America’s Got Talent has had some memorable singers over the years. And this season’s Jourdan Blue is now among them, having made his mark as the second Golden Buzzer awarded for Season 20 of the talent competition.
The 23-year-old from New Orleans is a street performer, which he says has given him a lot of cool experiences but is also a struggle.
“I go out and sing from 8 p.m. to 2 or 3 a.m., or until the cops kick me off the street,” he said in a video package. “That is what I do to provide for my girlfriend and my son. It’s hard, but I want to lead by example. I want to show my son [that] you should chase your dreams. I wasn’t ready when I had him, but he’s taught me there’s a lot more to life than I realized.”
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Jourdan’s mother was a cop, and his father was an attorney, which led him to become a rebel. And when he was 16, he ended up on his own, moving from friend’s house to friend’s house, or sleeping in bathrooms where he worked.
“Until my grandpa found out,” Jourdan explained. “He drove out there that night and picked me up and said, ‘You stay with me now.’ I’ve been with him ever since.”
That relationship is so tight that Jourdan called his Grandpappy John before going on stage at AGT and handed the phone to host Terry Crews so that his grandfather could watch his performance.
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Jourdan explained his living situation to judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara, saying his grandfather is a big music listener, which is where his inspiration came from.
“I started street performing in New Orleans because I totally wanted to dive into it,” he said, starting to get emotional. “As you may remember, at the beginning of the year, there was an attack on New Orleans right on the block where I perform. It made me realize there is so much more to live for. That is what made me choose AGT. I feel this is the best way to level up.”
Jourdan chose “Breakeven” by The Script for his audition.
Halfway through, the audience jumped up. And when he concluded, the judges gave him a standing ovation as well, with Simon flashig two thumbs up.
“I mean, I’m in love with you,” Sofia said. “The hair, the voice, your energy, you’re a rock star.”
Mel B said, “It was like I was hearing that song for the first time, which is really hard to do with such a popular song. But your tone and the way you delivered that song was not only pitch perfect but everything perfect, Jourdan. It really was.”
Then Simon added, “You are somebody who lost his way a little bit. But, as you said, through music have now found your way. You have such a distinctive voice, you are so cool, and you feed off the audience. They love you. How you made me feel just then was amazing. Seriously, amazing. Loved it. Loved it.”
Then, Howie claimed Jourdan as his own.
“This is Season 20. I’ve seen dreams come true right where you’re standing. Lives change right where you’re standing. That stage and that moment can take you anywhere. This is just the beginning of where you can go. You, young man, are going to the Live Shows,” Howie said as he stood up to press the Golden Buzzer.
The comic then joined Jourdan on stage, saying, “I think you’re a star. I think your name is going to be on the lips of everybody watching this across the globe.”
They were also joined by Jourdan’s girlfriend and cute-as-a-button son.
America’s Got Talent airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.
Related: Here’s the Long and Short on Season 20 of ‘America’s Got Talent,’ Including the Just-Released Trailer
