.
Wilson’s love for the Queen of Soul was on full display in his audition. From the low-rumbling runs to the soaring high notes, he excelled at every turn, effortlessly making the iconic tune his own.
“I shut my eyes for a moment when you were singing just to listen to your voice, and then I opened them again and there’s this sweet, young kid,” Simon Cowell marveled. Howie Mandel then added some praise of his own before making it rain golden confetti on the unassuming crooner.
Struggling to maintain his composure, Reid told host Terry Crews, “I’m a little starstruck, honestly,” then thanked the judges — but especially Mandel — for sending him through to the live shows.
Wilson is now the eighth act to earn a Golden Buzzer this season. Previous recipients include dance group Brent Street, comedian Learnmore Jonasi, dance group Legión, singer Liv Warfield, singer Pranysqa Mishra, singer Richard Goodall and drone group Sky Elements.
Hit PLAY on the video above to watch Wilson’s audition for yourself, then drop a comment with your thoughts. Does he have a shot at winning Season 19?
HE WAS WONDERFUL, COULD WIN IT THIS YEAR . GO SON GO .
Another singer gets a golden buzzer. Shocker.
His performance brought tears to my eyes. Absolutely wonderful. Looking to seeing more of him
four Golden Buzzers are not singers
What the…???? He was horrid. I couldn’t stand his voice. It was not good; and yet he gets a golden buzzer? I don’t get it…first the girl last week, now him. CRAZY
He wasn’t awful just not grate. I could see him be a eliminated Going to top 20.
I think it’s really sweet that Reid asked for permission before he hugged Howie. His parents are raising him right.
yes he does have a very good chance to win….he absolutely killed it.
very talented and gifted kid from alabama. I graduated from high school in 1964 and know that song….You don’t own me…!!! Cannot wait to see what he sings next.
I think he has already won season 19!